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The 5 Best Tea Infusers for Mugs (That Don't Leak Leaves)

If your loose leaf tea experience involves picking floating bits of leaf out of your teeth, you are using the wrong tools. The classic "Tea Ball" or "Egg" is cute, but it cramps the leaves and leaks dust.

The solution is the Brewing Basket. These wide, deep mesh cylinders allow full water circulation and leaf expansion while catching even the finest Rooibos dust. We tested the most durable options on the market.

A collection of stainless steel mesh tea brewing baskets sitting in mugs.
Best Overall (The King)
Finum Brewing Basket

1. Finum Brewing Basket (Medium)

★★★★★ (German Engineering)

This is the gold standard. Made in Germany, the micro-mesh is so fine it won't even leak dust-grade tea. The plastic frame is heat-resistant (BPA free), and the lid flips over to become a drip tray.

Pros:
  • Finest mesh available (No grit)
  • Lid doubles as a coaster
  • Extremely durable
Cons:
  • Not 100% metal (Frame is plastic)
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Best 100% Metal
Yoassi Extra Fine 18/8 Stainless Steel Tea Infuser

2. Yoassi Extra Fine Stainless Steel

★★★★☆ (Best Value)

If you prefer zero plastic, this is the winner. It has dual handles that fit over almost any mug width (even wide soup mugs). The capacity is huge, allowing massive leaf expansion.

Pros:
  • 100% Stainless Steel
  • Double handles fit large mugs
  • Large capacity
Cons:
  • Lid can get very hot
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Best Design
OXO Brew Tea Infuser Basket

3. OXO Brew Tea Infuser Basket

★★★★☆ (User Friendly)

OXO adds their signature "Good Grips" touch. The basket has silicone touch points so you don't burn your fingers when removing it. The etching is laser-cut stainless steel, which is easier to clean than woven mesh.

Pros:
  • Cool-touch silicone edges
  • Easy to clean (Smooth sides)
  • Sturdy build
Cons:
  • Slightly smaller capacity than Finum
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Best For Teapots
House Again Extra Fine Mesh Tea Infuser

4. House Again Extra Fine Mesh (2 Pack)

★★★★☆ (Budget Pick)

These are essentially generic versions of the Yoassi, often sold in packs of two. They work brilliantly and are deep enough to reach the bottom of taller travel mugs or small teapots.

Pros:
  • Deep basket design
  • Screw-on lid (some models)
  • Cheap
Cons:
  • Mesh can dent easily
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Best Looking
FORLIFE Brew-in-Mug Extra-Fine Tea Infuser

5. FORLIFE Brew-in-Mug

★★★★☆ (Aesthetic Choice)

Comes with a high-fired ceramic lid available in a rainbow of colors. It feels substantial and pairs perfectly with FORLIFE's famous stump teapots. The handle is a convenient folding tab.

Pros:
  • Beautiful ceramic lid
  • Folding handle for storage
  • Very fine mesh
Cons:
  • Handle can be fiddly
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