The Best Teapot For Brewing Loose Tea With An Infuser

When it's time to pour yourself a cup of tea, having the right tools makes all the difference between a tasty treat and a bitter brew. Ask any tea lover and they'll tell you that having the right teapot and tea strainer transforms brewing tea from a chore into a true art form. Here, we'll delve into the art of tea making and show you the different types of teapots with built-in infusers you can use to brew the perfect cup.

Teapot Material Options

Stainless Steel

A stainless steel infuser teapot is durable and easy to clean. These teapots can handle high temperatures and thus can be used directly on the stovetop to heat water and brew tea. Some teapots even feature a stainless steel lid to help seal in flavor and moisture while steeping.

The stainless steel construction also means that the teapot and infuser won't rust or break if dropped. The downside to stainless steel teapots is that they aren't as pretty or stylish as other options.

Glass

Glass teapots offer a stunning view when it's time for loose leaf tea to unfurl. The glass construction makes serving up a cup of tea a visually pleasing experience. You can easily see the stunning hue of hibiscus tea or watch gunpowder tea leaves and flowering teas that delicately unfurl as they infuse flavor. In addition to blooming tea, iced tea looks even tastier when served in a glass teapot.

Glass teapots are also easy to clean as you can easily see any dirty spots. Most glass teapots are dishwasher safe making for quick and easy cleanup after brewing loose tea.  Glass teapots typically feature a stainless steel tea infuser built-in to the top of the unit. The infuser is removable to make it easy to add loose leaf teas and for cleaning.

The downside of glass teapots is that they are not as durable as other options. These teapots can crack and shatter if they are dropped or banged into a corner too hard. Look for options that are made of borosilicate glass for added durability. You can find great glass teapot options from Willow & Everett, Hiware, and Tealyra.

Ceramic

Ceramic teapots are what people most often associate with stunning tea parties. They're also known as stoneware teapots, which are high-fired ceramic teapots. These types of teapots are made from different ceramic clays and can feature a glazed lining. You find exquisite ceramic teapots from Le Creuset or check out the London Pottery Geo teapot.

Ceramic teapots with glazed linings can be used with multiple types of loose leaf tea. Unglazed pots are best used for brewing the same type of tea. That's because the clay naturally absorbs the flavor of each tea brew. The clay also gradually becomes stained thanks to tannins present in tea. The stain is considered beautiful and is the mark of a well-loved pot.

Like ceramic teacups, ceramic teapots may feature elaborate drawings and designs. Gold- or silver-plated rims are common as are floral images and exquisite lines. Most ceramic teapots come with a  built-in ceramic infuser, though some may feature a stainless steel infuser instead.

Ceramic teapots are stunning to look at, but more delicate that stainless steel varieties. Ceramic teapots can't be heated on the stovetop. You'll need to heat the water in a separate kettle and then add the water and tea leaves to the infuser to brew in the ceramic teapot.

Porcelain Teapots

Porcelain teapots are wildly popular in China and England. These teapots feature a delicate ambiance and are the perfect addition to afternoon tea. Porcelain teapots are what people know as fine China. Porcelain teapots are the classic blue and white designs which were first created under the Yuan Dynasty.

Today, porcelain teapots are more commonly made by western artists. They feature an elaborate range of colors and geometric shapes. Patterns such as cherry blossoms are particularly popular as ornamental designs. Some are glazed for a flawless finish while others are designed to feature a cracked effect. Like glass teapots, porcelain teapots are more delicate and can't withstand high temperatures or falls.

Cast Iron Teapots

The most common teapot in Asia is the cast iron teapot. These teapots are extremely durable and can stand up to the test of time. Some common varieties include the Japanese tetsubin. These teapots are durable and can be used to brew tea over an open fire. Many feature an enamel lining, which should not be heated on the stovetop. Cast iron teapots without an enamel lining can be used on the stovetop to brew oolong and pu-erh teas.

The downside of cast iron teapots is that they can be quite heavy. They may be difficult for some people to use if they don't have a lot of wrist strength. Otherwise, these are great, durable teapots that rise to any occasion.

Why Not Use Tea Bags?

Tea bags are great for convenience. The handy design makes it easy to brew and discard the leaves without the mess. Unfortunately, tea bags simply don't deliver the level of flavor that loose teas do. That's because tea bags constrict the tea leaves and don't allow them to fully expand and infuse flavor. Tea bags also commonly contain the dust, fannings, and broken leaves that aren't as flavorful as whole leaf teas. Ask any expert tea maker — including us — and they'll recommend choosing loose leaf teas whenever possible.

Brewing loose tea doesn't have to be a messy affair. With a proper teapot and removable infuser, you can make brewing just as quick and easy as using tea bags. Today, there are even to-go mug options featuring infusers for loose leaf tea so you can enjoy your favorite flavors on the go.

Choosing The Right Size

Finding the best teapots depends entirely on how you like to brew your tea. If you typically only brew a single cup, using a little teapot will be more effective than a large one. If you prefer to brew up multiple cups of tea to share with family and friends, a large teapot kettle is the best choice. Or maybe you like to brew your tea on the go? Then try out a single-serve to-go teapot and infuser mug. To find the perfect size, figure out how you typically brew tea. Then select the right size for your needs.

Finding the Perfect Loose Tea Infuser Teapot

Choosing a teapot is as much about style as it is functionality. You want to find a teapot that functions well with your brewing techniques and also shows off your unique style.

Whether you prefer dainty and delicate porcelain tea sets or feel more at home with a robust cast iron tea kettle the options are endless. Just add hot water and loose leaf tea and you’ll be sipping your way to bliss in no time.

Once you find the right teapot infuser for your needs, settle into a cozy corner and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Each cup of tea tastes that much better when you love the tools you use to brew it.