I was wondering if after steeping tea and pressing down does the tea get bitter because leaves are still in bottom . I know
1739761
The only tea I use it for is an herbal ginger tea and that is fine, so I don't know about regular tea. I also use it for Crio Bru which is brewed cocoa from roasted and ground cocoa beans and having the grounds at the bottom is no problem. In fact, with both the tea and the Crio Bru, I fill the mug twice.
1739762
If you take a bit to get through your cup, pour it into another cup or thermos. If it's herbal or fruit tea (no actual tea) it usually won't go bitter, but the flavor will be different than normal
1739763
My guess is probably the tea doesn't get bitter. I'm not a tea drinker, but my coffee gets no more stronger or bitter because the grounds are no longer steeping once pressed down.
1882366
I use it for Rooibos occasionally. Yes, you do get more escaped "leaves," but it doesn't get bitter like real tea leaves would. I just use care not to swirl the carafe so that the particles stay at the bottom of the pot when I pour.
1424525
It shouldn't all fall out, but some will, but a little loose tea floating wont affect the taste. Just let it all sink down to the bottom and then you can drink it like normal.
499802
You must remove the basket to stop the steep. Also, if you were to forget that the tea leaves were still in the basket, there's nothing preventing the leaves from making their way into your mouth...yes, I have made this rookie mistake!
2135854
I've experienced very minimal staining of the clear part after over a year of nearly daily use. Sometimes I'm lazy about rinsing it out right away, which I'm sure is why. The filter portion on mine has not stained. If you want to take the leaves out, you'd be better off just pouring it into a different container. I usually drink my tea fast enough, I don't have issues with over brewing. Overall, yes, I like it and am happy I bought it.
163432
After brewing, you remove the basket containing the tea leaves (to stop the steeping process) and put the lid back on for serving. Then you can either re-brew with the leaves (if your tea allows for this, double the steeping time during re-brew) if you're making a double batch of tea, or pitch the leaves and wash the basket out. Super easy!
426690
No, the strainer is secure. I drink a lot of herb tea so it doesn't get bitter leaving the leaves in for a long time.
288777
My main complaint is that the settings knob doesn't tell you what the actual temp is. When steeping tea, different ones have different temp needs so you shouldn't be guessing. I put a small sticker on various spots around the knob with the degrees I will get at that setting. I had to use a thermometer to do this. Once I did that, the problem was solved. Another small issue is that there is no sound when it's heated to temp, just a click when the power lever turns off, but since it heats up so fast, you are usually close by when it happens. Occasionally, I don't hear it and forget that I was waiting.
1956365
I never tried it, but that would make sense if you want to avoid getting those grounds out afterwards. On the other hand, the reason for using mr. Tea is because you would have loose tea and needed something to hold the tea in. However, I do like your idea, so I will go try it right now, and write my results here (in the meantime, please listen to some pleasant music, haha)........Okay I'm back. I put a tea bag in it, steeped it for 3 min. and it worked perfectly. One bit of advice: Rinse the mr.T under cold water before opening him and getting the tea bag out, otherwise it will be too hot. So either wait till it cools or cold water rinse. I never tried it, but that would make sense if you want to avoid getting those grounds out afterwards. On the other hand, the reason for using mr. Tea is because you would have loose tea and needed something to hold the tea in. However, I do like your idea, so I will go try it right now, and write my results here (in the meantime, please listen to some pleasant music, haha)........Okay I'm back. I put a tea bag in it, steeped it for 3 min. and it worked perfectly. One bit of advice: Rinse the mr.T under cold water before opening him and getting the tea bag out, otherwise it will be too hot.... » Read More I never tried it, but that would make sense if you want to avoid getting those grounds out afterwards. On the other hand, the reason for using mr. Tea is because you would have loose tea and needed something to hold the tea in. However, I do like your idea, so I will go try it right now, and write my results here (in the meantime, please listen to some pleasant music, haha)........Okay I'm back. I put a tea bag in it, steeped it for 3 min. and it worked perfectly. One bit of advice: Rinse the mr.T under cold water before opening him and getting the tea bag out, otherwise it will be too hot. So either wait till it cools or cold water rinse. « Show Less
1336006
the tea stains the tea infuser badly! but the pot is easy to keep clean. I really don't see a way around this without strong chemicals that will leave a bad taste. The stain only looks bad but it shows you use the Tea maker and it isn't just an ornament. That's what it's for right? It does not affect the taste of future teas.
2135855
I have not been using it long enough to see stains. I use lighter teas so it hasn't been an issue. I imagine, like any container that holds tea, staining is inevitable. I rinse it after each use so it looks great. The only way to remove the leaves would be to pour the contents into another cup. I became interested in this type of mug after traveling in China several times. People there carry similar cups around. After they finish the tea they add more water to make more. This cup is a much better quality than what I saw there and allows you to enjoy loose teas. I guess the idea is to make and drink it then change the leaves if you want. Obviously if you leave the tea leaves in the water too long it gets bitter. I would say that this cup is not for long term storage but is a good size that you can easily enjoy and finish before that happens. For the reasons I bought it, using loose teas and wanting to refill, it works great.
13213
I have a Breville tea maker that I use to brew my tea (various settings let me go up to 212 for black tea), BUT after brewing I immediately pour the hot tea into the pitcher to cool and haven't had a problem doing so. (I love the pitcher because it holds almost 2 full brews from the Breville so I'm set for all day drinking.)
539790
YES! I've had 2 now & they've both leaked after 6 months & rusted on the bottom. And my last one finally just shorted out...the button light will come on, but it won't make tea. Mine have only lasted about a year with heavy daily use, but i'm still ordering another one. This tea maker is my most used appliance. If they could fix the leaking & rusting issues, this tea maker would be perfect.
481341
Yes, the infused will reach down that low. I do this all the time and get great cups of tea! Simply fill the glass pitcher to the "2" line, then add your tea to the infuser canister, then insert the canister into the pitcher assembly and brew as the instructions say.
2199663
No - it doesn't push down like a coffee air compressor. But when it comes to loose leaf tea, it is better not to squeeze the life out of them :) It's an excellent strainer.
1065222
My tea is brown as well but I steep for a long time. Don't mind it though because it never gets bitter no matter how long you steep it. I use it for iced tea. I don't know if this is true, but I heard that the tea leaves harvested during warmer weather are darker and taste more like red rooibos. Unfortunately, how are you to know what season the leaves are picked.
1776753
You are right it does get darker. I found, believe it or not; if I push the keep warm button it doesnt darken as much, but I usually only make 2 cups at a time. I would rather brew more often for fresher tea.