How to Use the Breville Tea Maker for Perfect Loose Leaf Tea
By Whole Latte Love Canada | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use the Breville the Tea Maker to brew loose leaf tea with the right temperature, steep time, and basket movement for optimal flavor.
Quick Answer
Use the Breville the Tea Maker's programmable settings and automated tea basket to brew loose leaf tea at the correct temperature and steep time for each tea type.
Why the Basket Movement Matters
Unlike a standard kettle, the Breville the Tea Maker has a motorized basket that gently agitates the leaves during steeping. This movement extracts flavor more evenly without over-brewing. The basket also lifts out automatically when the timer ends, so your tea never gets bitter from sitting in hot water.
Choosing the Right Temperature for Your Tea
Different teas need different water temperatures. Green and white teas are delicate and can turn bitter if brewed with boiling water. Black and oolong teas need hotter water to release their full flavor. The Breville the Tea Maker lets you set the exact temperature, so you can match the ideal heat for each type.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1. Fill the kettle with fresh water: Fill the 1.5-liter kettle with fresh, cold water to the desired level. Do not use distilled or softened water, as it can affect the taste of the tea. Check that the water level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
- 2. Add loose leaf tea to the basket: Open the tea basket and add about 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup. Close the basket securely so leaves cannot escape during agitation. Using too much leaf can cause over-extraction; start with less and adjust to taste.
- 3. Select the tea type and temperature: Press the button for your tea type (green, white, oolong, black) or manually set the temperature using the dial. The machine will heat the water to the recommended temperature for that tea. If you choose a preset, the steep time is also set automatically. For manual mode, set both temperature and time.
- 4. Start the brew cycle: Press the start button. The kettle will heat the water, then lower the basket into the water. The basket will move up and down gently to agitate the leaves for even infusion. Do not open the lid during the cycle, or the basket may stop moving and the temperature will drop.
- 5. Remove the basket when the timer ends: When the steep time is complete, the basket automatically lifts out of the water. If you prefer a stronger cup, you can press the steep button again for additional time, but do so in short increments to avoid bitterness. If you leave the basket down manually, the tea will continue to steep and become bitter.
- 6. Pour and enjoy: Pour the brewed tea into your cup. The kettle keeps the remaining water hot for a second infusion if you wish. For delicate teas like green or white, use a lower temperature for the second steep. Clean the basket and kettle after each use to prevent oil buildup that can affect future brews.
Product Facts
- Breville the Tea Maker™: The Breville the Tea Maker has a fully automated tea basket that moves up and down while gently agitating the tea leaves for optimal infusion. This movement ensures even extraction without over-steeping, so you get a balanced cup every time.
Breville the Tea Maker™ - Breville the Tea Maker™: It is programmable to meet the specific needs of different types of tea including green, white, oolong, and black. You can set the right temperature and steep time for each tea, avoiding bitterness or weak flavor.
