Abstract: This invention relates to a tea steeper that enables an automatic drip coffeemaker to brew tea as well as coffee. The tea steeper comprises a cylindrical body having perforated side walls, a perforated bottom wall, and an open top surrounded by a support rim. A pair of upwardly extending finger grips are provided to enable one to easily grasp the tea steeper. In use, the support rim rests atop the spout of a carafe for suspending the tea steeper within the carafe. The carafe may also contain a pivotal lid which closes over the spout but does not engage the support rim or finger grip portions of the tea steeper resting atop the spout.

Abstract: Paper coffee filters are stacked one atop another and packaged within a container, such as a carton or a plastic bag. The paper coffee filters define a cavity within the container in which is placed a water filter device comprising activated carbon. The paper filters are used to filter coffee grounds or the like from a brewed beverage. The water filter device is used to filter impurities from the brewing water before the brewing process. The disclosed packaging arrangement reduces packaging costs and serves to notify users that their existing water filter device has reached the end of its useful life because the coffee filters and the replacement water filter device are provided in a unitary package.