One of the auxiliary pleasures of drinking tea is selecting accoutrements: utensils, cups, kettles, storage tins, and, of course, teapots. The choices are legion with a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, decorative touches. Sometimes that blinds us to one of the most important decisions we must make in teapot selection: its function!
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Your teapot-buying decision should be based first and foremost on size (options often go from one to six cups, sometimes larger). The next most important aspects are your personal preference for material (glass, ceramic or porcelain) and whether it will be used for brewing tea or pouring brewed tea. Other important factors include: whether it's easy to hold, pours well, and, of course, fits into your budget. A gigantic Majolica pot, festooned with monkeys and in a brilliant highly-glazed green, may warm your heart; but if when filled with tea it weighs five pounds and holds more than your family can drink, it will probably be better suited for the collector's shelf than the tea table.
Clear glass teapots (yes, there are colored ones) are a fabulous choice if you're fascinated with the "agony of the leaves" - the way they unfurl and release the nectar we so enjoy. Using a glass teapot often will lead you to know both by the color and the texture of the leaves when it is done even when you choose not to use a timer. Strainers can be glass, plastic or gold mesh and each works wonderfully, although glass offers the least possibility for impacting the flavor of the tea and gold mesh is a good second choice. The only downside to glass infusers is they require tongs or insulated cloth to remove as they get very hot. Probably one of the best things about some glass teapots is the manufacturer's ability to make a slight indentation in the tip of the spout. This facilitates pouring in a steady, non-spilling stream. Why every potter doesn't use this scheme is a constant puzzle. Well-made glass teapots also have insulated handles; if not, a terrycloth towel or potholder will certainly protect your hands.
Glass
Glass pots can stain and a little elbow grease, with or without mild soap, will clean them up easily and completely. If soap is used, it is critical to rinse in very warm water (thoroughly, many times) to ensure that no soap residue remains. Check for the manufacturer's instructions whether the pot is dishwasher safe. Two caveats: Never put a hot teapot in a freezer or refrigerator and never put it directly on a gas or electric stove, because it might crack. Some manufacturers make complementary warming stands which use small tea candles that can keep the tea hot. Tea cozies are always suitable.
Ceramic
Ceramic teapots were commonly fired in open pits, and originated 11,000 years ago in Asia and the Middle East for everyday use. Clay and earthenware pots then, and now, have natural heat-retention properties, low seepage, and brew the leaves quickly. We suggest using a timer for the first pot or two, then adjusting your brewing times according to your taste. Note the spout and if it narrows slightly at the end; this indicates better pouring capability than a too-wide opening in the spout. Check the inside of your ceramic teapot for glazing. If it is glazed, you can certainly alternate your tea choices; if unglazed or if it is an Yixing pot, stick to one type of tea only. Like ancient times, ceramic and earthenware clay pots are fired at low temperatures.
Porcelain
White clay pots first appeared at Jingdezhen and the best was known as qingbai or yingqing (clear bluish-white). Then came quingei (made in Longquan) which first appeared during the 7th century and used wood ash and iron in the clay fired in an oxygen-reduced atmosphere. In English, quingei became celadon; Korea, Thailand, Japan, and China all still make pots with this glistening greenish-gray glaze.
Perhaps no category of teapots is more aligned with China than blue and white. When most Westerners think of "fine china," this type is what usually comes to mind. First developed during the Yuan Dynasty (-) its glass-like glaze was further perfected by potters of Ming Dynasty (-) who advanced the Yuan potters' art to the highest levels. So popular were these pots that Oscar Wilde once quipped that "I find it harder and harder every day to live up to my blue china". He was part of the 19th century Aesthetic Movement whose ubiquitous symbols were the sunflower, the annunciation lily, and... blue and white chinaware!
Since the late 17th century, potters in the US, and more abundantly in England, France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Russia and Austria have copied and sustained the best of the original china ware. In addition, each of China's contributions to pottery making has been duplicated: adding colors, three-dimensional ornamental designs, related underglazing and glazing techniques for either glass-like or intentionally crackled designs. Fortunately, today's porcelain teapots cover a wide range of prices from under $10 to hundreds of dollars, teapots to please any taste in every budget.
