A teapot with infuser is a convenient choice for brewing loose-leaf tea because there's no need for a separate tea strainer. Whether you're a dedicated tea drinker or new to making tea at home, the right teapot makes the process seamless.
Size and material are two major factors to focus on, but you might also be concerned with features such as color and design. The Toptier Cast-Iron Diamond Design Teapot is the top choice based on its appearance and practicality.
You can find teapots in a range of materials, all of which have pros and cons. Learning more about the main materials available will help you with your purchase.
Teapot capacity ranges from less than 20 ounces to more than 50 ounces. There are eight ounces in a cup measurement, so you can get a rough idea of how many cups you'll get by dividing the capacity by eight. However, the exact number of cups or mugs of tea you get from this will depend on the size of the cup or mug you use for tea. A small teacup hold less than five ounces, while large mugs can hold over 20 ounces.
Some teapots are stovetop safe, meaning you can use them to boil water for your tea, before adding the tea and leaving it to steep. However, it's usually quicker and more practical to boil water in an electric kettle if you have one.
Some teapots and their infusers are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleaning them less of a hassle. However, your teapot is likely to last longer if you wash it by hand. If the opening of your teapot isn't large enough to get your hand inside, you'll need a dish brush to clean the interior effectively.
You can find teapots with a wide range of colors, prints and design. Some of these are traditional, such as delicate florals, while others are more contemporary, such as bold solid colors or geometric prints.
The spout should be roughly level with the teapot's rim for the best pour. Oval spouts are less likely to drip than round spouts.
Most teapots cost around $15-$75, with large and elaborate ones costing less than smaller, plainer versions.
A. Yes, you can use a teapot without an infuser if you want to. Teapots haven't always featured infusers, so it's fine to go without if you choose to. In fact, it's more practical to forgo an infuser when you're brewing tea from tea bags or blooming teas.
Some people also prefer the flavor of loose-leaf tea when brewed without an infuser as it has more room to steep. If you brew loose tea without an infuser, you'll need to use a tea strainer when you pour it.
A. This is a debate that will probably never be settled. Some people claim porcelain teapots are ideal because they're non-porous, while others favor the heat-retaining properties of cast-iron. However, realistically, if you keep all the other variables the same, the difference between teapots is unlikely to be noticeable. As such, choose any one you like and focus on the tea quality and water temperature instead.
Toptier Cast-Iron Diamond Design Teapot
What you need to know: With its attractive diamond design, this cast-iron teapot is both stylish and practical.
What you’ll love: You can choose from three sizes: 30 ounces, 40 ounces and 54 ounces. There's a selection of seven colors: black, white, blue, aqua, green, pink and yellow. The stainless steel infuser is rust-proof and removable.
What you should consider: The capacity is reduced if you want to boil water inside rather than just steep tea.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: This versatile teapot is stovetop- and microwave-safe.
What you’ll love: The spacious infuser is great for loose tea, plus the transparent design means it looks great for blooming teas or tea flowers. The 40-ounce capacity holds enough for four to five cups.
What you should consider: It's fragile, so you need to be careful when washing and handling it.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Tealyra Pluto Porcelain Teapot
What you need to know: Thanks to its 18-ounce capacity, this compact teapot is perfect for two cups.
What you’ll love: The hinged stainless steel lid fits tightly and won't come off when you pout. The stainless steel infuser is roomy and has fine holes so no tea leaves will slip through. It comes in nine colors, including lime, violet, turquoise and black.
What you should consider: If you're looking to serve a crowd, this isn't the teapot for you.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
