infuser

An infuser is a device or container designed to impart flavors or aromas into a liquid by allowing the liquid to circulate around or steep ingredients while keeping solids contained. The term is most often used for devices that handle tea and other beverages, but it also appears in culinary and medical contexts.

In beverages, tea infusers are the most common type. They come as mesh tea balls, wire baskets, hinged spoons, or built-in filters in mugs and teapots. Other varieties include spice or herb infusers, such as small bags, pouches, or corked containers that hold ingredients like spices, citrus, or mint and release their flavors into water, tea, or cocktails. Cold infusion bottles often feature a dedicated infuser chamber or insert to steep fruits, herbs, or tea without loose particulates passing into the final drink. Infusers can also be used in cooking to flavor oils, syrups, or broths by steeping ingredients in the liquid.

Materials used for infusers range from stainless steel and glass to silicone and food-grade plastics. Durable, easy-to-clean designs are common, with fine meshes or perforations that prevent solids from passing through while allowing adequate flavor transfer. Care usually involves hand washing or dishwasher use, ensuring all residues are removed to avoid off-flavors.

In medical contexts, “infuser” can refer more broadly to devices involved in delivering fluids to a patient, such as infusion sets or pumps, though this usage is distinct from culinary infusers. Overall, infusers provide a practical means to control flavor extraction and infusion in a variety of applications.