1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Breville BTM500CLR Compact Tea Maker and Water Kettle. This appliance is designed to provide the optimal brewing conditions for various types of tea, ensuring the right temperature and steep time for a perfect cup. It also functions as a versatile water kettle for other hot beverages. Please read this manual thoroughly before first use and retain it for future reference.
2. Important Safety Instructions
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including:
- Read all instructions before operating the appliance.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- To protect against fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, do not immerse cord, plugs, or the appliance base in water or other liquid.
- Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
- Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning the appliance.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
- The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may result in fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
- Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
- Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to 'off', then remove plug from wall outlet.
- Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
- Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot water.
3. Product Components
Your Breville BTM500CLR Tea Maker includes the following main components:
- Glass Carafe: The main vessel for water and tea, made from thermal shock-resistant glass.
- Stainless Steel Tea Basket: Designed to hold loose leaf tea or tea bags for steeping. Features a magnetic detachment for easy removal.
- Power Base with Controls: Houses the heating element and intuitive control panel for temperature and steep time settings.


4. Setup and Initial Use
Before using your tea maker for the first time, ensure all packaging materials are removed and components are clean. The unit is designed for easy assembly and disassembly for cleaning.
- Place the power base on a dry, flat, and stable surface.
- Ensure the glass carafe is securely seated on the power base.
- Insert the stainless steel tea basket into the lid, ensuring it clicks into place magnetically.
- Place the assembled lid with the tea basket onto the glass carafe.
- Fill the glass carafe with fresh, cold water to the desired level, observing the MIN and MAX fill lines indicated inside the carafe.
For a visual guide on disassembling and reassembling the tea maker for cleaning or initial setup, please refer to the video below:
5. Operating Instructions
Follow these steps to brew your perfect cup of tea:
- Add Water: Fill the glass carafe with fresh, cold water. Ensure the water level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
- Add Tea: Open the tea basket and add your desired amount of loose leaf tea or tea bags. Close the tea basket and ensure it is securely attached to the lid.
- Select Temperature: Press the TEMP / KEEP WARM button repeatedly to cycle through the preset temperature options (175°F Green, 185°F White, 195°F Oolong, 205°F Herbal, 212°F Black). The selected temperature will illuminate.
- Set Steep Time: Press the STEEP TIME button repeatedly to select your desired steep time (1 to 5 minutes). The corresponding number will illuminate.
- Start Brewing: Press the START / CANCEL button to begin the brewing cycle. The tea maker will heat the water to the selected temperature.
- Steeping Process: Once the water reaches the target temperature, the tea basket will automatically lower into the water to begin steeping. The timer will count down.
- Tea Ready: When the steep time is complete, the tea basket will automatically raise out of the water. The tea maker will beep to indicate brewing is finished and automatically switch to the Keep Warm function for 30 minutes.
- Keep Warm: To extend the Keep Warm function, press and hold the TEMP / KEEP WARM button for two seconds. The Keep Warm function will automatically turn off if the carafe is lifted from the base.



6. Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity of your tea maker.
- Always unplug the tea maker from the power outlet before cleaning.
- Glass Carafe: The glass carafe can be hand washed with warm, soapy water. For stubborn tea stains, a mixture of baking soda and water can be used. Rinse thoroughly.
- Tea Basket: The stainless steel tea basket is dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning. Alternatively, it can be hand washed with warm, soapy water.
- Lid and Rim: The lid and the metal rim can be detached for thorough cleaning. Hand wash with warm, soapy water and rinse well.
- Power Base: Wipe the power base with a soft, damp cloth. Do not immerse the power base in water or any other liquid.
- Descaling: Over time, mineral deposits may accumulate. Descale the kettle regularly using a commercial descaling solution or a mixture of white vinegar and water. Follow the descaling product's instructions or boil the vinegar solution, let it sit, then rinse thoroughly.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with your Breville BTM500CLR Tea Maker, please refer to the following common problems and solutions:
- Appliance does not turn on: Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a working electrical outlet and the tea maker is properly seated on its base.
- Water is not heating: Verify that a temperature setting has been selected and the START button has been pressed.
- Tea basket does not lower/raise: Check that the tea basket is correctly attached to the lid and the lid is properly placed on the carafe. Ensure no obstructions are preventing movement.
- Keep Warm function not activating/deactivating as expected: The Keep Warm function automatically activates for 30 minutes after brewing. If the carafe is lifted, the function will reset. To reactivate or extend, press and hold the TEMP / KEEP WARM button for two seconds.
- Tea tastes weak or too strong: Adjust the steep time using the STEEP TIME button. Different teas require different steeping durations for optimal flavor.
- White or brown spots inside the carafe: These are mineral deposits from water. Refer to the 'Descaling' instructions in the Maintenance and Cleaning section.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Breville |
| Model Name | Tea Maker Compact |
| Item Model Number | BTM500CLR1BUS1 |
| Capacity | 4 Cups (34 oz) |
| Material | Brushed Stainless Steel and Glass |
| Special Feature | Temperature Control, Variable Steep Time, Keep Warm Function |
| Product Dimensions | 10.39 x 6.93 x 8.23 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.86 Pounds |
| UPC | 021614800053 |
9. Warranty and Support
Warranty: This Breville BTM500CLR Compact Tea Maker is covered by a 1 Year Limited Product Warranty from the date of purchase. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Customer Support: For product support, troubleshooting assistance, or to inquire about warranty services, please visit the official Breville website or contact their customer service department. Contact information can typically be found on the Breville website or in the product packaging.





