Many consider the United Kingdom synonymous with tea and the royal family.
While it’s indeed true that most Brits couldn’t go a single day without a proper English Breakfast brew, our national beverage has a storied history far beyond the borders of our island.
According to an ancient Chinese legend, the mythological Chinese emperor Shennong was sitting beneath a tree while his servant busied himself boiling some drinking water for his master. Some leaves from the tree above the emperor blew into his cup, and the eager herbalist decided to try the new, infused brew that had been accidentally created.
Indeed, the Chinese have been drinking tea for thousands of years and it was enjoyed by Han dynasty emperors from as early as the 2nd century BC. Yet tea wasn’t to arrive in the United Kingdom until the mid-17th century, according to the National Trust. A new luxury, tea was so expensive that it was only consumed by wealthy aristocrats and members of the royal family.
It wasn’t until the 18th century when more affordable teas such as Assam, Darjeeling and Ceylon were imported from India that the middle and lower classes began to indulge in the practice. As such, tea rooms began to open across the country – and it became abundantly clear that the British had found their not-so national beverage.
As important then as they are today, tea strainers are a necessity in every tea lover’s arsenal. Many of us require their daily use. They are designed to sit between the brewing vessel and your cup to act as a filter to prevent you from ending up with a mouthful of leaves.
We’ve curated a selection of the best tea strainers on the market to help you enjoy your regular loose-leaf brew. From portable options to everyday saviours, shop the best below.
La Rochère Abeille Bee Glass Tea Infuser Mug with Bamboo Lid, 275ml, Clear/ Natural
A two-in-one infuser for lovers of a fresh, daily blend of aromatic tea, this beautiful footed mug by La Rochère is heat resistant up to 120°C and fitted with a large stainless steel infuser for premium brews.
Complete with a bamboo lid to keep your tea hot and prevent spillages when transporting from kettle to table, the lid can also be used as a stand for the strainer once your tea has perfectly infused.
Buy now £32.50, John Lewis
Reinmoson Tea Strainers for Loose Tea, Extra Fine Mesh Tea Infuser
With its unique hexagonal design, this brilliant strainer by Reinmoson has been crafted with extra fine loose-leaf tea in mind. With its handy 4.3” chain and S-hook handle, this strainer can be used with a variety of vessels, from teacups and mugs to larger teapots.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Loose Leaf Tea Infuser
When purchasing a tea infuser, it certainly makes sense to buy one from the experts. Bird & Blend has perfected the essential teatime tool with this universal infuser for mugs, cups and pots. The extra fine infusion holes and stainless steel finish will prevent even the most stubborn tea leaves from seeping through into your finished brew.
Buy now £9.50, Bird & Blend
Sostrene Grene Tea Strainer
It’s hard to believe that this elegant one-cup strainer is priced at below £5. Part of Sostrene Grene’s ‘Moments’ collection, this stainless steel piece was designed to reflect the harmony of nature and evoke a sense of peace.
Buy now £3.16, Sostrene Grene
Arthur Price silver-plated tea strainer and drip cup
It doesn’t get any more classic than a silver-plated tea strainer by an icon of British culinary accessory excellence, Arthur Price. This rather regal-looking strainer may not be dishwasher safe, but it makes for an elegant gift and comes in a beautiful presentation box.
Buy now £49.41, Amazon
Fortnum's Camellia Tea Infuser
We couldn’t help but include a heritage option from Fortnum’s in this tea strainer round-up. Named after the species of tea that members of the Han dynasty likely would’ve consumed, the Camellia tea infuser rests gently on a silver-plated drip tray which features a delightful bluebird motif.
Buy now £72.00, F&M
Stelton Collar Tea Infuser
A one-cup option which makes brewing tea in your favourite mug easier than ever, the Stelton Collar tea infuser embodies chic and practical Scandinavian design.
Buy now £29.85, Amazon
Platypus Tea Infuser
It doesn’t get any more adorable than this Platypus tea infuser, which gets to work brewing your favourite teas thanks to its generously sized belly. The duck-bill allows the creature to rest firmly on the edge of your chosen vessel, while its otter feet paddle gently below.
Buy now £6.89, Etsy
Teapro On-The-Go Loose Leaf Tea Infuser Bottle
Tea lovers who are constantly on the move will rejoice for this brilliant on-the-go infuser bottle by Teapro. With a capacity of 450ml, this convenient device is leak-proof, easy to clean and will keep your tea wonderfully hot thanks to the stainless steel, vacuum-insulated design.
Buy now £29.95, Etsy
