15 January, 2022 | Bon Tea Cafe Updated 2022
6 Best Tea Strainer For Brewing Your Delicious Loose-Leaf Tea
Many tea lovers prefer loose leaves to pre-bagged teas. Tea leaves require space to properly expand and develop their flavor, which is impossible to do in those confined bags. That's where a tea strainer comes in.
Also, while retail bagged teas make brewing simple, they're generally created from dusty fragments of broken tea leaves that have lost most of their oils and flavor. So a loose-leaf pretty much becomes the logical choice.
When you want a good cup of tea, a loose leaf tea is always suggested. However, tea lovers have started exploring alternatives after hearing that tea bags contain plastic. Using loose leaf tea is the best way to steep tea without leaving any plastic behind.
This may appear daunting initially, but you only need one additional gadget for steeping: a reusable tea strainer.
We'll explore various strainers you can use to brew delicious loose-leaf tea. With that said, let's begin.
What Is A Tea Strainer?
A tea strainer is a type of strainer that's used to gather loose tea leaves and is immersed or placed over a mug or teacup. Sterling silver and stainless steel are the most common materials for making tea strainers.
A tea strainer sometimes comes with a small tray or saucer that can be used to place the strainer in between cups of tea.
Tea strainers are used to:
- keep loose tea leaves together,
- Allows you to choose how long your tea steeps, and
- Extract the flavor and properties of loose tea leaves.
Top 6 Tea Strainers For Making Delicious Tea
1. HIC Loose Tea Strainer
The HIC infuser is a straightforward infuser that gets the job done. The design allows the tea leaves to flow freely and evenly spread the taste. You can use it in a teapot, including a tea mug. The infuser's chain hooks inside the teacup, allowing it to be conveniently placed in and removed from the cup.
A hinge in the center makes it simple to open and close. Because the tea leaves expand when steeped, don't overfill them, or the hinge will break. It's composed of stainless steel and is dishwasher safe, so it should last long.
Pros
- Dishwasher and stainless steel safe
- The chain makes the strainer simple to remove from boiling water
- Large area for leaf circulation
Cons
- If it's overflowing with loose tea leaves, it can burst.
2. Nkuku Brass Tea Strainer
Nkuku's tea strainer has a vintage look, handcrafted from brass with a classic gold finish. It's also practical, fitting well into a broad teacup and a standard mug. Two rounded hook arms keep it from slipping while pouring.
The strainer comes with a bowl underneath it to catch any spills. Both pieces are well-made. You can even use the bowl as a candle holder on your table.
Pros
- Antique-style design
- A brand with a long-term track record
- Plastic-free packaging, for the most part
Cons
- The strainer may tarnish with time.
3. Mr & Mrs Tea Strainer (Sue Pryke)
This tea strainer is unique. Despite its simplicity, it manages to be eye-catching. It'd be a lovely present for anyone who enjoys simple, appealing ceramic.
The strainer is slip-cast and punctured before the clay is entirely dry and includes two smooth handles with rounded edges. The clay has been polished, resulting in a piece of smooth equipment to the touch.
This strainer comes in plastic-free packaging, which is good for the environment. Although some small parts of the fine rooibos blend escape, the larger jasmine strands are expertly handled. Also, it's easy to clean in hot water.
Pros
- Design is elegant and straightforward.
- Handles are wide enough to fit any cup or mug.
- Dishwasher-friendly
- Handcrafted in the United Kingdom
Cons
- Highly brittle than metal alternatives
- The pricing is high.
4. Homestia Cocktail And Tea Strainer
If you're going to buy a tea strainer, select one that can serve multiple purposes. Homestia's is perfect for both, as it can separate the pulp from cocktails and the tea leaves.
Just put it on top of your cup, and the water will run pure. However, remember that it isn't one-size-fits-all and may be too tiny for some cups.
5. Steller Tea Strainers
This strainer is a great stainless steel strainer that's high quality and is meant for everyday usage. Its cup and handle have an elegant mirror polish finish, and it's argon welded for durability.
When you make a cup of rooibos tea from a full teapot, it's almost entirely free from leaves. The mesh-bowl insert can sometimes poke through the seal with this type of strainer. But this strainer is different. Every join is of the highest quality.
Pros
- Stainless steel is a durable material.
- The strainer is dishwasher-safe.
- Exceptional lifetime warranty
Cons
- The strainer can be costly.
6. Chefast Tea Strainer Basket Set
This Chefast set is quite expensive, but what you get is the highest value.
Of course, this assumes you can use all four components. In addition, one large strainer is included for teapots, two little strainers are included for individual mugs, and a tea scoop with a bag clip is included.
This kit includes everything you'll need to make tea for yourself or others. The addition of the scoop is a lovely touch.
All of the pieces are constructed of 304 stainless steel, the highest grade available. They can be washed in the dishwasher, but they can also be cleaned by running cold water over them.
They come in an elegant box, making them an ideal present on a special occasion. These strainers also come with a one-year warranty.
What To Know Before Buying A Tea Strainer
Tea Leaves Size
As you pour your tea, suitable strainers help sort out various sizes or smaller leaves particles. However, if you use a lot of substantial tea leaves, the strainer may clog and overflow.
Choose a fine mesh strainer if you usually use teas with tiny particles.
Type Of Tea
Tea strainers are good for teas that require less steeping time but might become bitter if over-extracted. White and green teas, for example, provide a superior cup at lower temperatures and in less time.
Level Of Experience
If you're a beginner, you'll find strainers to be a simple instrument. And tea enthusiasts of all kinds will find them to be a handy kitchen staple. Even easier than using an infuser, hold the strainer over your teacup and pour your tea through it.
If you're making tea in a teapot, pour it straight into your strainer. If you're going to strain loose leaf tea, do it first before you pour the water.
Final Thoughts
There's nothing wrong with buying pre-bagged tea because it's handy and economical. However, a loose leaf tea is a way to go if you want a great flavor and less packaging waste. All you need is a tea strainer to make fresh, cold, or hot tea at any time. These loose tea strainers are a great alternative if you already have a favorite teapot or mug but don't have a strainer. They are relatively low-cost and can be used with any container. Of course, some strainers are a bit costly. But they come with great value, so you don't lose!