Learn to Brew Better Loose-Leaf Tea at Home
Simple brewing guides, honest product recommendations, and tea education for beginners.
- Black tea
- 200–212°F (93–100°C)
- Steep
- 3–5 min
- Leaf
- 2 g per 7 oz (200 ml)
A starting point for black tea. Green and white teas need cooler water — see the temperature guide.
Pick your first step
Three short paths for the questions most beginners start with.
Brew your first cup
Use the mug and kettle you already have. No special gear needed for your first loose-leaf cup.
Fix bitter tea
Bitterness usually comes from water that’s too hot or a steep that’s too long — both easy to fix.
Choose your first gear
A small sampler and a roomy basket infuser cover most beginners. Everything else can wait.
Free Tea Brewing Cheat Sheet: Temps, Times & Ratios
One printable page with water temperatures, steep times and leaf-to-water ratios for 10 kinds of tea. Free when you join the weekly beginner brewing email.
Looking for a specific piece of gear?
Research-based picks for the questions beginners actually ask before buying.
Best tea infuser for an office mug
Fits a standard desk mug, drains without dripping, easy to rinse in a shared kitchen.
Best loose-leaf tea sampler for beginners
Small amounts of several teas so you can find what you like before buying 100 g.
Best gaiwan for beginners
The right size and material for your first gongfu sessions — without burnt fingers.
Best travel tea tumbler that won't oversteep
Tumblers that separate the leaves so your tea isn't bitter by the second hour.
Best tea storage tins for loose leaf
Airtight, opaque tins that keep leaf fresh far longer than the bag it arrived in.
Best kettle for green tea under $50
Temperature control at a beginner price, so green tea never gets boiling water.
Browse guides by topic
Latest from the blog
How to Build a Cozy Tea Corner With What You Already Own
Start with your everyday mug, a basket infuser and an existing tray or cleared surface. A comfortable tea corner does not need a matching set or a shopping spree.
6 min read
Loose-Leaf Tea Advent Calendars: A Beginner’s Buying Checklist
A calendar can be a relaxed way to try new teas, but 24 doors do not necessarily mean 24 full mugs. Check the tea, the portion and the delivery details before choosing one.
7 min read
Electric Kettle vs Temperature-Controlled Kettle
Is a variable-temperature kettle worth the upgrade, or is a standard kettle plus a bit of patience enough?
7 min read