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The Teforia smart tea infuser scans NFC chips on its tea boxes to make the perfect cup of tea. Anna Gragert/CNET
As someone who doesn’t drink caffeine, I often rely on a soothing cup of decaf herbal tea when I need a pick-me-up during the day. So when I received an email about the Teforia smart infuser making a comeback, I was intrigued. Using an intelligent algorithm, it scans the NFC chips embedded in Teforia tea boxes and adjusts the temperature, steeping time and aeration to maximize flavor and aroma.
Back in 2017, CNET reviewed the then-$1,500 device, but not favorably, saying that “even the ultra-rich shouldn't buy this super-pricey teapot.” Due to meager sales, the company shut down.
Cut to January 2026, and tea retailer Adagio Teas announced that it had rebuilt and relaunched Teforia at a lower price of $499. Now, the device can brew any type of loose-leaf tea, and you can customize the settings. On its app, you can also control the machine and share personalized recipes with the Teforia community.
To see if the smart infuser is actually as new and improved as it sounds, even at a lower price, I put Teforia to the test in my own kitchen for a few weeks.
Teforia’s design: Like a Keurig for loose-leaf tea
Measuring 12x8x13 inches, it reminds me of a Keurig in size, but I was surprised by the device’s weight of 17 pounds. Comparing it to the photos in CNET’s 2017 article, the 2026 design looks exactly the same.
It’s made of 100% BPA-free white plastic and comes with a globe infuser where the loose-leaf tea is placed and a 13-oz carafe where the brewed tea ends up. Since it's double-walled, you won’t burn your hand when you reach for the carafe. An infusion arm connects the device to the infuser globe, while a tea reader on top scans the NFC chips on the Teforia tea boxes.
The Teforia uses water bubbles to aerate and agitate the tea. Anna Gragert/CNET
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