the filter bottom and a large brimmed not being perforated a large amount of water (or rather tea) remains in the reserve. over and above the cover is secured to the filter which prevents it out. you are condemned to keep the tea in the teapot which will make it too strong or fast to remove all the teapot and then left without cover ... I did not dare return this product but am ordered me immediately that I get another tomorrow. and then the lid can be repositioned on the teapot when we removed the filter.