Not so long ago, to make a proper spot of tea, the intrepid tea drinker had to succumb to the trials of the teapot: the boiling, the steeping, the straining out of all those runaway little leaves.
Or else you were stuck with a tea bag, that paper pouch that’s tethered to a leash. Which, among certain tea circles, is but a tepid approximation of the real deal.
These days it seems there’s been an explosion of infusers, those nifty little traps that let you steep to your heart’s content and harness all the errant tea leaves. With the collection we’ve assembled here, you can infuse in just about any setting: on the run, on a whim, for a crowd, or all by your tea-toting lonesome.
Tea party, pronto
Ceylon Ice Tea Jug With Filter: 1.7 liters. Durable clear plastic pitcher, with removable infuser. BPA-free.
Likes: This nifty jug makes it easy to whip together an iced tea party. And you can forever ditch those sugary, pre-mixed powder teas. Just spoon loose tea into the filter, pour in boiling water, let it steep till just the way you like it. Lift out the infuser/filter, fill the pitcher with ice cubes, and your tea party is ready to pour. You can add mint or lemon slices to the infuser as well, and take that tea party up a notch. Or you don’t have to invite a single soul, and keep that whole pitcher to yourself.
Dislikes: Be sure to lift out the filter over the sink, or with a catch basin at the ready, or you will dribble tea in a splattery trail. And tea, last we checked, tends to stain.
Price: $19.95. bodumusa.com/shop
Gold standard tea
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SwissGold Tea Ball: 23 karat gold-plated foil. Dishwasher safe. Made in Switzerland.
Likes: Just like the gold-cone filter that makes a fine cup of morning joe, this gold-plated tea ball promises no tinny taste to a mug o’ tea. With the screw top there’s no leaking, and no chance of tea leaves making a hasty getaway. Works just as well in a teapot or a mug. A note of infusing wisdom: Be sure not to stuff any infuser to the top with tea leaves. You want room for the hot water to swirl around the tea bits, and extract every smidge of flavor.
Dislikes: None
Price: $17.99. fantes.com
Tea for one
Scoop ‘n’ Brew Tea Infuser: All-in-one stainless steel scoop and infuser
Likes: This one made our tea bell ring. In one fell swoop you can scoop up your loose tea, and watch it slide down the gullet straight into the infuser. Just stand the scoop ‘n’ brew in your tea cup. As soon as the brew is to your liking, slip out the infuser and sip away. The infuser base is easily pulled off the scoop, so you can dump your spent leaves. Making one cup at a time was never so easy.
Dislikes: None
Price: $12.99. fantes.com
Tea to go
Thermos TeaTumbler with Infuser: 12-ounce stainless steel. Separate infuser and drink lids let you brew and go.
Likes: For the tea drinker on the go, this is one-stop heaven. No more brewing, then dumping into your to-go cup. This is your tumbler for the road. Or the train. Even for a bike ride, should you steer one-handed. The double-insulated wall keeps the outside cool-to-the-touch, while inside your tea stays steamy hot. ‘Bout time tea drinkers got their due.
Dislikes: Nada, but don’t forget to swap out the infuser for the lid before you head out the door.
Price: $22.99; thermos.com/product
Tea for fun
Tea Infuser Dinosaur: Stainless-steel variation on the classic tea ball. This one’s a dino to add a dash of whimsy to your mug.
Likes: OK, so here’s the charmer of the bunch. The infuser to make you smile. Or if you’ve a wee one who already swoons to a cup of chamomile (Peter Rabbit’s tummy soother, after all), this darling little dinosaur is the one for you. Might make a nifty party favor at your next dino-bash.
Dislikes: What’s not to like?
Price: $3.99; fantes.com