When it comes to tea, there are seemingly endless options for infusion on the go. But with such a wide array of tea infuser bottles on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
This product review will explore some of the key features to look for when choosing a tea infuser bottle, as well as the pros and cons of different materials, sizes, and types of lids.
But get excited! Cuz by the end of it, you'll be an expert on all things related to tea infuser bottles and ready to choose the perfect one for your needs!
Tea Infuser Bottles: Materials
The material of your tea infuser bottle will affect everything from its durability to its heat and cold retention properties. Here are some of the most popular materials used in tea infuser bottles, along with their pros and cons:
Plastic
Let's start off with this health junkie's LEAST favorite option (sorry not sorry ;)-plastic!
The short list of pros for why one might choose a tea infuser bottle made with plastic is:
- They're generally lighter in weight.
- They're less likely to break or be seriously damaged if dropped.
- They're typically inexpensive, making it a popular choice for those on a budget.
But don't get too excited! While plastic may be one of the lighter, more durable, and less expensive materials, it is definitely not the healthiest option in my humble opinion.
I'm sure you've heard by now that plastics can leech harmful chemicals into anything it comes in contact with, right?
Well, that is even MORE concerning when the plastic is up against a fluid hot enough to brew tea! The bottom line is: boiling water and plastic are just never a good mix.
In addition to that, plastic tea tumblers are more likely to stain over time as well as retain odors from. But... details. ;)
All of that being said, if you choose to go with a plastic tea infuser bottle, at least make sure it is BPA-free or... and hear me out... skip it altogether!
Stainless Steel
Ahhhh... now we're talking! Enter stainless steel- a far healthier option when it comes to tea bottle materials!
Not only is stainless steel more durable than plastic, but it does not absorb flavors, smells, or color from the liquids you put in it.
Steel bottles also tend to be more insulated than plastic, keeping your tea hot or cold for longer periods of time.
However, a tea thermos made from stainless steel is often more expensive than plastic options and can add unnecessary weight to your bag if you're trying to travel light.
Glass
A glass bottle is non-porous so it does not absorb flavors, colors or smells and is more eco-friendly than a plastic tea tumbler.
That being said, glass tea infusers are heavier than both plastic and stainless steel options and are more likely to break if dropped.
Luckily, most of those I found on Amazon come with a protective sleeve to help keep their glass tea infuser travel mugs safe!
Lastly! They sure are aesthetically pleasing to look at (especially when infusing fruit into your water or tea) and being able to see the tea leaves inside gives you more control over the streng of your brew. Definitely a perk!
Tea Infuser Bottles: Infuser Basket Size
The size of your tea infuser basket will come into play depending on the type of beverage you plan on brewing.
Here are some common choices and their ideal uses:
Loose Leaf Tea
If you plan on brewing loose leaf tea- whether it be black tea, green tea, oolong tea, or whatever kind of tea- you'll want an infuser basket that is large enough to accommodate your desired amount of leaves without being too crowded.
This will allow the leaves plenty of room for expansion as they steep, ensuring full flavor extraction whilst keeping any leaf/flower floaties out of your mouth... and your tea!
Tea bags
Most commercially available tea bags will fit in any standard size tea infuser bottle. However, if you like to make your own tea bags with loose leaves, you may want a larger/deeper infuser basket that can accommodate potentially over-sized tea bags you may end up making.
Coffee
Similar to loose leaf tea, you'll want an infuser basket with smaller holes but that is still large enough to accommodate your desired amount of coffee grounds without being too crowded.
This will allow the grounds plenty of room for expansion as they brew, ensuring full flavor extraction.
Fruit
If you're looking to infuse your water with fresh fruit flavors, you'll want aninf user basket that is large enough to hold several pieces of fruit without being too crowded (this will vary depending on the size of your infuser bottle). You'll also want holes that are small enough to keep the fruit from escaping into your drink while still allowing water to flow freely between the contents inside the infuser basket and the water outside of it.
Tea Infuser Bottles: Fluid Capacity
The fluid capacity of your bottle will depend on how much beverage you want to make at one time—and how much space you have in your fridge (if using a cold brew infusion fridge method).
Here are some common fluid capacities for the best tea infuser bottles:
- 16oz – Perfect for 1-2 cup servings or large single servings brewed in advance
- 24oz – Perfect for 2-3 cup servings or multiple servings brewed in advance.
- 32oz – Perfect for 3-4 cup servings or large batches brewed in advance
- 64oz – Perfect for brewing very large batches in advance (great for hosting events!)
No matter what size you choose, make sure that your bottle has a tight-fitting lid so that nothing accidentally spills out while brewing! If you prefer to drink hot tea... this could be an accident waiting to happen!
Also note that glass bottles typically have smaller capacities than plastic or stainless steel options (due largely in part to weight restrictions), so keep this in mind when making your decision.
The Picking Process
Anyone who knows me knows that I am tea-obsessed as of recently and I now make sure to have 1-2 cups of various kinds throughout the day.
So... you can only imagine how excited I was when I started seeing all of the different options for tea infuser bottles available on Amazon.
