The Best Tea Infusers In 2023
Tea has been around for a long time. In fact, the aromatic beverage was enjoyed in Imperial China as early as 5,000 years ago. However, it wasn't until the early 17th century that tea was brought to Europe by the Dutch. Today, tea is enjoyed around the globe, with two billion cups of the beverage consumed worldwide on a daily basis, according to the journal Nature.
While there are over one thousand different types of tea, some of the most popular varieties of the beverage include black, white, green, and oolong tea. And while many of us are more than happy using pre-packaged tea bags for our brew, there's something extra satisfying about the aromas and flavors of loose leaf tea. And there's a good reason why. According to The Refill Pantry, using an infuser to brew your tea gives it more room to expand, ensuring a more aromatic and consistent result. Loose leaf tea is also healthier since it retains more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents than bagged tea.
Whether you're a seasoned tea-lover or just starting out in the world of loose leaf tea, here is our roundup of the best tea infusers in 2023 to help you along your journey.
How we selected the products
A warming, fragrant, and delicious cup of tea begins with the right tea leaves and the right equipment. While conventional tea bags are quick and convenient, ardent tea enthusiasts swear that loose leaf tea makes a more sophisticated and nuanced brew. And when it comes to brewing your beverage, the right tea infuser can make all the difference.
From compact tea ball infusers and disposable tea infuser bags to electric kettles with infuser baskets, these devices come in all shapes and sizes. With so many choices out there, you may be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed. Not to worry, however, because we are here to help. Our quest to find the best tea infusers in 2023 has taken us to the most remote corners of the internet, where we looked at hundreds of products and just as many community and expert reviews.
During our research, we looked at a number of factors. Firstly, we took into account each infuser's design and ease of use. While smaller steepers are more portable, larger infusers tend to produce better tea since they give the leaves more room to expand. Next, we considered each steeper's functionality and whether it transfers any leaf sediment to the cup. Finally, we looked at each gadget's material, the ease of cleaning, and the value for your money.
Best overall tea infuser
Made in Germany, the Finum reusable stainless steel infuser blends quality and functionality. The infuser basket features a sturdy stainless steel micro-fine mesh filter to prevent any sediment from ending up in your cup of tea. Plus, it comes with a handy lid that doubles as a drip-off tray, as well as a hole for hanging storage. The stainless steel infusing basket is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
The World of Tea Infusers calls this Finum product one of the best tea infusers on the market. More specifically, the platform highlights that the gadget is roomy enough to brew large tea leaves, pointing out that space for the leaves to open up during the brewing process is the key to great tea.
The Finum reusable stainless steel infusing basket has been a hit with Amazon shoppers, who have awarded it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. One happy reviewer raves about the gadget, saying, "Not a single tea leaf has leaked out since I started using it! It's a good size, can hold a lot of loose tea and the flavor is great. And very easy to clean. Also, has a handy little cap you can place the infuser on or use to keep [the tea] warm."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Finum reusable stainless steel infuser from Amazon starting at $19.89.
Best budget tea infuser
At around $6, a pack of three JEXCULL snap ball tea strainers is an absolute bargain. Made from rust-proof stainless steel, the infusers are fine enough to steep different types of loose tea leaves. Plus, they are very easy to use — simply apply slight pressure to the long handle to open the filtration ball and release it to close. And at the end of the day, the infusers can be popped in the dishwasher for convenient cleaning.
The JEXCULL snap ball tea strainers have received 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 2,800 Amazon shoppers, indicating that buyers are generally happy with the product. One buyer praises the tea strainer set, saying, "I like that this is a three pack so I can have more than one cup of tea steeping at a time. Works great for loose leaf tea. Easy to clean." On the downside, some buyers complain that the strainer holes aren't small enough to filter fine ground tea leaves.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the JEXCULL snap ball tea strainers from Amazon starting at $5.99.
Best glass tea infuser
Crafted from chemical-free borosilicate glass, the Teabloom universal glass tea infuser basket is suitable for mugs, cups, and even pots. The infuser features laser-cut slits so you can confidently make tea from both large and small tea leaves. It also comes with a lid that functions as a convenient drip tray when flipped over. And since the strainer is made from glass, it doesn't absorb odors like some other materials. Last but not least, the Teabloom universal glass tea infuser is stovetop- and microwave-friendly and can be popped in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Standing testament to its quality, the Teabloom universal glass tea infuser basket has received an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from Amazon buyers. One shopper says that the infuser works well and is easy to clean, adding, "This is my fifth strainer to date and [I] finally got one that works. Fits into my large teapot. Minimal tea leaks through and glass cleans [easily] so no residue. The handy top is great if you want to set it to drain or reuse tea leaves." This being said, some reviewers complain that the strainer's slits let particles through into the tea. One shopper elaborates, saying, "[The particles] were small, but the stainless steel mesh [infuser] I currently have doesn't do that, so I'll be sticking with that."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Teabloom universal glass tea infuser basket from Amazon starting at $15.95.
