All those who are not indifferent to tea ceremonies, sooner or later ask themselves this question - which teapot is better to choose? Interestingly, the Chinese were the very first to brew tea in the 14th century. For these purposes, they used small clay vessels and could hardly imagine that after six centuries such a variety of containers for brewing tea would appear.

In the case of teapots, the choice of material is not just a matter of taste and aesthetic beauty. The quality of the prepared drink, its aroma and preservation of useful properties directly depend on its choice. In addition, a particular brewing container is better suited for each type of tea.

Nowadays, you can find teapots made of the following materials:

• glass;
• porcelain and faience;
• clay;
• cast iron;
• steel.

When thinking about how to choose a teapot, you should consider the strengths and weaknesses of each material.

Glass

For lovers of bound tea (a bunch of dried tea leaves wrapped around one or more dried flowers) this is simply an indispensable material. To see all the beauty of a blossoming bouquet, glass comes in handy. Although classic large-leaf black tea looks very beautiful in such containers.

Teapots made of glass are of the following types:

1. A vessel with a spout. Visually, it will be similar to ceramic models. If preference is given to such a kettle, then you should pay attention to the handle so that it is not too close to the body. Otherwise, it will heat up and it will be uncomfortable to use such a teapot.
2. A kettle with a press. As a rule, this is a glass bulb with a metal holder. This type of teapot is very popular and is known as a French press. Its advantage is a piston with a mesh, which allows you to decant the tea leaves and get a clean drink.
3. Teapot with filter. Such glass teapots have spring filters at the base of the spout or mesh in which the tea leaves are placed. Such a vessel is very appropriate if fine tea is used, because the result will still be a pure drink.
4. Heated kettle. At first glance, it does not differ from the usual one with a spout, but it has a special stand under which a pill candle is placed. This is a good option for those who like to tea for a long time. In this case, you do not have to drink a cold drink.

The main advantages of glass brewing utensils:

• heat resistance;
• does not add any flavor to the drink;
• aesthetic nuance.

But the fact that direct sunlight falls on the tea in such teapots still affects the taste of the tea. In addition, glassware requires careful maintenance, otherwise it will quickly lose its beauty due to water stains and handprints.

Porcelain and faience

All over the world, Chinese porcelain is valued and is very popular. Such products can rightfully be called a real work of art. Tea made in porcelain retains its temperature for a long time and its taste and aroma are most fully revealed. Real Chinese porcelain has only two components - kaolin and porcelain stone. The lack of chemicals allows you to get excellent brewed tea.

Among the main disadvantages of porcelain teapots are the following:

• high price segment;
• from frequent temperature changes, it can crack;
• it is quite difficult to care for such dishes.

Porcelain teapots come in all kinds of shapes, colors, and designs. The teapot in the form of a house is very popular. As a rule, such a pleasure is expensive, but such tea accessories are a whole work of art.

Faience teapots are in many ways similar to porcelain teapots, but they are much cheaper. But in terms of strength, they are inferior to porcelain dishes.

Clay

Real gourmets prefer clay teapots. The Chinese claim that this is the best dish for green tea. This material is appreciated for its heat resistance and long-term preservation of the taste and aroma of the drink. Clay teapots come in several types.

An inexperienced consumer would describe any earthenware teapot as follows - teapot body, handle, spout and lid. But Chinese craftsmen can identify up to eighteen components in each teapot. Dark clay vessels are usually used for pu-erh, and light clay vessels are used for oolong and green tea.

Cast iron

Cast iron teapots are quite rare, and their price is far from affordable. They are able to keep warm for a long time and do not absorb the aromas of various drinks. These teapots retain heat longer than porcelain and glass ones. In addition, such dishes are much stronger than ceramic ones. They are considered to be some of the best teapots.

Since cast iron is not so easy to process, dishes made of such material are usually decorated with drawings, and not artistic work, which does not spoil their appearance in the least. But the subjective drawback of such teapots is their weight. It is quite impressive in a completely small size.

