The cup strainer: an interesting alternative to the tea ball

A cup strainer is a type of tea filter. The name of this infuser comes from its resemblance to a kitchen strainer or sieve. The cup strainer can be used with a cup, but also a glass or a small teapot. Different materials can make up this type of tea infuser. Most of the time, this product is made of stainless steel.

The principle of the cup strainer is simple. The stainless steel tea filter is placed directly on the cup. The bottom of the cup strainer is thus immersed in the water of the mug. The infusion of loose tea leaves can then begin.

How to use a tea strainer?

A stainless steel tea strainer is a very easy-to-use infuser. To make a tea infusion with this type of filter, follow these eight steps:

1. Choose the type of loose tea leaves you want to drink;
2. Heat the corresponding amount of water to the necessary temperature;
3. Place the tea strainer on your cup, mug, glass or teapot;
4. Fill your cup strainer with the desired amount of tea leaves;
5. Pour the pre-heated water over your stainless steel tea strainer;
6. Let the tea steep in the cup, glass or teapot;
7. Remove the cup strainer and enjoy your cup of tea.

You can also use a cup strainer like a tea ball. In this case, first fill your glass or cup with hot water. Then dip the stainless steel infuser filled with loose tea leaves into the mug. In any case, remember to adjust the water temperature according to the tea leaves to be infused.

Pouring water straight from the kettle onto the tea leaves in your cup strainer risks burning them. The result would be a cup of tea almost as bitter as a robusta coffee.

What are the advantages of the cup strainer?

The cup strainer is a practical kitchen accessory. The conical models of this tea infuser filter adapt to any cup, glass or tea mug. Like a kitchen sieve, the cup strainer blocks the passage of all loose tea leaves.

Generally, the size of this stainless steel filter allows for the infusion of the largest tea leaves. The infusion from the cup strainer is therefore of very good quality. You can also use this product with a small teapot. Don't have a teapot or drink your tea alone? The cup strainer is a good choice for a tea infuser.

How to choose a cup strainer?

Start by choosing the material of the cup strainer. A stainless steel infuser is an excellent choice. In addition to stainless steel, you can find tea filters made of porcelain or even plastic. Even if their price may seem attractive, we advise against using a plastic product. Then determine the diameter and depth of your tea filter

A cup strainer can be shaped like a spoon or be vertical. It's then simply called a stainless steel tea filter. You can choose a product with a long stainless steel handle, which is more practical to use. Finally, a stainless steel tea strainer with a drip tray prevents you from spilling tea on your table or desk.

Discover our articles on other types of tea filters:

• Filtering your tea with a tea ball
• Why use filter bags?
• Advantages and disadvantages of the tea pincer