Tea Essentials: Enjoy Your Tea Daily!

There are a lot of things to consider when brewing tea. Aside from the most important which is the quality of tea leaves, one also needs to consider the brewing process, water temperature, timing of each brew, and the materials or tools needed. The no-nonsense approach would be to get yourself some quality loose leaves, a teapot, and a cup. Then you’re good to go with your cup of tea.

However, if you’re looking to up your tea drinking game, then it’s also worth it to invest in tea essentials that will help you brew tea in a precise manner. Using the proper tea ware and essentials also makes sure you reap all the potential benefits that come along with having tea. Some people are okay with the usual tea bags; others have completely ditched the tea bags and went full on loose leaves.

If you want to know the differences between tea bags and loose leaves, you can check out our post about Team Tea Bag or Team Loose Leaf. Ultimately, using loose leaves results to more burst of flavors in your tea as well as more health benefits.

So now let’s just say you already have your favorite loose tea leaves ready to be brewed, all you need is the right set of tea ware to get everything started! Here’s our list of tea essentials for your daily tea consumption.

1. A teapot or kettle

To start off, you need something to boil water in.  Although you can basically use any tea pot as a kettle, there are those that will make your routine a little easier. There are traditional teapots that will make you feel like you are really partaking in a traditional tea ceremony. There are also electric teapot kettles that are perfect for those who are always on the go or those who don’t have so much time to brew.

A stainless steel kettle or a glass model is a good choice. There are some glass models that are stove-top friendly, so it will be easier for you to brew your own tea. There are even some that already come with a built-in infuser.

An example is Kitchables Glass Teapot Kettle with Infuser Set – Stovetop Warmer Teapot with Stainless Steel Strainer for Loose Leaf Tea. It has a fine mesh stainless steel infuser for an even drink and borosilicate glass material that withstands high heat (-30 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius). The parts are also detachable, so cleaning is going to be easier.

2. Tea infuser

When it comes to tea infusers, you would want something that can allow the loose tea leaves to expand and unfurl completely. This way, your tea will be more flavorful. If you can’t get hold of a teapot kettle with infuser set, then you can also go for a brew basket that’s big enough to hold your tea leaves.

For large gatherings, tea socks are a great option. You can use them for both a cup and a teapot. Tea balls are also a standard tool for infusion. If you’re always on the go, tea sacs or tea pockets are very easy to use and are also convenient to bring when you’re out and about.

3. Tea cups

A cup, a mug, or a teapot will do. A regular cup will also do, but then again, if you want to have something better, there are mugs or cups that are double-walled and thermo-insulated so that your tea can stay warm for a longer period, plus it protects your fingers from being burned. You may not need a tea cozy or tea warmer anymore too.

There are different sizes and designs. There are with and without handles. Choose which ones fit your lifestyle and enjoy every tea time. I think it’s a good feeling to drink from a good-looking cup or mug, whether it’s tea or coffee. It just brings a feeling of warmth, and somehow you don’t want to let go.

You can go check these out if these cups/mugs fit your needs.

4. Timer and Tea Thermometer

Different types of tea have different appropriate temperatures and timing. Some teas will taste bitter or will not taste right when over-steeped. Although any timer will do, it’s also best to know the temperature of your water for utmost precision, so a timer with a thermometer will be essential.

There are “timer and tea thermometer in one” devices that can make brewing easier for you. If you don’t or can’t find the two-in-one device, you can have a timer and a thermometer instead. As long as you have the two, you are one step closer to getting the best out of your brewed tea.

Also, some electric kettles already have a built-in thermometer wherein you can set the temperature so that you know exactly that you are brewing with the right degree. Sounds fancy? It might be expensive than the regular kettle, but if you get a good one, for sure it’s worth it as it is more convenient and precise. Making tea will be a lot easier for you daily!

There are several tea accessories sold in the market, but we found the items above as the “essentials” or the most necessary materials in brewing tea. Everything else is an add-on or extra.

Some of the add-ons you can choose to purchase are tea cozy or warmers, tea chests, tea creamer and sugar set, tea spoons, honey dippers, caddies and canisters, tea wallets, and tea towels.

Whether you choose to keep things simple or to collect accessories for your growing tea set collection is totally up to you! The most important thing is that you enjoy your tea and you’re getting the benefits from it.