This is more than a tea maker! They actually call it "Tea Maker Suite" and that intrigued me to start with.
In a nutshell: 1) it automatically steeps black, oolong, green and white tea (and herbal infusions) adjusting the steepting time and temperature. The results say it all. I steeped a cup of White Silver needle and I realized what I have been missing so far. 2) it automatically dispenses in a tea pot (which comes with the unit together with two tea cups and a pretty cool ceramic tray that you can use as a serving tray or just to place the unit on 3) you can adjust the settings depending if you use loose/bag tea or if you want mild or strong tea.
So, the idea I assume is that you set it up and it does everyting automatically but truth is that it's so cool to watch! You place the tea into a basket that floats on top of the water (!). When the water heats it drops down under the surface, steeps the tea and then dispenses automatically into the tea pot.
The tea is amazing! And... check the way it's packed: getting it out of the box is a treat on its own!
Carla
I would be very concerned purchasing this, because making two different types of green or oolong tea can be completely different temperatures. While the item looks cool, I don't think it offers the flexibility needed to make tea correctly. For example, some types of oolongs are blacker and therefore need to be steeped at a higher temperature while some are steeped at 180 degrees because they are greener in color.
I steep japanese greens at a temperature of 160 while I steep chinese greens at 170. It doesn't appear that the machine can differentiate between two types of green teas.
Also the timer scares me because I have no idea how long it would be steeping for. I use very specific times when I am steeping, and being limited to three options seems like a detriment to me.
The product would be awesome if it offered a temperature selector (you can pick whatever temp), and a time selector.
And for 150...not very cheap.
I steep japanese greens at a temperature of 160 while I steep chinese greens at 170. It doesn't appear that the machine can differentiate between two types of green teas.
Also the timer scares me because I have no idea how long it would be steeping for. I use very specific times when I am steeping, and being limited to three options seems like a detriment to me.
The product would be awesome if it offered a temperature selector (you can pick whatever temp), and a time selector.
And for 150...not very cheap.
"Make tea not war"
Favorites: Sencha, Dragonwell, White Monkey, Silver Needle, Gyokuro, Kukicha, Darjeeling
Favorites: Sencha, Dragonwell, White Monkey, Silver Needle, Gyokuro, Kukicha, Darjeeling
Nov 14th, '06, 22:34
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I just like the hands on approach of doing it the old fashioned way...with a few advancements...electric kettle, thermometer, digital scale and timer.
This machine seems like overkill and takes out the human part of the equation in the preparation. This is essential as Teafanatic points out all the subtle nuances in brewing of all the different types of tea. And what about multible infusions...yet a whole other set of variables.
Besides, I can by more than half a kilo of my favorite sencha for less than this machine costs.
Aside from all that, it sounds great...
This machine seems like overkill and takes out the human part of the equation in the preparation. This is essential as Teafanatic points out all the subtle nuances in brewing of all the different types of tea. And what about multible infusions...yet a whole other set of variables.
Besides, I can by more than half a kilo of my favorite sencha for less than this machine costs.
Aside from all that, it sounds great...
Good points...it appears this machine would be good for those who either do not feel like they have the time to prepare loose leaf in traditional ways as we would say or who have no idea what they are doing.
I think in certain instances, though, a product like this or the trinitea would be very good. For an example, I am in college and I am scrambling around throughout the day trying to get to classes, extracurriculars, sports events, etc, and something similar to this would be helpful when I just don't have the proper time, but I still want to enjoy loose leaf.
Also, in the morning, I barely wake up in time to get to class, let alone make some morning tea. I think this would be helpful to get me going in the morning.
Anyway, I would rather prepare in a traditional method when I have time, but right now the trinitea seems like a very good option.
I think in certain instances, though, a product like this or the trinitea would be very good. For an example, I am in college and I am scrambling around throughout the day trying to get to classes, extracurriculars, sports events, etc, and something similar to this would be helpful when I just don't have the proper time, but I still want to enjoy loose leaf.
Also, in the morning, I barely wake up in time to get to class, let alone make some morning tea. I think this would be helpful to get me going in the morning.
Anyway, I would rather prepare in a traditional method when I have time, but right now the trinitea seems like a very good option.
"Make tea not war"
Favorites: Sencha, Dragonwell, White Monkey, Silver Needle, Gyokuro, Kukicha, Darjeeling
Favorites: Sencha, Dragonwell, White Monkey, Silver Needle, Gyokuro, Kukicha, Darjeeling
Don't get me wrong: the hands on approach is what I have been doing all my life BUT, and these are two big buts:
1. I have not always had the chance (and tools) to properly measure the temperature of the water. It might not be a big deal with black and some Oolong teas but with greens and most of the white teas the Zarafina tea maker makes all the difference.
2. The worst part of what I used to do is that too many times I ended up leaving the tea leaves into the water for way too long - something comes up and I just... ended up getting a bitter cup than I intended to. My fault, sure! But at least now I do not run this risk anymore and I tell you, it makes quite a difference.
And by the way, the "brew strenght: Mild, Regular and Strong" allows you to adjust the steeping time.
I did get it as a gift, and yes, I am not sure if I would have ventured out and purchase it on my own. $ 150 is not really what I call unexpensive. That said, do not ask me to give it up now! The tea is just amazing, and that is where it comes down to me.