Steel

Metal teapots are a good option for daily teas. The stainless steel containers have an excellent appearance. They shine like mirrors. However, they have a significant drawback - the taste of metal. It is unlikely to be suitable for particularly sensitive consumers.

Shape and volume

Today, there are all kinds of forms of tea vessels. The consumer must choose what is closer to him in spirit and corresponds to his preferences. Most teapots can be categorized according to the type of art style used:

• without the use of decorative elements;
• unusual shapes taken from geometry;
• the use of flower arrangements;
• resembling chrysanthemum petals.

It is desirable that the vessel be spherical "paunchy" in shape. This will distribute heat evenly, and the aroma of the tea will be better revealed. The volume of the teapot depends on how many people will use it. For a family of 3-4 people, a capacity of 1-1.5 liters is enough.

So which teapot is best for brewing tea? The answer is simple - the one that is chosen with knowledge of the matter. Having given preference to a particular material, shape and volume, you should also take into account the following points:

1. For the device to be convenient to use, it must be light enough.
2. The cap must fit securely in the neck. When tilted, it should not jump out.
3. For steam to escape, there must be a special hole on the lid.
4. The vessel must not be chipped or chipped.
5. The tip of the teapot should point up.
6. The holder should extend upwards, such a handle should fit comfortably in the hand.

It would be nice to do a little experiment before buying. Remove the lid from the kettle, turn it upside down and place it on a flat surface. The neck, handle and spout opening should now be assessed. They must be on the same level. Otherwise, the tea will spill.

Since everyone has different taste preferences, the best teapots are different for everyone. But a careful approach can help avoid big disappointments and help you truly enjoy the tea ceremony.

Fake Montana watches and Chinese-made pencils, which manage not to write, have long since sunk into oblivion. Today, the Celestial Empire is honored and respected - and there is a reason! For example, it was the Chinese who came up with the perfect teapot - with many thoughtful nuances that guarantee the convenience and great taste of the drink. Guided by Chinese wisdom, we will try to find the same on the shelves of modern Russian hypermarkets.

Material

Modern teapots are usually made of glass, metal, earthenware or porcelain. According to the parameters of maintaining the temperature and quality of the infusion, the leader and the outsider are immediately visible: porcelain is among the favorites due to its strength and ability to retain heat. Metal takes the last place in this rating - the temperature reaction during brewing often rewards tea with an unpleasant metallic taste.

Glass shows itself better than others: this is almost an ideal option when it comes to its borosilicate variety or models of teapots with a double flask - such solutions are not only beautiful, but also leave the brew hot for a long time.

Shape, size and proportion

The classic approach: the teapot should be round! In extreme cases, cylindrical - as, for example, the flasks of all known French presses. In fact, geometric wisdom does not play any role here: just when brewing, a tea leaf needs maximum space to unfold, and a ball is the best shape for this. A "cubic" teapot can also be ideal if it's large enough. So taste and color here again fade into the background: choose the largest capacity!

But with the spout of the case - you can not imagine more serious. For maximum convenience, it should form a not too wide jet, be high enough (so that the kettle can be filled to the brim) and not too short. Plus, the spout should not drop any drops of tea leaves after you have finished pouring it - however, it will be possible to check this only at the first tea party.

Approach the choice responsibly, otherwise the purchase will be overshadowed by tangible inconveniences - the tea leaves will spray when pouring, which is unpleasant when your festive table is covered with a snow-white tablecloth.

Welding technology

Getting rid of tea leaves is also not an easy task: for this, the spout must be equipped with a filter mesh. Another option is a sieve container, in which the brewing process itself takes place: the particles are screened out already in the kettle flask. Such models are becoming more and more popular - not a single tea leaves will fall into your cup, and the container can be easily taken out and filled with fresh contents.
The third option is a special French tea press. In such teapots, the tea leaves are pressed down to the bottom by a special press, the same press provides brewing control. As soon as you lower the plunger-press, as soon as the tea leaves are pressed to the bottom, the brewing process is suspended. The tea no longer becomes stronger.

