UNITEA Strainer and Lid: Build a Simple Loose-Leaf Tea Setup
By KINTO Japan | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to pair the UNITEA strainer 80x105mm with the UNITEA lid 80x32mm, strain loose-leaf tea at home, and keep both parts clean without cracks or warping.
Quick answer
Use the UNITEA strainer 80x105mm to hold loose leaves in your teapot, then set the UNITEA lid 80x32mm on top to keep heat in. Check that both parts sit level on your teapot opening before brewing, and clean them separately after each use.
Why the two parts work as a pair
The strainer is a heat-resistant glass insert with a 120°C temperature difference rating, so it can handle hot water and go into the microwave and dishwasher. The lid is a PCT resin disc rated to 100°C and is dishwasher-safe but not microwave-safe. That difference matters: the strainer can stay in the pot during reheating, but the lid should come off first.
Because the strainer and lid share an 80 mm diameter, they are designed to sit on the same teapot opening. The lid's 32 mm height and roughly 25 g weight make it easy to lift by the edge, while the strainer's 105 mm height gives leaves room to expand. Neither part is a universal cap, so confirm the fit on your own teapot before relying on them together.
When this setup is not the right choice
If your teapot opening is not close to 80 mm, these parts will not seat properly and tea may splash or leaves may escape. Very fine tea dust can also pass through a basket-style strainer, so use slightly larger leaf pieces or a finer mesh if clarity matters to you. And if you routinely reheat tea in the microwave, remember the lid is not microwave-safe even though the strainer is.
Step-by-step: setting up and caring for the strainer and lid
- Check the fit on your teapot: Set the strainer into the teapot opening and confirm it rests level without wobbling. Then place the lid on top and check that it sits flat. Common mistake: forcing a part that is slightly too large, which can chip the glass rim or let steam escape unevenly. If either part rocks or leaves a visible gap, stop and use it with a different vessel.
- Add loose leaves to the strainer: Spoon loose-leaf tea into the strainer before pouring water. Leave roughly a third of the basket empty so leaves can unfurl. Common mistake: packing the strainer full, which slows water flow and can make the tea bitter. For a first brew, start with less leaf than you think you need and adjust next time.
- Pour water and cover with the lid: Pour hot water slowly over the leaves, then set the lid on the teapot to trap heat. Common mistake: leaving the lid off during a long steep, which drops the temperature and flattens the flavor. Keep the lid on whenever you are not pouring.
- Lift the strainer out to stop steeping: When the tea reaches the strength you like, lift the strainer out by its rim and set it in a small bowl or on a saucer. Common mistake: leaving the strainer in the pot, which keeps extracting tannins and turns the tea harsh. Have a resting dish ready before you brew so you are not holding a dripping strainer.
- Clean the strainer without thermal shock: Let the glass strainer cool before washing. Rinse it with warm water and a soft sponge, then place it in the dishwasher if you prefer. Common mistake: touching hot glass with a wet cloth or setting it on a wet counter, which can cause breakage from sudden cooling. Never use a scouring powder or metal scrubber on either part.
- Wash the lid separately and store it flat: Hand-wash the lid with mild soap or put it in the dishwasher on the top rack, avoiding a crowded position where force is applied to it. Keep it away from open flame and do not microwave it. Common mistake: stacking heavy items on the lid in the dishwasher or cupboard, which can warp the resin. Store the lid flat or loosely nested, not under heavy pots.
Product facts
- UNITEA リッド 80x32mm プラスチック: The UNITEA lid measures φ80 x H32 mm, weighs about 25 g, and is made of PCT resin with a heat resistance of 100°C. It is light enough to lift off with one hand, but it should not go in the microwave or near an open flame.
UNITEA リッド 80x32mm プラスチック - UNITEA ストレーナー 80x105mm: The UNITEA strainer measures φ80 x H105 mm, weighs about 70 g, and is heat-resistant glass rated for a 120°C temperature difference. It can handle hot brews and dishwasher cleaning, but sudden cooling or a wet cloth on hot glass can cause breakage.
UNITEA ストレーナー 80x105mm
