Best cast iron teapots: Durable, Efficient, and Stylish

What do you do when you come home on a cold fall or winter evening all cold? You brew a cup of tea of course. Many people are big fans of tea in the morning, and some like to spend a lovely evening with a good book and a cup of tea. You have to admit that it is something about tea that relaxes you and makes you feel warm and cozy. I have the same feeling, and I always like to snuggle on my couch and drink tea, especially in the winter. Who said that the British are the only ones who enjoy it?

There are various ways to brew some tea. Some people like electric heaters, and some like to boil some water on the stove and add the leaves later. However, I like to make myself feel like a queen and brew my cup of tea in a cast iron teapot. Why? Because it is the best tea I have ever had, and I also like the way a cast iron teapot looks. Everything about it says fancy.

Why cast iron teapots?

That is a common question, and not everyone knows why cast iron teapots can help you make the best tea. I am not sure how much you know about cast iron, but it is the best choice for pots and pans. Why would a teapot be any different? The answer is that it is not. So, let’s get a few things clear, shall we?

Unlike other metals, cast iron heats evenly – what does that mean? It means that when the teapot heats up, the cast iron will absorb the heat evenly. Regular metal teapots will heat up only over the flame, leaving the top part colder. It is still hot, but not as hot as on the bottom. I do not even want to mention what happens with ceramics. Cast iron, on the other hand, will have the same high temperature all over. Once you pour the hot water in it, it will heat right up and stay that way.

The flavor is richer – that comes as a result of the first thing I mentioned. Because the heat is distributed evenly, the tea leaves will be adequately ‘taken care of,’ which means that all the flavor will end up in your cup. After all, if you enjoy a cup of tea, at least the flavor should be the best thing ever.

The pot remains hot for longer – let’s say that you have someone over and they would fancy a cup of tea. Times pass by with all the chatting, and you find yourself wanting another cup of tea. Lucky for you, the pot you brewed half an hour ago will still be warm. Depending on the manufacturer, a cast iron teapot can maintain its temperature for up to an hour. You do not have to brew another teapot. Cast iron is a fantastic heat conductor, and it cools down very, very slowly.

It will last a lifetime – unlike clay or ceramic teapots, cast iron teapots last forever. That is if it is properly maintained. You cannot possibly break it, and if you keep it as instructed, you will leave it to your children. That is a thing in some cultures. A beautiful, valuable cast iron teapot can be a part of the inheritance. 

There are no chemicals involved – cast iron teapots are made of just that, cast iron. There are no chemicals involved in their manufacture. Some people like to feel reassured that what they drink does not intoxicate them.

They look like a million bucks – you have to admit that a cast iron teapot looks very fancy. I can honestly say that I enjoy just looking at them. I already own a cast iron teapot, but I would buy them all. They look elegant, and I always like to show mine off when I have friends over. I even purchased a very expensive set of teacups. My regular cups did not deserve to be on the same table as my fancy cast iron teapot.

What to look for when buying the best cast iron teapot?

I am sure that you have already seen a ton of teapots, and they all look stunning. However, looks are not the only thing you need to consider. I am sure that all the models you saw are beautiful, but there are other things to consider as well. Here are the most important.

Quality

Quality is in direct connection with the place where the teapot was manufactured. You would think that British people would be the ones who know best how to brew a cup of tea, right? You could not be more wrong. It is Japanese people who have experienced over four centuries in making the best cast iron teapots. That is why the teapots that have been manufactured in Japan are the ones you are looking for.

Durability

You would think that this is cast iron we are talking about, so it has to be durable. You are not entirely wrong. Cast iron is very sturdy, and you cannot break or shatter it easily. It can be damaged in other ways. However, some manufacturers use enamel to coat the cast iron, which protects it from rust and oxidation. If the product you want to purchase is coated with enamel, chances are you are going to pass it down to your children.

Capacity

The size of the teapot you want depends on your habit. If you want to brew a cup of fresh tea only for yourself in the morning, you will not be needing a large teapot. A 14-ounce teapot is more than enough. However, if you like to entertain a group of tea lovers or you host the book club, you will need a larger one. Let’s say that a 30-ounce teapot is more suitable for those situations.

Design

I hate the fact that I left design to be the last on the list. Personally, I am attracted to pretty things, as are you I suppose, and design is a significant factor in choosing the best cast iron teapot. Teapots are meant to be beautiful, elegant items that you should love to look at. So, even if looks are the last thing on the list, it does not mean it is the last thing you should consider. Many of us make our choices based on looks, and in this case, the principle applies. A teapot should be the most beautiful thing in your cupboard.

