Types of Teapots

The type of tea you are planning to brew will help determine the type of teapot that is best to use. Some teas are better brewed in one teapot than in another. Some teapots bring out more flavor and maybe even slightly different flavors than others. Whether you are interested in a teapot that is more ornate or more functional, there are many to choose from and definitely one to fit your needs. It is important to know the different types of teapots available. Listed below are some of the most common types of teapots. 

This teapot acquires its name from its color. They are made from red terracotta clay. Their design is very simple, but still very beautiful. Brown Betty’s were originally made in the Bradell Woods area in Stoke-on-Trent, England and have been around since the seventeenth century. They have a great deal of history and began to symbolize the importance of tea in England. The unique shape of a brown betty teapot enables the tea leaves to swirl around when the water is poured into the teapot. This infusion that is created extremely enhances the flavor of the tea. Many people of Britain believe the brown betty makes the most enjoyable pot of tea because of the shape of the pot and the special clay from which it is made. 

The exact time the Tetsubin was first made is unclear, but it is thought to be somewhere during the seventeenth century. Tetsubin teapots are cast iron and contain a great deal of ornate decoration. They are known to be some of the most beautiful and delicately crafted teapots in the world. The Tetsubin teapot comes from Japan. Tea is a very significant beverage in Japanese culture and Tetsubin teapots are used in many sacred ceremonies.  When tea drinking became popular in Japan, during the nineteenth century, the Tetsubin teapot became somewhat of a status symbol. An interesting characteristic about some Tetsubin teapots is the placement of the spout. The side with the decoration on it is the one where the spout normally faces to the right. This is because in some parts of Japan, the Tetsubin was held in the right hand.

Johann Bottger of Germany discovered porcelain teapots around the year 1710. His discovery was heavily influenced by the design of Yixing teapots and Chinese porcelain. The word “porcelain” is derived from the term “porcella.” Porcella is an Italian name for cowrie shells. Porcelain has the same shine and whiteness as these shells and is the reason Porcelain was named after them. 

Silver teapots are extremely durable and have an extreme ability to retain heat. Silver teapots became popular in the 1700’s and are still popular today. 

·        Glass

Glass teapots have recently gained a positive reputation for their ability to brew several types of tea. They are able to brew many different flavors of tea without retaining their flavors. This makes it convenient for those that like tasting a variety of teas. Not only are you able to brew many types of teas with glass teapots, you are also able to enjoy each unique color. Glass teapots are microwave and dishwasher safe, which makes it ideal for consumers today. 

Yixing teapots are made out of unique, porous, purple clay and originated in the Jiangsu province of China.   The distinctive characteristic of Yixing teapots is that they become seasoned with each use. Because the clay teapots are extremely porous, they are able to absorb the flavor of the brewed tea. This makes each pot brewed more flavorful than the one before, creating a new and thrilling brewing experience each time. Because the pot becomes seasoned with each use, it is recommended that you brew only one flavor of tea in each Yixing teapot.