By 
Teatime is a social event, whether it’s part of your culture or your childhood, it always evokes visions of warmth and happiness.
No matter where you are from, tea has likely been a part of your life in one way or another.
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Quick List of Top Picks
- DOWAN 40-Ounce White Fine Pierced Ceramic Tea Pot
- Tealyra Pluto Porcelain Teapot
- OBOR Glass Teapot with Removable Infuser
- TOWA Workshop Japanese Tetsubin Cast Iron Teapot with Stainless Steel Infuser
- Sweese 221.102 Porcelain Tea Pot with Stainless Steel Infuser
- Brown Betty Handmade Original 4-Cup Teapot
How to Choose the Best Teapot
“I’m a little teapot, short and stout…”
Now you’re all grown up, tea can still be an integral part of your daily life. It doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate, but teatime can still be a moment for reflection and peace.
Not to mention tea has a way of warming you up from the inside out on a cold day, and surprisingly enough, can you cool you off on a hot day. It’s like it just knows what you need to feel your best, no matter what.
So how does one go about making the perfect cuppa? A hot cuppa is a thing of beauty, so its presentation should be one as well. What makes the ideal teapot, though?
Or is it merely personal preference. My take? It’s a little of both! Your perfect cuppa deserves better than a spin around the microwave!
What Will You Be Using Your Teapot For?
“Here is my handle, here is my spout…”
Obviously, teapots come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. The first thing you should think about when purchasing a teapot is its main function.
Are you going to be using your teapot for just yourself? Or is it going to be used primarily for serving more than one person? The answer will direct you to the best sized teapot for you.
Are you going for fun? Or does function override all else? Teapots can come in some seriously funky shapes (think kitty cats or roosters), but those fun shapes may take away from its true functions.
Fun shapes may make the tea brew inconsistently or be difficult to clean.
We tend to be purists in this department, and feel fun shapes are a joyful novelty, but not for actual tea brewing. Your mileage may vary, of course, so please choose the shape that brings you joy!
Choosing the Right Type of Teapot
“When I get all steamed up, hear me shout…”
Lastly, let’s consider materials, as this is the true “make or break” when it comes to teapots. The material your teapot is made of can affect more than just the brewing process.
It can affect flavor, heat retention, ability to brew multiple types of tea, cleanup, and more.
Porcelain and Ceramic
Porcelain and ceramic teapots are touted as being some of the best for brewing multiple varieties of tea, since the interior surface of them doesn’t allow for leeching and absorbing of flavors.
This type of teapot also holds heat well and will allow for longer moments of tea infused peace and quiet.
Cast Iron
Cast iron teapots are traditional and multi-functional, as you can heat the pot directly on the stove, without fear of breaking the pot itself.
They also allow for efficient heat retention and are easy to clean. Aluminum pots are inexpensive and easy to use and clean, but some may be wary of heating aluminum. This is something to consider and avoid if’s of concern to you.
Glass and Silver Teapots
Glass teapots are beautiful to behold, especially if brewing flowering tea or colorful tea leaves. Glass teapots are great for presentation but may not be practical for everyday use.
The same goes for silver teapots. These are gorgeous but require much more maintenance than the others. They also tend to be more expensive but do have an heirloom quality to them.
Integrated Strainer or Infuser
You may also consider a teapot with an integrated strainer or infuser, especially if you are a purist only using loose leaf tea.
If you use teabags, this may not be a necessity, but it’s still a nice added feature for easy cleanup.
Some folks recommend having multiple teapots for a variety of uses. We agree, but it also depends on your commitment level.
The occasional tea drinker, and even the average tea drinker, probably doesn’t have need for more than one teapot, so we’re going to give recommendations for the best teapot for overall use.
If more than one catches your eye, follow your heart!
6 Top Picks for Teapots
“Tip me over and pour me out!”
With all this in mind, we present to you, in no particular order, our top picks for best teapots.
We hope you can find the teapot which will suit you and provide many years of peaceful reflection over a nice, hot cuppa!
DOWAN 40-Ounce White Fine Pierced Ceramic Tea Pot
Our first teapot is a very simple, yet elegant Ceramic teapot by DOWAN. This classic off-white porcelain pot is the epitome of both form and function.
The 40-ounce size is perfect for serving a small group of people, or a few cups all on your own. You’ll get 5 to 6 cups of tea from every brewing in this pot.
The spout and handle are sculpted in traditional curves, allowing for easy, drip-free pouring. The lid fits snuggly to keep your tea hot, but doesn’t lock tight, so be sure to hold it securely while pouring to avoid any messes.
The glazed interior allows for easy cleaning and doesn’t absorb flavors. Every pot of tea will taste fresh, without any lingering flavors from previous brews.
As with any teapots of this material, it’s worth noting it can’t be used on the stovetop to boil water for your tea. It’s designed to be a brewing and serving vessel only.
This teapot is microwave and dishwasher safe, but we recommend avoiding both on general principle.
What We Like
- Simple, classic design
- Easy to clean
- Goes with every décor style
What We Don’t Like
- Lid doesn’t lock in
- Smaller than described size by about 2-3 ounces
Tealyra Pluto Porcelain Teapot
The next teapot on our list takes the classic porcelain pot and bumps it up to the next level.
The innovative design of the Tealyra Pluto teapot combines the quality of a porcelain pot with a stainless-steel lid and infuser, making this pot the best of both worlds.
This smaller 18-ounce teapot is perfect for your early morning ritual, or for sharing a spot of tea with your best friend on a sunny afternoon.
The compact styling of this pot makes it easy to store and pour, with a tightly locking lid for little mess. No need to hold the lid while pouring this cutie.
The removable stainless strainer/infuser makes it easy to brew your favorite loose-leaf tea without having to add any other accessories to your cupboard.
