OXO Brew Tea Infuser Basket, Stainless Steel, 6 oz

Product Information

For HEAVY STAINING there is a more aggressive approach. I would define this as having an infuser that has become ‘plugged up’ with particles to the point where it now barely works. If the infuser became hot to touch: Tea leaves need to steep in hot water, of course, but that can become a problem if your infuser gets unbearably hot to touch. We made sure that wouldn't be an issue for any of the infusers we recommended. Each infuser was placed in 212-degree water for several minutes and then removed from the mug by hand (or immediately let go of) to see if it was safe to handle. Function: to keep loose-leaf tea separated by a barrier while allowing water in during the steeping process. Whether they are meant for a single cup or a full teapot, infuser baskets are a simple and efficient brewing method. Look for ones that take up as much space as possible, as this will allow the tea to diffuse evenly throughout the water. Most have handles or arms that help them rest on top of your mug, while others fully submerge into the water. Another small difference to pay attention to is if it has a lid that also functions as a drip tray, as this is an especially handy feature. Expect infuser baskets to be more expensive than tea balls but still extremely affordable. Naturally, life’s too short. We’re all guilty of putting the infuser (or strainer) on one side in our eagerness to enjoy our newly made mug of tea. But we all still know cleaning straight after use makes sense *wags finger*

We received the Stop-Infusion Travel Mug from the brand for testing purposes and found that each of the teas we brewed with it was strong and evenly diffused. The steel-and-plastic tea press, or plunger, is also extremely effective at tamping down loose tea leaves and ensuring sediment doesn't end up in any sips. The top of the tea press has a 360-degree vent that lets you drink from any side; it's a unique design that might take a moment to get used to, but sipping is smooth and drip-free. The lid needs to be removed before drinking, though, so you'll need two free hands to open it. You can even try this to remove rust from a tea strainer or simply remove the tea stain from your filter. So many options! Although, if you see signs of rust, I really would recommend replacing it. This is also an option for cleaning your mesh basket used within your teapot – integral or otherwise. Using a tea strainer allows you to add the loose leaf tea directly to your teapot, giving the leaves plenty of space to expand and infuse all their flavour and natural benefits. The type of teapot you use can also influence your brew, and we detail this on our blog. You can then place your strainer on top of you cup and use the stainless steel mesh to collect any tea leaves which come out with your infusion. Our Fancy Tea Strainer then has a drip bowl which can be used to prevent any mess once you are done serving everyone with your delicious tea. How to use a Tea Infuser?As far as its performance, the Tea Drop does not have the absolute finest infuser basket. Some small particles ended up in the mug after we tested multiple tea varieties but not to the extent that it marred the flavor or drinking experience. We were impressed by how large the infuser basket is, which is a benefit because it gives tea leaves space to evenly diffuse throughout the mug or teapot. Tea strainers or a similar small sieve may also be used by patients trying to pass a kidney stone. [2] The patient urinates through the strainer, thereby ensuring that, if a stone is passed, it will be caught for evaluation and diagnosis. But, if you’re determined to clean that old faithful plastic strainer, then I still have a few options open to you. …at least, where mild staining is involved. Making tea for yourself during a quiet moment’s reflection. Or sharing with friends across a table during Afternoon Tea is a very satisfying experience. And one not to be taken lightly.

Tea balls are the most common type of infuser, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they brew the most flavorful tea. Many are very small and may not diffuse as thoroughly as a basket infuser, for instance, so keep that in mind when searching. Tea balls are usually made from mesh stainless steel and open in half via a clasp. They are often attached to chains or handles (the latter are sometimes called “tea pincers”) to make them easier to use. Infuser eggs, an ovular and slightly larger alternative, can also be sorted into this category. Single handle tea strainers have a universal design, being that a long handle is attached to a circular basket. The most common types of single-handle strainers are either metal or bamboo. Metal Brewing baskets (or infusing baskets) resemble tea strainers, but are more typically put in the top of a teapot to keep the tea leaves contained during brewing. There is no definitive boundary between a brewing basket and a tea strainer, and the same tool might be used for both purposes.

When tea is brewed in the traditional manner in a teapot, the tea leaves are not contained in teabags; rather, they are freely suspended in the water. As the leaves themselves are not consumed with the tea, it is usual to filter them out with a tea strainer. Strainers usually fit into the top of the cup to catch the leaves as the tea is poured. Make sure you don't fill your mug to the brim, though, as the infuser will cause the water level to rise when you dunk it in for steeping. In fact, the best way to brew is by placing the infuser in an empty mug and pouring hot water directly over it. The long, flexible handle then lets you stir the infuser until the tea reaches your desired strength. If your strainer or infuser is made of plastic, then we’d simply recommend replacing it, rather than trying to clean it. Is it really worth spending even a few minutes of your life cleaning them for the sake of a dollar for a new one? After testing it ourselves, the infuser surpassed all expectations. It was one of the easiest to use and the best at retaining tea leaves. All we had to do was scoop tea into the basket, place the basket into a mug, pour hot water, and wait. The Brewing Basket is also dishwasher safe for simple post-tea cleaning. The item is available in multiple sizes and colors, and the lid functions as a drip tray for added convenience. While it leans toward the more expensive end for an infuser, we think it's reasonably priced and an excellent value for money considering the quality.

Many travel mugs today come with infusers for delicious tea on the go. The infusers themselves are typically basket style, but they are specially designed for the mug’s dimensions. The brewing process, which can be done for both hot and iced tea, is no different than standard models: simply fill the infuser, pour the water, and steep for the tea’s ideal length of time. What makes Firebelly Tea's Stop-Infusion Travel Mug so unique is that it allows users to brew delicious tea without an infuser. Instead, tea leaves steep openly inside the mug, which is much better for diffusion, and a tea press is inserted to stop the infusion process. It works more like a French press than a traditional infuser bottle, and the difference shines through in the flavor, whether you're making hot tea or iced. Another standout detail is the quality of the materials. We found the stainless steel to be hefty and durable, making the mug a trustworthy travel companion. The lid is leakproof too, so you can toss it in a bag when on the go. There are six color options, ranging from neutral tones to more vibrant options. Note that hand-washing is recommended; the tea press is easy to rinse by hand, but the mug itself requires a bottle brush to reach all nooks and crannies.If you’re in the market for a new favorite teacup that includes an infuser, consider the Tea Forte Kati Steeping Cup. It's a favorite among tea lovers thanks to its beautiful design, quality construction, and great results. Many happy customers say they either received or gave the item as a gift, so keep that in mind for the next holiday or special occasion. After seeing how pretty the item is firsthand, we agree.