And, as a bonus, a few more nuances that will help you make the right choice:

It is enough to rinse the teapot with cold water - no detergents are used;

It is better if the teapot lid has a latch - if the tilt is too strong, it will keep the lid from falling out.

Cast iron teapots are gaining more and more popularity - although you can rarely find them. The material retains heat well and does not leave a “metallic” aftertaste in the drink;

Teapots can hardly be attributed to basic necessities, but one or even several of these products are found in almost every home. However, their assortment depends not only on popularity, but also on the traditions of different countries, from where these or those models began their march across the planet. Let's figure out together what varieties can now be found in stores, what is the difference between them, and which one should be preferred.

Design

No matter how simple a teapot may seem to be a kitchen accessory, even it has several design options.

The first option is the usual, most often pot-bellied, teapot, well known to our grandmothers. The tea was folded directly into its cavity, which is why tea leaves were always in the cup. We fought with them using a semicircular strainer hanging on a spout. However, a kettle of this design has not become a relic of the past. Its counterpart, made from more modern materials, can be found even now, but it is used to brew large-leaf tea or tea in pearls - dense balls that bloom in boiling water as a flower.

The second is a complete copy of the previous teapot, but already equipped with a strainer "out of the box". In such models, it is placed under the lid, and the tea is poured directly into it. The strainer can be made from different materials: ceramics or faience, metal and plastic. There is not much difference between them, and the choice of a particular material is usually dictated by the overall design of the product.

And the third option is the French press. Such teapots are distinguished by a more complex design and versatility, because they can brew both tea and coffee with equal success. They represent a glass flask, framed by a metal or plastic frame that serves as both a stand and a handle, but the most important feature lies in the lid. The cover is combined with a movable piston - a strainer. After brewing, it goes down and presses the brew or ground coffee to the bottom of the teapot, preventing them from being in the cup.

Materials

The fact that teapots are now made from a wide variety of materials can be seen by barely looking at a display case with utensils. But from which we will tell you further.

Porcelain

An exquisite teapot made of real porcelain has been an indispensable attribute of the Chinese tea ceremony many centuries ago. Such a product was also popular in Tsarist Russia, but because of the high cost, only people of the high class could afford a porcelain teapot or service. In addition to the high cost, porcelain dishes have always been distinguished by their elegance and magnificent painting, instantly transferring them from the category of everyday things to an attribute of the festive table.

You can buy porcelain teapots now, and they can be decorated in a variety of patterns, including perfectly suitable for daily use, but the price for many will still remain quite high.

Faience (ceramics)

Much cheaper are earthenware (they are also ceramic) teapots, while their appearance is practically not inferior to porcelain, and the material has approximately the same properties. The heat is evenly distributed throughout the kettle for better brewing.

Now you can easily find models of all shapes and sizes. And to decorate them, not only painting can be used, but also individual volumetric elements formed directly from ceramics, for example, convex fruits, berries, or just patterns.

Clay

Much less common are teapots made of baked clay that are not decorated with painting. Such utensils are considered an "oak barrel" for tea, that is, the most natural and natural vessel. Due to the even distribution of heat and the porous structure of the material, such teapots are very popular among the most important tea lovers - the Chinese. Pottery is especially suitable for brewing green and white varieties.

Glass

Glass is another fragile material. The main advantage of such a kettle is its appearance. Through its transparent walls, you can not only see how much tea is left, but also observe the brewing process itself. Glass teapots are especially appreciated among lovers of green tea in pearls, which we mentioned just above, because only through transparent glass you can best see how they open.

Metal

All-metal products, despite their attractive appearance, are not very popular. There are several reasons for this. First, the metal retains heat much worse, which is not very good for brewing tea. Secondly, the drink may have a metallic taste, especially if it is tea with pieces of citrus or sour berries.

