Tuffy Steeper

I've used this steeper for years-I use it daily and it's the only steeper I use. Here's why:
- Overall ease of use-set it in cup (I use wide mouth tea cups), add leaves. Pour water over leaves, filling to rim. Steep few minutes, lift it out, set on the lid
- easy to fill w/leaves, easy to get leaves out
- when draining, you can press the leaves w/spoon to get all liquid out
- if storing in a drawer, just press it down for compact storing
- Easy to clean due to its shape
-Nothing to open or close; no trying to get leaves inside a ball w/limited space, having to be sure there are no leaves on the edges, causing a gap

I've read negative reviews & don't understand the issues. I haven't experienced leaves escaping the holes, as one reviewer noted (maybe a scant few very fine leaves, but it's negligible) or escaping over the top-just don't over-fill it. One said it's hard to clean-I can't understand what's difficult about it; it's just like washing a cup. Another said it takes up too much space causing less tea in cup-I don't have this problem; my cup is almost full after removing the steeper. It doesn't have to be a tight fit; there is space between the cup and steeper & sits on bottom of cup. Another said leaves clogged the holes & is difficult to clean, & left residual flavor & tea smell-I've never had the holes clogged with leaves; It rinses out with ease. Any residual smell wouldn't bother me-tea smells good, & I've never noticed left over flavor.

Thank you The Tea Spot!

I got a 2nd one as I found the silicone tended to retain some scent of the fragranced teas (Naughty & Nuce, etc) so I got a 2nd one to use with unflavored teas

not sure why the bad reviews...I use mine every day and I love it!! I love that it's also dishwasher safe and it's great for travel and camping. I also love that it's so giftable - comes in a cute box!

I was hoping this would be easier to clean than the metal strainer. It is not. I can live with that but the holes are too big and ended up with tea leaves at the bottom of the cup. I will save it for travel but mostly because it wouldn't bother me to lose it unlike some of my other brewing equipment.

I got the tea infuser in Violet. It’s a nice purple color. The infuser itself is big. I was surprised at the size of it. When I put it in my cup it fit over whole top of it. Keep this in mind when filling the cup. That is kinda nice though because I just grab it on the edges and lift it out. I like how the cover doubles as a holder for it when I’m done steeping. Like some other people have said, I found that a little bit of the tea leaves got into the water. Unlike the others this does not bother me, it’s not a lot that gets thru. It’s also nice how it’s collapsible. I can throw it into my purse and travel with it. It’s currently in my camper. If I ever feel the need to leave it there I’ll order another one that will have a home in my purse.