So what’s the big deal…why not just use a tea bag and be done with it?! You could and that would be completely fine. But if you were wanting to learn how to brew tea with loose leaves and you’re just not sure how to go about it, this post will help you start out. In this post, I will talk about the critical piece of equipment that you will need to have for brewing loose leaf tea and that is an infuser! Based on my experience, here is some information on tea infusers and guides on how to choose one.
What is an infuser? By definition, a tea infuser is a device in which loose dried tea leaves are placed for steeping or brewing a cup or pot of tea. The popularity of the infuser is noted in the first half of the 19th century. Early on, the tea strainer was the only option leaving stray leaves in the tea. The tea ball was one of the first infusers and became an integral part of tea preparation. Today, an infuser is still the choice of loose leaf tea enthusiasts but has taken on many different shapes since its earlier days.
To use an infuser, you place your tea into the infuser and submerge it in hot water, allowing the tea to infuse or steep into a delicious cup of tea!
There are many types and styles to choose from, so its important to choose the right infuser for the right cup or right pot.
- The infuser you choose needs to give your tea enough room to steep. The tea leaves will expand during the steeping process and if there is not enough room, the brew will not be correct. You will want to keep this in mind when selecting the style of infuser you want to use.
- You should only fill the infuser half with your tea leaves, so it needs to accommodate this expansion.
- It should also be easy to use – fitting into either the cup or the pot.
- And last but not least, it should be easy for you to clean.
Let’s go through some of them and I will share some pros and cons and what has worked best for me.
Single Cup Infusers
I call this section Single Cup Infusers because I use them mainly to steep a single cup of tea. Hear is some detail on each one. And remember, your tea needs to have enough room to be bathed by the hot water and expand. When steeping a single cup of tea, you want 1 tsp of loose leaf tea per 6 ounce cup (normal size for a teacup). These infusers can hold 1 tsp of loose leaf tea and allow for reasonable blooming of the tea when using it for a single cup.
This is a Ball Infuser. You place 1 tsp of loose leaf tea in one side of the infuser, close and lock the ball, and place it in your cup. The chain allows you to secure it and lift it out of your teacup when its time. I don’t use this infuser for a pot of tea because it doesn’t fit enough tea for a full pot and also doesn’t allow enough room for the tea to expand.
The next two types of infusers are referred to as Tea Sticks. They have a long handle with the infuser on the end. You squeeze the handle to open the infuser and load your 1 tsp of tea, close the infuser and place it in your cup. These can be a challenge to clean but are great for a loose leaf cup of tea on the go!
Tea Stick with Ball Style Infuser 
Tea Stick with Spoon Style Infuser
The next infuser is similar to the ball infuser and is sometimes called the Egg Infuser because of its shape. You place your tea leaves in the bottom and then secure the cap. As with the Ball Infuser, you can hang this infuser in your cup or pot and remove it by its chain. This infuser is not quite enough for a full pot of tea and is a bit clumsy for a cup of tea. These are also a challenge to clean as well but it is another option for you.
Tea Strainers
This next type is a Tea Strainer. This strainer would be used when brewing a pot of tea. The loose leaf tea is placed in the bottom of your teapot and then your boiling water is poured into the pot to begin the steeping. To serve, you place the strainer on the cup, pour the hot tea through the strainer and any leaves are caught in the strainer or remain in the pot. Though I am charmed by how they look in the cup, I do not personally use tea strainers often or at all. Once you pour a cup out of the pot, the leaves remain in the pot and continue to steep making the tea very strong and sometimes bitter. So this is not my preference.
Tea Strainer 
Tea Strainer in Teacup
Tea Filters
I am however a big fan of using paper Tea Filters. These are fine paper bags that you fill with your loose leaf tea and then simply brew with them and then discard when done. They allow for perfect expansion of the tea and steeping through the paper material. There are several different products available. I am showing you the brand that I have used for years.
These are called T-Sac Tea Filters and are a fine mesh paper. They come in several sizes – I always have them on hand.
The largest size is best for a large teapot. I use this size when I serve tea for guests or family. I also use this for an afternoon tea where I will be serving several pots of tea. I take the largest size and make up several bags to be ready for steeping several pots at one time. The middle size is perfect for a smaller pot of tea which holds 3-4 cups. And if I want just a cup for myself, I will use the small size and have that perfect cup of tea. I also use this size to prepare several small size tea bags ahead of time so I can gift them to friends.
