The best way to make any hot drink is to do it properly. When it comes to tea, this is by using a quality tea infuser. It allows you to make a quality brew and unlock aromas and flavors in a way that only loose tea can. The problem is, there are so many options out there and it can be hard to find a product that works well and lasts a long time.
Also, with so many inventive designs, it isn’t easy separating the good ones from the novelty options. This is why we have selected our top tea infusers. The following options clear a few things up and help make sure this useful brewing tool does exactly what you need it to.
List of the Best Tea Infusers
- Editor’s Choice: House Again 4-pack Extra Fine Mesh Tea Infuser with Drip Tray (Amazon) – Review
- Best Bottom Dispensing: Adagio Teas 16 oz. ingenuiTEA Bottom-Dispensing Teapot (Amazon) – Review
- Best Novelty: Fred BREW WHALE Tea Infuser (Amazon) – Review
- Best Infuser Cup: Tea Forte Kati Cup Ceramic Tea Infuser Cup (Amazon) – Review
- Best Value: Yoassi Extra Fine Tea Infuser Mesh Strainer (Amazon) – Review
- Best Basic: OXO BREW Twisting Tea Ball Infuser (Amazon) – Review
Editor’s Choice: House Again 4-pack Extra Fine Mesh Tea Infuser with Drip Tray
For what is an overall stand out tea infuser, this product impresses with its color pop options and consistent brewing capability. Not only that, but the fact that you get 4 in a pack means you are getting exceptional value. You never have to wait for one cup to brew before you make another, and all guests can have a quality cuppa brewing at the same time.
It filters all tea types and has plenty of holes to unlock the flavors, covering a wide area to make sure the whole cup gets a strong brew. It hangs over the side of any cup so it won’t just float around and the BPA-free silicone material is safe to use in hot water.
Best Bottom Dispensing: Adagio Teas 16 oz. ingenuiTEA Bottom-Dispensing Teapot
This fun design is clear so you can check the strength of your brew to make sure it is how you like it and easy to use thanks to the bottom dispensing design. The sturdy handle means you can hold it with confidence and place it over your cup to let the tea dispense.
This is what makes it so unique as the tea stays at the bottom and it is easy to get out when you have finished. It is safe to put it in the dishwasher and made from food-grade plastic making it lightweight and convenient to take wherever you like. One of the main benefits of this design is that it can hold up to 16 oz so it will be good for making two cups at a time, using the release valve to dispense the tea into a cup.
Best Novelty: Fred BREW WHALE Tea Infuser
On first appearance, these fun designs might look like little more than a kids toy but they are fully functional tea infusers that look great but also make a quality brew. The waterspout handle of this whale design makes it easy to pull the infuser out when you have the desired strength and the same goes for putting it gently into hot water.
Made from BPA-free silicone it is food-safe, non-toxic and with no taste so all you get is the tea aroma and flavor from whatever type you like. What a lot of people like is the fact that it is dishwasher safe and it is easy to get the loose tea out when you are finished. Because you don’t need to use regular tea bags, it is eco-friendly and good for the environment.
Best Infuser Cup: Tea Forte Kati Cup Ceramic Tea Infuser Cup
This beautiful tea infuser cup is easy on the eye and would make an excellent gift. If you just have to have it for yourself then no one would blame you, and there are plenty of benefits. Not only does it make it easy to drink your brew on the go but the double-wall ceramic design feels sturdy in your hand and can warm you up on a cold day.
The lid helps you to avoid spills and keeps the content hotter for longer so you can drink it on your morning commute. The stainless steel infuser prevents the loose tea from getting into the water and makes everything easy to clean when you have finished your last sip. The cup is both dishwasher and microwaves safe and you can pick between any of the 12 designs.
Best Value: Yoassi Extra Fine Tea Infuser Mesh Strainer
The extra-fine meshing from this stainless steel design means it is fine to use with a variety of loose tea through the food-grade material. It always makes a reliable brew that is odor-free and comes with two handles so it can rest either side of the cup.
This also means it is also to remove so you don’t have to handle any hot parts and because the lid stays on securely, the tea always stays inside the strainer. It doesn’t take long to diffuse the tea thanks to the number of holes it has and the roomy basket that allows you to fit a lot of tea in there for a stronger cup of tea. Once you are done, it is easy to tip the tea away and clean it safely.