Best mug tea infuser
Just like its name suggests, the Sweese porcelain tea mug with an infuser combines a mug and an infuser basket for maximum convenience. Available in a range of colors, the 15-ounce porcelain mug comes with a lid and a cool-touch handle. Meanwhile, the stainless steel strainer comes with extra small holes yet is large enough to accommodate a variety of tea leaves. Better still, the infuser is freezer-, microwave-, and oven-safe and can be tossed in the dishwasher after use.
The Sweese porcelain tea mug with an infuser has received an outstanding 9.5 out of 10 from The Review Index and 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 9,800 Amazon customers. One Amazon shopper calls the strainer "awesome," adding, "It's easier to clean than a lot of infusers and [it has] plenty of room for my teas!" Another reviewer comments, "It can be used for loose tea or for bags and has a cover to help with steeping the tea and retaining the heat if needed."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Sweese porcelain tea mug with an infuser from Amazon starting at $15.99.
Best disposable tea infuser
If cleaning a tea infuser isn't your cup of tea, the Tiesta loose leaf tea filters have you covered. The 100 filters per box are perfect for steeping loose tea leaves and can be easily disposed of after use. Simply scoop some tea leaves into the filtration bag, place it in a cup with boiled water, and remove once your tea is ready. The bags can also be used to brew coffee. Made from recyclable chlorine-free paper fibers, each bag holds up to 2 ounces of tea and comes with an adhesive-free foldable seal.
The Tiesta loose leaf tea filters rate a solid 8.9 out of 10 on Don't Waste Your Money and 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon, with reviewers praising the product for value for the money and ease of use. One satisfied customer writes, "These are my favorite compostable one-mug-at-a-time tea infusers (And I have used a lot of different ones, over the years). Quality is top notch and they do what they are supposed to do: contain the tea bits and pieces but allow water to flow through."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Tiesta loose leaf tea filters from Amazon starting at $7.99.
Best tea infuser for a gift
There's little doubt that the Kitchendao extra fine mesh tea infusers are both super adorable and highly functional. There's also little doubt that the colorful four-infuser pack makes a great gift idea for your tea-drinking friends and loved ones. Each of the gadgets is composed of two main parts — a stainless steel mesh infuser basket with extra-fine 0.5-millimeter holes and a BPA-free plastic spoon for scooping tea leaves. The scoop comes with a built-in hook to keep the infuser in place during use and an air vent to promote leaf expansion.
The Kitchendao extra fine mesh tea infusers have received 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 500 Amazon shoppers, indicating that most reviewers are happy with the product. One shopper says they're pleased with the purchase, elaborating, "Cute tea infusers that are easy to fill. The scoop at the end is handy and I haven't had any loose tea leaves getting out into the cup." Another reviewer agrees, commenting, "They're cute, efficient, easy to clean and they're enough of them to keep some at home and in the office!"
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Kitchendao extra fine mesh tea infuser from Amazon starting at $17.99.
Best large-capacity tea infuser
Made from stain-resistant borosilicate glass, the Chefman electric glass kettle comes with a removable infuser basket for all your tea-related needs. And at 60 ounces, the kettle is ideal for tea parties. Some of the gadget's other notable features include a LED light to indicate that the water is heating and fast-boil technology (the kettle boils two cups of water in just three minutes). In terms of safety, the appliance features a cool-touch handle, automatic shut-off, and boil-dry protection.
Christopher Williams from Very Best Reviews is fond of the Chefman electric glass kettle, highlighting that it offers good value for money. He also praises the kettle's aesthetics and features such as the tea infuser, LED lighting, and 360-degree base that allows for cord-free pouring. The majority of Amazon shoppers have also praised the gadget, awarding it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. One happy buyer says, "Decided to upgrade my teapot and this fit the bill for what I was looking for. Infuser works great. Heats up quickly. Highly recommended." On the downside, some shoppers say that the infuser can be tricky to position inside the kettle.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Chefman electric glass kettle from Amazon starting at $29.99.
Best tea infuser for a splurge
While the Breville smart tea infuser doesn't come cheap, it's bound to fulfill all your tea-related needs in the most stylish way possible. Combining brushed stainless steel and thermal shock-resistant glass, the sleek appliance makes brewing tea a breeze. Simply fill the tea basket with your favorite tea leaves, set the steep time for mild, medium, or strong, and wait for the machine to alert you when your tea is ready to drink. The 34-ounce kettle also comes with temperature settings for steeping different types of tea including oolong, green, white, herbal, and black. Plus, the gadget can keep your tea warm until you're ready to enjoy it.
Kendall Giles gives the Breville smart tea infuser high marks for its temperature controls and size, saying that the compact kettle can be used to make four cups of tea at a time. According to the platform, the gadget's only drawback is the somewhat convoluted magnet-based basket assembly. Community reviewers also give the Breville smart tea infuser stellar ratings, with one Amazon shopper saying that the gadget takes the guesswork out of making the perfect cup of tea. This being said, some buyers complain that the kettle's operations are not so intuitive and take a little getting used to.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Breville smart tea infuser from Amazon starting at $169.95.