Care and Maintenance
For cleanup, if the exterior and interior are both glazed, wash as usual; if the interior is unglazed, only rinse the tea leaves out and rinse with hot water before each use to warm up the pot and make it more receptive to the brewing process. Some ceramic pots come with their own ceramic or mesh strainers; others do not, so you'll need to use hand-held sieves when pouring out the tea into the waiting cups. You can eliminate this process by having two pots: one to brew in and one to decant into. Earthenware or crockery versions of ceramic pots are considerably thicker and therefore stronger than delicate glass or porcelain, but they too can break from mishandling or being subjected to extremes of cold or heat, so again - no popping into the fridge or setting on a direct flame except with a complementary tea warmer stand. Do NOT put these in a dishwasher no matter what the manufacturer says.
Porcelain teapots are generally glazed inside and out and, again, unglazed interiors indicate a pot should be dedicated to one type of tea and interior glazed pots can be used for a variety of tea types. It's difficult to accept staining, and although washing with soap will certainly rid the pot of stains, most connoisseurs still aver that soap is anathema to fine pots; better to rinse leaves thoroughly, wipe with a clean damp sponge and leave stains alone. The heavier a porcelain pot the easier it is to keep the tea hot longer. Brew in the pot and decant or brew in another vessel and pour the decanted tea into the decorative pot. If you don't have a second pot, you can always brew tea in a large measuring cup, add the suggested amount of water, brew, then pour through a sieve into your special pot.
A few more words on Porcelain: soft, hard, and bone
The word porcelain, by the way, is not a derivative of any Chinese word but from the Italian, porcella or the French, porcelain, for cowrie shells and their shiny appearance. That appearance is a combination of materials and firing techniques. Fine white paste porcelain uses strong, vitreous, translucent ceramic clays fired at a low temperature, then it is glazed and fired at a very high temperature. It was the appearance of this advance in ceramics that captured everyone's imagination as its nearly translucent quality was unlike the rough appearance of most ceramics. Referred to as "china ware" by the Europeans who first imported tea, and tea ware, from China, porcelain continued to evolve with the talents and experiments of potters during a succession of dynasties, each contributed techniques and styles in the manufacture of china ware. Soft paste porcelain pots are produced by mixing white clay with a glassy substance that is a mixture of white sand, gypsum, soda, salt, alum and nitre which is then fired at a lower temperature than hard-paste porcelain. Hard paste porcelain uses kaolin and petuntse or other clays, ground glassy substances, soapstone, bone ash and other elements that give it its glossy appearance and glass-like composition and are fired at higher temperatures. A third category of porcelain, bone china, which is most common today. It is stronger than hard-paste porcelain and easier and less expensive to manufacture, and contains bone ash into the typical clay ingredients. As a result, its appearance is more ivory or soft white than the bright white of classic hard paste porcelain.
The history and evolution of glass, clay, and porcelain teapots fills many books. We hope this gives you at least a basic understanding of the varieties available for choosing your first, or next, teapot!
There's a reason teapots have been around for thousands of years. They are the most reliable way to balance even the subtlest flavors, whether it's from teabags or, more commonly, loose-leaf tea. With so many options out there, though, it's difficult to know what teapot to buy. That's why we've tested some of the best teapots available today. No matter how you take your tea, we've got the perfect teapot for you.
Best Overall
TMOST Glass Teapot with Infuser
PHOTO: Courtesy of Amazon
$20 at Amazon
What We Like
Stovetop, microwave, and dishwasher safe
Easy to use
Sleek design
What We Don't Like
Only makes 3-4 cups
If you are looking for a versatile, everyday teapot that can brew hot and cold tea, looks sleek, and outperforms the competition, the TMOST Glass Teapot Kettle with Infuser is our top pick. This model holds three to four cups of tea in borosilicate glass so durable that you can put it directly on a gas stovetop. When the stainless steel parts are removed it can also go in the microwave to warm up your tea when it cools down a little. An added bonus is that it's dishwasher safe, so you can clean it easily after a long day.
The teapot also scores points for ease of use. It comes with helpful instructions and a handy chart that indicates the required water temperature and brewing time for different types of tea. We tested the teapot by brewing loose-leaf earl grey tea. The flavor was excellent and the filter completely removed all sediment.
