As a tea consultant/educator I am always on the lookout for new products, this includes tea ware and brewing vessels. I make a point to either seek them out at expos or festivals as well as teashops and visits to origin.

This year I became aware of a company that is producing brewing items for both coffee and tea. What’s most attractive was I found these very affordable for the mainstream tea enthusiast.

Gourmia headquartered in the neighboring borough of Brooklyn has produced two loose-leaf tea makers I have purchased recently.

One model Tea Square that I set up in my office so I can prepare tea without too many extra steps keeping a few extra gallons of spring water nearby.

 

This brewer has a sleek modern look and compact design that fits well atop my desk. The base has suction cups to keep it secure to the area.

 

I have brewed several types of tea with the Tea Square GTC 8000 and what I have found works best for me are Oolongs, Pu’ers or any tea utilizing short steeps and multiple infusions.

This is not a substitute to my gaiwan, or shibo but there are days when I’m entrenched in work and need access to immediate tea. Taking a break to brew gong fu cha  has many benefits, though between a bevy of back to back half hour phone calls, taking time out is not always possible.

This also gives me the ability to quickly have more than one type of tea during the day without fuss.

The water chamber holds 800ml (4 cup ) and brews two 6oz cups at a time. For more I hit the refresh button.  For a stronger version I can also hit refresh giving me 2 steeps in the sharing cup.

Water temp can be controlled somewhat by selecting the strong, medium or light controls.

The cleaning of the leaves is simple from the removable basket and quick rinse of the brewing chamber.

The brewer is compact portable this works well for me to use at the various tea tastings or presentations.

The second model Gourmia GCM3600 Single Serve brings the individual cup or K cup type experience into my kitchen. This tea/coffee maker brews up to 14oz of tea with a simple push of a button.

Great for the single cup on the go experience whether you are filling a thermos on the run or making a mug to enjoy.

Prompted by my daughter’s request for evening cups of tea I investigated this model. Her palate leans towards blends and usually making one or two cups for her request in my traditional kettle is not as efficient.

She can now enjoy her blends using this tea maker and it will not compromise my single origin teas.

This model comes with 3 attachments that can be interchanged, one for loose leaf tea, one for K Cup and one for coffee.

As the water temperature on this model cannot be controlled, I limit the use to the hardier teas that can withstand hotter water temperatures. I did break it in with a Bancha Batabatacha and the brew was delightful.

I have yet to see the newest award winning model GTC8500 the product design much like the Tea Square includes loT technology and Alexa voice commands through a mobile app to a variety of smartphone or tablet options. Hopefully I can see this GIA Award finalist product in action at World Tea Expo.

If I get to see this model I will update this report with the info.

For those attending expo you can find Gourmia at Booth #408 on the show floor. It is definitely worth a visit.

Not going? you can check prices and availability in the highlighted links.

 

Thanks for reading