Tea strainers, infusers, kettles, etc...?

Question

What is the difference between a tea strainer and infuser? If I have some loose leaf tea, and I don't want any large bits floating around in my cup, which should I use, the infuser or strainer? Are they the same thing? If I buy one, should I get a certain type of metal? Are some non-toxic, and others toxic? Chrome, brass, aluminum, copper, etc...

Also, do most tea kettles come with some sort of strainer in the spout or somewhere inside the kettle? Is a tea pot the same thing as a kettle?

I'm asking because I have some loose leaf tea I really want to try, but I need a way of seeping it inside the water, but without getting a lot of it IN the water. A few small particles are fine, but no big chunks.

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

There's a small teashop that I go to to purchase my teas and they also sell teaballs/infusers. They're really simple and will wind up saving you money in the long run as opposed to coffee filters. Your standard tea infuser will run anywhere from $1.99-$12.95, depending on size and manufacturer. Also there are teapots that have infusers with them that run about $20 or so. And if you're worried about toxic materials I have included a link to a website that specializes in non-toxic items. I would suggest looking up teas in your phonebook and then going to one of the local stores and asking one of the attendants to advise you on the best infuser as well.

Answer 2

I would suggest buying a sifter from Wal Mart. or just straining it through a paper towel or a coffee filter.

When I make lose leaf tea, I use my coffee pot and I put the loose leaf tea inside a filter , put it in the coffee pot, I add water to the coffee pot, and then YUMMY, I get to enjoy lovely tea in a matter of minutes.

I have also boiled water on the stove and used a paper towel as a filter.

Cheers and enjoy the tea, hunny!