Electric infusion beverage makers

Abstract

An electric infusion beverage maker (2) comprises a liquid heating chamber (4) having electric heating means (12) associated therewith for heating liquid in the chamber (4). An infusion chamber (6) receives in use a beverage to be infused. A pump (30) transfers heated liquid from the liquid heating chamber (4) to the infusion chamber (6) at a transfer rate. The infusion chamber (6) has outlet means (38) arranged such that beverage-infused liquid drains out of the infusion chamber (6) and into the liquid heating chamber (4) at a drainage rate which is lower than the transfer rate. This means that liquid cannot pass straight through the infusion chamber (6).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to electric infusion beverage makers, particularly but not exclusively electric tea makers. Background technique [0002] The traditional way of making tea is to place tea leaves or tea bags in a teapot, boil water in a separate chamber such as a kettle, and then pour the boiled water over the tea in the kettle. The tea beverage is left to steep for a certain amount of time before being poured out of the jug (possibly through a strainer if loose leaves are used). The steeping process can be accelerated by stirring the drink, but this requires human intervention. [0003] Many different electric tea and coffee makers have been proposed. In some, the soaking chamber is mounted on top of the electrically heated water chamber, and pipes are used to connect them. As the water in the lower chamber is heated to a boil, pressure buildup forces the water up the tube and into contact with the beverage solids, such as coffee groun...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Infused beverages may be left to simmer longer than intended due to insufficient mixing with heated water, and / or flavor may be compromised

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