(Part 2) Best teapots according to redditors

Flowering tea and a glass teapot! Something like this or this.

If you're really looking for a kettle, I'd forgo the cast iron and get an electric kettle with a programmable temperature setting and a gooseneck spout. Having a temperature setting is great for teas that require sub-boiling temperatures, and a gooseneck makes pouring easier, whether you're using a pot or a gaiwan. Cast iron really isn't necessary for making good tea, and a good tetsubin will cost you several hundred dollars.

If what you're actually looking for is a cast iron teapot like one of these, I'd advise against it. Anything that's intended to be used as a teapot will have a coating of enamel on the inside, which won't develop a rust patina. The only benefit you really get from a cast iron teapot is heat retention, which you can get from other materials as well. That being said, since greens don't generally require high heats, you don't really need to worry about heat retention in your brewing vessel. If your girlfriend is into Chinese tea, maybe look at getting a gaiwan or a Chinese clay teapot. If she's into Japanese greens, go for something like a Tokoname or Banko pot.

I recommend getting one with a mesh strainer. There are ceramic strainers, too, but those are kind of messy. I think mine are from a brand that isn't available in the US. If I were you, I'd get one with a lid to place the strainer on when the tea is done. I think one of these would work: https://www.amazon.com/Tea-Ceramic-Brewing-Infuser-Steeping/dp/B00S9X4AHE/ref=sr_1_134?keywords=mug+strainer&qid=1564089145&s=gateway&sr=8-134 I have one of these (with a different design) as well: https://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Strainer-Convenient-Porcelain-Personal/dp/B07GQ49FDS/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=mug+strainer&qid=1564089268&s=gateway&sr=8-11 But they have ceramic strainers that are kind of shitty.

I got my gaiwan from Amazon. But I really like a lot of Yunnan Sourcing's chinese teaware.

I bought my western ceramic from Adagio

I think a brewing basket is one of the cheapest and most effective solutions for brewing tea. It brews a whole mug, most tea (yes even the delicate Chinese stuff that you're supposed to brew in a gaiwan) comes out delicious and it's really all you ever need.

TL;DR : Tea.

Long version :

Tea is not a beverage. It is a ritual. When done right, tea is a god damn spiritual experience.

How to do tea right on the cheap.

• Tea bags. No. Just...no. No no no 10000 times no. Loose leaf tea is essential to making this the ritual it deserves to be. I can't recommend Adagio enough. Good service, quick shipping, and good quality for not much $. if you're totally new to the whole "tea as an experience" thing, I highly suggest one of the sampler packs. $10-$15 for several blends of various varieties!
  
• Get a glass pot with a glass infuser. Lots to be said about ceramic as well, and yes glass teaware must be handled with great care...but part of the magic is watching things happen. Whatever you do, avoid metal teaware, as it can alter the taste, especially of "less stable" blends. MANY glass teapots are sold with metal infusers, so be careful. My personal favorite is Grosche teaware, and a very nice little glass pot/glass infuser set can be had from Amazon for $30.
  
• Warm up your teaware before steeping. While the kettle is boiling, fill the pot (with infuser in it) with hot tap water and let it sit. Bring the teaware up to a warm temperature first, so you don't lose heat during the steeping process to warming the cold teaware.
  
  ---
  
  The suggestions above aren't meant to turn you into a highly experienced tea connoisseur overnight (or even at all...though if they start you on your way, the more's the better)
  
  What they WILL do, however, is turn tea into a ritualistic relaxation experience of epic proportions.
  
  You'll open a new container of a new blend, and you won't smell the tea...you'll TASTE it with your entire olfactory system.
  
  You'll putter around measuring out the right amount of leaf...you'll carefully handle your glass teaware...you'll take the time to prepare carefully...and you'll realize that this is all part of the experience. it's your own time to do something with patience and attention and craftsmanship.
  
  You'll set the infuser of tea into the teapot of hot water, and a whole new set of scents and flavors will greet you.
  
  You'll watch as some leaves open up, others close, some float, some sink, as the entire blend is alive, and moves around, and this very action is part of what mixes flavors and oils and leaves.
  
  You'll savor the anticipation of the few minutes you allow things to steep, as you watch the color change from clear to light to dark to whatever color you prefer.
  
  Days and weeks and months and years spent steeping different blends at different temps for different times will reward you with an entirely new palette.
  
