Cast Iron Teapots - A few Forms and Functionalities

The accepted generic name for the cast iron tea pot is 'tetsubin,' the Japanese term for this cooking ware. Basically, the pot is formed by two bowls, one inverted on to of the other. Both bowls are welded to each other on their rims. The hole of the pot is located on the top bowl, as are the spout and the circular handle. The handle is typically made of iron too but may sometimes be made of rattan strips and even wood. Based on this basic construction of a cast iron tea pot, imagine craftsmen-artists have improvised hundreds of beautiful and elegant designs for these classic tea pots.

The upper and lower half of the container may be somewhat flat

Some models of the cast iron tea pot have flattened bowls. Some are so flat as to make the cast iron vessel resemble a flying saucer with somewhat sharp outer edges. The position of the spout and the handle is still on the upper bowl but the designer has the option of shaping the spout with an upward stem and an outward curve instead of merely pointing straight outward as in the more spherical type of teapot. The spout itself may have a wide or narrow base and can have a funnel which is circular or squarish in contour, depending on the preference of the designer.

A saucer-type cast iron tea pot is meant for quickly brewing tea, the flatter the pot, the faster it takes to make the brew. More residues will collect along the narrow rims of the saucer-shaped tea pot. Consequently, this type of tea pot may be distinctly flavored after having been used many times. Since the aroma of tea brewed in it tends to be strong, it would be better to brew tea blends that are compatible in taste and aroma in this kind of vessel, in that way to maintain the good taste of the tea.

The spherical cast iron tea pot

A cast iron teapot can also be constructed without upper and lower bowls but with a single kettle-like bowl. The handle and the spout are on the body of the teapot itself and a lid closes the mouth of the pot. Just like an iron kettle, this cast iron tea pot will typically have a wider mouth than other types, a fact that makes it appropriate for mixing bulky ingredients into the tea. Consequently, this type of tea kettle is the favorite of those who brew medicinal teas which can contain the bark of trees and the roots of plants. The size of the mouth makes it easier not only to put in the ingredients but also to mix them in order to ensure uniform cooking. For ease of pouring the tea out, the spout of this cast iron tea pot is frequently made straight and almost horizontal in alignment. This prevents the liquid from pouring out of the vessel when the tea is served.

Make sure your cast iron tea pot has a strainer

A strainer in your cast iron tea pot makes it convenient to use tea leaves instead of powdered tea preparations. Removing the leaves after the tea is ready becomes so easy with a strainer. At the same time, you will be able to set the tea leaves for future use in case you only half-boiled them to make weak tea. You will need to place them in a covered container and you can't wait for too long before re-using them.

If you are looking for aesthetic excellence in a cast iron tea pot, you will not be disappointed when you see the rich variety of design and color with which they are made today. The possibilities have been increased by the additional coating of glaze that many teapots have today. The glaze can be painted in diverse patterns and different hues.
Add Asian style to your team time with a cast iron teapot and yixing teapot that's both functional and decorative.