Tea Infusers

Not all tea makers tea makers are the best option for your needs. As a matter of fact, the one that’s great for you might not be the best option for another person. Though they all primarily do the same thing - which is to help prepare the perfect cup of tea, there are some things you need to consider before buying your loose-leaf tea infuser. Why? Because buying an infuser that doesn’t work for you will lead to wastage of money, time, and tea of low quality. Lucky for you, we have compiled this detailed guide to show you what you need to factor in before picking a tea infuser when you do go shopping.
Benefits Of a Tea Infuser
A tea infuser is common among real tea aficionados because it makes brewing tea super easy. It usually acts as a strainer or a filter when brewing loose leaf tea so that the leaves can be easily removed after the brewing is done. That way, you won’t have stray leaves floating on top of your tea. But there is much more to this story.
Those that brew tea bags (made from tea dust and fannings) would also need a tea bag infuser because dust and fannings can leach into your tea and settle at the bottom making your tea mildly bitter. Therefore, to prevent this and create the best cup of tea but from a tea bag and loose leaves, you need a tea infuser.
What To Look for In a Tea Infuser
As promised, this is a tea infuser buying guide so that you can make the right decision when buying the best tea infuser for you.
Material
The kind of material used to make a tea infuser is as important as the quality of the tea. Tea infusers are usually made from stainless steel, bamboo, and silicone. Stainless steel tea infuser is seen as the most durable because they don’t rust, they are easy to clean, and maintain. But though it feels like this type is the answer to it all, it does release a metallic taste to the tea.
Bamboo is beautiful and more flattering than stainless steel which makes it a better option for those that look for a warm, visual touch to their brewing process. There is no metallic taste, however, it cannot be used to brew different types of tea. This is because it absorbs the color and flavor of the tea which could affect other tea types.
Silicone tea infusers are also very popular and common. It is the best reusable tea infuser. It is usually made in different designs, shapes, and colors. The downside is that it alters the taste and flavor of fine teas. Though it is not very noticeable, you’ll know if you are an experienced tea drinker.
Design
The shape and size of the infuser are also very important. Loose leaf tea has more flavor when the leaves have enough space to leach its content into the water. The more tightly packed they are, the less flavor and sweetness you’ll get. Using a tea infuser for loose tea that is small and too compact would result in a bland, almost tasteless or bitter, flavorless tea.
Types of Tea Infusers
These are the different types of infusers we have:
- Basket Infuser: A tea infuser basket is the largest of all types. It is shaped like a basket with heatproof wings and a lid. It is usually placed inside the cup or mug you want to stain your tea into. They can either be bought separately, be part of a mug or a teapot.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: This type can strain fine tea types because of its tiny holes which don’t allow for any particle to pass through. It is the second-best loose leaf tea infuser. The mesh tea infuser is made of a large flat basket created from a wire mesh. Then it is placed over the cup, mug, or glass.
- Novelty Infusers: These types are also called cute tea infusers because they are designed in funny shapes to make you laugh. They are usually small and made in bright colors. Some novelty infusers are made with silicone while others can be a form of metal tea infusers.
- Tea Ball Infuser: This is usually referred to as a single cup tea infuser because it is best used for one cup serving at a time. It is designed with a ball on one end that is attached to a chain.
- Tea Pincer: Similar to tea ball infusers, it is also for single cup servings. It is designed with a ball on one end but with a spring handle on the other.
- Travel Infuser: As the name implies, it is a tea infuser that can be used while on the move. The tea infuser is built into a mug or a bottle making it possible to brew your tea anywhere. A tea infuser mug is a good example of this type.
Best Tea Infuser for Home
With everything that has been mentioned in the last two sessions, you should be able to pick which one is best for your home. A travel infuser is recommended for those that are always on the move and a tea pincer or a tea ball infuser are both portable but for only one cup serving. The material is an important factor, too. Therefore, the best tea infuser is the one you are most happy with.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to make the final decision on what type of device you should choose when you are faced with multiple options. But the right guide can simplify the decision-making process and give you guidance into which one is best for you. We only hope that this guide was able to help you.
FAQs
What is a tea infuser?
It is a device that is used to filter out the particles from a tea bag or loose tea leaves while brewing. It makes the process of brewing fine tea super easy.
How to use a tea infuser?
Some tea infusers might require you to put it inside your cup or mug while others are to be placed over your cup, mug, or glass. Either way, the loose-leaf tea should be inside the infuser.
Where to buy a tea infuser?
You can buy a tea infuser from any physical store that sells teaware or home appliances. You can also shop for your tea infuser online on any e-commerce store for a good price.
How much tea do I use when brewing?
The amount of tea bags or leaves you use when brewing depends on how much tea you want to prepare. Half a teaspoon of tea leaves or a single bag is enough for a single cup of tea.
Are tea infusers worth it?
If tea drinking is more than a one-time thing to you, then you do need a tea infuser. It does not only simplify the process of brewing your tea, but it also gives your tea a fine, professional look.
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