LEXPON 500ml Glass Teapot Gongfu Tea Maker With Filter

Disclaimer - I received this item in exchange for an honest reviewI really like this item. I am a fan of loose leaf tea and find it difficult to use strainers as they don't always allow for the full flavour of the tea to be infused.This operates almost like a cafetière but for tea. The filter is attached the lid which is a downside as it makes cleaning a little tricky and it does rattle about somewhat (so noisy in an office environment) but other than that it's not bad. You put your loose leaf tea in the filter and then pour hot water on top of it and wait for it to infuse - the time it takes will depend on what tea you drink and how long you normally need to use it. I found that this infusion was quite strong if I left it for as long as I normally do in a little strainer or infuser, so you need to assess it accordingly.There is a little water release button on the top which then releases the infused water into the bottom, ready for pouring. As the lid doesn't sit flush, you need to be careful when pouring. It also only really makes one cup so be prepared to refill a bit more frequently than perhaps you would want to.All things considered, it's a good teapot and I would recommend it.

Unfortunately this product is very impractical to use for one simple reason: the infuser cannot be fixed to the teapot. This makes pouring the tea into a cup / mug really inconvenient. I bought exactly the same tea maker at exactly the same price from another maker, and there the infuser can be fixed to the teapot with a simple twist. That's so much better.On a separate note, the packaging for this tea maker is terrible and makes it impossible to give as a gift to someone.I will return this item today.

Simple to use, works well. Perfect for making a range of teas.

I was sent a sample in exchange for an independent reviewAt first I wasn't sure what this did, but I have played around with it and find it produces perfect cups of ginger tea, using a commercial bag, several times over from the same bag. The infusion is powerful because the hot water sits in the filter with the bag and is only released when you press the little button which lets down the drink into the jug. So although it is a bit fiddly in that you have to fill the filter say twice, the result is a delicious, well steeped beverage that can be poured from what does look like a cafetiere. I have also had good results with peppermint leaves, another favourite of mine. You have to keep your hand on the lid when you are pouring from the jug as the lid is not sealed as such. Be careful with hot fluids, of course.I would not be without it now, I like the separation of the bag/leaves from the hot drink and the excellent value it achieves by totally using the infusion to the max. It is a dear new friend in my kitchen that I am pleased to have around.