This electric tea maker resembles an ordinary auto-drip coffee maker, but instead is designed to make multiple cups of tea all at once. The tea maker hold enough for about 4 normal size cups and features 3 different knobs, one is the power switch, one for temperature, and one for steeping time.
This "set it and forget it" device is perfect for when guests arrive and there is little time to pay attention to preparing tea.
All you have to do is pour the desired amount of water on the top, fill the brewing basket with loose tea, set the temperature and steeping time, and let it do the rest. When the tea is ready, a final beep will sound and a warm plate under the removable glass carafe will keep the tea heated until served.
It will only take a couple of minutes from start to finish...just be careful when pouring! Some state that if you do it too fast it will spill over.
Another thing some folks didn't like about this item is that sometimes little pieces of tea find their way through the filtration and wind up in your cup. A simple way to fix this is to place the leaves in a paper tea filter before placing in the basket.
However there is no harm in consuming these small pieces of leaves.
All in all, the TriniTEA is great for making several cups at once in a hurry, clean up is easy and the removable parts are dishwasher safe.
But for that solo cup or two, there is a second choice...
2) The UtiliTEA
For making a solo cup of tea, the UtiliTEA is your tea kettle!
Actually, it is an electric tea kettle, and unlike the TriniTEA electric tea maker, this item will only heat water and not steep. However, what it shares in common with the TriniTEA is that there is a temperature control knob. If you want steaming water (not boiling) for white and green types, you set it on the green square. If you need boiling water for black tea, as well as instant oatmeal or soup, then turn the knob all the way.
The UtiliTEA is small, portable, lightweight, and has durable stainless steal housing. For just under $50 it is worth having if you make tea or other food requiring hot water on a daily basis.