| Method | How the leaves brew | Best for | Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teabags | No gear needed; the cup does it all | Convenience first | Narrower tea choice at a higher price per cup |
| Basket infuser with lid | Deep, wide basket lets leaves open fully | Brewing loose leaf by the mug | Check it fits your mug's diameter |
| Mesh ball or tongs | Cramps the leaves so they never open | Buying for looks | Weak brews and a clogged mesh |
| Teapot with built-in basket | Wide basket, leaves open fully | Brewing two or more cups at once | Big washing-up for a single-cup day |
Do You Need a Tea Infuser?
Published: ·Updated:
Only if you brew loose-leaf tea straight in a mug, without a teapot. If that's you, get a deep basket infuser with a lid — not a mesh ball.