Hell < Square Peg,
You have stated that you are new to teas, and when I was really new
and finding out all the stuff you will learn I really wanted to buy
lots of tools. And pots, and strainers and yixing, and bone china and
lovely gaiwans of many sizes and all, tea bags, tea socks, tea sets
cups with strainers, glass teapots with strainers Jenaer or from the
asian market or the world market. Every place has their thing, and so
does each and every person.
I cannot tell you how much money I have spent on utensils but know now
I SHOULD have saved most of it just for nice tea.
In the end.. this am I got up, went to the cabinet, chose an old
coffee mug that I have hundreds of, put a mesh strainer(poly) in the
cup and poured hot water in my tea, took out the strainer and put it
in another cup, drank my tea and then poured new hot water into the
2nd cup (that has the leaves) drained it and put the strainer back in
the first cup. and then go on and on till the leaves were exhausted.
Funny I do this on the counter top of the cabinet that holds my
gaiwans, teapots sharecups,strainers teapots and mountains of teaware.
Sometimes I even brew in a pyrex measuring cup (for volume) Or just
put this same little $4 poly strainer in a teapot and steep, take out
the strainer and pour.
On days I want to feel special or am tasting I just go for the
gaiwans.
This was just my story. If you are really into the tea experiment you
probably will try everything. (like I did)
I have learned this...
The more complicated the device is the more apt it is to malfuncion,
The more expensive it it, will maybe be more prone to break (like
gaiwan lids) The simpler the device is to use, will end up being the
one used most often.
BTW I have one of those also and it is hidden in the bowels of my tea
cabinet.
Jenn
enjoying golden lily oolong in the cup, smooth and delicious