After doing a ton of research and reading through hundreds of reviews, I finally narrowed it down to my top six picks. And let me tell you, these are some seriously awesome infuser bottles! They keep tea hot for hours, they're easy to clean, and they're super stylish.
If you're looking for the perfect way to take your tea on the go, definitely check out my top six picks below!
The Goods
Best Tea Infuser Bottles
Full Disclosure: WholisticHealthJunkie.com is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, meaning that any links you click below may result in commissions at no extra cost to you. And now that THAT'S out of the way...Happy Scrolling! ;)
Pure Zen Tea Tumbler w/ Infuser
BPA Free Double Wall Glass Travel Tea Mug with Stainless Steel Filter - Leakproof Tea Bottle with Strainer for Loose Leaf Tea and Fruit Water 13 Ounce
Officially "Hooked"
"Very Functional: This tea infuser bottle is wonderful. I like the fact that you can open the bottle from the top, or the bottom. I can put loose tea in the filter, or fresh mint or fruit. I’m also happy that it is glass so there’s no risk of any type of contamination. It also comes with a neoprene sleeve, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the glass. I use it every single day, and bring it to the gym with me as well." -Amazon Reviewer
Teabloom Travel Tumbler & Thermos
Oprah’s Favorite | 16oz/480ml Insulated Water Bottle/Tea Flask/Cold Brew Coffee Mug
Officially "Hooked"
"NO Leaking: I have had this thermos for one (1) day and I am in love. My tea, which I made two hours ago, is still too hot to drink, because I am the worst and I like to drink it lukewarm, but I am blissfully free of inconvenience. The outside of the thermos is a nice texture and easily held in one hand and isn't even warm. There is no leaking even when vigorously shaking the thermos or leaving it laying on its side, nor even water accumulated in the cap. This is everything a "travel" thermos exactly should be." -Amazon Reviewer
LeafLife Sustainable Bamboo Tumbler
Stainless Steel Travel Mug w/ Tea Infuser & Strainer, Vacuum Insulated 12oz
Officially "Hooked"
"Pleasantly Surprised: I'd been looking for a tea infusing tumbler for a while but all had that one con to it that made me not want it. This one had me concerned from some reviews but I ended up loving it. The chemical smell others mentioned just smells like a processed smell probably for the bamboo finish. Similar to when you buy tech and open the package and can smell it, but it goes away.
The bamboo is super smooth and nicely finished. The quality of the infuser is surprisingly good, nothing leaks out, it holds together well, it locks in place, it's easy to clean, etc. This tumbler will hold things HOT HOT HOT for a LONG time. I just did what others said and added some cold water to cool it to a drinkable state and leave the lid off to cool it some. But it'll definitely keep things hot or cold for a long time. I'm happy!" -Amazon Reviewer
Officially "Hooked"
"WOW Who Knew How Wonderful This Can Make You Feel: I absolutely love the water I have enjoyed from this bottle. I use RO water for drinking and it's fine, but when I drink from my crystal infused bottle, it is different. The taste is cleaner and smoother. I find the bamboo straw adds even more earthy element. My first water of the day has been sitting over night in the bottle and It truly does make a difference. I can't wait to try some loose tea next! I find the bottle to be delicate, so be extra careful when handling it and don't leave it where it can be nocked over. I did use my fresh moon water to clean the crystals and the bottle before I used it. Cheers! Peace! Love!" -Amazon Reviewer
MIRA Stainless Steel Insulated Tea Infuser Bottle
Thermos Travel Mug with Removable Tea Infuser Strainer For Loose Tea- 18 oz, Pearl Blue
Officially "Hooked"
"The Best Tea Mug Ever: I make 2 large cups of tea per day. One is drank early and I take the other with me for after lunch. This tea bottle keeps my afternoon tea perfectly warm all day long! I use a chia yerba mate blend that is not harmed by steeping all day. I am sure you could fill your mug with boiling water in the morning and add your green or black tea in the afternoon without any issues. By far the best tea mug I have used. I'll be buying another if they decide to make one with a large capacity. This bottle is very durable as I am clumsy and tend to drop it several times per week." -Amazon Reviewer
Lexlion Water Bottle & Tea/Fruit Infuser
Triple Walled Insulated Stainless Steel Reusable, Wide Mouth, Fruit Diffuser-Thermal Leaf Infuser, 32oz
Officially "Hooked"
"Great Investment For Tea Lovers: The bottle itself is a good size and the tea strainer has notches so it doesn’t accidentally fall in which is amazing. I doubt I’ll ever actually use the metal lid BUT it’s nice to have. I also love that it comes with a bottle cleaner. In the future if they make an attachment, a lid with a straw would be amazing." -Amazon Reviewer
Final Thoughts
I know... There's a lot to consider when choosing the best tea infuser bottle for your needs—but hopefully this review has helped demystify the process for you, my beloved tea drinker.
From material considerations to lid types... if you drink tea, there's something out there perfect for your needs—you just have to experiment and find it!
And remember…tea time should be enjoyable so don't Sweat The Small Stuff! Cheers!