  And all it takes is a few bucks, and the willingness to devote 10 minutes of your day to learning a new skill. :)
  
  ---
  
  Don't bash me, other tea snobs. :) Yes, there's LOTS of superior sources for high end blends and high grade leaf, and LOTS of different ways to steep and prep and enjoy, and a ZILLION arguments about the best materials and so on.
  
  The above is simply an introduction designed to open the door for someone whose tea experience to date has been Lipton bags in a microwaved mug of water. :)
  
  
  

Notes on french press (caffetiere) from a coffee geek:

• "Keeps your coffee warm for longer" is shit. When you brew coffee (or whatever, tea, tisane, etc.) with a french press, once it's ready, you decant it ASAP, or it continues to brew, and will over-extract, i.e. become bitter.
  
  
• "Outside stays cool" Well you're meant to hold it by the handle anyway.
  
  
• Don't brew coffee with the caffetiere if you don't like that flavour in particular, get a Woodneck or an Aeropress for a similar price. The Aeropress brews superb coffee in no time. Woodneck is a cloth filter brewing method and produces nice coffee + no paper filter needed. Pourover brewers like the V60 or the Melitta Cone are available in the price range of $2-$30 (plastics cost the lowest, metals the most, glass in between). If you can afford it a Syphon brewer produces the best filter coffee IMO. Any of these produce better coffee than a caffetiere, whose product is usually too bitter and too strong in body.
  
  
• If you break a caffetiere in any other way than dropping it on the ground, you're using it wrong. Plunge gently, take your time.
  
  
• For tea and tisane I like these kind-a guys better. The plunge extracts bitters from all sorts of stuff, it's no good IMO.
  
  

https://www.amazon.com/Luxtea-Double-walled-Borosilicate-Heat-resisting-Teacup10pcs/dp/B018VIVXJO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539342368&sr=8-3&keywords=luxtea+double+walled+glass

It's a really fun cup for blooming tea

I don't know what taste your dad likes, but this is kind of how I would put it together without knowing:

$15 https://www.amazon.com/PRESS-ART-TP-160-500ML-CAPACITY/dp/B00AIVMID8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1465673803&sr=8-3&keywords=kamjove

$12 Sencha from Harney, https://www.amazon.com/Harney-Sons-Loose-Japanese-Sencha/dp/B008H7DO3S/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1465673892&sr=8-3&keywords=sencha+harney

$7 black Yunnan from Rishi, https://www.amazon.com/Rishi-Tea-Organic-Golden-Yunnan/dp/B00AR6M3Q6/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1465673914&sr=8-3&keywords=yunnan+black

$8 phoenix oolong from Tao of Tea, https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Phoenix-Oolong-Loose-Ounce/dp/B00E5F9WV4/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1465674135&sr=8-1&keywords=phoenix+oolong

$15 Darjeeling sampler, https://www.amazon.com/Darjeeling-Premium-Tea-Sampler-Spring/dp/B014WCN60M/ref=sr_1_42_a_it?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1465674254&sr=8-42&keywords=tea+sampler&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011

$13 basic gaiwan setup, https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Tea-Set-Pure-White/dp/B00FNA9W0G/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1465674325&sr=8-11&keywords=travel+gongfu

Welcome! I've never used paper towel, but it could work. I fear it may tear after 1 or 2 infusions.

I've used this infuser and its worked well for me. It's a bit pricey @ $19 though.
http://www.amazon.com/FORLIFE-Stainless-Folding-Infuser-Carrying/dp/B00FOMKNSI/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1457753210&sr=8-9&keywords=for+life+tea+infuser

You could also invest in a gaiwan. Half the price at $8.
http://www.amazon.com/Purple-Clay-Tea-Pot-Gaiwan/dp/B00H98UGCS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457753354&sr=8-1&keywords=gaiwan

This video helped me understand brewing process. It's a bit long, but hope it helps!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puldqGnW9P0

How large?

Hario makes a couple different 700mL glass teapots that you can get on amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007WTBQ0

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GYVDKO

I put my hario teapot on a stand over a tea candle. You could do the same with the Chemex.

