Glass vs. Stainless Infuser: Which Makes Better Tea?
If you’re choosing a glass teapot with infuser, the big decision is the basket: glass or stainless mesh. Here’s how they differ for flavor, cleanup, and leaf size—so you can pick the right one in minutes.
TL;DR
- Stainless mesh = catches fine particles, pours fast, easiest to clean → best for everyday loose leaf, broken leaf, herbals.
- Glass basket = neutral taste, beautiful for blooming/whole leaves, bigger holes → best for green/oolong blooms and larger leaves.
Flavor & Materials
Glass baskets don’t impart any taste and let you watch the leaves unfurl—perfect for showy blooming teas or delicate greens. Stainless steel adds no flavor in practice, but its micro-mesh slightly slows flow for a smoother pour with tiny particles.
Filtration (Leaf Size)
- Stainless mesh: 200–400 micron micro-mesh keeps even tiny bits from escaping. Great for broken leaf, rooibos blends, and herbals.
- Glass basket: larger perforations; excels with full-leaf green, oolong, white, and blooming tea. Expect a few flecks in the cup with tiny leaf.
Cleanup & Durability
- Stainless: tap to knock out leaves, quick rinse, optional brush. Practically unbreakable.
- Glass: leaves slide out easily; rinse thoroughly so holes don’t clog; handle with care when wet.
Heat & Fit
Both pair with borosilicate bodies. Many lids fit the pot with or without the basket—handy when you want free-steep. Check the spec “lid fits without basket” on the product page.
When to Choose Each
| You brew… | Pick… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Broken leaf / herbals / fine blends | Stainless mesh | Catches fines, fast pour |
| Blooming tea / full-leaf green & oolong | Glass basket | Pure view, neutral taste |
| Office/daily workhorse | Stainless mesh | Durable & low-maintenance |
Care Tips
- Rinse immediately after brewing; don’t let tannins dry on mesh or glass.
- De-stain weekly with a mild baking soda soak; avoid abrasives on glass.
- Let metal/glass cool before washing to avoid thermal shock.
Recommended Picks
- 700 ml Glass Teapot — Stainless Mesh Infuser
- 1000 ml Glass Teapot — Glass Basket (Blooming)
- Side-Handle Glass Teapot — Fine Mesh
Ready to choose? Browse all glass teapots with infuser or our full glass teapots.
Next, read our guide on which size glass teapot to buy and whether your glass teapot is stovetop-safe.