Why are many cast iron tetsubins not stove-safe? I'd like to get one for boiling water.
Tetsubin Confusion
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Go with stainless steel for boiling water over stove...
Using stove will cause your tetsubin to get rusty more easily.
Using stove will cause your tetsubin to get rusty more easily.
Most of the tetsubin sold for brewing tea have a coating of enamel over the cast iron to prevent rust, and I believe putting the pot over direct heat can crack that enamel. I have read that if you have a cast iron pot that has managed to rust you should clean off any loose rust with a brush, then boil used tea leaves or tea bags in the pot. The tannic acid from the leaves will react with the rust and leave a natural sealant.
I've seen some cast iron tea kettles, they don't really look like tetsubin, but they'd work if it's just the material you're interested in.
I've seen some cast iron tea kettles, they don't really look like tetsubin, but they'd work if it's just the material you're interested in.
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The reason is the enamel coating that they have. When they come with an infuser basket they are not designed for heating water. If you want a traditional unlined Tetsubin for boiling water, then you have to order it, usually from Japan. Be prepared to spend a lot for one.
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Thanks for the info, it's appreciated.
It's too bad that the enamel is wasted on the more available tetsubins. They probably brew bad tea but could be preparing excellent water.
The gauchos here (South Brazil) use an interesting cast-iron kettle, I'll probably go that route as I'm sure that can't afford to have a tetsubin shipped from Japan.
It's too bad that the enamel is wasted on the more available tetsubins. They probably brew bad tea but could be preparing excellent water.
