Cast iron teapots: features and manufacturers overview

Many tea connoisseurs have a desire to purchase a cast iron teapot. With its help, the popular drink is served in Asian establishments, in which this item is not a gimmick, but a classic. Cast iron models attract with their unusual shape and appearance. Let us consider in more detail the features of dishes made of a hard and at the same time brittle alloy.

Each item in everyday life has positive and negative sides. Experts and ordinary users highlighted the following as advantages:

• kettles have excellent high heat capacity; the drink keeps the temperature for a long time;
• due to the peculiarities of the material, the product can be put on both an electric and a gas burner; it is worth noting that not all models have this characteristic;
• attractive appearance noticeably distinguishes cast iron cookware against the background of more standard options; many pieces are decorated with volumetric elements and thematic patterns;
• a high-quality product will serve for more than a dozen years, while retaining its practical and aesthetic qualities;
• despite the fragility of the material, cast iron is considered more reliable than glass, ceramics and porcelain.

Having outlined the advantages, it is worth paying attention to the negative aspects.

• The tendency of a cast iron alloy to form rust due to the presence of iron in the composition. To cope with this problem, manufacturers cover teapots with protective enamel.
• The second drawback is weight. Even small specimens weigh at least 2 kilograms, which makes it inconvenient to handle it, especially for beginners.

To make the right choice, you should evaluate the product according to a number of criteria.The information below will help you to buy a suitable teapot among the rich assortment.

In order for the kettle to maintain its appearance and performance, the inside and outside of the product must be covered with special enamel. Most often, glass-based formulations are used. Cast iron is a porous material, so enamel is needed not only to protect against corrosion, but also to prevent clogging of pores. Otherwise, an unpleasant odor will collect inside the kettle. The enamel layer must completely cover the kettle to reliably protect the cast iron from rust. Even with slight contact with moisture, an uncoated taste may appear, which is unacceptable.

The enamel coating of the teapot from the inside is a must. However, experts recommend choosing copies not only with an inner, but also with an outer coating. For protection, paints and varnishes are used that are resistant to high temperatures and mechanical damage.

Brewing models are characterized by compact dimensions. It should be noted that in eastern countries, concentrated tea leaves are not diluted with hot water. In this regard, it is necessary to choose the volume of dishes, taking into account the number of guests at the table or family members. For two persons, choose a teapot with a volume of 800 milliliters. If you intend to arrange a tea ceremony for two, a model with a volume of 1 to 1.2 liters is ideal. The smallest products are designed for 200 ml of drink.

In a wide range you will find various forms of cast iron products. Some original models surprise with their special decorativeness. Customers can choose from both tall options resembling coffee pots and flattened teapots. When choosing the appearance of the product, they are guided by personal taste preferences, but there are the following selection criteria:

• curly bends and volumetric elements are beautiful, but they complicate the washing process;
• to keep the tea warm as long as possible, purchase a rounded teapot;
• it is recommended to choose symmetrical models;
• for daily use, it is advised to choose simpler options, and for special ceremonies and receptions, choose a model of an unusual shape, decorated with decorative elements.

The shape of the spouts can be varied. With a wide selection, you will find straight, long, compact, curved, standard and extra curly options. The best products are those in which the openings of the neck and spout are at the same level. If this parameter is violated, spills during use are possible.

Important! On sale, you can find products equipped with a small strainer at the base of the spout, which will prevent the tea leaves from getting into the cup with the drink. However, cast-iron models are rarely completed with them.

For the kettle to be comfortable to use, the lid must be securely held in place. Remember about the large weight of cast iron products. The weight of the lid can even be over 0.5 kilograms. Find out if the lid has a hole designed for steam to escape. It must be carefully finished with protective enamel to prevent rust formation. Note that the lid has a handle that is large enough to make the kettle easier to use. You can only grab the cover through the tack, as the cast iron heats up quickly.

Considering the heavy weight of even small kettle models, the handle must be strong and secure. Even if dropped from a low height, the kettle will break.Most of the products are decorated with top-type handles located on the body. In the manufacture of compact products designed for one cup of tea, manufacturers use molded handles. The most common shapes are rectangle or arc. Carbon steel is used as a material. To protect it from burns, it is covered with wood.

The growing interest in teapots made from the above alloy has led to the emergence of a variety of models from different companies that have attracted the attention of buyers.

• Lefard. After evaluating the assortment of the Chinese brand, you can find a scarlet-colored teapot. The volume is 600 milliliters. The product is decorated with three-dimensional images of bamboo covered with gold paint. The radiant decor is in perfect harmony with the red. Manufacturers have considered not only the appearance of the product, but also practicality. The kettle is covered with a durable enamel layer to prevent rust formation. Comes with a small stainless steel strainer.

• Mayer Boch. The next piece, made in green, will attract attention with an unusual design. The kettle is covered with a special heat-resistant varnish both inside and outside. It cannot be used on an open fire (gas burner). Thanks to the practical holder on the lid, the kettle is easy and convenient to use.

• BergHOFF. Connoisseurs of classic colors should pay attention to the teapot from this manufacturer. The company offers customers a rounded model in black. For the manufacture of the handle, the manufacturer chose high-carbon steel. Due to the volume of 1.4 liters, one teapot is enough for a company of 4-6 persons.

• Elff Decor. The Chinese brand has made a stylish flattened teapot. The volume of the model is 0.8 liters. Tea is enough for 2-3 people. Due to the original dyeing technology, an amazing vintage effect is created. The product is made in red with black volumetric hieroglyphs.

Cast iron teapots are spoken about on many sites devoted to the topic of tea drinking or tableware. Most buyers speak positively about the products. The main advantages are the original design, durability and the ability to keep the hot temperature of the drink. There are also negative responses. They indicated a large weight of teapots and a high price, compared to options made of glass, ceramics and other materials.

How to choose the right kettle, see below.