Enjoy your favorite tea with the Finum Reusable Stainless Steel Coffee and Tea Mesh Brewing Basket.
Adria Valdes Greenhauff has written for numerous publications including Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Allrecipes. Half A Teaspoon
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Tea is a beverage that requires both time and preparation to enjoy. While you may have your own personal way to prep the drink, a tea infuser is a must-have item that’ll come in handy for any regular tea drinker.
“The process of making tea should be beautiful, a moment for mindfulness and self-care, and using a tea infuser can add depth to the experience of preparing your pot or cup,” says Steve Schwartz, founder, CEO, and master tea blender of Art of Tea.
To find the best tea infusers, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind each style’s capacity, material, and care. We also consulted Schwartz for additional insight.
Here are the best tea infusers.
The handle won’t get too hot, which makes it easier to use. Plus, the lid can double as a drip tray when you’re done brewing.
The diffuser is sold individually, which may not be ideal for larger households.
Overall, the best tea infuser is this option from Finum. The reusable filter is easy to use and is effective at holding loose tea leaves together while they steep in hot water.
This tea infuser is constructed from a combination of durable stainless steel micro mesh encased in a heat-resistant BPA-free plastic frame. The infuser itself is suited for common mug sizes, so you’ll be able to easily use it every day.
Part of what makes this pick one of the best tea infusers is the heat-resistant frame. Unlike some other options, you won’t have to worry about burning your hands when removing the tea infuser from your mug.
The unit also comes with a removable lid, which is ideal for those brews that require a little extra time to steep. The lid allows the tea to stay warmer a bit longer and can even be flipped over to double as a drip tray.
Price at time of publish: $21
Product Details: Material: Plastic, stainless steel | Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
Its minimal design can double as a decorative piece in your kitchen.
It’s not designed to use on the stovetop, so you’ll have to boil water and pour it in.
If you want to invest a bit, the best tea infuser is this design by Menu. The teapot features a minimal, glass design you won’t mind keeping on your countertop.
The teapot is made of heat-resistant glass and features an egg-like piece in the middle that allows you to diffuse your favorite tea blend. When your tea is done brewing, all you have to do is raise it by the silicone string and remove it.
The 25-ounce teapot is able to brew one to two cups of tea. Keep in mind that this pick is not safe to heat up on the stovetop, however, so you’ll have to boil water and pour it in.
Price at time of publish: $85
Product Details: Material: Glass, stainless steel, plastic, silicone | Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
The lid serves as a built-in coaster.
It’s more expensive than some other options.
Tea infuser mugs, like this Teabloom style, allow you to seamlessly brew a single cup of tea in an all-in-one system. Whether you want to lounge with a cup of tea or leave it on your desk while you work, this pick is the best tea infuser to consider.
The Teabloom Venice Mug is made from Borosilicate glass, a durable and heat-resistant material. Its double-wall design uses an air-pressure relief hole at the bottom of the mug that makes it shock-resistant as well. That means you can take it from the refrigerator to the microwave to the dishwasher without worrying about the glass cracking or shattering.
Although this pick may be a bit more expensive than some other infusers, the 15-ounce capacity gives you enough for a generous pour without having to brew a whole pot. This mug also comes with a lid, which you can even use as a coaster.
Price at time of publish: $24
Product Details: Material: Borosilicate glass, stainless steel | Care Instructions: Dishwasher Safe
The extra wide handle and non-drip spout make this teapot very comfortable to use.
You’ll need to keep it on your stovetop or have enough room to store it.
For days when one cup of tea just is not enough, this pick by Teabloom is the best tea infuser solution. Like the brand’s single-serve tea mug, this tea infuser pot is made of durable non-porous borosilicate glass that is resistant to heat, stains, and odors.
Both the teapot and accompanying clear infuser are lightweight and easy to maneuver. The extra wide handle and non-drip spout make this teapot very comfortable to use. It is also safe to use on both the stovetop and the microwave.