Material combinations

Now, only gift or festive ceramic, porcelain or clay teapots are made entirely from one material. As for the simpler models, for every day, but most often they use a combination of materials. It can be glass and metal or glass and plastic. The simplest example is a French press, in which the flask is always made of transparent glass, and all other elements are made of a different material.

Often only the strainer differs in the material. For example, a fine metal mesh sieve can be installed in both ceramic and glass models.

Which teapot should you choose for your home?

It is rather difficult to answer this question. It's all to blame for the difference in preferences and use cases. If you do not take into account the design, the choice of which depends entirely on your taste or the overall design of the kitchen interior, the following recommendations can be given.

A beautiful ceramic teapot is well suited for a festive table. Here you need to take a closer look at large-volume models so that there is enough drink for all guests at once.

For daily home use, French presses, which are very easy to clean, or any other models with a strainer, will be a very convenient option. The volume should be chosen based on the number of people in the family and the drinking tradition: pour all fresh tea leaves into a cup or brew tea for several days in advance and dilute it in a cup with plenty of boiling water.

For true connoisseurs, small teapots will be an excellent choice, allowing, according to all the rules, to prepare exactly one portion of the drink. Well, for those who simply prefer individual brewing, while not trying to comply with all the subtleties, you can take a closer look at the infusion mug, the complete lid and ceramic strainer, or a special silicone infuser.

It is believed that the Chinese began to brew tea for the first time in the 14th century. Using a small clay cup for this, they could not imagine that after five centuries a person would face the problem of choosing a teapot. Porcelain or glass, round or cylindrical, with designer painting or the logo of a large brand - there is something to think about even for true connoisseurs of a tart drink.

If earlier the main requirement for a teapot was its aesthetic appearance, now its "professional" qualities come to the fore. Every detail of this tea container is involved in the brewing process, so its choice should be approached wisely.

We evaluate the material

As you know, each material has its own thermal conductivity. This property directly affects not only the taste of tea, but also the choice of its variety.

Porcelain and faience

They are a kind of ceramics that have become part of the tea world.

The porcelain teapot is considered to be the best. Brought from the East, light and graceful, it has become a real table decoration. Its clear advantage is the ability to heat up quickly and retain heat for a long time (15 - 20 minutes), due to which the tea leaf fully unfolds and gives off all its taste. Does not emit any chemical compounds upon contact with hot water, which is also an indisputable advantage.

Faience is no less popular than porcelain, yielding to the latter only in strength and aesthetic appearance. Heavy, covered with a beautiful glaze, it keeps the temperature necessary for a perfect aromatic drink for a long time.

Suitable for brewing all varieties, but especially for black.

Glass

You can only watch the enchanting dance of tea leaves as they unfold thanks to the glass walls of the teapot.

Being the main decoration of the table, it is noticeably inferior to its predecessors. Glass gives off heat very quickly, and the natural tea sediment spoils the view and requires constant maintenance. Suitable for all varieties except green.

Metal

Considered the worst option. The reason is the metallic taste, which is formed as a result of contact of tea with metal at high temperatures.

In addition, it does not retain heat well, which means it is unlikely to get a drink worthy of attention.

Clay

According to Chinese belief, a teapot made of clay brings longevity. It is not surprising that red clay has become the main material for making these tableware in China.

Due to its main property - porosity, clay perfectly retains heat and creates an optimal temperature for brewing.

It is similar to oak barrels for wine - it absorbs all the aromas of the prepared drink and enriches it with oxygen, creating a unique rich taste. To preserve all the benefits of a tea leaf without emitting any harmful substances - only clay can do this. Best suited for white and green varieties.

For any occasion

When thinking about the optimal volume of a teapot, one simple rule should be taken into account. One full tea party equals one brew. It turns out that a teapot with a volume of 0.2 - 0.3 liters is suitable for a person who decides to enjoy the taste of tea alone.

