For many tea lovers, the day doesn’t truly begin without a warm, soothing cup of tea. And if you’re serious about your brew, you probably know that loose-leaf tea is the way to go. But to enjoy it properly, you’ll need a tea infuser.
Tea infusers aren’t just eco-friendly (no more single-use tea bags!), they also help you get richer flavor from your tea. Unlike tea bags that can trap the leaves, infusers give the leaves space to expand so they can release all those delicious flavor notes.
To help you find the best one, we tested 10 popular tea infusers using both fine and large tea leaves. We looked at how well they steeped the tea, how easy they were to use, and how simple they were to clean.
Our Top Picks for the Best Tea Infusers
⭐ Best Overall: Fenshine Stainless Steel Tea Infuser
What we loved:
The Fenshine was super easy to use. It has two slim stainless steel arms that extend over your mug, staying cool and dry while your tea steeps. That means you won’t burn your fingers when taking it out! It also comes with a cute rubber and steel lid that doubles as a drip tray—great for keeping things tidy after steeping. Plus, it’s compact, travel-friendly, and has adjustable handles. Despite its small size, it holds enough tea for more than one cup.
What we didn’t love:
The only downside? It wobbled a bit when we moved the mug since the rounded arms don’t grip the mug rim tightly. Thankfully, no tea leaves spilled.
Key Details:
- Material: Stainless steel and rubber
- Includes: Infuser + lid
- Care: Dishwasher-safe
Fenshine Tea Infuser Stainless Steel Tea
Also Read: What’s the Best Teaware for Detox Teas?
🌿 Runner-Up: OXO Brew Tea Infuser Basket
What we liked:
The OXO infuser was a breeze to fill, thanks to its straight sides and generous size—no tea leaves spilling over. Removing it was just as easy, and the arms reached out far enough to avoid any steam. It performed great with whole leaves and flower buds—almost no escaping leaves.
What we didn’t like:
A few tiny tea particles made it through with finer teas. We also wish the arms folded down for easier storage.
Key Details:
- Material: Stainless steel and silicone
- Includes: Infuser + lid
- Care: Dishwasher-safe
OXO Brew Tea Infuser Basket 6 oz.
Also Read: Comparing the Best Travel Tea Sets on Etsy
🧺 Best for Big Cups: Finum Stainless Steel Mesh Brewing Basket
What we liked:
The Finum infuser is spacious—perfect for large mugs or pots. It worked like a charm with all kinds of tea leaves, even super fine ones. No bits escaped. It’s lightweight, easy to load, and the plastic handles stayed cool.
What we didn’t like:
Cleaning it was a bit tricky. The bottom is narrow, so it’s hard to reach in and scoop out leftover leaves. A strong rinse with your sink’s spray nozzle should help. Also, we wish the lid fit a bit tighter.
Key Details:
- Material: Stainless steel and BPA-free plastic
- Includes: Infuser + lid
- Care: Dishwasher-safe
Reusable Stainless Steel Coffee and Tea
Also Read: Why Moroccan Tea Is Always Served with a Metal Teapot?
Basket vs. Ball Infusers: Which Is Easier?
During our tests, basket infusers were much easier to use. Just drop your tea in, place it in your mug, and you’re good to go.
Ball infusers, on the other hand, were a bit more finicky. The OXO BREW Twisting Tea Ball, for example, needed you to twist the handle shut after filling. Another one, the Jexcull Snap Ball, required squeezing both metal arms to open the mesh ball—awkward and a little frustrating.
