How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea with the Wilbur Curtis G4 Tea Brewer

By Coffee Machine Depot | Published: 2026-10-29

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the step-by-step process to brew loose leaf tea using the Wilbur Curtis G4 Tea Brewer, including setup, tea-to-water ratios, and cleaning tips for consistent results.

Quick Answer

To brew loose leaf tea with the Wilbur Curtis G4 Tea Brewer, start by calibrating the water temperature to your tea type, then use a mesh filter basket with the correct leaf-to-water ratio, and run a brew cycle while monitoring extraction time.

Why the G4 Works for Loose Leaf Tea

The Wilbur Curtis G4 Tea Brewer is designed for commercial consistency, using precision water temperature control and saturator technology to ensure even extraction. This makes it ideal for loose leaf teas that require specific temperatures and steady water flow.

Unlike coffee brewing, tea leaves need room to expand and release flavor. The G4's spray head distributes water evenly, and its programmable settings let you adjust brew time and temperature for different tea varieties.

Choosing the Right Accessories

For loose leaf tea, you need a fine-mesh filter basket or a reusable tea infuser that fits the G4's brew basket. Avoid paper filters, as they can absorb delicate tea oils and restrict water flow.

Use a separate tea pitcher or airpot to collect the brewed tea, as the G4's standard decanter is designed for coffee and may not keep tea at the ideal serving temperature.

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

1. Set the Water Temperature: Program the G4's temperature controller to match your tea type: 175°F for green tea, 195°F for black tea, or 205°F for herbal blends. Let the machine preheat fully before brewing. A common mistake is using the default coffee temperature (200°F) for all teas, which can scorch delicate leaves. Adjust per tea type.
2. Prepare the Filter Basket: Place a fine-mesh tea filter or reusable infuser into the G4's brew basket. Add loose leaf tea at a ratio of 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water for standard strength; adjust to taste. Overfilling the basket restricts water flow and leads to under-extraction. Leave at least 1 inch of space above the leaves.
3. Start the Brew Cycle: Press the brew button to start the cycle. The G4's saturator technology will spray hot water evenly over the leaves. For most teas, a 3-4 minute brew time is ideal; use the timer on the machine or a separate stopwatch. Do not let the tea steep longer than 5 minutes, as tannins will make it bitter. Stop the cycle manually if needed.
4. Remove and Serve: Once the brew cycle finishes, remove the filter basket immediately to stop extraction. Pour the tea into a preheated airpot or carafe to maintain serving temperature. Leaving the basket in place continues extraction and can ruin the flavor. Remove it promptly even if the machine is still dripping.
5. Clean the System: After each use, rinse the filter basket and brew basket with hot water. Weekly, run a cleaning cycle with a commercial descaling solution to remove mineral buildup from the heating elements. Tea leaves leave oils that can cling to internal parts. Skipping cleaning leads to off-flavors and scale that affects temperature accuracy.

Product Facts

Wilbur Curtis - G4 Tea Brewer: The G4 and Genesis lines use precision water temperature control and saturator technology to deliver batch after batch at the exact specification — every pot, every service, every day. This consistency ensures that each batch of loose leaf tea extracts evenly, preventing bitterness or weak flavor from temperature fluctuations.
Wilbur Curtis - G4 Tea Brewer