How to choose your tea ball?

It's the most well-known and widely used model among tea balls, it is robust, durable and affordable. It's a practical and simple accessory to use and very easy to clean as well.
The stainless steel tea ball consists of two stainless steel hemispheres with small holes, as well as a clasp and chain that allows you to remove the ball from your cup without burning yourself once the tea has steeped. The ball opens into two hemispheres with a small lock to keep the tea leaves inside. The holes can be smaller or larger depending on the model.
For example, the spheres can have a strainer with closer-set holes, which prevents having residue at the bottom of your cup. This isn't very practical for large-leaf infusions or verbena herbal teas, as the leaves cannot fully soak in water to steep properly.

Stainless steel and silicone tea ball

This ball is composed of a stainless steel part, where the holes are more or less small to contain the tea leaves, and a long silicone stem to allow you to remove it from your cup without burning yourself. It is simple to fill and clean. There are very original and colorful models. It stays well at the bottom of the cup to allow the tea to steep properly.
There are models made entirely of silicone, which helps extend the product's durability as silicone won't rust. The capacity of your ball may be limited, therefore not very practical for large-leaf teas.

The large stainless steel tea ball

It is used exactly like the stainless steel ball, but it has a larger capacity of at least 7.5 cm in diameter. The infusion is more effective thanks to its diameter which allows all the leaves to soak in water and steep properly. Very practical for preparing a large quantity of tea, it is suitable for use in a teapot.

The tea ball can be a classic or more original accessory. Regarding the originality of stainless steel and silicone tea balls, you'll find many different models.
To enjoy all the benefits of tea, choose one with a sufficient diameter so the tea leaves can soak well in water for maximum infusion. If the ball's diameter is too small, the tea leaves won't be able to open properly for good steeping.
Also pay attention to the size of the holes, as some being too large could leave residue at the bottom of your cup. It remains an easy-to-carry accessory, ideal for individual preparations but not only, with the large tea ball that you can use in a teapot.

These other topics may interest you:

• Cup strainer
• Filter bags
• Tea tongs