The dishwasher-safe teapot features a classic design with simple, clean lines that will fit into any kitchen aesthetic, so you can keep it on your stovetop if you don’t have room to store it. The 40-ounce capacity is also a plus, allowing you to brew up to five cups of tea at a time. It even makes for a thoughtful gift.
Price at time of publish: $25
Product Details: Material: Borosilicate glass | Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
You can choose the appropriate water temperature for the specific type of tea you’re making.
It’s larger than other styles, so you’ll either need storage space or leave it on your countertop. It’s also not dishwasher safe.
This tea kettle is the best tea infuser if you prefer a more advanced option. In addition to heating up water quicker than a stovetop kettle, you’ll be able to choose the specific water temperature needed for different types of tea. Plus, there’s a removable stainless steel tea infuser basket that’s easy to use.
Its user-friendly design includes pre-programmed temperature settings for different types of tea, including oolong, green, black/herbal, and white, as well as a general boil setting. There is also an automatic keep-warm function that will continue to keep your team at a comfortable temperature for 60 minutes before automatically shutting off. However, you also have the option of turning off the unit manually if you need to.
The pot, which can hold up to 40 ounces of liquid, is constructed from durable Duran glass, while the infuser is made of high-quality stainless steel.
This style is larger than other options, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough space to store it or leave it on your countertop. It’s also not dishwasher safe, unlike some other picks.
Price at time of publish: $110
Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Care Instructions: Hand wash only
A twisting handle self-scoops wet tea leaves from the ball infuser, making clean-up a breeze.
It works best with larger tea leaves.
This tea ball infuser features a generous scoop head with a twisting feature, making it easy to scoop up substantial amounts of loose tea leaves. The long stainless steel neck fits seamlessly into most cups and mugs and can even rest on the side of the mug to allow for extra-long steeping.
You’re sure to appreciate the non-slip grip on the handle, which makes it comfortable to stir. Part of what makes it one of the best tea infusers, however, is a simple twist to the bottom of the handle after use to self-scoop all the wet tea leaves from the tea ball. This makes cleanup fast and mess-free.
This tea infuser is dishwasher safe, so you’ll be able to keep it in good condition. Keep in mind the tea infuser works best with larger, whole tea leaves. Otherwise, if you have a tea blend with smaller leaves or mixed-in herbs, you might find some of the contents slipping out of the infuser into your tea.
Price at time of publish: $12
Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
It’s safe to use on a stovetop, so you won’t have to boil water separately.
This teapot only brews three to four cups at a time, so it’s not ideal if you’re entertaining a large group.
This Vahdam teapot is the best tea infuser if you prefer a glass option. It is made from durable borosilicate glass that’s durable, as well as safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher and on the stovetop. Plus, it’s lightweight, making it easy to take from the kitchen to your favorite tea-drinking spot in the house.
The removable stainless steel mesh infuser features laser-cut holes that prevent even the smallest particles from escaping. You’ll also appreciate the no-drip spout, which helps prevent the tea from dripping onto your tables or countertops.
This glass teapot can produce three to four cups, which is worth keeping in mind especially if you plan to use it for entertaining a larger group.
Price at time of publish: $20
Product Details: Material: Borosilicate glass | Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
It is versatile and can be used to make tea, coffee, and fruit water.
Due to the type of mesh, brewing tea may take more time than usual to brew, compared to other infusers.
If you like to take your tea on the go, the best tea infuse is this tumbler by Tea Bloom. The tumbler features a two-way stainless-steel filter that can brew hot and cold tea, as well as fruit-infused water and cold-brew coffee.
The tumbler features a premium stainless-steel interior and brushed metallic exterior that is resistant to stains, odors, and corrosion. You’ll also appreciate the slim-line design that fits into all standard car cup holders. It’s offered in five colors: rose gold, navy blue, red, black, or white.
Just keep in mind that because of the particular type of mesh of the infuser insert, tea may take longer than usual to brew.
