How to use the online timer
Good tea has an optimum steep, and 148 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.
There's no setup beyond pressing Start, and the countdown handles the rest on its own from that point. Since it runs inside the browser, keep the tab open for the timer to keep an accurate count; you can switch to other tabs in the meantime, but closing this one out resets things. When the countdown hits zero, a sound plays so you're not stuck staring at the numbers.
Unlike a mechanical kitchen timer, this one doesn't need winding, batteries, or a spot on the bench where you'll remember to look at it. It sits in a browser tab, which means you can check it from your laptop, your phone, or any device with a browser without owning a gadget for it. Minimise the window and it keeps counting; just don't close the tab. Set a timer for 148 seconds, set the timer to 148 seconds, start a 148 seconds timer — it is the same countdown either way.
Common questions
Does the timer make a sound when it finishes?
Yes, an alarm plays once it reaches zero, provided your device's volume is turned up and the tab hasn't been muted.
Can I pause the timer partway through?
Yes, pause and resume are both available, so you can stop the count if you're interrupted and pick up again exactly where you left off.
Can I set a custom time instead of the preset?
Yes, most pages let you adjust the minutes and seconds directly, so you're not limited to the exact length shown in the page title.
Does the timer work without an internet connection?
The page needs to load once, but the countdown itself runs locally in your browser, so a dropped connection partway through won't stop it.