Anyone who has ever poured hot water out of a teapot knows that burns do happen, but this lid is designed to stay cool so your fingers stay safe. And the ergonomic handle allows for a firm grip while holding the pot while the spout is spill-free. If the 32-ounce capacity is too small for avid tea drinkers, it's also available in 43 ounces. Overall, we were impressed with the teapot's high-quality design and user-friendly operation.
Material: Glass | Capacity: 32 or 43 ounces | Infuser: Yes | Dimensions: 6.1 x 4.7 x 5.9 inches
The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh
Runner-Up, Best Overall
Hiware Glass Teapot
PHOTO: Amazon
$23 at Amazon
What We Like
Attractive design
Easy to handle
Microwave and dishwasher safe
Non-spill spout
What We Don't Like
Stovetop capability is questionable
Hiware Glass Teapot Kettle with Infuser Review
The Hiware Glass Teapot is similar to our best overall option but comes in at a lower price. It not only has a stylish silhouette, complete with a large handle and slightly goosenecked spout, but you can also see the beautiful colors emerge in your tea as it steeps. The material is ideal to showcase flowering teas, too, should you choose to steep openly in the pot instead of using the included stainless steel infuser filter.
We tested a slightly larger version of this item, but this model holds roughly 34 ounces, which is more than enough for a few cups of tea. The borosilicate glass can be placed directly on gas or electric stovetops. However, the instructions aren't clear about whether or not water can be boiled directly in the teapot so we decided against it.
Overall, we were pleased with its performance. It brewed flavorful black tea that was free of sediment thanks to the mesh strainer. For a couple of extra bonuses, the teapot can go in the microwave when the stainless steel parts are removed, and it can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning after a long day. The affordable price is in line with ceramic teapots, so you're not paying a premium for the glass design.
Material: Glass | Capacity: 33.8 ounces | Infuser: Yes | Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.1 x 5.4 inches
The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh
The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh
The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh
The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh
Best Color Options
Sweese Porcelain Teapot
PHOTO: Amazon
$26 at Amazon
What We Like
Affordably priced
Multiple color options
Large handle
Giftable
What We Don't Like
Not the smoothest pouring
Mixed reviews on lid
This 27-ounce teapot is both elegant and adorable. The round handle and slightly gooseneck spout give the item a classic silhouette, and it's available in a number of vibrant and glossy colorways, ranging from a timeless white to an eye-catching turquoise. It also comes with a convenient stainless steel infuser that works with both bagged and loose tea.
The teapot is on the smaller side, but its capacity is sufficient for personal use&#;you can expect to brew about two to three cups at a time. Avid tea drinkers or customers who often host parties will be pleased to know that Sweese makes a nearly identical teapot at 40 ounces&#;the main difference is that the larger teapot does not include an infuser.
This particular teapot is praised for its value for money, and also makes an excellent gift. One thing to keep in mind is that the porcelain material is durable, but not entirely resistant to chips and scratches.
Material: Porcelain | Capacity: 27 or 40 ounces | Infuser: Yes (27-ounce model only) | Dimensions: 5.2 x 5 x 8.5 inches
Best Budget
Bodum Assam Tea Press with Stainless Steel Filter
PHOTO: Amazon
$20 at Amazon
$29 at Wayfair
$20 at Target
What We Like
Value for money
Dishwasher safe
Plunger stops steeping process
What We Don't Like
Works best when brewing a full pot
Bodum's Assam Tea Press offers more than a standard teapot and yet it comes at an unbeatably low price. The 34-ounce glass teapot has a large steel infuser, which is nothing out of the ordinary so far, but the unique detail is that the infuser can be plunged to stop the steeping process. This ensures that your tea won't steep for too long and become bitter, which is especially convenient when you make a full pot of tea and want to take your time drinking it. One of the only downsides is that the infuser isn't perforated at the bottom, so tea leaves don't diffuse as well if you only make two or three cups at a time.
When you're done drinking your tea, all parts are dishwasher-safe. Pouring is smooth despite the item's short spout. The plastic handle is surprisingly sturdy as well.