Here is how you use them – you simply put the desired amount of tea in the bag and secure it. Remember, 1 tsp of loose leaf per cup. I use a little clothespin or a business clip to close the bag. I have also just stapled them shut when I am preparing several in a row. Securing the top ensures that none of the leaves will come out if the bag inadvertently falls into the teacup or teapot.
Once you have filled your tea bag, simply lay it in your cup or tuck it into the teapot and hang it over the side. Pour in your water and allow the steeping to commence. Once done, remove and just throw away. These are that simple. But don’t squeeze the bag (or any tea bag for that matter), it leaves tea dust in your cup and that doesn’t taste good!
Tea Infuser Baskets
Tea Infuser Baskets or Tea Brewing Baskets are my favorite way to steep a full pot of tea. A Tea Infuser Basket is a stainless steel mesh basket that is inserted into the tea pot. You put your tea in the basket and pour your water in, allowing the tea to steep. When ready, just remove the basket and discard the tea leaves. You can easily clean the basket – toss it in the dishwasher and use it over and over again. These are very durable. The basket allows the tea to fully expand and appropriately steeps.
I have two sizes that I am fond of and always have them ready for that pot of tea.
Above you can see two different sizes of tea pot openings. They each have hold the same amount of tea but would need different size of a Tea Basket Infuser.
Tea Infusers have taken on some creative styles. Here are some that are fun and very functional.
To Summarize…
Choosing a tea infuser depends on your preference and what amount of tea you are trying to steep. You have many options. Here are some guides to help you along the way –
- The infuser you choose needs to give your tea enough room to steep. The tea leaves will expand during the steeping process and if there is not enough room, the brew will not be correct. You will want to keep this in mind when selecting the style of infuser you want to use.
- You should only fill the infuser half with your tea leaves, so it needs to accommodate this expansion.
- It should also be easy to use – fitting into either the cup or the pot.
- And last but not least, it should be easy for you to clean.
There are several options for the single cup. My ultimate preference for the single cup would be either the Tea Stick with Ball or the Tea Filter. For steeping a tea pot, it would definitely be the Tea Infuser Basket for either small or large teapot. For large groups, I would go for the Tea Filter large size and make them ahead.
Please say “yes” to brewing with loose leaf tea. It’s the best cup of tea you will ever have. So now that you’re ready to brew that perfect cup of tea….put the water on, grab your tea and your infuser, pick out a special cup….and don’t forget the scones!
Served with Currant Scone and Strawberry Cream Scone
The tea pictured here is Monks Grenadine Black Tea from New Mexico Tea Company https://www.nmteaco.com/
Check out these other posts from Teas The Season on Tea Tasting – Tea Tastings – An Adventure in Teas https://teastheseason3.com/tea-tastings-an-adventure-in-teas/ and Tea Tastings 2 – The Adventure Continues https://teastheseason3.com/tea-tasting-2-the-adventure-continues/
The following products were used in the preparation of this post
This post contains affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you Look through the products and enjoy!
72 Comments
Cindy
I had no idea the choice was so important. I just grabbed whichever one was moderately priced and did the trick.
Beth
Hi Cindy – hope this was helpful. Thanks!
Tiffany
Not gonna lie – I had no idea about the expansion part. Might have to try again with our infusers cause I use loose tea all the time!
Beth
Hi Tiffany – hope that you find a difference. I know that I have. Enjoy!
Liz
I have a spoon tea infuser that I use with my loose teas when I have them. I enjoy the pure flavor I get with it!
Beth
Hi Liz – thanks for your comments and glad that you enjoy the infuser and loose leaf tea.
Debbie
Great info! So many options!
Beth
Hi Debbie – Glad that you informed the information. Hope you found it helpful. Thanks for your comment.
jen
What a useful article! Something to have on hand in every tea shoppe!
Beth
Hi Jen – Thanks so much and glad that you enjoyed the information. Enjoy your tea!
Holly
I have always used the strainers, but I really like the baskets, I am going to give them a try! Thank you for the great tips!!
Beth
Hi Holly – yes try the baskets. I love them and they will last forever! Thanks for your comments and enjoy!
Angela | Mean Green Chef
You are giving me such an appreciation for tea and all of the traditions and fun accessories that go hand in hand with enjoying a cup. Thank you 🙂
Beth
Hi Angela – what great feedback. Thank you so much. Glad that you enjoyed the information. Hope you give it a try! Thanks.