This teapot is not microwave safe (due to the stainless lid mechanism) nor is it intended to heat on the stovetop. It comes in a variety of colors, so finding the perfect fit for your décor is a piece of (tea) cake.
What We Like
- Tight fitting lid doesn’t drip or spill
- Porcelain and steel make for an aesthetically pleasing combo
- Compact size perfect for small spaces
What We Don’t Like
- Screws holding lid can become loose and are difficult to tighten
- Not practical if serving more people
OBOR Glass Teapot with Removable Infuser
Our first showpiece teapot on the list, the crystal-clear glass teapot from OBOR transforms teatime into showtime!
A glass teapot is ideal for flowering tea sachets, and for any loose-leaf tea with colorful, delicate flowers. It allows the beauty of the tea to be on full display, all while creating the perfect centerpiece for your tea party.
The added feature of the removable stainless infuser makes this teapot pull double duty.
It can be used with any type of tea, and the see-through design helps you detect when your tea is done to your liking.
This teapot Is crafted from quality borosilicate glass and food grade stainless, so you can rest assured your tea will be free from leeching of any unwanted chemicals.
This teapot may look delicate and dainty, but it’s sturdy enough to withstand both the microwave and the dishwasher.
It is not, however, intended to be used on your stovetop, so boil your water in a kettle first! It is also recommended to swirl a bit of hot (not boiling) water into the teapot before adding your tea, to avoid any temperature shock.
What We Like
- Delicate design is beautiful and functional
- Compact, but not too small
- Perfect for brewing flowering teas
What We Don’t Like
- Lid is neither too tight nor too loose
- Handle is delicate and some customers reported damage
TOWA Workshop Japanese Tetsubin Cast Iron Teapot with Stainless Steel Infuser
This is the only cast iron teapot on our list, and it’s a beauty!
The TOWA Workshop Japanese Tetsubin Cast Iron Teapot’s traditional design is paired with modern features, such as an enameled interior and stainless infuser, making this pot perfectly paired with any home.
The twine wrapped copper handle adds an authentic touch, and folds down for storage.
The cast iron exterior and copper lid are embossed with a delicate pattern of pine leaves, bamboo, and plum blossoms, making this teapot a beautiful centerpiece.
The cast iron is sturdy and easy to care for. Simply rinse after use and allow to air dry before restoring the lid. There is no need to use any harsh detergents or cleaning agents.
Cast iron is known for its health benefits, adding iron into your water and keeping your tea’s flavors fresh and fragrant.
This pot can be used directly on your gas or induction stovetop on medium heat. It is not microwave or dishwasher safe.
What We Like
- Midsize pot is good for single servings or for guests
- Cast iron construction for lifetime use
- Easy to care for
What We Don’t Like
- Enameled interior has been reported to flake
- Twine wrapping handle can fray over time
Sweese 221.102 Porcelain Tea Pot with Stainless Steel Infuser
This cute and colorful porcelain teapot from Sweese is another example of form and function. The simple styling and fun colors pair nicely with the stainless infuser which tucks securely inside.
Fill the infuser with your favorite loose-leaf tea, pour your boiling water over top, secure the lid and steep away. You’ll be serving up with class in no time flat.
This Sweese pot is a good mid-sized pot with 22-oune capacity. It’s perfect for a couple big mugs of tea, or a few dainty cuppas to share with friends.
The spout on this pot is designed to be higher than the pot itself, allowing for less mess and no drips when pouring.
The removable infuser is crafted from fine mesh stainless, so no tiny leaves can get through. It also has a silicon rim to help securely fit without slipping into the pot itself.
The lid is held in place by the infuser, so make sure to use them together for best results. This pot is not intended for boiling water, only for steeping and presentation of tea.
What We Like
- Cute and classic style with a variety of colors to choose from
- Crafted from professional grade porcelain
- Microwave and dishwasher safe, easy to clean
What We Don’t Like
- Lid must be held in place while pouring
- Mesh infuser is too fine and difficult to clean
Brown Betty Handmade Original 4-Cup Teapot
Our last teapot on the list is the Brown Betty Handmade Original, handcrafted and “steeped” with history from Jolly Ol’ England! This teapot is a true original, with roots dating back to the 17th century.
In those days, everyone had a sturdy teapot to enjoy a cuppa, and nearly everyone had a humble Brown Betty.
Today you can still enjoy the classic styling of the “original teapot” with its simple design and time-tested terracotta materials. The shape and materials combine to make the perfect cuppa, every time.
The side is embossed with the original Staffordshire logo, and comes only in Rockingham brown. It’s a perfect tribute to the perfect cuppa.
This teapot is lovingly crafted in the same historic manner as days gone by. It’s a history lesson and a time-honored tradition, all in one.
When used with a water kettle (to boil water) and swirled with your favorite tea, you’ll be enjoying a long-standing tradition of steadfastness in our increasingly impulsive world.
What We Like
- Tradition style with spunky character
- Simple design makes a superb cuppa
- Ample size for sharing
What We Don’t Like
- Terracotta is lightweight and doesn’t have the heft we were expecting
- Handle gets very hot, recommended to use a hot pad
Top Choice for the Best Teapot
So which pot takes the top “tea”er? Our favorite, hands down is the humble Brown Betty Handmade Original. We love its simplicity, its rich history, and it just makes a great cup of tea!
No need for fancy bells and whistles, no extra pieces to find or keep clean. This teapot is superior in its no frills unpretentiousness.
Whether you make tea occasionally, or have a daily tea ritual, the Brown Betty is the perfect companion. She’s quiet and unassuming, the ideal guest.
She’s been the favorite of the British for centuries, and she’ll fit right into your home, too!
