All About Tea Makers

Tea time made easy

Chances are if you are a tea-drinker, you are considering purchasing a tea maker. Similar to coffee makers, tea makers make brewing a cup easy and convenient. Whether you prefer hot or iced, there is a tea maker available that will simplify the process and provide you with your favorite beverage.

Learn about the basics

Before you begin shopping for a tea maker, take the time to learn about some of the features that are available. Here are just few features to consider:

The pot or pitcher: Look for a tea maker that is equipped with a quality teapot or pitcher. You want one that has a strong lid, a large handle, and an easy-pour spout to avoid spills and messes.

Strainers: If you use the loose tea, it's important that the tea maker is equipped with a strainer. This will ensure that your beverage doesn't have any residue in it.

Quantity: The amount of tea that can be made varies based on the system. Some will make a full pot while others will only brew a single cup at a time.

Dishwasher -safe: It's always wise to make sure that the tea maker and its components are dishwasher-safe, which can reduce clean-up time.

Automatic Shut-off: Even if you aren't forgetful, a tea maker with an automatic shut-off function is convenient, especially if you leave the pot on to stay warm.

Adjustable steeping control: This feature will give you complete control over the strength of your beverage and enable you to make the perfect cup.

Fancy features

Besides the basic features mentioned above, there also are tea makers equipped with options that are more elaborate. One example might be a tea maker that actually doubles as an alarm clock, waking you up to a hot cup.

Hot or cold?

Most tea makers are designed only to make hot or iced tea. However, there are a few units that are capable of making both. Typically, these tea makers don't make large quantities, but they do provide with you the ability to make either one without requiring two separate systems.

Expect to pay?

Anticipate paying anywhere from $20 to $60 for tea makers. The price depends mostly on the features and the size of the unit. For example, a Sunbeam tea drop hot tea maker, which is equipped with a removable basket and a keep-warm function, costs approximately $40.

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