DecentGadget High Heat Resistant Borosilicate Glass Teapot Warmer With A Candle As A Gift (teapot warmer) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DJZ8Q12/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SFu4xbGJQWBYE

Go for one of these big basket stainless steel infusers. https://www.amazon.com/FORLIFE-Brew-Mug-Extra-Fine-Infuser/dp/B001JPA3Y8/ (though the mug with infuser is close in price https://www.amazon.com/FORLIFE-Brew-Infuser-16-Ounce-Purple/dp/B00FONTSZG)

​

If you want to attempt to save your gravity infuser, maybe try a denture cleaner, PBW, or oxyclean soak.
There are also glass models which last longer like this https://www.amazon.com/PRESS-TP-200-1000ML-CAPACITY-Yeme/dp/B00654M0AI/

Here is what I would do based off of this film:

1. 1000ml Press Art Pitcher
   
2. A couple sets of 60ml white tasting cups
   
3. Some Raw Puer from this guy

This looks like the cup: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018VIVXJO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Hfz0xbVHHNHW2

Not the same thing but this has the same function.

There are several starter kits on Amazon that include the glass teapot and 12 tea bags.


Amazon - Flowering Tea Kit [$28.98]

Amazon UK :)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Stump-teapot-Graphite-Black/dp/B004FR4PN2?th=1

I use one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Stump-teapot-turquoise-18oz/dp/B004FR4PN2/ref=sr_1_7?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1504786365&sr=1-7&keywords=teapot

Has a strainer built in, so you just chuck 2tsp of leaves in and then pour into your mug.

> hario teapot

Like these:

Hario Chacha Kyusu Maru Tea Pot (700ml) Hario https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007WTBQ0/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_bxaHzbVRCQ14M via @amazon

Hario Fukami Tea Pot (700ml) Hario https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BD1O0WO/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_wAaHzbACZRYP5 via @amazon

Hario Pure Glass Tea Pot (700ml) Hario https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GYVDKO/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_exaHzb99HJJDR via @amazon

At 700 mL (23.7 oz) they seem a bit small compared to the other 40 oz pots I've been looking at. Thanks for the recommendation, though!

For reference, I'm talking about this kind of teapot

https://www.amazon.it/Bredemeijer-G002B-Teiera-Xilin-25L/dp/B00D2X3RBQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1484687079&sr=8-5&keywords=teiera+ghisa

This is what I have:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FNA9W0G/ref=psdcmw_367229011_t1_B01N4K6EMQ

You could get that Gaiwan for when you want to go through the ritual, and you'd have cups. And the gongfu pot for convenience, and still have some money left over for a gong fu tea tray or some leaves

https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Tea-Set-Pure-White/dp/B00FNA9W0G/

This is what I use when traveling, though I ditched the pouring vessel and tiny cups for one 60mL cup of my own. The gaiwan, filter, and case are worth the price, in my opinion. As a bonus, the pouring vessel works well as a filter holder when I'm at home.

I just started playing LoL. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

These are basically amazing.

And I am absolutely in love with this stuff.

Start with a gaiwan and some cups.

That gives you a lot of flexibility and a feel for the "ceremony" of it.

Additionally (or instead of), I highly recommend something with this sort of design. Its the most streamlined way to brew gong fu I know of, and will happily sit next to you on your desk without giving much danger of spills. Great for studying. I have this one, but the shipping might be an issue if you aren't in the UK.

I've been in the same boat as you and would say to steer clear of expensive clay pots for now. They're great, but you really get the most out of those sort of pots when you dedicate them to specific kinds of tea so they can season nicely. Whereas glass and glazed teaware can be used for everything with no issues. Meaning you don't need a plethora of gear.

I highly recommend this! It's large enough to fill a couple cups of tea and works superbly! It's also fairly cheap right now as well, although the price fluctuates.

What I like about it is: the spout is sharply angled so there's never an issue with drippage, it's fairly slim (I fit mine into the side of the refrigerator), easy to clean, and the filter at the top makes it so you can put leaves in directly to brew without worrying about water levels since they'll sit at the bottom of the bottle rather than suspended midway.

Winco JB2932 Gooseneck Teapot, 32-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EO17DA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Gfjkub1DNB3X7

Its 8 bucks, it'll get the job done mate. You don't need nothing fancy from hario or kalita they're super overpriced the only thing is that they're cool looking but that's about it.

I am using this glass teapot. I get it last Christmas, love it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DLI79WY/ref=s9_dcacsd_dcoop_bw_c_x_3_w

Tea and mugs are always lovely, well-received gifts.

I have a Breville one-touch, which is similar to the Hamilton Beach 40865 Glass Kettle except it has the basket. You definitely will need something that allows you to monitor water temperature or else you run the risk of scorching your tea, which makes it very bitter.

