There are different types of tea filters. The cup strainer is a practical infuser for a single person. Between a tea ball and a kitchen strainer, this product resembles a small sieve. The cup strainer is generally made of stainless steel. Easy to use, this stainless steel filter can come in different diameters. A tea drip tray sometimes accompanies the cup strainer.
What is a cup strainer?
A cup strainer is a type of tea filter. The name of this infuser comes from its resemblance to a kitchen colander 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 rests directly on the cup. The bottom of the cup strainer is thus submerged in the water of the mug. The steeping of the loose leaf tea can then begin.
How to use a tea strainer?
A stainless steel tea strainer is a very easy infuser to use. To make a tea infusion with this type of filter, follow these eight steps:
- Choose the type of loose leaf tea you want to drink;
- Heat the corresponding amount of water to the required temperature;
- Place the tea strainer on your cup, mug, glass or teapot;
- Fill your cup strainer with the desired amount of tea leaves;
- Pour the pre-heated water over your stainless steel tea strainer;
- Let the tea steep in the cup, glass or teapot;
- Remove the cup strainer and enjoy your cup of tea.
You can also use a cup strainer like a tea ball. In that case, first fill your glass or cup with hot water. Then submerge the stainless steel infuser filled with loose leaf tea into the mug. In any case, remember to adjust the water temperature according to the tea leaves you are steeping.
Pouring water straight from the kettle over 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 fit any tea cup, glass or mug. Like a kitchen sieve, the cup strainer blocks all loose leaf tea from passing through.
In general, the size of this stainless steel filter allows even the largest tea leaves to steep. 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 drinking tea alone? The cup strainer is a great choice of tea infuser.
How to choose a cup strainer?
Start by choosing the material of your cup strainer. A stainless steel infuser is an excellent choice. In addition to stainless steel, you will 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 spoon-shaped or vertical. In the latter case, it is 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.
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