Loose leaf tea is a sensory experience, and the right tools make all the difference. Whether you're brewing a single cup or a whole pot, tea strainers and infusers help keep your brew smooth, ensuring that stray leaves don’t crash the party. A tea strainer catches leaves as you pour from a teapot, while an infuser holds them inside the cup or pot as they steep. Both are must-haves for effortless, mess-free brewing - letting you focus on the joy of every sip.
How to use a tea infuser
Using a loose leaf infuser takes about ten seconds to learn. For ball-style infusers, open the clasp, half-fill with loose leaf tea, close, and lower into your cup. Pour hot water over it and steep for the recommended time, then lift it out.
For the Merriest infuser, scoop your tea in, lower into the cup to brew, then remove and rest it on the drip tray — no drips, no mess. The rule of thumb across all infusers is not to overfill, which gives the leaves room to expand and fully infuse their flavour.
FAQ
What is a tea infuser?
A tea infuser is a small stainless steel tool that holds loose leaf tea while it steeps in your cup or mug. Once the tea is brewed to your liking, you lift it out, removing the leaves cleanly. It lets you brew loose leaf without a teapot or a mug with a built-in infuser.
Will a T2 infuser fit my mug?
Yes, T2 infusers are designed to fit most standard mugs and cups. The Merriest infuser is specifically designed to be slim enough to fit most cups while still being large enough to let the leaves move freely and fully infuse.
How much loose leaf tea should I put in an infuser?
A general guide is one heaped teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup. Avoid overfilling the infuser, as the leaves need room to expand as they steep. If your tea is too weak, try a little more leaf or steep for slightly longer next time.
Are T2 infusers dishwasher safe?
No, all T2 infusers are recommended for gentle hand washing only. A quick rinse after each use keeps them in good condition.
What is the difference between the ball infuser and the Merriest infuser?
The ball infuser is a classic clasp-style mesh ball — compact, simple, and easy to use. The Merriest infuser has a longer handle, silicone grips, and comes with a matching drip tray, also functioning as a lid for resting it after brewing. Both use ultra-fine stainless steel mesh for a smooth cup.
