A traditional ceramic teapot heating over an open flame on a stove with a wire mesh. The rustic tea-making setup is surrounded by teaware and utensils, creating a warm and authentic tea-brewing atmosphere.

How to Make Tea on a Stove: The Best Way to Brew Without a Kettle

Written by: Camille Liu

March 14, 2025

Time to read 4 min

Introduction

Tea is one of the most beloved beverages in the world, offering a comforting experience with every sip. But what if you don’t have a kettle? Many people wonder how to make tea without a kettle or how to make hot tea without a kettle, especially when they move into a new home, are traveling, or simply don't own one.

Fortunately, you don’t need a kettle to make tea —a simple pot or saucepan on a stove works just as well, if not better! In this guide, we’ll cover everything from choosing the right tea, boiling water correctly, steeping times, and tips to get the best flavor.

Why Use a Stove Instead of a Kettle?

While kettles are a convenient way to boil water, using a stove provides more control over the brewing process. Here’s why a stove can be a great alternative:

✅ Better Temperature Control: You can adjust the heat easily to match the ideal temperature for your tea.
✅ Works for All Tea Types: Whether you’re making green, black, oolong, or herbal tea, you can fine-tune your method.
✅ No Special Equipment Needed: You only need a pot or saucepan, which most kitchens already have.
✅ Perfect for Making Large Batches: If you want to make multiple servings of tea at once, a pot allows for that.

Now, let’s go through the step-by-step process of making tea on a stove.

A stainless steel saucepan with boiling water on a stovetop, with steam rising, preparing water for making tea.

How to Make Tea Without a Kettle: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re wondering how to make tea at home without a kettle, follow these steps.

What You Need:

A pot or saucepan
Fresh filtered water
Loose-leaf tea or tea bags
A strainer (if using loose tea)
A mug

Step 1: Boil Water in a Pot

Fill the pot with the desired amount of water. If making one cup of tea, use about 8-10 ounces (250-300ml) of water per serving.
Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high.
Monitor the temperature based on the tea type:
- Green tea: Remove when small bubbles form (about 175°F or 80°C).
- Black tea: Bring to a full boil (212°F or 100°C).
- Oolong tea: Heat until 190-200°F (88-93°C) for optimal flavor.
- Herbal tea: Fully boil for 5-10 minutes to extract the flavors.

🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t overboil the water, especially for delicate teas like green tea, as it can make the tea taste bitter.

A glass teapot with loose green tea leaves steeping over an open flame on a gas stove, with steam rising from the hot infusion.

An old-fashioned metal kettle heating over an open flame on a rustic stove, with steam rising and fire visible, creating a traditional tea-making scene.

Step 2: Add Tea Leaves or Tea Bags

Once the water has reached the correct temperature, it’s time to steep the tea.

If using a tea bag , place it directly in your cup or pot.
If using loose-leaf tea, either:
- Put the leaves directly in the pot (you’ll strain them later).
- Use a tea infuser or tea ball.

A vintage metal teapot steaming on a stove, surrounded by a moody, dimly lit setting with condensation and warm tea cups nearby.

A black cast iron teapot steaming on an induction cooktop, with freshly brewed tea in small cups, creating a serene tea-making atmosphere.

Step 3: How Long to Boil Tea on Stove

The ideal water temperature and steeping time vary depending on the type of tea you are making:

Green tea should be brewed at 175°F (80°C) for about 2 to 3 minutes to preserve its delicate flavors.
Black tea requires boiling water at 212°F (100°C) and should steep for 3 to 5 minutes to bring out its bold, rich taste.
Oolong tea is best brewed at a temperature between 190-200°F (88-93°C) and should be steeped for 4 to 7 minutes to develop its complex aroma and flavor.
White tea needs a lower temperature of 175°F (80°C) and should steep for 4 to 5 minutes to maintain its light and floral notes.
Herbal tea should be fully boiled at 212°F (100°C) and left to steep for 5 to 10 minutes, as herbs require more time to release their full flavor and benefits.

If you prefer a stronger tea, you can steep it for an extra minute or two, but be cautious—over-steeping can result in a bitter taste, especially for green and black teas.

A stainless steel pot with loose tea leaves simmering on a gas stove, with steam rising as the tea brews to perfection.

A stainless steel pot with loose tea leaves steeping in hot water on a stovetop, with steam rising as the tea brews to a rich amber color.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

If you used loose-leaf tea, pour the tea through a strainer into your mug. If you used a tea bag, simply remove it and enjoy your tea!

Different Ways to Make Tea on a Stove

Now that you know the basics, let’s explore different stove-top tea brewing methods.

1. Simmering Tea for a Stronger Brew

If you like bold, full-bodied tea, try simmering instead of just steeping.

How to Do It:

Add tea leaves directly to the boiling water.
Lower the heat and let the tea simmer for 5-10 minutes .
Strain and enjoy a stronger, richer tea.

Great for: Chai tea, herbal teas, black teas, and medicinal teas.

A stainless steel pot with loose herbal tea leaves simmering on a gas stove, with steam rising as the tea brews to a deep, aromatic infusion.

2. Making Milk Tea on a Stove

For a creamy tea, you can boil milk and tea together on a stove.

How to Do It:

Boil a mix of water and milk in a pot (50/50 ratio).
Add black tea leaves or tea bags.
Simmer for 5 minutes, then strain.
Add sugar, honey, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.

Great for: Chai tea, Hong Kong-style milk tea, and matcha lattes.

3. Making Herbal Tea on a Stove

Herbal teas often need a longer brewing time to extract the full flavor.

How to Do It:

Add fresh or dried herbs (ginger, mint, chamomile, etc.) to boiling water.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes for stronger flavor.
Strain and enjoy.

Extra Tips for Making Tea at Home Without a Kettle

If you’re brewing tea on a stove, here are some useful tips:

🔹 Use fresh, filtered water – Avoid tap water with strong minerals, as it can affect the taste.
🔹 Never overboil tea leaves – Delicate teas (green/white) should never be boiled directly.
🔹 Add flavors – Enhance your tea with lemon, honey, ginger, or spices for extra depth.
🔹 Experiment with cold brews – If you don’t have a kettle, try cold brewing tea overnight in the fridge.

Final Thoughts: Making Tea Without a Kettle Is Easy!

If you’ve ever wondered how to make hot tea without a kettle, now you know that a simple stove and pot are all you need. Whether you prefer black, green, oolong, or herbal tea, using a stove gives you complete control over the brewing process.

Next time someone asks how to make tea at home without special equipment, you can share these tips and techniques. Try different brewing methods, experiment with flavors, and enjoy the perfect cup of tea— anytime, anywhere!