Keep in mind that cast iron is a very resistant material, but that does not mean it does not require maintenance. Always make sure to wash the teapot after you used it, but do not put it in the dishwasher, and do not use detergents. Warm water and a good rinse are enough. Otherwise, the teapot will suffer damage over time.

What are the best cast iron teapots?

I have to admit that I admired multiple models, and if it were up to me, I would buy them all. Call me obsessed, but I do enjoy looking at beautiful things. However, from all the models I saw, I picked three. The ones below are excellent suggestions if you are interested in buying, and they are quite cheap as well. Enjoy!

Primula Blue Floral Cast Iron Teapot 

The first thing that will charm you with this teapot is the design. I already covered the part where looks are the first thing that pops into your eyes, so let’s move on. The craftsmanship of this teapot is simply incredible, and you will enjoy one of the best tea cups you have ever had. The fact that the iron absorbs the heat evenly will suck every little bit of flavor from your tea leaves, and all the nutrients will pass into the tea instead of remaining in the leaves.

The interior of this teapot is enameled, which is excellent for heat retention (together with the cast iron), but it also makes cleaning effortless. Also, there will be no damage such as rust and oxidation. The teapot will preserve its state for years to come. It includes a stainless steel infuser that will allow you to use both tea bags and loose leaves. 

The Blue Floral from Primula has a capacity of 34 ounces, which is more than enough. The handle is quite comfortable to use. Cleaning is easy, but you are not allowed to use detergents. Clean water will suffice. The tea will take from three to five minutes to brew, but for the sake of the pot’s integrity, you should not let the leaves inside for more than an hour. Make sure that it dries entirely before putting it away, and never put the teapot in the dishwasher.

Check the product at https://amzn.to/3YFtXqx

JUEQI Cast Iron Teapot

The cast iron teapot from JUEQI is yet another example of incredible craftsmanship. It is a beautiful teapot that will charm the eyes of everyone who sees it. It is designed in Japanese fashion, and I bet it will be a conversation starter every time anyone comes to visit. The professionally crafted cobalt peony pattern reminiscent of the Japanese cherry blossoms and the string that covers the handle make this teapot easily pass a work of art.

Apart from having extraordinary heat retention, the JUEQI teapot has a high-temperature enameled interior to fight against oxidation and rust. Also, the coating makes cleaning a piece of cake. The infuser is made of stainless steel, and it can accommodate both tea bags and loose tea.

Just like the previous teapot, this one is not safe for the dishwasher. All you need is some warm water and a good rinse. Do not use dish soap or anything else as it is not necessary. The capacity of the teapot is 30 ounces, which should be enough to brew yourself a nice cup of tea.

Check the product at https://amzn.to/400iJy0

Sotya Cast Iron Teapot Tetsubin Japanese Kettle

Unlike the other previous teapots, this one is a tetsubin. I am not sure if you know this, but tetsubin means cast iron kettle in Japanese. Tetsubins can be used to boil water, which is why many people prefer them. However, although the manufacturer does not recommend it, you can use this teapot on an open flame, but only if the flame is very low. It is best if you use it on induction stovetops.

The craftsmanship of this teapot is exquisite. It is made in Japan, which is one of the things I appreciate the most about this product. It means it will last for many years, and you can enjoy traditional Japanese tea. The interior is coated with a layer of enamel for preservation and ease of cleaning.

The handle and the lid have a special design that will make burning impossible. Also, the string on the handle will provide a safe and secure grip. The teapot has a capacity of 40 ounces, which is enough to satisfy an entire household.

Check the product at https://amzn.to/3YKuszn

My recommendation

I have to admit that I am taken by all three teapots. I would buy all three of them. However, I already have one, and there is no point in me buying another. In the event that the one I have breaks, I would purchase the Sotya Cast Iron Teapot Tetsubin, a Japanese Kettle. It is a tetsubin, after all, and I like the idea of having an authentic cast iron kettle. In my opinion, this is one of the best cast iron teapots you can find. In that price range at least.

Conclusion

I know that tea making is not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ (pun intended,) but I am aware of how relaxing one can be. There is a vast variety of tea leaves, and every single one is tastier than the other. I must have a full cupboard of them, and somehow, I still end up buying another bag. The point is that a cast iron teapot can make the ritual more authentic, and it is nice to go with it from time to time. One of the kettles above will help you with that. I can guarantee that you will absolutely love it.

Last Updated on March 11, 2023