Christina Siwik
I have a decider bottle that I use and love it. After the tea is ready I empty the decider and refrigerate for my cold tea.
Beth
Hi Christina – thanks for sharing how you prepare your tea. I love cold tea..well I love hot tea and just about any tea!
Lisa
Great advice! Looks like a great technique.
Beth
Hi Lisa – thanks for your feedback. Glad that you enjoyed the information.
Tricia Snow
I love my teapot that has a built-in diffuser but i can not take it with my comfortably. I always feel like with paper I am losing some of the oils from the tea. Thanks for the tips!
Beth
Hi Tricia – thanks for your comments. Really appreciate hearing how you prepare your tea. Glad that you enjoy having tea. Thanks.
jody
I actually was wondering how to do this for the summer. Thank you for sharing .
Beth
Hi Jody – So glad that you found the information helpful. I will brew a pot and ice it for some fun different iced teas. Enjoy!
Ramae Hamrin
I love tea infusers and have many of these. My favorite are the baskets, even for a single cup. 😊
Beth
Hi Ramae – I love the baskets, as you could tell. They last forever and they just work well for me. Sounds like they do for you as well. Thanks for your comments and glad that you enjoyed the information. Thanks!
Stacey Billingsley
This was really informative! I happen to have a teacup that I got at Colonial Williamsburg that has the strainer, but I have never used an infuser. So many options! And so many are cute! I need to experiment.
Beth
Hi Stacey – Sweet to hear that you have a teacup – love that. Glad that you enjoyed the information. Well just try some and see what you like – a lot of this is about preference. Thanks for your comments!
Sandi
They’re great. I also use mine to hold mulling spices for my mulled cider.
Beth
Hi Sandi – Thanks for your comments. Yes, there are alot of things you can do with them – the mulling spices is a great one! Glad that you enjoyed the information.
Jennifer
An interesting tip about not squeezing any teabag. I hadn’t heard that one.
Beth
Hi Jennifer – thanks for your comments. Appreciate it. Yes, that has been around for some time – you always see people squeezing or twisting the tea bag around a spoon. What it does is releases tea dust in your brew and can make your tea bitter. We have all done it – so no tea snobbery here so just information. So no more squeezing! Ha. Thanks
Eva
Wow! I have three infusers and never knew the differences, so this post is very helpful! I also never knew how much tea leaves to use for one cup. I miss German tea and my friend who is still living over there recently sent me a care package. I asked for cherry tea. She she sent some along with several other types, all of which are loose. Needless to say, I’m especially thankful for this post; it came at a great time for me to use what I’ve learned. 🙂
Beth
Hi Eva – thanks so much for your comments. How very sweet of you. How fun to get a care package from a friend and full of teas – well so special. Let me recommend for you a favorite of mine – Monk’s Black Tea with Grenadine. When you drink it, you get this delightful but gentle taste of Grenadine. Love it. So glad that you enjoyed the information. Enjoy your gift of tea! Thanks again.
Barbara
Great info on all the different tea strainers/infusers. I use the paper bags, no fuss no muss, but
think I will try some infusers. You answered some questions and did a great job explaining all the
different tea strainer and infusers.
Beth
Hi Barb – thanks for your comments. Glad that you found the information helpful. Yes, a big fan of the tea filters for sure. Thanks!
Debbi H
Very informative! I’m not a tea drinker, but my sister-in-law is and you’ve given me some great gift ideas for her. Thank you!
Beth
Hi Debbi – glad that you found it informative and that you can pass it on. You can also use the tea filters for mulling spices if you are not a tea drinker (another reader shared that with me so passing it on as well!). Enjoy.
judean
I really like tea but it always dries me out. I drink it without any added flavors. I have an infuser and a strainer but I have had to cut back on tea because it dehydrates me.
Beth
Hi Judean – Sorry to hear that it dehydrates you but yes, it has those properties for sure at times and depending on the type of tea you are drinking. Thanks for your comments.
Sydney Delong
Wow, this is great information! I personally would want to use the manatee infuser, it’s so cute!! LOL
Beth
Hi Sydney – yes, so many cute ones for sure. Glad that you enjoyed the information. Thanks for your comments!
KENDRA
I love loose-leaf tea! This is such a great post with lots of great options! I love the cute little animal infusers! Adorable!
Beth
Hi Kendra – Thanks for your comments. Yes, they are cute for sure and lots of options. They just make you smile. Glad that you found the information helpful.
