Utensils & kitchen tools · Strainer
Tea infuser / strainer
A small mesh basket, ball or strainer that holds loose tea leaves in hot water and lifts out cleanly.
Useful to have · No power needed · 2 recipes
Photo: Hustvedt, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
What it is
Mesh balls with a chain, spring-loaded spoons, or wide baskets that sit in the mug or teapot. Fine strainers are held over the cup while pouring. Wider baskets give leaves more room to unfurl than tight balls.
What it’s for: Brewing loose-leaf tea and herbs and separating leaves from the drink.
How to use it
- Fill the infuser no more than halfway to leave room for leaves to expand.
- Put it in a cup or teapot and pour in hot water.
- Steep for the recommended time.
- Lift out and rest on a saucer.
Good to know
- Tasks
- brewing loose tea, steeping herbs and spices, straining chai, infusing spices into stock
- Materials
- stainless steel mesh, silicone, nylon
- Care and cleaning
- Tip out leaves and rinse; scrub tannin stains with baking soda.
- Limitations
- Small balls cramp leaves; very fine tea can escape.
If you don’t have one
- French press / cafetière — Brews loose tea and filters it.
- Sieve / strainer — Strain tea after brewing.
Equipment guide
How it works: A mesh or perforated container holds tea leaves so hot water reaches them while the leaves can be lifted out to stop brewing.
| Material | Good | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Durable, non-reactive, dishwasher-safe, does not hold smells. | Can scratch non-stick pans; conducts heat, so all-metal handles get hot. |
| Silicone | Flexible, so bakes pop out; non-stick; does not rust. | Poor heat conductor, so browning is weak; floppy when full and needs a tray underneath. |
| Paper or cloth | Filters fine particles. | Single use or needs washing. |
- Infuser ball
- Small; leaves crowd.
- Basket infuser
- Room for leaves to expand.
- Strainer
- Pours over the cup.
Buying guidance
Starting out: A wide stainless basket infuser.
- Fine mesh
- Room for leaves to expand
- Lid as drip tray
No brands or prices — check current reviews before buying.
Related tools
Recipes that use it
Chamomile tea
International · 9 min · 0 kcal · Vegetarian
Rooibos tea
South African · 9 min · 0 kcal · Vegetarian