How to Use an Amsterdam 2 Cup Infuser Teapot for Loose Leaf Tea

By English Tea Store Brand Teas | Premium Private Label Blends | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to brew loose leaf tea for one in the Amsterdam 2 Cup Infuser Teapot, from measuring leaves to easy cleanup, with checkpoints to avoid bitterness.

Quick answer

To brew loose leaf tea for one in the Amsterdam 2 Cup Infuser Teapot, add about 2 grams of tea per 6 ounces of water to the integrated ceramic infuser, pour water just off the boil (or the temperature your tea requires), steep for the recommended time, then lift out the infuser to stop extraction. Rinse the infuser and teapot promptly with warm water to prevent tannin buildup.

Why the built-in infuser changes your approach

Unlike a teapot paired with a separate mesh ball or basket, the Amsterdam’s ceramic infuser is built into the pot. That means you cannot lift the entire infuser out to stop steeping unless you pour the tea off the leaves—or you can remove the infuser insert if it is designed to lift out. In practice, you will want to decant all the tea once it reaches your desired strength, because the leaves stay in contact with water otherwise. This is a key difference from using a removable basket: with a built-in infuser, timing your pour is part of the brewing step, not an afterthought.

Leaf-to-water ratio for a two-cup pot

A two-cup teapot typically holds around 12 to 16 ounces (350–475 ml) of water. For most loose leaf teas, use roughly 1 teaspoon (about 2–3 grams) per 6 ounces of water. That means 2 to 2.5 teaspoons for a full pot. If you prefer stronger tea, add more leaves rather than steeping longer, because longer steeping extracts more tannins and can turn the tea bitter. The ceramic infuser gives leaves room to expand, so avoid packing it tightly.

Water temperature and steep time by tea type

Delicate green and white teas do best with water around 175–185°F (80–85°C), while oolong and black teas generally need 195–212°F (90–100°C). Herbal infusions usually require boiling water and a longer steep. Because the Amsterdam teapot is ceramic, it holds heat well, but preheating with hot tap water helps maintain temperature during steeping. Always follow the steeping time recommended for your specific tea, then taste and adjust.

Cleaning the infuser and teapot without damaging the glaze

The lemon glaze on the Amsterdam teapot is durable, but abrasive cleaners can dull it over time. Rinse the infuser and pot with warm water immediately after use to remove loose leaves. For stubborn tannin stains, fill the pot with warm water and a tablespoon of baking soda, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid sudden temperature changes—such as pouring boiling water into a cold pot—because thermal shock can crack ceramic. Hand washing is safest; if the manufacturer states it is dishwasher safe, use a gentle cycle, but hand washing preserves the finish longer.

Step-by-step: brewing loose leaf tea in the Amsterdam 2 Cup Infuser Teapot

Preheat the teapot: Fill the teapot with hot tap water, let it stand for 30 seconds, then discard. This warms the ceramic so your brewing water stays closer to the right temperature. Checkpoint: the pot should feel warm to the touch before you add tea.
Measure the leaves: Add 2 to 2.5 teaspoons (about 4–6 grams) of loose leaf tea to the integrated infuser. Use a scale for accuracy if you have one. Checkpoint: leaves should sit loosely in the infuser, not packed tight.
Heat the water: Heat fresh water to the temperature recommended for your tea type (e.g., 175–185°F for green tea, 195–212°F for black tea). Do not reuse water that has been boiled repeatedly. Checkpoint: use a thermometer if you are unsure; guessing can scorch delicate leaves.
Pour and start timing: Pour the hot water over the leaves, filling the pot to just below the rim. Start your timer immediately. Checkpoint: do not stir vigorously; a gentle swirl is enough to wet the leaves.
Steep for the recommended time: Steep according to your tea’s instructions—typically 2–3 minutes for green tea, 3–5 minutes for black tea, and 5–7 minutes for herbal infusions. Taste at the shorter end to avoid oversteeping. Checkpoint: set a timer; multitasking is the most common cause of bitter tea.
Decant or remove the infuser: When the tea reaches your desired strength, either lift out the infuser (if removable) or pour all the tea into a cup or second pot to stop extraction. Do not leave the leaves sitting in the water. Checkpoint: if you plan a second steep, keep the infuser in the pot but pour off all liquid after each steep.
Clean promptly: Discard the leaves, rinse the infuser and teapot with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth. For stains, use a baking soda soak as described above. Checkpoint: avoid leaving wet leaves in the pot overnight, which can set stains and odors.

Product facts

Amsterdam 2 Cup Infuser Teapot - Lemon: The Amsterdam 2 Cup Infuser Teapot features an integrated ceramic infuser and is made from lead-free ceramic with a high-gloss lemon glaze. The built-in infuser simplifies brewing loose leaf tea for one, while the lead-free ceramic construction ensures safe, consistent steeping and easy cleaning.
Amsterdam 2 Cup Infuser Teapot - Lemon