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"Can I use a cafetiere for tea?" has a useful, yes, with one rule. This sits in the kit cluster beside tea infuser types.
The answer
A French press (cafetiere) works well for loose leaf tea, it gives the leaves plenty of room to expand, which is exactly what good extraction needs, see loose leaf tea.
The one rule
Decant fully when the steep is done; the plunger does not stop extraction, so leaving tea on the leaves over steeps it bitter, the key clear point, see troubleshooting.
Why it works
Lots of room plus a coarse filter equals good full leaf extraction; better than a cramped ball infuser.
Best teas for it
Robust black, herbal and many oolongs; for delicate green, mind temperature and time, see temperatures.
The coffee taint caveat
A press also used for coffee can taint tea; ideally keep a separate one or clean very thoroughly.
How to do it
Leaf in, correct temperature water, steep, then plunge and pour out completely (decant if not finishing it).
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