product information
The filter is removable and may be replaced due to discoloration. Replacement filters may be found on the same page as the ingenuiTEA teapot. Prior to inserting, we recommend soaking the replacement filter in boiling water so as to soften it. Upon cooling, the plastic will expand, offering a firm fit that will prevent the filter from slipping out unintentionally.
The lid of the teapot may also be removed for easy placement in the dishwasher. To replace, simply return the lid to its original position and snap in place with a gentle push.
Tannins in tea may impart color to the teapot over time. To remove discoloration, we recommend filling with hot water, adding a tablespoon of bleach, and leaving to soak overnight.
Tea leaves or other debris may get caught in the opening at the bottom, causing the teapot to leak. A strong burst of air is all that's required to dislodging any debris. Simply turn the teapot up-side-down and blow vigorously into the opening at the center. If a stronger burst of air is required, we recommend using a hair drier.
To reduce chance to shattering, the teapot is made of polycarbonate, a strong plastic that will stay clear even after frequent dishwasher use. Polycarbonates have been in the news of late due to the concern of them leaching BPA. General Electric is the source of our polycarbonate. It had been certified to be BPA-free by SGS, a Swiss-based laboratory.
The tea maker works with all tea varieties and may be adjusted to produce an ideal temperature and steeping duration for each. The temperature switch has two settings. I produces a temperature of 180F, and is ideal for preparing green teas. II results in boiling water, well suited for preparing black as well as herbal teas. You may also adjust the strength of the infusion, by setting the time dial anywhere between 2 and 7 minutes.
Water boils at 212F at sea level, but does so at lower temperatures in high altitude areas (such as Denver). As such, water may boil, but never reach the temperature of 212F that is required for it to transfer from the heating to steeping chambers under the black tea (II) setting. As such, the unit is not recommended for anyone residing 2,000 feet or more above sea level.
Turning the unit on will produce a single beep. If the unit is beeping constantly, it means that one of its components is misaligned. Please turn the unit off, adjust and try again. With all the components in place, the tea maker will proceed to heat water to the desired temperature. Upon reaching this temperature, the unit will beep once more and release the hot water into the middle steeping chamber. It is normal for some of the water to remain in the heating chamber. To minimize this, we suggest ensuring that the surface on which the unit rests is absolutely level.
The temperature dial controls the duration of time that water remains in the steeping chamber. Once this time elapses, the tea maker will beep again, and begin filtering tea into the glass carafe below. Upon completion of this task, it will emit three beeps to signify that tea is ready. The warmer below the carafe will then keep it warm until the unit is turned off.
The plastic infuser and glass carafe may be removed for easy cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher. To remove discoloration caused by tea tannins, we recommend running the unit with water containing a few tablespoons of bleach.
The kettle spout contains a filter designed to remove any debris that may have fallen inside. Should it dislodge, replacing it is an easy task. Please ensure that the curvature of the filter is facing away from the spout. Place the bottom of the triangular filter into the lower part of the opening. Then press the upper portion of the filter against the kettle and push gently until it pops into place.
The advantages of GraviTEA are economy and speed. It costs a fraction of the cost of bottled water and filters liquids at twice the rate of comparable systems.
At its center is a replaceable filter cartridge. To prepare for use, we recommend soaking in water, moving it briskly from side to side as illustrated on its packaging. Once complete, insert the filter at the bottom of the inner compartment and fill the cavity with water. The first batch may contain charcoal remnants. Simply pour out and repeat. Your filter is now ready to yield crystal-clear water.
The inner compartment has an end that is round and one that is more linear. Please ensure that the linear one is facing the front. Otherwise, you may find the lid difficult to snap in place. Rotating the compartment 180 degrees will yield better results.
Please remember to change the cartridges every 60 days. The electronic display is a handy reminder of this. Please depress the reset button for three seconds to signal the placement of a new cartridge. Pressing the button afterwards will illuminate its remaining life. The graph will flash hollow upon the cartridge reaching the end of its 60-days life, signaling that it needs a replacement.
Please ensure to close the zippers atop the pouches in which our teas are packaged to ensure that that last cup is as fresh as the first. Should you prefer others means of storage, we recommend either metal canisters or glass jars. Both offer an air-tight seal to keep tea dry and insulated from external scents. Both also offer protection from UV rays, allowing you to display tea in the open, without worrying about damage from the sun.
Most teas do not require refrigeration, although connoisseurs of green teas from Japan often store them in this fashion. However, freezing teas would produce the opposite effect, introducing moisture that is damaging to tea leaves. For this reason, we recommend keeping all tea leaves out of the freezer.

