Chai has been part of my routine for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my mom brewed a big batch on the stove to enjoy with samosas or pakoras during frigid Minnesota winters, and today I still look forward to making a fresh cup every weekend. But anyone who regularly makes stovetop chai knows the downside: to get that rich, rolling boil, you have to watch the pot constantly to keep it from boiling over.
As a food writer and director of social media at Good Housekeeping, I’m always looking for ways to make processes easier. That’s exactly why I was intrigued by the Loka Chai Maker. It’s designed to recreate the deep flavor of traditional stovetop chai without the messy boil-overs. I’ve used it regularly since last spring, and it’s now how I make chai.
What is the Loka Chai Maker?
The Loka Chai Maker is a streamlined, modern way to make a South Asian staple. It recreates the rich, rolling boil that gives stovetop chai its deep flavor—without making you stand over the stove waiting for it to boil over. It also promises to free you from watching the saucepan and keep your countertops cleaner.
It costs about $150, which is a little steep—I can hear my mom and the aunties in my community audibly balking at the fact that you can get the same result with the tools you already have in your kitchen.
How does it work?
Instead of a saucepan, this device has three distinctive parts: the base, the funnel-like “chai fountain” top that securely twists into the base, and the “strainer” that snaps into the top. Together, these three parts ensure the chai “boils over” through the fountain without spilling. The pressure that builds up in the base pushes the chai through a circular motion, helping it develop color and richness.
Just add your chai and masala, pour in equal parts milk and water, then set the maker on the stove and let the burner do the work. It uses principles similar to a moka pot. Loka recommends brewing for about 14 minutes, from the moment you turn on the stove until the chai reaches a deep caramel color. Brew it much longer and it may taste overly tannic and bitter; brew it for less time and the ginger, cardamom, and other spices may taste muted.
My favorite way to use the Loka Chai Maker
I first got the chai maker when Loka collaborated with the spice company Diaspora Co. The strainer itself has two types—silicone and stainless steel. The stainless steel option is sturdier and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup much easier.
My favorite way to use it is to assemble the chai maker, add 3 heaping tablespoons of Diaspora Co.’s masala chai to the strainer, then add equal parts milk and water. I use a gas burner, set it to medium-high, and let it come to a boil. Once it boils, I set a timer for three minutes and watch in wonder as the funnel does its thing. Watching the chai circulate through the fountain without spilling over never gets old.
Just before my timer goes off, I grab my mug, add a teaspoon or two of jaggery or honey, and pour in my perfectly piping-hot chai. While the site recommends taking the strainer out before pouring, I’ve found you can pour pretty easily without getting sediment by leaving the strainer in, even though it’s very hot right off the stove.
What it isn’t great at
Unfortunately, not all parts of the Loka Chai Maker are dishwasher-safe. The strainer is the trickiest to clean, but you can put it in the dishwasher after dumping out most of the chai debris. The manufacturer says you must wash the fountain top and base by hand, since high heat may degrade their nonstick coating over time.
I admit I’ve put all the parts in the dishwasher on the top shelf and, fingers crossed, haven’t run into any issues. But I know others who have done the same and have had their $149 chai maker ruined. They recommend cleaning the strainer and other base parts right away, while it’s still warm after pouring your tea. Because it’s nonstick, I recommend using a soft-bristled brush or bottle brush; avoid scratchy sponges, which can damage the nonstick.
This pot is great if you’re brewing tea for yourself or for a couple of others. If you’re planning a full-fledged tea party, I wouldn’t recommend splurging on this appliance.
The bottom line: Is the Loka Chai Maker worth it?
If I have to choose between making chai the “traditional” way versus the Loka, I’m reaching for the Loka even though it has a pretty steep price point. It served me well for over a year, and I’ll keep using it until it finally gives out. I think I’ve gotten more than my money’s worth (and a little more time to dance to tunes in the kitchen).
This chai maker is worth it if you regularly make chai and get easily distracted. I’ve often set it up and unloaded the dishwasher. It’s great for those who like to multitask in the kitchen. It’s also great for people new to chai. If you’ve never had a proper cup that isn’t from Starbucks, this is a way to get as close as possible to the intended flavors, full of ginger, cardamom, and masala, instead of a cloying, saccharine cup of sugar-milk with a hint of spice.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Urmila Ramakrishnan is the social media director at Good Housekeeping and has been working in the food industry for over 10 years. She grew up drinking chai at home and has used the Loka Chai Maker for more than a year. She collaborated with the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab on this story.
