It seems there are a bunch of different types of strainers, like 1 hole or 7. I keep seeing "bubble strainer," and it seems like it is not popular.
What is a bubble style strainer?
What are some different types of strainers and the merits thereof?
Thanks!
Oct 15th, '11, 07:52
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Oct 15th, '11, 11:09
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Re: Strainers/Filter Types
Single-hole: one big hole in the pot leading to the spout--ok for large, intact-leaved teas, not great for broken leaves that may escape in to your tea. You can get little wire spiral filters to fit into this type of spout.
5-hole, 7-hole: multiple small holes (like a colander) over the part of the pot where the spout goes--watch the great youtube video linked in this post to understand how those are made--good for most teas, but clog very easily with finely broken leaves like a black tea or sencha.
Not sure what 'bubble' refers to in a filter. It might referring to something like a sasame filter that actually projects back inside the pot, usually with a larger number of tiny holes, and potentially less likely to clog than a flat 5-hole or 7-hole filter.
5-hole, 7-hole: multiple small holes (like a colander) over the part of the pot where the spout goes--watch the great youtube video linked in this post to understand how those are made--good for most teas, but clog very easily with finely broken leaves like a black tea or sencha.
Not sure what 'bubble' refers to in a filter. It might referring to something like a sasame filter that actually projects back inside the pot, usually with a larger number of tiny holes, and potentially less likely to clog than a flat 5-hole or 7-hole filter.
Re: Strainers/Filter Types
My best description of a bubble filter is a half a small "golf ball" where instead of dimples there are holes. Its honestly not that bad of a filter type, but there is one general problem that they all tend to have. Due to how it is joined to the pot wall, the holes do not start really close to the pot wall. Which is a problem as its nearly impossible to completely empty the yixing.
Oct 15th, '11, 19:04
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Re: Strainers/Filter Types
Perhaps also referred to as a "ball" filter. I agree with Adam. I do have a ball filter on my glazed Arita pot I use for a lot of different stuff and you really have to work to get all the liquid out. Sesame filters dont seem quite as bad in this regard for me anyway.AdamMY wrote:My best description of a bubble filter is a half a small "golf ball" where instead of dimples there are holes. Its honestly not that bad of a filter type, but there is one general problem that they all tend to have. Due to how it is joined to the pot wall, the holes do not start really close to the pot wall. Which is a problem as its nearly impossible to completely empty the yixing.
Re: Strainers/Filter Types
Check out Teavana for their supply of strainers. They may have a store near you.
Re: Strainers/Filter Types
I'm really amazed at the lack of info here on infusers/strainers. Forget about teapots if you drink alone! Get a filter from Teavana.com (they have several and they may have a store near you) and brew it right into your cup or glass. Not only will it taste better than in a teapot but the versatility is endless.
Jan 3rd, '12, 00:59
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Re: Strainers/Filter Types
OK, brew how you like, like how you brew.
EDIT: But how many types of pots have you done side by side tastings with the infuser method?
... and pass on the Teavana ... though I think I see where you are coming from now ...
Jan 3rd, '12, 01:33
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Re: Strainers/Filter Types
Kasey,
I use an infuser basket from Bodum. the yoyo. I find it great for traveling with. but thats all I ever use an infuser like that for. At home whether I am brewing for more than one..or most often just for myself. I use my small pots. I am not sure why you think an infuser in a cup tastes better than from a pot?
I use an infuser basket from Bodum. the yoyo. I find it great for traveling with. but thats all I ever use an infuser like that for. At home whether I am brewing for more than one..or most often just for myself. I use my small pots. I am not sure why you think an infuser in a cup tastes better than from a pot?
Re: Strainers/Filter Types
shouldnt you be pushing cast iron kettle/pots instead?kasey wrote:I'm really amazed at the lack of info here on infusers/strainers. Forget about teapots if you drink alone! Get a filter from Teavana.com (they have several and they may have a store near you) and brew it right into your cup or glass. Not only will it taste better than in a teapot but the versatility is endless.
Jan 3rd, '12, 22:27
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Re: Strainers/Filter Types
entropyembrace wrote:shouldnt you be pushing cast iron kettle/pots instead?kasey wrote:I'm really amazed at the lack of info here on infusers/strainers. Forget about teapots if you drink alone! Get a filter from Teavana.com (they have several and they may have a store near you) and brew it right into your cup or glass. Not only will it taste better than in a teapot but the versatility is endless.
oh that made me laugh Entro!Re: Strainers/Filter Types
Iannon: I was considering the Bodum Yoyo but one of the reviews said that the holes let too many bits of leaves through. The Teavana has lots and lots of very tiny holes and is very well designed for that. I have nothing against traditional teapots but I like the versatility of something you can brew right into any cup or glass.
Jan 7th, '12, 11:01
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Re: Strainers/Filter Types
thats cool..I havent had any isues with mine but right now that teavana "perfect lidded teacup strainer" at 75% off at teavana for less than 4 bucks looks like a very good deal really for that type of infuserkasey wrote:Iannon: I was considering the Bodum Yoyo but one of the reviews said that the holes let too many bits of leaves through. The Teavana has lots and lots of very tiny holes and is very well designed for that. I have nothing against traditional teapots but I like the versatility of something you can brew right into any cup or glass.
Re: Strainers/Filter Types
Those Teavana strainers do work great. I was used to using a guiwan but it was too small. I felt that the strainer on a glass or mug would work the same way so I tried it and I'm happy with it.
Feb 4th, '12, 11:20
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Re: Strainers/Filter Types
This has never been a problem for me, probably because I always shake the pot a little at the end of pouring. And I love ball filters. But I've heard quite a few other people mentioning this problem too. So I guess depending on one's habit, this could be a problem for a lot of people. This may also explain why a lot of yixing producers are reluctant to use this type of filter. I tried to persuade some to make more of this type but didn't have much luckiannon wrote:Perhaps also referred to as a "ball" filter. I agree with Adam. I do have a ball filter on my glazed Arita pot I use for a lot of different stuff and you really have to work to get all the liquid out. Sesame filters dont seem quite as bad in this regard for me anyway.AdamMY wrote:My best description of a bubble filter is a half a small "golf ball" where instead of dimples there are holes. Its honestly not that bad of a filter type, but there is one general problem that they all tend to have. Due to how it is joined to the pot wall, the holes do not start really close to the pot wall. Which is a problem as its nearly impossible to completely empty the yixing.