I'm personally more of a mug person, because I like to drink my tea 16oz at a time so things like Travel Tea Set by Music City Tea don't appeal to me because size. When I was new to loose leaf and before I got my Breville I used this because it's a low-cost, low commitment apparatus that's super easy to use. That way, you're not spending a lot of money on something you don't know if you'll even be into. It's not as cute, or as fancy, but it's a cost-effective introduction to loose leaf.

That being said, you definitely want an infuser that allows the tea leaves to expand, like a basket or teapot-basket combo because tea leaves love to expand. I also think expanded tea leaves produce better flavor, but that might be just me.

Hm, I'm not trying to break the bank here, do you think [this] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EO17DA/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_lDlIwbX4DGZCP) would work pretty well? I think it was posted a while back and it's a third of the price of a gooseneck kettle so that's a pretty nice bonus.

Teapots are often different from kettles, so figure out which one (or both) you want.

If you're thinking about a kettle, the electric ones are fantastic and the most efficient way to heat water. If you get one with tea temp settings or digital temperatures, you'll be perfectly set up.

Teapots come in many shapes and sizes and are good for different proposes. A 100 mL Chinese-style teapot is great for gongfu for one person, while a 500 mL is great for a party.

It's really a matter of what aesthetic you prefer. There are many styles of teapots and ways of using them. Here are some tips:

1. You want a spout that pours nicely, so avoid overly rounded ones. This matters less if you choose a tiny teapot meant for pouring into a sharing pitcher, as you're gonna totally invert the thing while pouring.
   
   
2. Use a fine filter. This could be fine mesh or a stainless steel basket with tiny holes.
   
   
3. Ensure there's room for tea leaves to expand - don't use a tea ball or similarly-sized filter.
   
   
4. Pay attention to the size of the teapot. I think 150-300 mLs is perfect, but that's just me.
   
   
5. Have a plan for timed steeps. If you're using a sharing pitcher, you just pour the liquor out at the right time. If you're keeping the liquor in the teapot, you'll need a place to put the strainer.
   
   Here are some example styles of teapots that are very nice for loose leaf:
   
   

• Japanese cast iron https://www.amazon.com/Workshop-Japanese-Tetsubin-Stainless-Infuser/dp/B01NBP0OMU. You can heat it up with hot water first and it'll keep your tea warm. Edit: I don't really recommend these unless you know the enamel inside is really good.
  
  
• Tiny Chinese teapots https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32805509797.html. This is meant to go with a sharing or fairness pitcher and fine mesh strainer that goes on top.
  
  
• Glass teapots https://www.amazon.com/Teapot-Kettle-Warmer-Infusers-Flowering/dp/B01BRVAZU0/. This one comes with a nice strainer that can also be used in a mug. These are nice for blooming teas as well.
  
  
• All stainless https://www.amazon.com/Venoly-Stainless-Removable-Dishwasher-Resistant/dp/B01M0AXSH1/. For that aesthetic. Also comes with multipurpose strainer.
  
  
• A general-purpose starter teapot https://www.amazon.com/FORLIFE-Stump-Teapot-Infuser-18-Ounce/dp/B00345U3C8/. I've heard they drip a little but everyone likes them.

A mattress topper will make your bed feel ten times more comfortable

As for me I would like this tea pot

Congrats on the job and good luck!

I've had this guy for years and I really love how it looks. You can also use this directly on the stove if you really wanted to (I don't but I've read reviews that said they do)

I got this one last week.

It seems pretty decent so far, but the only other gaiwan I have to compare it with was a birthday gift (from Amazon as well.) It's black clay on the outside with white inside, but I HATE the way it feels/sounds, so it's hanging out in the box still.

I have two of these in my fridge most of the time they're great.

OK, that's it. I'm going to order one, as well. Perhaps a smaller 450ml size, though.

Just the other day I got a Hario cold brew pitcher and I'm well pleased with it. This one here.

Here: Purple Clay Tea Pot Yi Xing Clay Gaiwan Tea Cup, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H98UGCS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JBUyyb6QGWTWY

I was gifted one of these some years ago and still use it frequently. They've improved upon the strainer, mine is a round-bottomed steel mesh, so I may upgrade. I sometimes use a ceramic infuser cup that I picked up in Korea, but it's awkward to clean in my less-than optimal office setting (no kitchen). For that reason, as someone else commented, I've often just been using paper tea bags I bought on Amazon that I can scoop my loose-leaf into and just tossing them. Hoping to find a proper travel set that would work for the office to have a more meditative experience.

