This is the best idea ever. I have many pots for loose tea and make tea every day. I have used "bags" to put loose tea in and balls to hold loose tea or a pot with a filter in the middle, I've used a small filter that sits on top of my cup but nothing works near as well, and is as convenient as this pot. You put the loose tea and boiling water in the pot and after it has steeped you place the pot on top of your cup, the tea drips into the cup because the rim of the cup presses it's valve.It is the simplest way to make loose tea that I know of. A uniquie gift idea. I plan on getting one for all my tea drinking friends. Christmas shopping is going to be easy this year.