Set the timer to 136 seconds

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How to use the online timer

Good tea has an optimum steep, and 136 seconds is about right for a lot of black teas before they turn bitter and stewed. Set it going as soon as the water hits the leaves, wander off to do something else, and come back when it calls you rather than hovering over the pot. It's a small habit that makes the difference between a decent cuppa and a rushed, weak one.

Getting started takes one click: press Start and the countdown begins straight away, with pause and reset both on hand if you need to adjust on the fly. Because it's running in your browser, the tab has to stay open for the whole time; minimising the window is fine, but closing it or shutting your device down will stop the clock. A sound plays at the end so you know.

There's something to be said for a timer that doesn't try to sell you a premium version or bury the start button behind ads you have to swipe past. This one lives in a browser tab, plain and straightforward, doing exactly what it says and nothing else. You can leave the tab minimised while you get on with things, and it'll keep counting until it's time to let you know. People type this as set timer 136 seconds or timer for 136 seconds; both land here and start the same count.

Common questions

Can I run more than one timer at once?

Yes, opening the page in separate tabs lets you track a few things at the same time, each counting down independently of the others.

Do I need to install anything to use the timer?

No. It runs straight in your browser, so there's nothing to download and no account to create.

Will the timer keep running if I close the tab?

No. Closing the tab or the browser stops the countdown, so leave it open until the timer finishes.

Can I use the timer on my phone?

Yes. It works in any mobile browser, though the tab still needs to stay open rather than sitting behind other apps for a reliable count.