The Best Tea Travel Mug with Infuser for On-the-Go Brewing
In the fast-paced world our Shock Naue readers navigate, finding simple pleasures like a perfect cup of tea on the go is essential. My partner Steve recently questioned the need for a dedicated Tea Travel Mug With Infuser, asking if any old mug would do. While you could make do, for a truly superior on-the-go tea experience, a purpose-built mug with a built-in infuser makes all the difference.
Sure, you could use paper steepers or baskets in a standard travel coffee mug, but travel tea mugs are specifically designed with integrated infusers that allow you to seal the lid tightly while your tea steeps. This means less waste and a hotter final brew. Furthermore, coffee mugs often retain coffee flavors over time. A dedicated tea travel mug helps ensure a serious tea drinker’s brew tastes pure and clean.
In the search for the best travel mug for taking tea on the road, I prioritized a leak-proof design and high heat retention. Ease of grip and comfortable drinking were also key considerations. And, of course, a stylish look is a plus. Here are my top selections based on testing.
Water pouring through a stainless steel tea infuser basket, demonstrating the brewing process within a travel mug.
The Top Pick: The Tea Spot Everest Tea Tumbler
The Everest’s double-walled, vacuum-sealed stainless steel insulation effectively kept 22 ounces of tea hot and tasting fresh. Its screw-down BPA-free top proved exceptionally leak-proof. I was particularly impressed by its rugged adventure-meets-urban-chic aesthetic and the choice of four stylish colors.
The Everest also excelled in smart design and functionality. Its innovative screw-top and sipping mechanism remain attached to the mug while you drink, preventing you from dropping parts of the lid. The stainless steel infuser basket provides ample space for water and loose tea leaves to interact during steeping. Its fine holes efficiently kept small leaves out, resulting in a clean and full-bodied brew. The easy-to-grip exterior finish is similar to that of the popular Hydro Flask water bottle, making it a familiar feel for Hydro Flask fans. The Everest fit comfortably in a tote bag and could also be easily carried on the exterior of a backpack using a carabiner clip. Like all tested travel tea mugs with infusers, it’s versatile enough for iced tea or infused fruit water.
Runner-Up: The Tea Spot Voyager Tea Tumbler
The Voyager, also from The Tea Spot, earned the runner-up position. With a 16-ounce capacity, it’s smaller than the Everest, but shares many key features. This mug kept tea hot and fresh for 6 hours and is equipped with the same high-quality stainless steel infuser basket as the Everest. Its cleverly designed leak-proof lid features a comfortable, easy-to-drink-from sip-cup style that doesn’t require full removal – simply press a pop-top down to drink, then press again to seal it shut. With its sleek metallic, glossy finish and lack of a loop handle, this model leans more “urban” than “adventure” stylistically. Reviewers note it might be slightly more prone to scratches than the Everest. It’s easy to grip and fits well in a tote bag, backpack pocket, or gym bag.
Other Models Considered: Zojirushi
The Zojirushi stainless travel mug with a tea filter was a surprising contender, especially since the brand performed so well in our best travel coffee mug tests and kept tea even hotter than competitors over 6 hours. However, its steeping mechanism presents a significant issue. You place loose tea leaves inside and add hot water. A filter at the top blocks leaves while drinking, but the tea continues to steep as long as it’s in the mug, inevitably leading to an over-steeped, less pleasant brew after some time. Although one reviewer suggested turning the mug upside down to steep using the small strainer basket at the top and then removing it, the basket’s limited size doesn’t provide adequate space for leaves to mingle or for larger varieties to expand and steep properly. The multi-part lid is also cumbersome to wash and keep track of and must be completely removed to drink, making it awkward for safe on-the-go use. While excellent as a vessel to pour tea from after it’s steeped elsewhere, or to keep tea brewed in a bag incredibly hot, it falls short as a functional tea travel mug with a built-in infuser for continuous brewing.
In conclusion, for those seeking the ideal Tea Travel Mug With Infuser to enjoy perfectly brewed tea wherever they go, The Tea Spot Everest stands out for its capacity, durability, and smart design. The Voyager offers a great alternative in a smaller, sleeker package. While other options exist, our testing confirmed that a purpose-built design like these ensures the best flavor and convenience for tea lovers on the move. Choose the right tool to elevate your on-the-go tea ritual.
