Online timer for 145 seconds
Stay by the kitchen bench while the kettle settles and the tea infuses, using two minutes and twenty-five seconds as a short pause to watch the colour deepen. Keeping the mug within sight makes it easy to notice when the brew is strong enough, especially if loose leaves are moving freely rather than sitting inside a tightly packed infuser.
While you remain beside the brew, a soft alert can still slip unnoticed into connected headphones, particularly when they are resting in another room or have switched between a phone and laptop. Keep the screen visible near the kettle so the end of the countdown has a second cue. This also avoids leaving the tea to grow stronger while you wonder whether the sound has already played.
If another cup needs the same interval straight away, remove the first leaves or tea bag before restarting the countdown. Reusing leaves may produce a lighter second brew, so watch the colour and stop early if it matches the first cup; for a fresh tea bag, restart only after the newly boiled water reaches the mug. Australian tap water and different kettle shut-off points can slightly change how quickly the cup begins infusing.
Common questions
What if the tea looks ready before this countdown finishes?
Remove the leaves or tea bag when the colour and strength suit the drinker. A fine-cut black tea can infuse faster than larger loose leaves, even in the same mug.
Why might the tea need longer after the countdown ends?
A large mug, cooler water or a tightly filled infuser can slow extraction. Leave it briefly longer while staying beside the cup, then check the brew again.
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