Guide to choose the right tea infuser for you.
If you are new to brewing loose tea here is a short guide in choosing a tea infuser. One of the main reasons to use loose tea is that tea bags that are purchased in the store are also tightly packed. They do not allow the tea leaves to expand and release flavor. This means that many teas bags lack bold flavors and can taste bitter or bland.
Loose tea on the other hand allows flavor and health benefits to come through. The full leaves are full of chemical compounds and antioxidants that help you with many health benefits. In order to brew a healthy cup of tea using loose leaves, you’ll need a tea infuser.
Which Tea infuser should I use?
Tea infusers are devices that are designed to hold loose tea leaves for brewing and steeping
Having a high quality tea infuser can still provide the same level of flavor without the need for a strainer. Tea infusers come in several different varieties, but whichever one you choose, make sure it is large enough to allow the leaves to expand fully.
Types of Infusers
There are several different types of infusers for loose teas — all with their own pros and cons. Here I have broken down the different types to help you decide which one best fits your tea needs.
Tea Infuser Baskets
Tea infuser baskets are spacious and wide, thus allowing tea leaves to expand with water and release their potent potential. In general, the bigger the basket, the better the flavor of the tea will be.
Tea Ball Infusers
These tea infusers are best for quick, single-serve cups of tea. Tea balls are small and compact, making them ideal for single cups. These are typically made of metal or fine mesh. Tea ball infusers can have long handles or delicate chains that enable retrieval of the ball when the tea is done brewing. Tea balls are often small and prevent the full flavor profile from developing. If you do choose to use a tea ball, look for one that is large to allow the leaves to expand.
Silicone Tea Infusers
Silicone tea infusers are similar to stainless steel infuser balls, except that they are made from silicone.
On the downside, they tend to have the same problem as tea balls in not fully developing tea flavors. Some people also feel that the silicone can leave behind a plastic flavor. Choice ones that are BPA-free to reduce the risk of harmful chemicals.
Travel Mugs and Tea Mugs
These loose tea infusers are popular because of their simplicity and ease of use. You can brew a cup of tea and drink from the cup. Tea mugs are basically coffee mugs with built-in tea tools that make these all-in-one tools for simple brewing.
Infuser Teapots
If you consume large amounts of tea or are looking for an infuser for multiple cups, the infuser tea pot is what you need. This type of teapot infusers feature built-in infusers. Make sure to choose a pot that has the largest tea filter possible for the best flavors.
French Press
You can use a French press to brew a delicious cup of tea without fancy tools. Just add the tea leaves to the bottom of the French press and fill with boiling water. Place the lid on top and steep for the recommended time period. Use the handy lid to press the leaves to the bottom of the unit before serving.
Paper tea bags
You can buy tea bags to brew your tea. Many are made with biodegradable material. They are usually only used once and thrown away. They can be perfect if you are traveling and want to take your favorite tea with you.
Where to get the above tea infusers?
Many stores sell these products. They are also on line at Amazon and other online stores. They range in price so look for the best deal.
My favorites are the tea infuser baskets and infuser teapots. The travel cups are nice for the on-the-go person.