100 Finum Tea Filter Cup, Plus Stick

Comment: I'm very pleased with these Finum Medium Tea Filters!!

I've read the other reviews and understand where they're coming from. When these filters collapse on itself (when pouring water into them) - it's very tricky to reopen them - and the tea leaves start leaking out of the filter through the top. Frustrating... However,....

My review:

I love these filters because they are not only strong but also wide at the bottom - this allows the full expansion of the tea leaves. Some filters out there are too narrow at the bottom and in my opinion doesn't allow for the full expansion of the tea leaves.

Also, these filters are quite strong. I like to squeeze the tea filter with the tea leaves between infusions and these hold up extremely well no matter what temperature I use (doesn't disintegrate). I've used other filters that broke open after the 2nd infusion - very frustrating (waste of money). I'm so glad to find these bc they renewed my faith in tea filters!! :D

It also helps to know that these are "green" - no dioxins were used - only oxygen to "bleach" these white and the ease of throwing them into a compost/landscape pile - makes it an easy choice. :D Give these a try!!

Review done :D

Below is just an Extra overview on how I use the filters:

To help get the most of these tea filters: I open the tea filter and fluff the bottom open with my fingers (finger scissor kick).

Then I poke a chopstick about 1/4" from the top and 1/4" Off centered to the right (right handed). This may seem odd but the "Off centered" poke allows a bigger area to pour water through and prevents the filter collapsing on itself. If you're left handed - poke the chopstick about 1/4" Off centered to the left.

For some reason if it's poked right in the middle/center - the filter has more of a propensity to collapse onto itself and leak tea leaves into the brew. After you poke the chopstick into the filter - open the filter wide as its laying in your tea mug.

When the water comes to temperature - hold the filter corner closest to you and carefully pour the water into the tea bag. The direct contact between the tea leaves and poured water helps to create a full infusion and maximum tea leaf expansion (rather than just pouring the water into the mug then placing the tea bag into the water).

Afterwards I use a tea press (tongs) and carefully squeeze the tea filter/tea leaves to get the most of each infusion. I place the tea filter/tea leaves in another mug. The chopstick will keep it suspended in the other mug for clean safe keeping until the next infusion.

I use one tea filter for about 2 - 3 infusions depending on the type of tea. Between each infusion the filter is squeezed with a tea press - these Finum's hold up really well! Like I mentioned earlier, I've had other tea filters that busted open after the 2nd squeeze.

Again, overall, very pleased with these Finum Medium filters!! Give them a try! :D

Comment: I thought the included stick would be wood but it is plastic. Still, it does the job of holding my tea paper while straining and steeping my loose teas. It may take a little time for those who are used to enclosed tea bags to get used to filling and steeping their own. I prefer this method because I can measure to my taste and not the manufacturer's.

Comment: I've been using these filters with the provided stick since January 2010 without issue. I love trying loose teas and this product is a great way to enjoy them at work where I don't want to bother with cleaning infusers. Buying another package to include with the gift of loose teas I'm sending to my mom for mother's day.

Comment: Look at the picture -- a single stick holds the tea filter. In practice, it will be tricky to maintain the balance of the filter when pouring water onto it. Once in a while, the filter may flip and, voila, you get tea leaves into the cup (which is exactly the thing you want to avoid by using this filter). So I end up saving a wood coffee stir and use it as an additional stick to hold the filter.

Comment: So how elegent does this look? But picture yourself using the one stick that comes with the order. One stick? One stick! What if you need to make an extra cup of tea? Then you start to pour the hot water over the bag and the walls collapse and you end up with tea leaves in your cup. This such a cute idea I wish it worked better.