Price at time of publish: $26
Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
It sits on the edge of your mug, so it’s easy to remove with each use.
It may be bulkier than other options, so you’ll need room in a storage drawer for it.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique gift for a tea lover in your life, the best tea infuser is this novelty style. This charming tea infuser is shaped like an adorable sloth and made from food-safe, BPA-free silicone. It’s also dishwasher and microwave safe.
This novelty tea infuser comes apart in two pieces. To use it, simply fill your favorite loose-leaf tea into the bottle of the sloth, and connect the two pieces together. Then hang on the rim of your cup to let the tea brew. Whenever the tea is done steeping, it’s easy to remove from the cup.
If the sloth isn’t quite your style, there are a variety of other cute animal designs to choose from, including a bunny, a hedgehog, a llama, and a koala. Keep in mind that this pick may be a bit bulkier than some other styles, so be sure you have enough space for it.
Price at time of publish: $13
Product Details: Material: Silicone | Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
Filter paper is resistant to high temperatures, allowing the tea to seep through quickly for stronger intensity.
Although they’re biodegradable, they’re single-use, so you’ll have to buy new packs every now and then.
A tea infuser bag, like this pick from Tinker, gives you the convenience of a disposable tea bag without being damaging to the environment. The tea filter bag is made of natural wood pulp filter paper, which is biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than standard tea bags.
To fill the bags, simply scoop in your desired loose-leaf tea and close using the attached drawstring. The bags are on the fragile side, so you’ll want to handle them with care to prevent tearing. Although they’re environmentally-friendly they are still single-use, so keep in mind that if you drink tea often you’ll have to re-stock every now and then.
What’s more, the filter paper is effective at brewing tea. It features strong penetration and is resistant to high temperatures, letting the tea seep through easily and quickly, resulting in a stronger, more flavorful tea.
Price at time of publish: $7
Product Details: Material: Wood | Care Instructions: Disposable
Overall, the best tea infuser is the Finum Stainless Steel Brewing Basket. In addition to having a durable build, it features a removable lid that doubles as a drip tray.
When choosing the best tea infuser, the material is a key detail to keep in mind. Tea infusers are most commonly made of stainless-steel mesh or silicone since these materials are heat resistant. Tea mugs or teapots with built-in infusers might include a stainless-steel infuser insert and a vessel made of glass, stainless steel, or ceramic.
Stainless steel and silicone tea infusers are dishwasher safe. However, you’ll want to look at the instructions for other infuser set components, like mugs or electric kettles, as these might have hand-wash specifications.
Using a tea infuser is a simple process. First, measure out your desired amount of dry tea leaves. Pour them into the tea infuser canister, and steep them in hot water. The steeping time will vary, depending on your specific tea and preferences.
“You'll want to make sure there is plenty of breathing room for the leaves, and then factor in the oxidation and leaf style to ensure proper steeping time,” Schwartz says. “[Making tea] should be a ritual; a moment of time to take for yourself.”
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all measure of time for steeping your tea, though you should expect it to take a few minutes.
“White and greens like lighter steep times and lower temperatures due to lack of oxidation and minimal process. While oolongs and black teas prefer longer steep times and higher temperatures due to their higher level of oxidation and heating exposure,” says Schwartz. “It gets pretty specific in terms of each tea, but don't be afraid to mess up a bit and play a bit with steep times and temperatures to see what may be right for you.” Also, keep in mind that brewing times will be different if you're making a cold brew infusion with an ice tea maker.
Simply put your tea leaves directly into a cup of hot water, allow it to steep, and drink when ready. This can be a fun process if you enjoy reading your tea leaves. You can also choose to strain your leaves with a loose-leaf tea strainer.
This article was written by Adria Greenhauff, who has been writing about food and lifestyle topics for over a decade. To come up with this list, she researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind material and care instructions. She also interviewed Steve Schwartz, founder, CEO, and master tea blender at Art of Tea.
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