For family communication - 0.5 - 0.8 liters. If a big company is going, then it is better to put a kettle of 2 - 3 liters on the table. Therefore, experts advise to have several tea containers in the house.

Do not forget about the habits of each person. After all, someone likes to drink ready-made tea leaves without adding water, while someone, in the best Soviet traditions, dilutes it with boiling water.

Ordinary and unusual

Traditionally, the teapot has a "pot-bellied" shape, which came from medieval China. This happened as a result of the transportation of tea to Europe in wine vessels. Thanks to the spherical shape, the best heating and retention of the required heat is ensured.

For many years, teapots in our country have been exactly round. The situation began to change with the use of new materials and innovative ideas.

This is how designer models appeared that took on square, oval and other unusual shapes.

Among them, one can distinguish a cylindrical teapot, which resembles an ordinary glass, and is called a French press or a French press.

Originally intended for making coffee, it is a heat-resistant glass flask with a piston with a metal mesh inside.

When brewing, the piston rises and falls before the tea itself. It seems as if all its taste properties are squeezed out of the tea leaf, making the drink richer and more aromatic.

Such a teapot is suitable for those who need to quickly brew a strong drink without observing the canons of the tea tradition.

Those who like to spend time alone with themselves with a cup of tea in their hands will appreciate the following teapot options:

1.Stylish and compact egoist tea set, consisting of a cup and a teapot with a volume of 0.3 liters;

2. Glass "for one serving" with lid and strainer, which is filled with tea leaves and filled with boiling water. Under the lid, the tea leaves open and after 8 - 10 minutes your favorite drink is ready. All that remains is to remove the strainer.

Attention to detail

When making a purchase, the first thing a person pays attention to is the design and price category of the kettle. Making this sometimes difficult choice in accordance with your preferences and capabilities, it is worth remembering some points without which it is difficult to get real tasty tea.

1. the presence of a strainer - built-in or inserted, in order to delay the tea leaves on the way into the cup;
2. the nose, in addition to its direct function, must also "hold the drop";
3. the lid should fit snugly, having for this either a wide inner rim or a special latch-retainer, so as not to fall off while pouring the drink;
4. it is important to have a small hole in the lid, thanks to which the tea “breathes”;
5. easy to grip handle.

Necessary care

In order for the teapot to retain its qualities for a longer time and delight its owners with the great taste of tea, you must adhere to simple rules:

• after each use, rinse under running water without using any cleaning agents;
• dry open in a natural way;
• keep away from products with strong and strong odors.

The tea ceremony is a whole art in which an ordinary, at first glance, teapot plays the main role! It is worth spending your time choosing it in order to understand how the tea should actually taste.

Tea perfectly quenches thirst, has a rich taste and rich aroma, and is good for health. The properties of the finished drink are largely determined by the quality of the vessel in which it is infused.

If you are going to buy a teapot for brewing tea, leaving aside, you should familiarize yourself with the different models of these specific vessels and the features of their use.

2 Review of popular models of teapots

1. Cast iron tea pot Gotoff, capacity 0.6 liters. The advantage of the model is its compact size and convenient volume. The shape of the dishes is optimal - round and slightly flattened.

Attracted by the stylish design and ergonomics of the product (as in): the handle is positioned vertically and does not heat up from the heated metal; the height of the spout allows convenient pouring of tea (the lid does not fall off).

The inner surface of the model, rims and the handle are covered with black enamel to prevent rust. A useful accessory is a deep strainer with fine holes - the infusion from it does not get into the tea, it can be easily tipped over and cleaned.

You can buy a cast-iron Gotoff teapot for 750 rubles.

2. Teapot Taller TR-1346, capacity 0.7 liters. This model is made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass, protected from chips and scratches. No sharp edges as the edges are polished.

