Types of Tea Infusers

When it comes to enjoying a delicious cup of loose leaf tea, the right tea infuser can make all the difference! An infuser is essentially a tool that you use to steep your tea leaves in your hot water and infuse your tea with flavor.

There are many styles of tea infusers available on the market today, and each of them has its own unique set of features and benefits. In this post, we will compare some of the most popular infusers and suggest some new ones for you to try!

Traditional Mesh Ball Infusers

Mesh ball infusers are a classic choice when it comes to brewing loose leaf tea. They're affordable, easy to use, and are available in a range of sizes and shapes to suit your needs. They typically consist of a mesh sphere or basket attached to a chain or handle that you can drape over your mug or teapot.

Silicone Tea Infusers

Silicone tea infusers are another popular choice for tea drinkers. They're typically made of flexible silicone material that is easy to clean and can be used with a variety of loose leaf teas. These infusers come in a variety of playful shapes like animals, tea pots, and tea cups, making it a fun addition to your tea collection.

Tea Ball Infusers

Tea ball infusers are similar in design to mesh ball infusers, but instead of mesh, they feature small perforations. They have a clasp that snaps closed and seals the tea inside during brewing, preventing any loose tea leaves from escaping into your cup. What makes these infusers special is that they're available in different sizes and shapes.

Basket Infusers

Basket infusers are larger and more robust compared to other infusers, allowing you to brew a whole pot of tea comfortably. They come in a basket-like design, which allows the tea leaves to expand and infuse the water freely, producing more flavorful tea. It also comes with a handle that makes it easier to place into your cup, and they tend to produce less waste since they can brew larger quantities of tea at once.

In Cup Infusers

In-cup infusers fit into single cups like a mesh ball infuser, but they are usually larger, with a strainer basket attached to a long handle. These types of infusers are often designed with convenience in mind, so you don't need a separate brewing vessel or teapot to steep your tea.

Bottom-Dispensing Infusers

These types of infusers are also commonly called "tea eggs." They're made up of two halves that can be opened by twisting them apart. One half has a perforated surface where the tea can be placed, while the other half contains the ends of the chain or attached handle for easy retrieval. Once closed, the tea can be steeped in a cup or teapot, with the bottom of the infuser acting as a dispenser, allowing the tea to filter through the small openings and into your cup.

Floating Infusers

Floating infusers are a newer type of infuser that has become increasingly popular lately. These infusers are placed inside your kettle, with the tea leaves swimming freely, hence its name. The infuser should ideally stand in the middle of the water and not touch the edges of the kettle.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of infuser for your own specific needs will depend on your tea drinking habits and personal preferences. Regardless of which style you choose, infusers are an essential tool for brewing tealeaves, and they can make the process a lot more enjoyable.

Investing in a high-quality infuser, whether it be a traditional mesh ball or a more modern silicon style, will help you get the most out of your tea experience. So the next time you want to enjoy a cup of loose leaf tea, consider trying out one of these infuser styles to see which one you prefer!