It is a well-known fact that nowadays, teapots come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. They’re so pleasing to the eyes that you might get one for your home even if you’re not a tea lover. But then it is wise to pick the best teapot for making tea even if you drink it occasionally.
Why?
To be honest with you, not all types of teapot materials are great to brew tea. Every material has its limitations and advantages.
And if you’re an avid tea drinker, you might want to buy the best teapot for brewing tea at home to avoid negative effects on health.
So let us learn about different types of teapot materials and which is the best teapot material.
Different Types of Teapots
1. Glass Teapot
It is no doubt that the glass teapot looks beautiful. They are the right choice for your modern apartment. And the main benefit of using a glass teapot is, you can keep an eye on the entire tea-making process. Therefore, making it perfect for new brewers.
[Tip: Make sure to use borosilicate glass to make tea as it does not react to ingredients or infuse harmful chemicals into the brew]
Advantages:
- Looks great
- You can see the tea infusion clearly
- Safe material
Cons:
- Fragile
- Needs thorough cleaning and drying as one can easily spot watermarks
2. Stainless Steel Teapot
Stainless steel is durable and easy to maintain. Therefore, if you’re looking for a teapot that holds heat best then stainless steel teapot is your answer. You can enjoy more than one cup without having to reheat tea. Besides, a majority of stainless steel teapots feature hinged lids. Thus, low chances of lid misplacement or replacement.
Pros:
- Excellent heat retention
- Economical
- Durable material
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Might not be highly appealing to the eyes
- Risk of burn due to overheating of handle
- Potentially leach heavy metals into boiling water/tea; Not the best pick for daily use
3. Ceramic Teapot
Classic is the best term to define a ceramic teapot. You might have seen ceramic pots in your grandma’s home if she loved tea. Ceramic offers medium heat retention which is good to use while hosting a small tea party at home.
Pros:
- Classic look
- Medium heat retention
- Comes in various sizes and shapes
Cons:
- Not ideal to brew a wide variety of tea
- Ceramic holds the previous flavor which might result in flavor retention
- Breaks easily
4. Cast Iron Teapot
Cast iron material, in general, is on the rise as people are learning it holds many health benefits. In fact, the majority of Japanese teapots are cast iron as they believe it improves the taste of boiled water. Plus, thick walls of cast iron hold heat for a long time making the teapot ideal for outdoor use.
Pros:
- Good heat resistance
- Can be used for decorative purposes
- Safe to use directly over the stovetop
Cons:
- Heavyweight
- Requires proper care to avoid rusting
5. Porcelain Teapot
Love that decorative teapot in old showcases? Well, there are high chances they’re made of porcelain. Luxurious hotels and many fine dining restaurants use attractive porcelain teapot that looks amazing when out for a tea party.
Pros:
- Mesmerizing designs
- Ease to handle
- Durable than ceramic and glass
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Low heat retention
- Not safe to put it directly over the stovetop
What is the Safest Material for Teapot?
It is common to have thought of the safest material to make tea. After all, the pandemic taught us all that health comes first.
And out of all materials, research shows that glass is the safest material you can use for making tea. Be it a glass teapot or glass tea kettle, borosilicate glass does not release toxins while brewing tea or boiling water.
But make sure to choose Borosilicate glass which is common in many chemical laboratories.
You can also use a simple water boiler or warmer by some popular brands like Zojirushi.
However, Borosilicate glass has high heat resistance which makes it perfect to make tea daily at home.
In addition, it does not glaze or infuse heavy metals into the water making it safe for daily use.
What is the difference between Teapot and Tea Kettle?
We often use teapots and tea kettles interchangeably. But in reality, a teapot and a tea kettle are two different things.
While one is good for storing tea, another vessel is good for making tea.
A teapot that is usually decorative and comes in different shapes and sizes is good for serving tea, whereas, a tea kettle is safe to put on a stovetop to make tea.
Tea kettle materials usually involve stainless steel, glass, stone, cast iron, aluminum, copper, etc.
On the other hand, teapot materials are made of porcelain, ceramic, glass, etc, that act as great serveware.
Conclusion
Teapots are a must-have vessel for the one who loves tea. They are designed in such a way that they hold a good quantity of tea and keep it warm for a long time.
And if you love to sip some warm herbal or organic tea then it is a good idea to invest in a good teapot.
Now that you know different types of teapot material and the safest of all, it would be easier for you to pick the right one for your kitchen.
Happy Tea Making!
