The infuser gets clogged w/tea leaves. The water passes through extremely slowly and I have to help it along by stirring. Any tips?
1789066
Other than the infuser getting discolored because of the herbal tea, I have no problems with it. Just dump out the used leaves and rinse out upside down. Use a small baby bottle brush to clean the infuser slits. I wait until the water has boiled and then put the infuser in with the tea already in it.
1789067
I agree. The plusses to this teapot are that it is pretty, and that it displays the flowering tea-balls well. The glass infuser is simply not efficient. I enjoy mine for the look of it. I agree with the other comment about replacing the glass infuser with a mesh one. Sorry I couldn't be more help.
1789068
I simply put the water in first and then add the tea to the infuser. Using a brush for cleaning works well for me too.
1789069
using a fine bristle brush, scrub the little slits. do monthly. i prefer the strainer to mesh ones.
1789070
Replace the crap strainer that came with the teapot with a good metal mesh strainer.
1789071
I use a tea ball for loose teas and have never encountered your problem. It is a very lovely tea pot and we use it daily.
1789072
I use a tea ball for loose leaves and also have not had a problem. In addition, you can buy empty reusable tea bags in bulk either here or for much cheaper on ebay. They work well too, just like the normal tea bags with a string that we are all accustomed to.
164230
The reason the capacity is smaller than expected is that, with the infuser is in place, the liquid tends to boil over. So it is best not to fill it too full and let it simmer without boiling over. After removing the infuser, the pouring is quite easy, without dripping.
917463
Yes. Just make sure the amount of water you pour in will cover all of the loose leaf tea in the infuser.
1726380
I heat the water in a regular tea kettle, then pour the water over the tea into the pot. After it has brewed I then transfer the brewed tea to another pot so the tea doesn't get too strong. Of course you can take out the insert but watch burning you hands. B Hardy
1571159
There is a colander-like formation at the throat between the pot & the spout. Even so, as does P. Griset, I use anaftermarket strainer. I like to remove the tea leaves from the pot at the proper time. Later, I re-use them.
1648973
Sounds like its clogged up. It might need to be descaled. Since I bought it I only use distilled water and haven't had any issues. I love this little steamer.
1914911
I ditched the glass infuser long ago and use a stainless steel, classic 1 cup infuser from TEAVANA. No plugging of leaves and possibility of breaking. It's about 3 inches tall. I lucked out and bought a few on a clearance sale a couple of years ago. They don't have the same model anymore. The closest I can find on their site is the cool touch tea strainer. My older version is entirely made of stainless steel; no silicone top. Check it out in one of their stores and see if you think it will work for you.
304284
I have once, it held together without a problem. However, I have found that tea tastes better when you don't wash the infuser with soap [in the dishwasher or otherwise]. In addition, I imagine that it would start to show some wear after a few cycles in the dishwasher.
451842
I saw posted somewhere that a different manufacturer's device automatically is set to do this after a certain amount of water has flowed through it. Simply removing and then reseating the filter MIGHT fix the issue, although I can't guarantee it will be the same for this device.
984518
I am so glad you asked this question. It prompted me to try and take the filter part out. I learned it snaps out very easily for cleaning. I have had my tea maker a few years and it gets used a lot. AS I said, I had never taken it apart, rather I always put baking soda in it, let it soak then use a brush on the filter, etc. Then I rinse it well. After taking it apart and cleaning it then snapping the filter back on I am again reminded why I love this tea pot. I saw it on America's Test Kitchens. They said it was the BEST on the market. RIGHT AGAIN!
283756
I suggest you use another tea pot instead of the glass tea pot. I picked my favorite teapot at Cost Plus and have been using it since day one.
2026587
I don't get the leaves out at all. I just keep adding water to it throughout the day - the way Chinese drink tea!
1252531
I brew my tea in the basket, dispose of the leaves, rinse then drop it back in so I can have the strainer at work. I still sip with the empty basket while I'm driving in but once I'm in the office I leave the basket out when I sip.
774034
I never thought to do this so I tried it last night, using the cold water that came out of my refrigerator filter. I used two of the tea bags and a large 8 cup Pyrex measuring cup. I poured the water over the tea bags and the water remained clear. When I woke up 7 hours later, the water was the usual tea color but a weaker shade. When I tasted it, it tasted weaker too. So I would say this does not work well. I usually let the tea steep for several hours after pouring boiling water over the tea bags but now I am thinking that simply hot water will do. But not cold water....
1424522
Hi Kathleen, Yes the infuser is not designed for really fine tea, so you will likely not get the brewing experience you hope for in that situation. However, there are hundreds of beautiful tea varieties available that are not fine and should fit the bill nicely! Sincerely, Bridgett Tulloh, Founder of Flourish and Thrive
1918726
I added a cranberry tea to mine saw it on you tube. I boiled the tea and used that water to mix it. Hope this help.
2135854
I've experienced very minimal staining of the clear part after over a year of nearly daily use. Sometimes I'm lazy about rinsing it out right away, which I'm sure is why. The filter portion on mine has not stained. If you want to take the leaves out, you'd be better off just pouring it into a different container. I usually drink my tea fast enough, I don't have issues with over brewing. Overall, yes, I like it and am happy I bought it.