Material: Glass | Capacity: 34 ounces | Infuser: Yes | Dimensions: 5.9 x 6.4 x 7.5 inches
Best Stoneware
RSVP Stoneware Teapot
PHOTO: Amazon
$25 at Amazon
$31 at Walmart
View on Bed Bath & Beyond
What We Like
Excellent value
Stylish and available in many colors
Strong, comfortable handle
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What We Don't Like
No infuser
Stoneware, like earthenware and porcelain, is a type of ceramic material that's used to make all kinds of pottery, kitchenware, and more. It's especially well-liked because of its durability and the variety of finishes it comes in. As a result, stoneware is a wonderful blend of function and style&#;two words that can also be applied to RSVP's Stoneware Teapot.
The item is available in a size of 16 or 42 ounces, as well as a number of striking colors. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with an infuser like many other teapots, but it is dishwasher- and microwave-safe for added convenience. It also has a sturdy handle. The stoneware material is thick enough to retain heat well too, so you can sip your tea leisurely and enjoyably, just like you're meant to.
Material: Stoneware | Capacity: 16 or 42 ounces | Infuser: No | Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 6 inches
Best Ceramic
Tealyra Daze Ceramic Teapot
PHOTO: Courtesy of Amazon
$25 at Amazon
What We Like
Unique silhouette
Large infuser
Smooth pouring
What We Don't Like
Small capacity
Lid doesn't always stay in place
Ceramic teapots are widely lauded for their excellent heat retention, easiness to clean, and timeless aesthetic. Tealyra's Daze Ceramic Teapot has all these wonderful traits, plus it's available in seven colors to match any personality or kitchen décor. It has a 27-ounce capacity and the ceramic body is built to resist high temperatures and stand the test of time, but is slightly small for our liking. The extra-fine stainless-steel strainer prevents the smallest leaves from floating into your tea, resulting in the perfect cup. The pot doesn't drip when the tea is poured and it also makes a great gift for a friend who also cherishes a warm spot of tea on a cold day.
Material: Ceramic | Capacity: 27 or 47 ounces | Infuser: Yes | Dimensions: 6.69 x 6.54 x 6.3 inches
These Infusers Steep Brew-Tea-Ful Cups of Tea
Best Set
Sweejar British Royal Series Tea Set
PHOTO: Amazon
$73 at Amazon
View on Sweejar.com
What We Like
Great for entertaining
Durable porcelain
Beautiful design, multiple colorways
What We Don't Like
Rack is not included
With 22 gorgeous pieces, this tea set has everything you need to entertain. There are six teacups, six saucers, six teaspoons, a sugar bowl, a cream pitcher, stainless steel filter, and, of course, a gleaming 28-ounce teapot. Every piece in the set is crafted from white porcelain and accented with elegant gold trim. The porcelain is surprisingly sturdy and the pieces are also dishwasher safe but should not be used in the microwave or on the stovetop.
What really separates this Pukka Home set from other options is its value for money. The price is extremely reasonable when considering the quality and number of pieces included, and it also makes a great gift. If you&#;re looking for a pop of color, Pukka Home not only makes the set in Pure White but in Milk Purple and Young Pink as well. Keep in mind, however, that the set does not include the display stand used in photographs.
Material: Porcelain | Capacity: 28 ounces | Infuser: Yes | Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.5 x 5 inches
The 10 Best Tea Samplers in
Best High-End
Royal Albert Old Country Roses 3-Piece Tea Set
PHOTO: Amazon
$180 at Amazon
$189 at Wayfair
$197 at Walmart
What We Like
Fine bone china
Beautiful design
Other sets available in same pattern
What We Don't Like
Hand-wash recommended
No teaspoon
You can't go wrong with any of Royal Albert's teapots or tea sets. The British company has been crafting gorgeous fine bone china for over 100 years. We chose the Old Country Roses motif because it's one of Royal Albert's best-selling designs. The company also makes dozens of pieces with the same lush floral pattern&#;including serving trays, napkin rings, and wine glasses&#;so you can expand your china collection whenever you like, all in a matching design.
