Tetsubin--for stove top use?

[americanarmsdealer]

I received a cast iron tetsubin teapot that is enamel lined for Christmas. From everything I've read, these are not suitable for stove top use. I've seen the heat diffusers that can be used with glass teapots so you can put them on the stovetop. Would one of these be suitable for use with my teapot? Or would this still run the risk of ruining the enamel coating? If this is the case, I like using the tetsubin for brewing my tea after heating the water in my old teakettle, since it came with a stainless steel infuser basket. Thanks for the advice in advance, you wiser and more knowledgeable tea gurus!

 

[_JP_]

The expansion that happens from the temperature needed to get tot the boiling point is the danger. A diffuser would slow down the heating up process, but it would still cool just as quick. I don't see any advantage to using an enamel lined tetsubin for boiling water. They are designed for infusing tea in.

 

[JPDyson]

Perhaps the prolonged exposure to the heat source required to get the water up to temperature is the problem. You do want your pot as hot as your water, otherwise it's stealing heat and nerfing your tea. That said, boiling in enameled cast-iron seems to be a common practice in the cooking arena, so why are tetsubin different?

 

[jwhite]

I believe it has to do with the enamel used. Enameled cook ware is much heavier the enamel on Tetsubin is much thinner. There are unenameled tetsubin for boiling tea and I've seen some makers who make enameled pots suitable for stove top use but if they don't specify I wouldn't do it.

 

[_JP_]

The unlined tesubins are meant for boiling water in only. Pour it into another vessel to brew the tea.

 

[jwhite]

The unlined tesubins are meant for boiling water in only. Pour it into another vessel to brew the tea.

That's right I meant to say 'boiling water for tea' thanks for catching that.

 

[Shavely Manden]

I've had a tetsubin I've used on the stovetop for years. It's not in perfect shape (a few rust spots through the enamel), but it isn't ruined or anything.