Menu
 
Updated January 2022
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
LiveFresh Mesh Stainless Steel Mini Tea Strainer
LiveFresh
Mesh Stainless Steel Mini Tea Strainer
Check Price
Helpful Size
Bottom Line

This multipurpose, mini tea strainer can also be used for making cocktails or sifting during baking.

Pros

The size works great for making a cup of tea with its 3-inch diameter and 5-inch-long handle, and it can be simply laid across the cup rim. Made with stainless steel, twilled mesh, and a silicone handle that is heat-resistant and nonslip.

Cons

The handle is not very durable and has been known to break.

Best Bang for the Buck
Maqqet 2-Pack Tea Infuser Baskets
Maqqet
2-Pack Tea Infuser Baskets
Check Price
Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

This option gives you more value for the price as it comes with 2 baskets for straining and diffusing loose tea leaves.

Pros

Covered with a silicone layer to prevent any burning from the inner stainless steel basket. Has a 4.9-inch handle to cover the diameter of most mug openings. Can be used for straining or diffusing tea. Comes with a lid that can also be used as a drip tray.

Cons

The metal is relatively thin, giving it a more flimsy feel.

K Kitcherish Tea Ball Strainer
K Kitcherish
Tea Ball Strainer
Check Price
Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Great for tea kettles or taller mugs, as the 4.7-inch long extension chain can be used to drop in and pull out the mesh ball.

Pros

Has extra fine mesh holes for filtering out unwanted particles. Has a push-on lid that can be used as a drip tray, and it is dishwasher-safe for less mess and easy care. Made with stainless steel and will fit most kettle and mug openings.

Cons

This isn’t very sturdy, and it has a tendency to fall over when pouring the liquid through it.

OTOTO Baby Nessie Loose Leaf Tea Infuser
OTOTO
Baby Nessie Loose Leaf Tea Infuser
Check Price
Best as a Gift
Bottom Line

This novelty strainer and herbal diffuser adds a cute and functional touch to one’s tea-drinking experience.

Pros

Tea leaves go into the bottom part of the body, and the long neck is utilized as a built-in steeping spoon. Made with a food-grade and BPA-free silicone. Contents are easy to dump out, and the product is dishwasher-safe.

Cons

The holes in this product are bigger than other strainers, and tea leaves tend to get loose during the brewing process.

Fu Store 2pcs Stainless Steel Mesh Tea Ball
Fu Store
2pcs Stainless Steel Mesh Tea Ball
Check Price
Easy to Use
Bottom Line

The simple design of this item includes 2 sets of stainless steel mesh tea balls.

Pros

Compact size of the mesh ball makes for a space-saving item. The 1.69-inch-long extension hooks on the side of the cup for secure brewing. Made with a food-grade stainless steel, and the mesh holes work best for filtering out larger loose tea leaves. Has a clasp closure to keep tea in place.

Cons

Not the best choice for straining finer tea leaves, as the holes are wider in size.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
100
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
Category cover