This set includes a 42-ounce teapot, sugar bowl, and cream jug. While it doesn't come with cups and saucers, we love that it provides three essential pieces at a price only slightly higher than buying the teapot by itself. If need be, teacups in the Old Country Roses pattern can be purchased separately at a number of sites online.
Material: Fine bone china | Capacity: 42 ounces | Infuser: No | Dimensions: 6.3 x 6.5 x 10.5 inches
Best Cast Iron
Old Dutch International Cast Iron Sapporo Teapot
PHOTO: Amazon
$27 at Amazon
What We Like
Unique design
Extremely durable
Includes infuser
What We Don't Like
Small capacity
This Japanese-inspired cast iron teapot is ideal for brewing small batches of loose-leaf tea for yourself or a guest. Iron teapots are traditionally heavier, as the weight of the iron helps retain heat for an extended length of time, which is ideal for long-brewing and taste. This item strikes the perfect balance between function and design, however, as it's on the lighter side for iron models, clocking in at 2.8 pounds. It's also equipped with enamel lining for rust resistance. This teapot is dependable enough to use daily and the iron design looks great in any kitchen. We only wish it was slightly larger.
Material: Cast iron | Capacity: 20 ounces | Infuser: Yes | Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.25 x 6 inches
Best for Office
Saki Chaiovar Electric Samovar
PHOTO: Courtesy of Amazon
$165 at Amazon
$216 at Wayfair
What We Like
Large capacity
Water stays hot for three hours
Easy to use
Can steep individual cups
What We Don't Like
Can't select specific temperature
Temperature only in Celsius
Samovars have been used to heat water and steep tea since the 18th century. Saki takes this age-old design&#;kettle on the bottom, teapot on top&#;and adds all the modern touches needed to make several drinks with ease. We received the Chaiovar Electric Samovar for testing purposes and gave it an all-around high rating for design, durability, and performance.
The main part is a stainless steel kettle with an immense capacity of 135 ounces. At the touch of a button, the full kettle gets to 212 degrees Fahrenheit in 17 minutes. Naturally, it's even faster when using less water. You can then place the 34-ounce porcelain teapot or a single mug under the spigot to brew tea. One criticism we have is that the water automatically heats to 212 degrees Fahrenheit rather than allowing for specific temperatures to be selected. So if you're making matcha, for example, you have to keep an eye on the temperature and pour when it gets to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. It also only reads in Celsius, so some quick conversions may be necessary.
The samovar can certainly be used for individual or household use, but it's especially well-suited for offices and events given the large capacity and three-hour temperature hold. It's also more expensive than an average teapot and tea kettle combined; though, the price is reasonable considering how unique the item is and the sturdiness of its parts.
Material: Porcelain teapot and stainless steel kettle | Capacity: Teapot is 34 ounces and kettle is 135 ounces | Infuser: Yes | Dimensions: 11.2 x 14 x 20 inches
Best Gaiwan
Harney & Sons Gaiwan
PHOTO: Amazon
$13 at Harney.com
What We Like
Affordable
Ideal for lighter teas
Saves space
What We Don't Like
Small capacity
May require learning curve
Gaiwans have been a common tea-making instrument in China for hundreds of years and are a staple of Gong Fu brewing&#;a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. According to Shunan Teng, founder and CEO of Tea Drunk, a gaiwan has "become a symbol of the highest quality of tea brewing, even though in China it's quite commonplace." She added that it offers people more control over their tea than a teapot does.
This gaiwan from Harney & Sons is made of 100 percent porcelain and has a capacity of 4 ounces. The white porcelain is especially useful for seeing the color of the tea liquor to know when steeping is done. Like many gaiwans, this model comes at a budget price and is cheaper than the vast majority of teapots out there; granted, you sacrifice the larger capacities that teapots offer. The item is not dishwasher safe and should be rinsed by hand after use.
Keep in mind that it may take some time to get comfortable with a gaiwan if you haven't used one before. A little skill and practice are required to secure the lid and hold the edges without burning your hand on the hot porcelain. Once you've got the technique down, however, the Harney & Sons gaiwan will lead to fast and delicious tea.
Material: Porcelain | Capacity: 4 ounces | Infuser: Yes | Dimensions: 3.75 x 3.25 inches
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