How to get my water hot enough...?

[teanovice78]

Hello,
I am new to tea and I have a kitchen aid tea kettle for the stove top. However, it seems like the water doesn't get any hotter than approx. 175 degrees fahrenheit. Is it just wasting my black and puerh teas with this low water temperature? Thanks! Dan

[Chip]

I have moved your topic to Teaware and Accessories where it should be more at home.

Question 1, is the water in full boil in the kettle while on the stove prior to pouring.

Question 2, where are you measuring the temperature, in the kettle or in your brew vessel?

[teanovice78]

Chip,
I measured the temp. in the brewing vessel right after I took it off of the stove. The tea kettle whistled but I don't think it is at full boil. I may try a different thermometer also. Thanks!

[dzrogers]

Going from the kettle to your room temperature brewing vessel decreases the water temp to approximately 180F. This is normal and expected. So long as the water is at a full rolling boil before you pour it over the leaves you are ok.

If you want the water to be a few degrees higher when you brew you must heat the brewing vessel first. Even with a heated vessel I wouldn't expect much more than 185F to 190F.

[Chip]

+1

... and +1

[teanovice78]

Chip,
Thanks a lot for the info! I measured the temp in the kettle on the stove and it was a hair over 200 f, so that is good you cleared that up for me! Dan