Best Basic: OXO BREW Twisting Tea Ball Infuser
A reputable brand in kitchenware and their twisting tea ball infuser has a smart design and some neat innovation behind it. We like the fact that you can stir it yourself thanks to the long handle and there is plenty of room for a good amount of tea. Other designs can have a larger basket that gives the loose tea room to brew as water filters through but the compact design of OXO’s tea infuser is easy to use.
The holes are a little larger which makes it better for whole leaf teas rather than finer teas but you can make a great Green Tea without an issue here. The grip is comfortable to hold and made from non-slip material and everything is fine to go in the dishwasher.
Tea Infuser Guide
There is no better way to brew tea than by using a tea infuser. Not only does it unlock great aromas and flavor but it is better for the environment and is sure to impress your guests. Still, your mother in law is only going to give it a thumbs up if the device works well and if it allows loose tea to get into the hot water, you’re going to have to point out the loose tea between her teeth.
This is why we have created the following buyer’s guide, to make sure you make an informed decision so every brew you make is a quality one.
What To Look For In A Tea Infuser
Fine Meshing
This is always recommended. The finer the meshing the more brewing options you have. Any tea infuser that has large holes can only make larger leaf tea which is fine if that is all you drink. Still, there is an element of risk involved as these are more likely to allow the tea to get into the water and make things a little messy.
Easy To Clean
This is a big benefit of many of our recommended tea infusers. You’ll find that they are easy to clean and that starts with being able to get the loose tea out after using and also put it in the dishwasher after. There is nothing worse than having to scrape fine pieces of loose tea out from the rough edges.
Convenience
If a tea infuser is light enough you can take it anywhere which is what most of our top products are known for. It shouldn’t be big or bulky and when you need to go away for a night or two, it should be easy to pack into your bag to make sure you don’t have to go without your regular brew.
Quality Materials
The majority of tea infusers that are worth looking at tend to be made from stainless steel. This is safe to use and easy to clean, not to mention durable compared to a lot of the alternatives. However, a fair few products use silicone as part of their tea infuser but if you are considering such a product you should make sure it is BPA-free.
Even plastics need to be food-grade before you think about purchasing.
Compatability
The best tea infusers are the ones you can use in any cup. Some products have a handle design that means they have to be able to fit across the top although there is usually a wide enough reach to make it fine to use on most mugs. Any infuser that can go directly into the cup is going to be fine.
Design
There are plenty of novelty tea infusers if this is what you are after but it isn’t just the fun looking products that stand out. Some come in colorful designs whilst others have a handle for stirring. Whatever your taste, there is usually something for everyone.
In Cup Infuser Vs Regular Tea Infuser
There is something to be said for both types of tea infusers and you know exactly what to expect from a regular product. These tend to be suitable for any size cup which makes them more versatile.
On the other hand, an in cup tea infuser is great for anyone on the go and saves you from having to prepare it in another cup before transferring the tea into your travel mug.
Your preference will likely depend on your lifestyle and a lot of people like to make sure they have both options.
Different Types of Tea Infusers
Here is a list of the most common types you will find.
Ball Infuser
These are one of the cheaper options but they often have their limitations. You know what to expect from them but the open and closing design can be a little fiddly and it is difficult to clean compared to other options. They are convenient to take from place to place and the best types are those that come with a handle.
Basket Infuser
These are becoming more and more popular and it’s easy to see why. The fine meshing allows you to use different types of tea including everything from rooibos to green tea and black tea leaf. Designed to go inside the water to diffuse the tea they are often easy to clean as you can tip the used leaves straight into the trash and if you can find one that is dishwasher safe then even better.
Tea Pot Infuser
Another common type they are often a mix of the mesh strainer inside a teapot. This is good for making multiple teas at one time but not so convenient if it is only you who wants one. Often too big to put in your bag when going away but the clear glass helps you to check on the strength.
In Cup Tea Infuser
These can be convenient but are better for those who want a fresh leaf tea whilst traveling. Great for taking on a morning stroll, they often keep the contents warmer for longer and are easy to clean. A lot of people give them as gifts and they come in a variety of appealing designs.
How To Clean A Tea Infuser
How you clean your tea infuser will depend on the type of product you buy but generally, they are pretty easy to clean. Of course, large leaves are easier to get out by just tipping them into the trash but if it is dishwasher safe then this will solve most of your problems.
Rinsing the infuser after every use under a tap can help push out some of the stubborn parts or soaking it in clean water can help remove the stray bits.
They are usually pretty robust and can be scrubbed to remove as much as possible.