Tea Infuser: The Complete Guide
Recently, tea lovers prefer to use loose tea leaves due to the fear of plastic-made teabags. This raises the popularity of tea infusers with the fame of some special types of teas.
Therefore, here we will share some detail about tea infusers that tea consumers should know before using them. Let’s begin:
What is a Tea Infuser?
In simple terms, a tea infuser is a ball-shaped or spoon-shaped tool. Tea infusers are the companion of a cup of tea or a teapot. They possess a perforated or net-designed container that lets the hot water pass through the dry tea leaves. Dry tea leaves are put in the infusers, and the whole thing is dipped into a cup or teapot with hot water for brewing or steeping. Tea infusers can be found in different designs and materials to use for other reasons.
There are various infusers, but the most frequently used infusers are tea ball infusers and spoon infusers. A tea infuser contains tiny holes so dried tea leaves can’t pass through it in hot water. But tea infusers should not be filled with powdered tea or dust tea. You can always use an infuser for herbal teas.
How to use a Tea Infuser?
You can prepare the best tea using a tea infuser when you know how to use it properly. Nevertheless, it is not a tough job, but you need to follow some steps while using an infuser to enjoy the best form of tea.
- Your tea infusers need to be adequately cleaned after every use. As they contain tiny holes sometimes, the residues remain within them.
- Water selection is essential while using an infuser. Distilled and hard, both types can ruin the taste of your tea. Bottled spring water would be the best choice while using a tea infuser.
- The water should be boiled adequately. Avoid using a microwave. It should be lukewarm while putting the infuser.
- Some people preheat the infuser; instead, it would be better to preheat their cups or teapots. It would retain the temperature while steeping.
- One needs to select the infuser as per the quantity of tea he/she will prepare.
- Immerse the tea infuser inside the preheated cup or teapot and let the flavor be absorbed. Then add water. It would provide the best result.
- Allow the leaves to be brewed for a minimum of three to five minutes.
- After the tea leaves are steeped, please take out the infuser and put it on a saucer. You can re-use some tea leaves to prepare another cup of tea.
What to look for while buying a Tea Infuser
While buying a infuser for tea, one should consider few things such as:
Material
As we have mentioned earlier, tea infusers can be made of various materials. Among them, the best tea infusers are usually made of stainless steel, silicone or plastic, and glass. Stainless steel infusers keep the flavor of the tea intact, but the fine mesh should be cleaned instantly after use. Otherwise, it will not be easy to clean.
Silicone-made infusers are easy to wash, but sometimes some sensitive people find a plastic-like taste in tea. Glass infusers are a better option to choose, except they need to be handled carefully.
Size
Size does matter while selecting a tea infuser. It would be best to choose as per the amount of tea you want to prepare at one time. For instance, a tea ball infuser will suffice for preparing a small cup of tea, but for preparing 16 oz tea, a large infuser will be needed to get the right flavor of the tea.
Portability
Well, some purchase infusers for enjoying the tea at home, whereas, for some, it becomes their traveling companion. Portable infusers are essential for those who want to carry them while traveling. Tea infuser mugs, tea infuser bottles are perfect for this purpose. On the other hand, those who will use it at home can go for classic choices like drop-in tea infusers or an infuser teapot.
Assured locking mechanisms
The locking facility of a tea infuser is highly vital. Before buying it, one should check that the locking mechanisms are guaranteed, and it will not get opened while dipped into the water. Otherwise, it will be a messy kind of affair.
Whether it is dishwasher safe
As the tea infusers need to be appropriately cleaned, it would be better to select dishwasher-safe infusers. Dishwashers are readily available, and cleaning of infusers will be easy. Otherwise, it will be challenging to clean them.
Types of Tea Infusers
There are different types of tea infusers. So, people may confuse which type would be the best to use. So, now we will discuss the best infusers.
Loose leaf tea infuser
By using a loose leaf tea infuser, one can easily prepare tea without performing many laborious routines. Fill the loose tea infuser with lea leaves and hot water and then place it on top of your preferred cup for straining and enjoy your tea.
Tea infuser bottle
When a loose tea infuser is perfect for enjoying a cup of tea in the morning tea infuser bottle is ideal for carrying outside. It is best while one is traveling or at work. Tea can easily be brewed into the bottle, and the remaining will stay hot for hours.
Tea infuser mug
A tea infuser mug can easily accompany one’s busy daily schedule. It contains a finely perforated metal basket that keeps the tea’s flavor intact.
Tea ball infuser
A tea ball is ideal for moving the tea leaves and get the maximum flavor from every cup. Tea ball infusers are easy to use and clean, and they are convenient.
Silicone tea infuser
If anyone chooses this silicone tea infuser, then nothing can stop him/her from starting a refreshing day. These infusers are BPA-free and easily washable and perfect for all cup sizes.
Ceramic tea infuser cup
If a cup is that you prefer to mug, then this cup infuser would be the best option. It is a twelve-oz cup and appropriate for preparing a refreshing morning and evening tea.
Long-handle steel tea strainers
Long-handled steel tea strainers are the best for deep cups and mugs. They are easy to stir and available in a double pack. So, now you can prepare tea for yourself and your guest at a time.
Tea infuser kettle
A tea infuser kettle is a must-have for such people who are passionate about tea. It can adjust the temperature as per the tea type and assures a perfect cup with flavor every time.
Tea steeper
A tea steeper is generally an improved version of a teapot. It is one of the laziest and funniest methods to prepare an elegant cup of tea.
Cute tea infusers
If you are bored with simple tea ball infusers and want to explore some innovative ways, go for cute tea infusers.
Robot tea infusers
Robot tea infusers are there with adjustable arms to fit in every size of cups and mugs.
Sharky tea infuser
Silicone-made sharky infusers can offer you a safe and perfect cup of tea. Its body always stays within the water and keeps the loose leaves submerged to hold the exact flavor of the tea.
Conclusion
So, tea infusers are an easy and safe way to enjoy your tea. One needs to follow some tricks and choose them according to the purpose to have the best result out of it.