The material has a low coefficient of thermal expansion and does not burst when boiling water is poured into the kettle. The spout is smoothly curved at a right angle, so no streaks form when draining. The set includes a removable cylindrical stainless steel filter, the height of which corresponds to the size of the kettle.

To buy a glass teapot is offered for 820 rubles (which is much cheaper than).

3. Teapot with a piston Bodum Assam Teapot 1801-16, capacity 1 liter. The model is almost made of thermal glass, has an almost regular round shape, a small nose. A perforated cylinder is inserted inside the transparent container, which acts as a filter - loose tea, flower petals, fruit and herbal mixtures are placed in it.

Pour boiling water, stand for several minutes, then gradually lower the press to the stop. The brewing speed is increased thanks to the tight-fitting lid.

A teapot with a press costs 2380 rubles. Sometimes this teapot is needed.

4. Multifunctional model Gongfu TR-140, capacity 0.3 liters. This is a glass teapot with a button. At the moment of pressing it, the brewed tea flows from the inner container to the outer one, and the tea leaves remain inside.

The infuser is removed and the outer flask is converted into a serving cup. You can buy a teapot with push-button control for 750 rubles.

5. Ceramic teapot Fissman, volume 0.75 liters. A functional green model for a small family, equipped with a stainless steel strainer. The average price of the product is 600 rubles.

6. Chinese teapot made of Cha Hu clay, capacity 1.3 liters. A good option for receiving guests and holding a joint tea party.

In addition to natural material, the model attracts with its original design in the form of a strong rope ornament. It symbolizes the strength of friendship and the absence of disagreement during a conversation. You can buy a large-volume clay teapot for 2485 rubles. By the way, its repair is very simple due to the simplicity of the device design. Even more difficult than repairing a teapot made of Cha Hu clay.

Modern utensils for brewing tea are distinguished by a variety of designs, materials and designs. There is no universal teapot for all occasions, but a number of useful recommendations will help you quickly navigate among the many proposals and choose the best option.

1. Type of tea. Some of its varieties are steamed faster, others slower: it depends on the technology of growing, collecting and drying the tea leaf. Fast-brewing tea includes yellow, red, small-leaved, tea bags. Yes, you can't do that!

Modern teapots made of glass allow you to make a drink from them, which do not keep warm for too long. The advanced heated glass teapot allows for stronger tea. Models are completed with a stand and a small candle-tablet.

Expensive black tea should be brewed in a porcelain vessel: in it the tea leaves are slowly steamed, giving the drink a bright hue and rich aroma. For green, yellow, white teas, ceramic teapots without a glazed coating are good. The porous surface absorbs odors and enriches the tea with them during subsequent brewing.

A cast iron teapot (old ones were made of the same material) is good for brewing drinks from dried homemade preparations: berries, flowers, herbs. In such a bowl, you can boil the broth, if necessary, heat it.

2. Shape and volume. Manufacturers produce models with an original design: in the form of boats, watches, animals. The most convenient is the semicircular shape - heat is evenly distributed in the "pot-bellied" teapot.

For individual tea drinking, a teapot with a volume of 0.2 - 03 liters is sufficient, in a family circle 0.75 - 1 liter models are acceptable. A teapot for brewing tea with a volume of more than 1 liter will help to serve the festive table.

3. Features of details. The lid should have a locking protrusion on the rim (in this case, it does not fall off during the pouring of tea), preferably a steam outlet. It is important that the tip of the spout and the handle are at the same level so that no tea leaves will spill.

The holes in the wall of the teapot should be even and of medium size: too large tea leaves let through, and small ones interfere with comfortable pouring.

4. Additional accessories. For collective use at work, models with a press are convenient, which accelerate the brewing process. Removable filters make it easier to wash the kettle, prevent the formation of plaque on the glass.

Which teapot is better is up to the buyer. The main thing is that the material is environmentally friendly (like that), there are no damages and chips on the surface of the product, and the shape is comfortable and ergonomic.