A teapot with a built-in strainer is the easiest way to brew loose leaf tea, with no stray leaves and no mess. If you've just bought one, or received one as a gift, here's exactly how to use a teapot strainer to brew the perfect cup.
What Is a Teapot Strainer?
A teapot strainer (sometimes called an infuser) is a removable mesh basket that sits inside your teapot. It holds your loose tea leaves while they brew, then lifts out when your tea is ready, so the leaves don't keep steeping. Unlike a separate tea strainer held over your cup, a built-in strainer keeps everything neatly inside the pot.
All of our teapots for one come with a removable metal strainer.
How to Use a Teapot Strainer: Step by Step
- Rinse the strainer before its first use.
- Warm the pot. Swirl in a little hot water and pour it away.
- Place the strainer inside the teapot.
- Add your tea. Spoon around one teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup into the strainer.
- Pour in hot water until the leaves are fully covered, so they have room to expand.
- Pop the lid on and brew for the recommended time: usually 3 to 5 minutes for black tea and 2 to 3 minutes for green tea.
- Lift out the strainer and rest it on a saucer.
- Pour and enjoy.
For full brewing times and temperatures, see our guide to making tea with loose tea leaves.
Tips for Using a Teapot Strainer
- Don't overfill the strainer. Leaves need space to unfurl and release their flavour.
- Make sure the water covers the leaves. If your pot is only partly full, the leaves may not brew properly.
- Remove it on time. Leaving the strainer in can make your tea bitter.
- Very fine teas may let a few tiny particles through. That's completely normal.
Can I Use Tea Bags Instead?
Yes. Read our guide: Can I use tea bags in a teapot with a strainer?
How to Clean a Teapot Strainer
Tip used leaves into the compost, rinse the strainer under warm running water and gently brush the mesh to remove any bits. For more tips, see our guide on how to care for your ceramic teapot.
Which Teapot Should I Choose?
Our ceramic teapots for one hold around 350ml and come in charming designs, from the floral Green Daisy and Blue Daisy to the whimsical Butterfly Teapot. Sharing a pot? Our tea sets come with matching cups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the strainer?
For loose leaf tea, yes, or you'll have leaves in your cup. For tea bags, you can use it or remove it.
Why is my tea bitter?
Usually because it's brewed too long or the water was too hot for the tea. Lift out the strainer once the brewing time is up.
How much tea goes in a teapot strainer?
Around one teaspoon per cup. For a 350ml teapot for one, one to two teaspoons works well.