Newbie starter set gaiwan suggestions?

[americanarmsdealer]

I'm interested in purchasing a gaiwan and at least 2 teacups to try my hand with teas. Being a complete newbie to teas, do you guys have any suggestions on a good starter set to help me get a feel for the various teas that are out there without breaking the bank? I'd like to keep it as inexpensive as possible, as I'd like more of my budget to go toward tea rather than unneeded equipment. What equipment do you deem essential for someone starting out? Your help is greatly appreciated. I was looking at a set from jas e tea, but I don't think I really need a pitcher, although the teapick might come in handy.
Also, any suggestions on where I can pick up an inexpensive kettle with a long spout? Thanks in advance, guys.

 

[ambrose]

I think jas-e tea has some of the best deals on tea and gear, I would contact Steve about a custom starter set. As for the kettle I wouldnt know I use a cheap stove top glass one.

 

[americanarmsdealer]

I was looking for a kettle on the cheap. And I forgot to ask earlier. Is there a discount code fo B&Bers at jas e tea?

 

[Huskysibe]

Jas-e tea has a starter kit with teas, all you need to do is add the cups. Or you can contact Steve and he can custom make you a starter set to fit your needs. Pretty much all of the equipment in his starter set is needed, plus you get a mix Pu-Erh teas to try.

 

[SiBurning]

Are you sure about getting a gaiwan? While the small size is great for tasting and figuring out how to infuse new teas, they make an awfully small amount of tea. My 150ml (6oz) gaiwan yields 75-90ml (2.5-3oz) of tea. A glass teapot and strainer might be better if you want to spend more time drinking tea and less time making it.

 

[americanarmsdealer]

What about a steeping mug? My wife bought a couple of these. Probably about a 10-12 oz mug with a "basket" that fits down into it to hold loose leaves. It also has a lid to fit over the whole thing. The lid doubles as a saucer of sorts to set the leaf basket in between cups. Would just these and a decent kettle get me rolling? I was gonna order a gaiwan and a couple teacups this afternoon, but if a gaiwan only makes about 4 oz of tea, the teacups that come in the sets are only 2 oz? That's a lot of waiting for the tea to steep between cups, isn't it?

Maybe I'd be better off ordering some good tea instead. I've seen some suggestions to start with white or green tea, and then work up to oolong and Pu erh. I was thinking of starting with oolong, based on the descriptions of the differing body(?) and possibly fuller flaver. Oolong is kind of in the middle of the tea flavor spectrum, isn't it? I like my coffee black, and if I'm going the espresso route, I drink Americanos with no cream or sugar. But my wife likes Jasmine tea with sugar, and takes a little coffee with her cream and sugar, if you know what I mean.So I thought maybe both of us might like a good oolong tea. Any thoughts or suggestions on this?

 

[Bertilak]

What about a steeping mug?

You mean something like the attached?

Mug is 150 ml. None of those tiny little foo-foo cups for me!

Electric kettle in back is Breville. My wife wanted it and my first reaction was "I'll *never* spend $150 to boil water!" But she really wanted it so we got it. Now I realize how nice it is. Maybe could have got away with something cheaper, but it is nice, sturdy, and can heat to several temps just short of boiling.

 

[pb2q]

If you're looking for a cheap kettle, it's hard to beat these:

Medelco 12 Cup Glass Stovetop Whistling Kettle

 

[wakeboarder4402]

I just pulled the trigger tonight on a nice Gaiwan with two matching cups, tea knife, and over 300 grams of different teas, everything from pu-erh to oolong, and all for about $65 shipped. Steve (netsurfr) over at Jas-etea is a great guy, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed in dealing with him.