Tea & Herbal Infusion Filters: The Different Models

When brewing loose-leaf tea, the infusion step makes all the difference. There are many ways to do it, and the range of essential tea brewing accessories is wide. Tea filters are a practical, easy-to-use option, but how do you choose the right one? Whether you're making a single cup or a full teapot, here's what you need to know to find the best tea filter for you.

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Loose-leaf tea: how to choose the right filter?

A tea filter lets you brew loose-leaf tea directly in a cup, mug, teapot, or even a bottle. Choosing the right one comes down to a few key factors:

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Capacity: your filter should match the amount of tea you're brewing, whether that's a single cup, a mug, or a full teapot.
Type of loose-leaf tea: not all loose-leaf teas are the same. Some contain whole leaves and larger pieces, while others are very finely ground. It's important to choose a filter that suits your favourite tea.
Material: filters come in paper, stainless steel, silicone, or glass. Choose the one that fits your lifestyle and brewing habits.

Filter types: the tea ball

The tea ball is a classic loose-leaf brewing accessory. It can be used in a mug, teapot, or bottle, and comes in a variety of shapes and materials. Its compact size makes it easy to take on the go. Most models are dishwasher-safe. All our reusable options are grouped under the tea infuser category.

Stainless steel mesh tea ball

The stainless steel mesh tea ball is a reliable choice for brewing most teas. Simply fill it with loose leaves and close the hook clasp. Its fine mesh keeps leaf residue out of your cup. Note that the flexible material may bend slightly over time with repeated washing.

Perforated stainless steel tea ball

The perforated stainless steel tea ball works in the same way as the mesh version, but closes with a screw mechanism. Its holes are slightly larger, making it better suited to bigger leaf teas. Compatible with any vessel, the attached chain lets you lift it out without burning your fingers.

Silicone tea infuser

A silicone tea infuser makes a fun and original gift for the occasional tea drinker. Silicone infusers come in all sorts of shapes and designs. Some users note that their capacity can be on the small side, so keep that in mind if you prefer a stronger brew.

Glass tea infuser

The glass tea infuser is less common than other filter types, but stands out for its clean, test-tube-inspired design. Perforated at the bottom and sealed with a cork stopper, it's a stylish and minimalist brewing tool.

Filter types: the cup strainer

A cup strainer sits over your cup and keeps loose tea leaves out of your drink as you pour. Its generous capacity gives the leaves plenty of room to unfurl, allowing the full aroma to develop.

Stainless steel cup strainer

The permanent stainless steel cup filter is compatible with all types of tea. Versatile and easy to use, it fits over a cup, mug, or small teapot and comes in several sizes. Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Nylon cup strainer

The permanent nylon filter is ideal for very finely ground teas. It can be a little harder to clean, as fine particles may become trapped in the mesh, so a gentle rinse right after brewing is recommended.

Cup strainer with lid

The permanent filter with lid keeps your brew warm while the tea steeps. Once the infusion is done, simply flip the lid over and rest the strainer on it.

Filter types: fillable tea bags

For a familiar tea-bag experience with loose-leaf tea, fillable filter bags are wonderfully straightforward. You'll find disposable paper filters as well as semi-permanent cotton options.

Biodegradable paper filter bags

These disposable filter bags are biodegradable and chlorine-free. Sold in boxes of 100, they're convenient to keep in stock at home. Consider having them delivered so you never run out.

Semi-permanent cotton filter bags

The cotton tea filter is both economical and eco-friendly. Available in several sizes to suit cups, mugs, and teapots, this semi-permanent option is easy to care for: just rinse it under cold water after each use.

Disposable paper filter bags with stick

These disposable paper filter bags come with a small stick. The stick keeps the bag closed: simply pierce the top of the filled bag with it, then rest it across the rim of your cup or mug to hold it in place while it steeps.

Filter types: the tea clip

If you're committed to a zero-waste approach, the tea clip is the ideal choice. Fitted with a fine stainless steel mesh, the tea clip works with all kinds of tea and lets you stir the leaves gently during steeping, thanks to its long handle.
Whether you're a green tea devotee, a black tea lover, or a herbal infusion fan, there's a tea filter to match your brewing ritual.

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