How to Prepare the Perfect Hot Drink for Your Relaxing Break with a Kettle or Teapot
Imagine the rich, full-bodied taste of black tea, the refreshing notes of green tea, or the soothing benefits of an herbal infusion—can anything be more relaxing than a warm drink embracing you with its aroma while you take a break?
Every brew has its own little secret to achieving perfection. But which tool should you use to get the best out of every cup? Each drink has its ideal steeping time, temperature, and small details to consider—knowing them can turn a simple break into a complete sensory experience.
Let’s explore what you need to prepare your perfect drink and how to choose between a teapot and a kettle to achieve the best results.
The Secret to a Great Hot Beverage: Perfect Temperature and Steeping
Every hot drink follows specific rules to bring out its best flavor and aroma, and it all comes down to the right balance between water temperature and steeping time.
Black tea, known for its bold flavor, requires water between 95°C and 100°C (203°F–212°F) and a steeping time of 3–5 minutes to avoid excessive bitterness.
White tea is the least processed of all teas, made from young buds and minimally oxidized leaves. It has a delicate, floral taste and should be prepared by bringing water to a boil and then letting it cool to 65°C–80°C (149°F–176°F), with a steeping time of 2–4 minutes. Using water that is too hot can ruin its subtle notes.
Green tea, which comes from the same leaves as black tea, has a more distinct flavor because the leaves are steamed and then dried after harvesting. This process prevents them from breaking and preserves their color and beneficial compounds, such as polyphenols, chlorophyll, and minerals. The ideal preparation requires water between 75°C–85°C (167°F–185°F) with a short steeping time of 2–3 minutes to maintain its fresh, slightly grassy taste.
Matcha tea, unlike other teas, is not steeped but prepared through suspension. The finely ground powder is whisked into hot water (around 80°C / 176°F) until a smooth, velvety consistency is achieved. To create an authentic matcha experience, we recommend using traditional tools such as a ceramic bowl and a bamboo whisk (chasen) for the perfect frothy texture.
By understanding these key elements, you can elevate your tea ritual and enjoy the perfect cup every time.
An infusion is a beverage made by steeping dried plant parts—such as flowers, leaves, and fruits—in boiling water. It is enjoyed either for its pleasant taste or for the specific properties of the plants used.
A herbal tea (tisane), on the other hand, is a blend of carefully selected herbs aimed at providing a specific beneficial effect, such as relaxation, digestion, or body detoxification.
To prepare infusions and herbal teas, bring water to around 100°C (212°F) and pour it over the herbs. The ideal steeping time is between 5 and 10 minutes, allowing the release of essential oils and ensuring a flavorful and beneficial drink. It is recommended to cover the cup during steeping to prevent the essential oils from evaporating.
Kettle or Teapot? All the Differences
Choosing between a teapot and an electric kettle depends on your habits, preferences, and the type of beverage you want to prepare.
Electric kettles are designed to bring water to a boil quickly. They are favored for their speed and energy efficiency compared to traditional methods. The best models come with additional features such as automatic shut-off when the desired temperature is reached, adjustable temperature settings for different beverages, and a keep-warm function. Some kettles also include limescale filters, ensuring better water quality and longer appliance lifespan.
The Tisaniere Tech G3 Ferrari, for example, is an electric jug-style kettle equipped with all these advanced features, plus an electronic control system with a touch-screen temperature adjustment. Its display shows the water temperature during heating and allows you to select pre-set programs based on your desired preparation:
- 90°C for tea & herbal infusions
- 80°C for matcha tea
- 70°C for white tea
- 40°C for baby bottles
This makes it a versatile and precise tool for preparing a variety of hot drinks with ease.
With its sleek aesthetics and innovative design, this appliance is the perfect addition to your kitchen countertop, always within reach to boil water in minutes or heat it to the ideal temperature for your herbal tea.
Teapots are typically made of glass or ceramic and feature an integrated infuser, making them perfect for brewing infusions and herbal teas. This design allows you to place flowers, fruits, or leaves directly into the infuser, pour in hot water, and let it steep for the desired time—providing a simple, hassle-free way to prepare herbal drinks without needing to strain them afterward.
For those looking for greater convenience, there are multifunctional electric appliances that serve as both a kettle and a teapot. These devices heat water quickly using an electric base, like a standard kettle, but also include an integrated filter, allowing you to steep loose-leaf teas, herbal infusions, and tisanes directly inside.
One such appliance is the Bolle Blu G3 Ferrari, featuring a special removable stainless steel filter, making it the perfect electric teapot for any type of infusion. With a 1.8-liter capacity, it can boil water almost instantly, faster than a microwave. Compact and convenient, it is cordless, making it easy to serve directly at the table. Additionally, its concealed heating element ensures easy cleaning. Equipped with an overheat protection system and automatic shut-off, it guarantees maximum household safety, giving it a clear advantage over traditional teapots.
If you need an appliance for travel or office use, a compact, portable device is a great choice—one that accommodates one or two cups and takes up minimal space. For this purpose, you can opt for the Compà G3 Ferrari, a space-saving, foldable electric kettle with a silicone carafe, perfect for both home and travel when you just need to heat water.
Alternatively, if you love loose-leaf teas and herbal infusions, the Idilio G3 Ferrari is a compact kettle with a removable stainless steel filter, making it the perfect portable electric teapot.
Practical Tips for Brewing the Perfect Tea, Herbal Infusion, or Tisane
Now that you know which device to use, all that’s left is to choose the right ingredients and follow a few simple steps to achieve the perfect brew.
Choose High-Quality Leaves and Herbs
Whole leaves and natural blends allow for better infusion and release more intense aromas compared to pre-packaged tea bags. However, if you prefer the convenience of tea bags, always opt for a high-quality product.
Use Fresh, Filtered Water
Water has a huge impact on the final taste. Tap water is fine as long as it’s not too hard or heavily treated; otherwise, it’s best to use bottled natural water.
Pay Attention to Water Temperature
As mentioned earlier, water temperature is crucial for optimal results. Always follow the recommended temperature for each type of tea or herbal infusion, and use the advanced features of a quality appliance to get it just right.
Respect Steeping Times
Don’t let the leaves steep for too long! The intensity of your drink depends on the amount of leaves and ingredients, not the steeping time. Oversteeping can alter the flavor, making it bitter rather than more intense. However, some blends require a longer infusion to fully release their active properties, so always follow the suggested times.
Measure the Right Amount
A general guideline is 2–3 grams of leaves or herbs per cup (200 ml), but this can vary depending on the type of tea or infusion and personal taste.
Sweeten Only If Necessary
The authentic taste of tea and herbal infusions is best enjoyed without sweeteners. If you do prefer a touch of sweetness, opt for honey, raw sugar, or agave syrup, but use them in moderation.
Customize Your Flavor
Enhance your tea or tisane by adding spices (such as cinnamon, ginger, or cloves), a splash of lemon, or even a bit of milk, depending on the type of drink.
Don’t Forget Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures both the longevity of your appliances and the quality of your beverages. Electric kettles can accumulate limescale deposits over time, especially in areas with hard water. Regular descaling using a water and vinegar solution or a specific descaling product is recommended—just follow the instructions in your appliance manual.
And Finally… Take Your Time!
Preparing a hot drink is more than just a daily habit—it’s a ritual of well-being, a moment of pause and pleasure to fully enjoy. After all, the real secret to the perfect break is allowing yourself the time to savor every sip.