To accurately know the temperature of your water for tea brewing, you have several options:

Digital Thermometer: This is the most accurate method. Simply insert the thermometer into the water to get an instant reading.

Analogue Thermometer: These can also be used but might take a bit longer to give an accurate reading compared to digital ones.

Temperature-Controlled Kettle: Invest in an electric kettle with adjustable temperature settings. These kettles allow you to select the exact temperature you need for different types of tea.

Boiling and Cooling Method: Bring the water to a boil and then let it cool to the desired temperature. Use the following general guidelines to estimate the cooling times (note that these times can vary based on the volume of water and the environment):

Japanese Green Tea (55-65°C / 131-149°F): Let boiled water sit for about 11-13 minutes.

Other Green Tea (70-80°C / 158-176°F): Let boiled water sit for about 6-10 minutes.

White Tea & Light Oolong Tea (75-85°C / 167-185°F): Let boiled water sit for about 4-8 minutes.

Dark Oolong Tea (85-95°C / 185-212°F): Let boiled water sit for about 1-4 minutes.

Black Tea (90-95°C / 194-212°F): Let boiled water sit for about 1-2 minutes.

Visual and Auditory Cues: If you don’t have a thermometer, you can use visual and auditory cues to estimate the water temperature:

Small Bubbles (70-80°C / 158-176°F): These appear as tiny bubbles forming at the bottom of the kettle.

Moderate Bubbles (80-90°C / 176-194°F): Bubbles become larger and begin to rise to the surface.

Full Boil (100°C / 212°F): Water is vigorously boiling with large bubbles.

By using these methods, you can ensure your water is at the ideal temperature for the type of tea you're brewing, enhancing the flavour and overall tea experience.