Jason Gowin
What an interesting read! I never had any idea that a lot of this was even a thing. After growing up in an almost strictly coffee household and only getting a cup of warm tea when sick, this was very informative.
Beth
Hi Jason – thanks for your comments. I grew up in both a tea and coffee household and honestly, drink both. Tea can be so enjoyable. Hope you try some when you are not sick – but its very good then too. Glad that you enjoyed the post. Who knew right?
SUzan | It’s My Sustainable Life
Typically I use the ball tea stained. Thanks for all your wonderful tips on how to use the options!
Beth
Hi SUzan – thanks for your comments. The ball tea strainer is tried and true and one of the earliest versions. Glad that you enjoyed the information. Thanks.
Adrienne
This is super helpful. I never know what anything is for and what is best to have!
Beth
Hi Adrienne – Thanks for your comments. Yes, always helpful to understand how to use some of all this stuff. Though I am one to step outside the box for sure, sometimes the right tool for the right job as they say – yields a great outcome. Works here as well. Thanks!
Noelle
I didn’t realize that there are so many different kinds of tea infusers and supplies! The animal ones are really cute!
Beth
Hi Noelle – yes the animal ones are adorable. And so many types as well. Thanks for your comments and happy brewing!
heather J jandrue
I never knew about the expansion part. I need to pay more attention to that when using my infuser. Thank you.
Beth
Hi Heather – Thanks for your comments and glad that you found the information helpful. Yes – I have tried the whole “how much” and it just was packed in there by the time I steeped my pot of tea. So learned the hard way for sure. In addition to the brew not being at its best, it as not easy to clean out. Some good and simple lessons. Thanks!
vanessa
Beth, you are a wealth of information on all things Tea. I love those tea baskets and the tea infuser pots. Now I simply must have one of each in my life.
Beth
Hi Vanessa – you are very sweet and thank you for the compliment (though I wouldn’t consider myself an expert – just a lover of tea). Yes, the baskets are my favorites I must admit. They last forever. Enjoy and thank you for your comments!
Stephanie
I never knew there were so many options. Kind of crazy.
Beth
Hi Stephanie – Thanks for your comments. Like anything in life, if its around long enough there will be options right? Its fun to look at them and understand how they work. More good lessons. Thanks!
Tonya | the Writer Mom
Lots of great info here! I’ll have to get an infuser for my husband, since he’s a tea lover.
Beth
Hi Tonya – Thanks for your comments. Yes, get your husband a nice infuser and begin experimenting with some great teas. There are amazing ones out there. Glad that you enjoyed the information. Have fun!
Diane Kurzava
We have a specialty store close to us that sells tea leaves and I am often overwhelmed by the choices. I want them all! We generally pick 4-5 different ones each time we go. Infused tea is the only way to go!
Beth
Hi Diane – Thanks for sharing your tea adventures. I know it can be overwhelming but so fun. Will frequently pick new ones just for the purpose of exploring and have a little tasting. And yes, infused is the best. Thanks for your comments.
Michele
Wow! I had not idea there were so many options. Good to know!
Beth
Hi Michelle – Well, the choices hopefully help. Glad that you enjoyed the information. Have fun and try some loose leaf tea with an infuser. Its the best. Thanks
Cindy
I have all of those except the tea filters! I want to try those. They look perfect whether brewing a pot of tea or a cup.
Beth
Hi Cindy – yes, the tea filters are great to have on hand. You can even use them for mulling spices (a great reminder from another reader). Thanks!
Lisa
What a great way to save on waste.
Beth
Hi Lisa – Thanks for your comments. Yes…its very friendly that way.
Annette Durbin
Great resource!!! I’ve been drinking lots of tea these days. Now I need to make my own! Thanks!
Beth
Hi Annette – thanks for much and glad that you enjoyed the post. I am sipping on some great Georgia Peach Rooibos right now – you will love making your own. Thanks and enjoy!
Hina
For those of us who love tea, this is a fantastic time to be alive! From indulging in the traditions of tea-straining to the simplicity of a tea bag, the ancient art of tea-drinking provides ample opportunities to customise the experience
Beth
Hi Hina – Thanks for your comments and glad that you enjoyed the post. Yes, drinking tea is delightful for sure.
reviewunbox
Good One, You really did a fantastic job, Thanks for so much info
Great article . Extremely helpful .
Beth
Hi reviewunbox – Thanks for your comment and glad you enjoyed the article.