Best tea infuser with a handle
Simple, affordable, and effective, the OXO twisting tea ball infuser is also very easy to use. All you have to do is load the scoop with tea leaves, twist the handle to close, and drop it in your cup. Long enough to be used in both cups and mugs, the stainless steel tea infuser comes with tiny etched holes that filter even the smallest leaf sediment. Conveniently, the OXO twisting tea ball infuser is dishwasher-friendly for easy clean-up.
OXO's infuser has received positive ratings on different platforms, including an outstanding 9.3 out of 10 on Best Views Reviews. The utensil has also been awarded an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by more than 6,500 Amazon shoppers. One buyer appreciates how simple the gadget is to use and writes, "So easy to fill, steep, clean out. Twist, scoop, twist. Into hot water. Done steeping — twist, shake over garbage bin, rinse. Done."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the OXO twisting tea ball infuser from Amazon starting at $11.95.
Best novelty tea infuser
A perfect gift for the tea enthusiast in your life, the OTOTO baby Nessie loose leaf tea infuser is both cute and practical. Shaped like a long-necked aquatic creature, the turquoise infuser is bound to inject an element of fun into any tea-making routine. The infuser is also highly functional — simply place tea leaves in baby Nessie's body and pop the creature in your tea. Baby Nessie is made from BPA-free silicone and is dishwasher-safe.
OTOTO's tea infuser has received 8 out of 10 stars on Best Views Reviews and 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 6,000 Amazon customers. One buyer calls Nessie "cute yet effective," adding, "This was a great gift for my tea loving girlfriend around Christmas time. We ended up buying more in multiple colors. Great for loose leaf teas!" This being said, some reviewers complain that the infuser's holes are a little too large, letting smaller leaf particles escape into the tea.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the OTOTO baby Nessie loose leaf tea infuser from Amazon starting at $16.95.
Best teapot tea infuser
Made from clear hand-blown borosilicate glass, the Teabloom safe glass teapot blends timeless design and functionality. The 40-ounce teapot comes with a transparent tea infuser so you can watch the steeping process in action. It also features a vented lid to prevent steam buildup and a non-drip spout for mess-free pouring. Better still, the teapot can be placed on gas and electric stovetops, as well as in microwaves.
According to Your Coffee and Tea, the Teabloom teapot has quite a few things going for it on top of its aesthetics. The platform praises the gadget's thermal design, adding that the lid doesn't get hot even when the pot is fully filled with boiling water. It also praises the long infuser basket that lets you steep tea without having to completely fill the teapot with water.
The Teabloom safe glass teapot has done well on various platforms, receiving 9.1 out of 10 on Don't Waste Your Money and 9.2 out of 10 on Best Views Reviews. The teapot has also been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by over 19,000 Amazon shoppers. One happy buyer says, "The Teabloom teapot is versatile, able to withstand boiling heat and ice cold. [...] It's elegant in appearance." On the downside, some shoppers complain that the teapot's lid is loose and that the infuser basket can be tricky to clean.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Teabloom glass teapot from Amazon starting at $29.99.
Best tea infuser with a drip stand
Ideal for keeping your countertop mess-free, the Adhoc tea drop loose leaf tea infuser comes with a drip stand for catching stray droplets after use. Suitable for cups, mugs, and teapots, the stainless steel infuser spoon features small holes to prevent any tea leaves from ending up in your tea. It also comes with a long handle to ensure easy placement and removal and it's dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up.
Amazon shoppers rate the Adhoc tea drop loose leaf tea infuser 4.4 out of 5 stars and comment that the gadget is actually larger than it appears in the advertisements. "You could use this to cold brew multiple cups of tea in a pitcher or one cup of tea that requires a lot of leaves per cup," one reviewer writes. Another buyer agrees, saying, "It takes up very little space and it is easy to open and close. Because of the amount of tea leaves I can put in the strainer, I can make a large pot of concentrated tea and just keep adding a bit of hot water if I want."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Adhoc tea drop loose leaf tea infuser from Amazon for $21.95.
Best tea infuser for travel
Available in multiple colors, the Teabloom all-brew travel tumbler & thermos is perfect for brewing tea on the go. The 16-ounce flask is fitted with a stainless steel strainer with 0.5-millimeter holes — a size fine enough to even filter coffee. In addition, the handy tumbler features a stylish brushed metallic exterior, a stainless steel interior, a leak-proof lid, and a protective double-walled base. Plus, it's slim enough to fit in your car cup holder.
The Teabloom all-brew travel tumbler & thermos has received an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 5,000 Amazon customers. One satisfied reviewer says, "It keeps my tea HOT ALL DAY to the point I need to take off the cap and take out the tea strainer to let it cool off for about 20 minutes or so before drinking. It hasn't leaked on me yet and it's easy to clean." While some shoppers complain that the thermos is on the small side, we feel that this characteristic complements the infuser's portability.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Teabloom all-brew travel tumbler & thermos from Amazon starting at $31.99.