1. I have not always had the chance (and tools) to properly measure the temperature of the water. It might not be a big deal with black and some Oolong teas but with greens and most of the white teas the Zarafina tea maker makes all the difference.
2. The worst part of what I used to do is that too many times I ended up leaving the tea leaves into the water for way too long - something comes up and I just... ended up getting a bitter cup than I intended to. My fault, sure! But at least now I do not run this risk anymore and I tell you, it makes quite a difference.
And by the way, the "brew strenght: Mild, Regular and Strong" allows you to adjust the steeping time.
I did get it as a gift, and yes, I am not sure if I would have ventured out and purchase it on my own. $ 150 is not really what I call unexpensive. That said, do not ask me to give it up now! The tea is just amazing, and that is where it comes down to me.
That's what matters, and certainly I can see your point of view on that. It is nice to have it all there for you and quick...and it appears that cleanup would be really easy.
Once again, I know there is a mild, medium, and strong brew length switch, I just hate to be confined to those time lengths and nothing else...same with the temperature.
I would be interested to try it out one time, but I doubt I will ever buy it.
Once again, I know there is a mild, medium, and strong brew length switch, I just hate to be confined to those time lengths and nothing else...same with the temperature.
I would be interested to try it out one time, but I doubt I will ever buy it.
"Make tea not war"
Favorites: Sencha, Dragonwell, White Monkey, Silver Needle, Gyokuro, Kukicha, Darjeeling
Favorites: Sencha, Dragonwell, White Monkey, Silver Needle, Gyokuro, Kukicha, Darjeeling
Nov 15th, '06, 00:59
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Carla,
I too would like to see it in action and try it...who knows, it may be better than my old fashioned way...
I doubt if I will ever give up the hands on approach...it is on some level, calming, even therapeutic...and an integral part of the tea experience for me...I reallllly enjoy brewing tea!!!
I too would like to see it in action and try it...who knows, it may be better than my old fashioned way...
I doubt if I will ever give up the hands on approach...it is on some level, calming, even therapeutic...and an integral part of the tea experience for me...I reallllly enjoy brewing tea!!!
blah blah blah SENCHA blah blah blah!!!
Chip,
I do too!!! From watching the tea leaves dancing into the water to the fact that brewing tea is part of my me-time - well, or at least I try to make it that way. The process and the result are soothing and even tonic for my whole being.
This tea maker is not perfect - starting from the fact that the capacity is only 16 oz - but I have been drinking more tea and enjoying it more since I had it and, TeaFanatic.... I did not think that was possible in the first place. That is the major reason why I felt like sharing it.
I am even more into experimenting with new teas now, any recommandation for an Oolong or a white? I got spoiled with the monkey pick oolong tea...
I do too!!! From watching the tea leaves dancing into the water to the fact that brewing tea is part of my me-time - well, or at least I try to make it that way. The process and the result are soothing and even tonic for my whole being.
This tea maker is not perfect - starting from the fact that the capacity is only 16 oz - but I have been drinking more tea and enjoying it more since I had it and, TeaFanatic.... I did not think that was possible in the first place. That is the major reason why I felt like sharing it.
I am even more into experimenting with new teas now, any recommandation for an Oolong or a white? I got spoiled with the monkey pick oolong tea...
Thanks, I did some more looking around. You couldn't see this on Amazon, it just looked like the basket sat in the water. I am actually very intrigued as to how this function works. I haven't found a good explanation of it yet.TeaFanatic wrote:I went to the site, and the water heats below and once it has reached temp, it is released into the steeping chamber, so I don't think that issue is a problem.
I have to say that I am glad there are more "tea makers" on the market now. It may bring tea more to the masses who generally drink coffee for the convenience. Also, I really would like a tea maker for myself and more choices is always good.
Teas for trade:
Nov 15th, '06, 09:47
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Joined: Apr 22nd, '06, 20:52
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Carla,Carla1943 wrote:Chip,
I am even more into experimenting with new teas now, any recommandation for an Oolong or a white? I got spoiled with the monkey pick oolong tea...
I had Monkey Picked TGY several years ago, and it was outstanding. Instead of recommending oolongs and whites in this thread, I would recommend you check out the threads linked below...and the sections dedicated to oolong and white tea in this forum!!!There is a ton of info on oolong and white tea in their respective sections.
You will of course still need to experiment to discover your own personal favorites.
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?t=1312
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?t=285
I hope this helps.
Chip
confession
I have had the pleasure of having a Zarafina in the office for about a month now.
I love love love it.
There.
I said it.
Big fan. The basket drops into the water like magic. The tea it has made for me is lovely. Did I mention that I am smitten with this little teamaker? It's like having a tea fountain at my desk!
Oh yeah, and I love it. If I have to set tea aside and not think about it while I get something else done, it is great. Of course, it is a lot of machine for 2 cups of tea, so I don't think it's for everyone (more for gadget folks). But it is fun...
Did I mention that I love the Zarafina?
-Amanda
I love love love it.
There.
I said it.
Big fan. The basket drops into the water like magic. The tea it has made for me is lovely. Did I mention that I am smitten with this little teamaker? It's like having a tea fountain at my desk!
Oh yeah, and I love it. If I have to set tea aside and not think about it while I get something else done, it is great. Of course, it is a lot of machine for 2 cups of tea, so I don't think it's for everyone (more for gadget folks). But it is fun...
Did I mention that I love the Zarafina?
-Amanda