From avid tea drinkers to casual sippers, most people don’t know how to brew a cup of tea properly. Spoiler alert: It requires more expertise and effort than dropping a bag of tea in a mug of microwaved water. In fact, steeping temperature makes a significant difference in the outcome of a cup of tea.
One way to guarantee the proper water temperature is to use a tea kettle. So, if you want to make a delicious cup of tea, here are six electric tea kettles that help you get the perfect steeping temperature.
How to make the perfect cup of tea
Sure, anyone can throw a tea bag in water and call it tea. However, a few simple guidelines can help you make the perfect cup of tea every time. Plus, they’re not too difficult to learn.
The importance of steeping temperature
The most crucial step when making tea is using precise water temperature. When you think about it, tea is mostly water, so it’s not hard to believe that steeping temperature can vastly affect the overall taste. Similar to hot water scalding a person, it can also burn tea leaves and dissolve too much of the tannins, which gives the tea its flavor. When the water is too hot, it tastes bitter. However, using too cold of water is also an issue. Without warm water, the flavors of the tea leaves won’t be released, leaving you with a bland, flat cup of tea.
Optimal tea brewing temperatures
Luckily, the science behind the perfect steeping temperature has already been discovered. Each tea is unique and requires its own steeping temperature. Here are the most common teas and the recommended steeping temperature.
- Green tea: 160 to 180 degrees
- White tea: 160 to 180 degrees
- Oolong tea: 190 to 195 degrees
- Herbal tea: 200 to 212 degrees
- Black tea: 200 to 212 degrees
How to determine water temperature
An electric tea kettle with temperature control is the best way to determine water temperature. Many have presets for each type of tea, making it straightforward to create the perfect cup of tea. If you don’t have a kettle, a thermometer will work in a pinch but may not be as precise.
You can also pay attention to the water:
- Small bubbles starting to float to the top is between 160 to 180 degrees,
- Strings of bubbles floating up from the bottom is between 180 to 190 degrees
- A full boil is 212 degrees.
Best electric tea kettles
Viante Electric Glass Kettle and Tea Maker
With precise temperature control, this electric kettle will help anyone make the perfect cup of tea. It features a removable tea steeping infuser that is compatible with loose tea or bags, and it has a 30-minute keep warm function. This glass kettle is also made using quality materials, including BPA-free plastic, 304 stainless steel and borosilicate glass.
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Cosori Electric Kettle Temperature Control
Thanks to the 1,500 watts of power, this kettle is quick to heat and boils a full pot of water in less than seven minutes. The convenient LED light indicators turn blue when in heating mode and white in keep warm mode, which maintains the temperature for up to an hour. It’s also made with food-grade material.
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Cuisinart Electric Cordless Tea Kettle
This electric kettle features six presets that steep your choice of tea to a precise temperature, and it has custom one-touch controls. Since it’s cordless, you can effortlessly serve guests tea and return the kettle to the power base. It also features a removable and washable scale filter.
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Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle
If you prefer a gooseneck kettle, this option features a simple aesthetic and pointed spout for a precise stream. The sleek LCD screen displays the desired set temperature and the real-time temperature. Plus, the kettle also works well to make pour-over coffee.
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Chefman Electric Kettle with Temperature Control
Each tea requires its own steeping temperature, and this kettle takes all the guesswork out of making tea with its five color-coordinated presets. It features boil dry protection, a BPA-free interior and a 360-degree swivel base. Thanks to the included removable tea infuser for loose or bagged tea, making the perfect cup of tea has never been easier.
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Hamilton Beach 1.7-liter Variable Temperature Electric Kettle
This electric kettle boils water faster than a microwave and is safer than a stovetop kettle with auto-shutoff and boil dry protection. Users can monitor the water level and status through the clear window illuminated by LED lights. The six one-touch temperature settings include options for tea, French press coffee and hot cocoa.
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Bre Richey writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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