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Teforia's intelligent algorithm was designed to maximize the flavor and aroma of its scannable teas. Anna Gragert/CNET
I will always choose a soothing cup of herbal tea over a mug of energizing coffee, so when I heard that the Teforia smart tea infuser was being re-released, I decided to put it to the test. When it scans the NFC chips on Teforia-ready tea boxes, the device uses an intelligent algorithm to adjust time, temperature and aeration to brew a perfect cup of tea.
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 rebuilt and relaunched Teforia at a lower price of $499. Now, it can brew any type of loose-leaf tea, and you can customize the settings as you wish.
To see if the smart tea infuser is as new and improved as it sounds at this lower price, I put Teforia to the test in my own kitchen for several 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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