What Is The UK’s Best Tea Filter?
In this guide we’ll look at the best tea filters.
We’ve compared material, size, design and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
Tea Filter Reviews
Tea Filter Buyer’s Guide
The perfect cup of loose leaf tea requires every element to be just right, including the filter. The wrong filter will cause your tea to leak out into the cup, instantly ruining your tea and leaving an unappetising debris at the bottom! The right filter will allow the perfect amount of flavour and aromas to escape, for a delicious sip every time.
Not sure what to look for when it comes to the best tea filter? Check out this buyer’s guide.
Material
Most tea filter baskets are made from food grade stainless steel, although other options are available. This is great quality and won’t rust, plus it won’t alter the taste or colour of your drink. Some have silicone or plastic parts for added grip.
If you’re purchasing tea filter bags, paper is the best option. These are biodegradable and natural, often better for the environment than standard teabags. Ensure your filters contain no plastic, and they should be unbleached and odourless. Cheap filter bags that contain chemicals or plastic can alter the taste of your drink and aren’t particularly good for the environment.
Size
The size you go for will depend on what you are using your tea filter for. For teapots, a large filter basket is the best option. This can be filled with more loose leaf tea, serving as many people as you like. Filter bags usually only serve one, and to use in a teapot you’ll likely need to fill a couple of bags.
Design
Practical design features on filter bags includes a drawstring. This will allow you to secure your tea filter bag so no loose leaves can seep out into your cup. A drawstring is generally more reliable than a simple fold-over tea bag, although they are usually a little more expensive.
If you’re purchasing a stainless steel filter, you’ll have the choice of a huge range of designs. Traditional sphere shapes are dainty and elegant, while baskets are great for multiple people. Novelty designs make a great gift and are easy to find; look for hanging monkeys, sloths or Japanese-style cat designs!
Tea Filters FAQ
How to use a tea filter?
Using a tea filter is very easy, but the precise method will come down to the type of tea you are using. Take the perfect amount of loose leaf tea (often around 1 tablespoon for each person) and put it into your filter basket or bag. Put the tea strainer into your cup or teapot.
Boil the kettle, or if you have a kettle which tells you the temperature, heat the water according to the temperature specified. Some teas taste best if you use just boiled water, others with water a little cooler.
Pour the water over the tea strainer and again, allow it to brew for the recommended amount of time. Black tea is usually brewed for around 3 minutes, and green tea a little less time. Brewing green tea for too long will release a very bitter taste.
Conclusion
For the perfect cup of tea, you need the best filter money can buy, and these recommendations are the best of the best! For their drawstring design, ease of use and biodegradable material, the NEPAK Disposable Tea Filter Bags are our top recommendation.