I have a nifty little teapot with a built in strainer, like this:

Ecooe Glass Teapot 30 Oz Loose Leaf Tea Maker Stovetop Safe Tea Kettle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DLI79WY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WXZoybJ6DP8B8

I wonder how sensitive kratom is when making tea, like if time and temp really matter a lot. I mean sensitive like thc, where you have to be really careful.

Typically I add about 10g to my teapot, pour in some grapefruit juice (or lemon) and simmer about 20-30 minutes. I am just curious what nuisances really matter you know?

Starting out places: TeaSource.com Harney.com and Adagio are great. Use CatShip19 til the end of May to reduce Teasource's free shipping to $30. Harney is always free shipping. Adagio, I'd have to look up.

I can't really recommend a tea cup without knowing your brewing preferences. Are you brewing for one or more? Do you like to have frequent small cups (consider gaiwan or gungfu style), like to brew at your desk (just get an in-mug infuser) or if you want a simple tea-pot: I love the style of ones that have a metal basket and lid that pop out for easy cleaning (link for ref, but I don't know the brand). Big glass tea-pots are nice for show. Clay supposedly can improve taste (?).

Personally - I make milk based Chai in a pot on the weekends, otherwise most of my tea is brewed with the linked in-mug infuser basket in a beautiful hand thrown clay mug from a local pottery shop. I suggest going this route until you know what types of tea you like - then you can buy the gear best suited to brew that style.

An Aeropress and some of her favorite coffee maybe? Or a Yama teapot or a water bottle infuser. Or a stylish teapot. People swear that the aeropress makes the best cup of coffee they've ever had, if you go that route then picking up extra filters and coffee should bring you around that $50 mark.

I don't remember the brand, but one is 0.7L and the other one 1.2L. You can find similar ones on amazon: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00D2X3RBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_C2CLybN89F74C

I will chime in as pro-pu! My go-to grandpa setup at the office is:

One square 8-9g tuo from Yunnan Sourcing - I am really enjoying this one, though be aware it expands A LOT. I tried to use a gaiwan with it once...never again. It was like some many-tentacled sea creature. https://yunnansourcing.com/products/jiu-wan-cube-ripe-pu-erh-tea-tuo-cha

Brewed in this cup with strainer BECAUSE the strainer is fine enough to put on TOP of the leaves and I can drink w/o sucking in leaf. https://www.amazon.com/Tea-Forte-Brewing-Ceramic-Blossoms/dp/B01KVSGRHU?th=1 Just remove the strainer when you top off so the water can agitate everything.

I have my "special" mug - it has a metal mesh strainer and a lid for my loose tea - I only ever drink loose teas. Tea bags are a PIA IMO. If you are going to do this regularly get something like:
https://www.amazon.com/Tea-Brewing-Insulated-Ceramic-Infuser/dp/B00S9X4AHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494888472&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=loose+tea+cup&psc=1

Now, now, that is not the right attitude when it come to the nation's beverage of choice. Get yourself a nice two cup teapot and transform your cuppa. Something with a basket is good, so that you can dabble with loose leaf too.

This one pops up in most trendy little coffee shops, but cheaper options are very much available. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004FR4PN2/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_wvsGDbGMT6S8S

Your comment got removed by Reddit's filters because the URL can be traced back to an Amazon wishlist. You can avoid this by removing parts of the link after the Amazon item number which would look like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J7AWNDA/

http://www.amazon.com/Winco-JB2932-Gooseneck-Teapot-32-Ounce/dp/B001EO17DA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464385871&sr=8-1&keywords=metal+teapot

I have a small teapot with the strainer built into the top. Some other redditor recommended it and it's awesome. Here it is.

I had one of these and it’s OK but I don’t use it anymore. Eventually the seal will leak from the bottom, it’s not as easy to clean as they make it look (lots of tea leaf flecks get stuck in the mesh filter) and the plastic carafe/mesh filter soak up the color/flavor of your teas over time so you might find your earl grey tasting like chai down the road.

Also there’s no way to remove the tea leaves once it’s finished steeping, so if you’ve made more than a single cup you’ll have to transfer it to a new container or have a really strong second cup. It’s a neat invention, but I went back to a more traditional ceramic that works better for me, I can remove the leaves once the steep is done, and is easier to clean.

Edit: This isn’t exactly the same one I have, but it’s very similar and I’ve been really happy with it - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078ZKPY25/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ibN4AbWNDSARA