Cast iron teapots: features and manufacturers overview

Many tea connoisseurs visit the desire to purchase a cast-iron teapot. With its help, a popular drink is served in Asian institutions in which this item is not a curiosity, but a classic. Models made of cast iron attract an unusual shape and appearance. Let us consider in more detail the features of dishes made of hard and at the same time brittle alloy.

Every item in everyday life has positive and negative sides. As pluses, experts and ordinary users identified the following:

• teapots 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 placed on both electric and gas burners; It is worth noting that not all models possess such a characteristic;
• attractive appearance noticeably distinguishes cast iron cookware against the background of more standard options; many items adorn with voluminous elements and thematic patterns;
• a quality product will serve for more than a dozen years, while retaining practical and aesthetic qualities;
• Despite the fragility of the material, cast iron is considered more reliable than glass, ceramics and porcelain.

Having indicated the advantages, it is worth paying attention to the negative sides.

• The tendency of cast iron alloy to 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 the weight. Even small specimens weigh at least 2 kilograms, which makes it difficult to handle, especially for beginners.

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

In order for the kettle to maintain its appearance and performance, inside and outside the product must be coated 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 accumulate inside the kettle. A layer of enamel should cover the kettle completely for reliable protection of cast iron from rust. Even with slight contact with moisture without coating, an unpleasant aftertaste may appear, which is unacceptable.

Enamelled kettle inside is a must. However, experts recommend choosing copies not only with internal but also with external coating. For protection use paints and varnishes that are resistant to high temperatures and mechanical damage.

The brewing models are characterized by compact dimensions. It is worth noting 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, given the number of guests at the table or family members. For two persons, choose a kettle with a volume of 800 milliliters. If you intend to arrange a tea ceremony for two people, a model with a volume of 1 to 1.2 liters is ideal. The most compact products are designed for 200 ml of the drink.

In a wide assortment you will find various forms of cast iron products. Some original models surprise with a special decorative effect. The choice of customers are presented as high options, reminiscent of 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 complicate the washing process;
• to keep the tea warm as long as possible, get 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 of guests to choose a model of an unusual shape, decorated with decorative elements.

The shapes of the spouts can be varied. Having appreciated the wide choice, you will find straight, long, compact, curved, standard and especially curly options. The best are products in which the openings of the neck and nose are on 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 completed with it very rarely.

To make the kettle convenient to use, the lid must be held securely in place. Remember the heavy weight of cast iron products. The weight of the lid can be even more than 0.5 kilograms. Find out if there is a special hole in the lid designed for steam to escape. It must be carefully treated with protective enamel to prevent rust formation. Pay attention to the presence of a handle on the lid of sufficient size, which simplifies the use of the kettle. It is possible to grasp the lid only through the tack, as cast iron quickly heats up.

Given the heavy weight of even small models of dummies, the handle should be strong and securely fastened.Even when falling from a small height, the kettle will break. Most products are decorated with upper handles located on the body. In the manufacture of compact products designed for one cup of tea, manufacturers use cast handles. The most common shapes are a rectangle or an arc. The material used is carbon steel. To protect against burns, it is covered with wood.

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

• Lefard. Having appreciated the assortment of the Chinese brand, you can find a scarlet teapot. Volume - 600 milliliters. The item is decorated with voluminous images of bamboo covered with gold paint. The shining decor is in perfect harmony with red. Manufacturers thought out not only the appearance of the product, but also practicality. The kettle is covered with a durable layer of enamel to prevent rust formation. A small stainless steel strainer is included.

• Mayer Boch. The next instance, made in green, will attract attention with an unusual design. The kettle is coated with a special heat-resistant varnish both inside and outside. Do not use it on an open fire (gas burner). Due to the practical holder on the lid, using the kettle is easy and convenient.

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

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

About cast iron teapots speak on many sites devoted to the theme of tea drinking or utensils. Most buyers respond positively to products. The main advantages are the original design, durability and the ability to maintain the hot temperature of the drink. Negative feedback is also available. They indicated the high weight of the teapots and the high price, compared with the options of glass, ceramics and other materials.

See how to choose the right kettle.