Teapot Basics
A friend asked me to pick out a nice, simple basic ’starter tea set’ for him the other day, so I thought I’d share a little about buying teapots with all of you. Regardless of the price range or skill level of the user, there are a few important features of the pot to check out.
First, look at the outside of the pot. Check for cracks, bumps, imperfections, seams, or color variations, all of which can indicate poor quality workmanship. Remove the lid, and look inside. Is the inside smooth and well formed? Is there a screen or filter holes where the spout attaches? If so, are they cleanly made with no rough edges or blockages to impede the tea flow?
Pick up the pot (preferably with the lid on) and check the balance. You should be able to grip it 
comfortably, and pour off the tea without having to break your wrist over too far. In Taiwan, we usually ask to ‘check the pour’, which means to test how water flows out of the pot. Fill the pot to the rim (some spillage is good to help produce a good seal) and place the lid on the pot. Grip the pot firmly and pour the water out. Does the water shoot out at a wide angle, or dribble down the front of the pot? Does it pour fast or slow? It’s best if the water flows out steadily, without any gurgling (indicates a partially blocked air hole in the lid). The angle the water falls at shouldn’t be too wide, and the spout shouldn’t dribble when you finish pouring.
You also want to make sure the water has a good ’stop’. This refers to how well the lid seals with the body. Fill the pot with water again. Pick it up, and place a finger firmly over the air hole (usually located in the knob on the top of the lid). When you tip the pot up, no water (at most a drop or 2) will come out if the seal is very good. When you lift your finger, the water should flow out evenly.
Expensive pots are not necessary to make a good cup of tea, although as your skill level and appreciation of the world’s greatest beverage increases, you’ll probably want to add a few choice pieces to your collection. If a pot has a good seal, pours well, and is comfortable to hold and manipulate, you’ve got yourself a winner.
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Tea Fairy Says:
Awesome! Didn’t know there is so much to buy a teapot other than the appearance. Thanks.
September 4th, 2008 at 12:05 am
teaguy Says:
Thanks for dropping by to look. One of the great things about tea is, the more you drink, the more there is to learn, and it’s all fascinating stuff. If you have any further questions, please post them in the ‘comments’ section, and I’ll try to answer them for you.