Cast-iron teapots

[SteelCity]

Would someone please explain the difference between a Japanese cast-iron teapot compared to a Chinese cast-iron teapot?

I have two Japanese cast-iron's that I purchased new. I just purchased a used cast-iron pot at a thrifty store and took the pot into a local Asian market. The very kind owner said the pot was Chinese. She tried to explain the metal difference but I could not understand her.

I use these pots for Assam golden tips daily. For me after trying all various types of material pots including Bodum's French Press, the metal pots brew the best tasting tea.

 

[shah8]

I've been lusting after the testubins listed at Artistic Nippon, but the very high prices has limited my ability to impulse-buy.

There are differences between the pots. Not sure how to explain, because it sounds like you're brewing tea in the pots rather than boiling water in them. In any event, pure silver pots are very popular for the people that can afford them. All about the metal ions.

 

[Proinsias]

Are they lined?

Most iron pots sold for brewing tea in are lined with enamel or something similar. If it is lined then the tea being made is more likely the result of the heat retention and shape of the pot than it will be to do with the composition of the iron.

From what I gather unlined cast iron pots are intended for heating water for tea brewing, not for brewing tea in.

I couldn't tell you the difference in the iron composition but an unlined Japanese tetusin will generally command a far higher price than a Chinese one and many will say the water produced is far superior, once it has had a chance to build up a decent mineral coating on the inside.

I've owned two small lined iron pots and didn't care for them, give me clay or porcelain any day

 

[SteelCity]

Yes they are all enamel lined and testubins.

I seem to be in the minority in favoring the iron pots. You have to watch not to oversteep or you will have a "metal" taste.

 

[jwhite]

Well I'll be happy to join you in the minority, I love the tea my Testubin produces, I have a brown betty that I use for steeping larger quantities, but my little iron pots are by far my favorite.

 

[Jim]

One of our esteemed members who frequently blogs about tea has said (me paraphrasing) the metal Chinese pots are not to be trusted because of possible impurities in the metal.

 

[jwhite]

One of our esteemed members who frequently blogs about tea has said (me paraphrasing) the metal Chinese pots are not to be trusted because of possible impurities in the metal.

That's good information to have, mine are Japanese and I'll be sure to keep it that way.