In the world of ceramics, you have an assortment of types of teapots – glazed, porous, porcelain, and even stoneware – you name it! They all have their distinct qualities and uses, and this makes choosing the best ceramic teapot a little tricky for first-time buyers.
Did you know that Yixing is the home of the most popular porous unglazed ceramic teapots? Typically used for oolong raw Pu’er teas, zisha (purple clay) is used to make these stylish yet functional pots. With that said, they can only be used for a single tea type, but why?
These unglazed ceramic teapots get coated with tea residue in a thin layer that forms inside the pot. That’s what makes it unsightly to use for other teas (and it also ruins the overall flavor of the specific tea that you’re making).
If, however, you want a teapot that’s okay to use for a variety of teas, go for a stoneware type, which is non-porous. However, there’s also the popular porcelain ceramic, which is typically used for preparing teas for guests in various cultures. Porcelain, however, is more fragile than stoneware, so it should be handled carefully.
Why people love to use ceramic teapots
So, what makes ceramic teapots very popular? Well, ceramic pots are loved by many tea enthusiasts around the world due to the following qualities:
- They retain heat better
- The designs usually blend well with existing home decor
- They’re easy to clean up (some are dishwasher-safe)
- They are lightweight and easy to carry around
- They have a stay-cool handle
Best Ceramic Teapot Reviews
1. Adagio Teas PersonaliTea Ceramic Teapot with Infuser Basket
This glossy and sleek modern teapot will contain 24 ounces of tea (up to 3 cups) or other drinks. Made with a stainless steel infuser basket inside, it has an anti-drip spout for fewer messes and an ergonomic handle for comfort.
The comfortable handle is a great plus point for this product. We think that this ceramic teapot works best for loose tea, although you can use it for all kinds of tea.
When it comes to holding heat, it does well and will keep your tea at the right temperature, which is what you want with tea time. However, you have to avoid overfilling the pot for this.
The design not only makes a great teatime buddy that’s functional and convenient, but it also adds décor to your kitchen and/or dining room. We also like that the company also makes teas so they know what a ceramic teapot should have.
Convenience is also easily achievable with this ceramic teapot – you can put it in the microwave, send it to the dishwasher, and it will still be okay!
Drawbacks
Among the drawbacks that we saw with this ceramic teapot is the basket design. We would’ve liked it better if the basket had a certain pulling tab. However, there is a workaround with this con: fill up the teapot to the right level and simply grab the mesh strainer swiftly to pull it out.
Due to the recessed designs of the lid and the small handle, taking off the pot when your tea is all ready to be served could be a little challenging. Furthermore, we would’ve liked it better if the design of the pot lid made it easier to grab safely.
2. Tea Forte Pugg Ceramic Teapot Infuser Set with Loose Lea Tea Steeping Basket and Lid
Yet another classy pot on our list is the Tea Forte Pugg Ceramic Teapot Infuser Set, which holds up to 24 ounces of loose leaf. It has an attractive design that’s sure to add life and flavor to your afternoons.
With about 2 to 4 cups of capacity depending on your teacup size, it has a comfortable handle when you use it to pour your drinks. Due to its floral design, it also works as a great gift to someone who loves teas (or even if they just want something Asian-themed).
Aside from a well-balanced weight, it also has a fine basket that helps to thoroughly filter your loose leaf tea so that no sedimentation occurs in your warm cup. The temperature remains constant throughout your tea session while the lid is also comfortable to remove without the likelihood of accidents.
Additionally, this teapot is warmer-friendly, if you have one of those in your kitchen. Likewise, when it comes to cleaning the teapot and the infuser, removing the basket is a simple task due to the easy-open lid, which makes maintenance less of a hassle with this ceramic teapot.
Drawback
A problem that you might encounter with this ceramic teapot is the blockage of the lid to the infuser basket. You can work around this problem by bending the lid’s metal clip to clear it out. Alternatively, you can use the dribble on the spout after each pour, although we think this is a bit of a hassle for a teapot.
3. HIC Teapot with Stainless Steel Infuser
Able to hold around 6 to 10 cups of tea, the HIC Teapot with Stainless Steel Infuser is a fancy-looking teapot that has scratch-free glaze as its coating, which makes it a heavy-duty teatime buddy. It is also microwavable and dishwasher-friendly so it won’t be much of a hassle to maintain, especially with its stain resistance.
As mentioned above, it has stain-resistant properties – and we mean from the outside to the inside! The color stays true from inside out and it has a comfortable weight when you pour your tea of choice. The teapot pours evenly aside from having a balanced design.
For people who need to do some two-handed pouring due to the size/weight of the teapot, the extra handle is there to help you out.
If you’re a fan of various kinds of teas, this teapot is for you due to its little loop that lets you handle various types of plain teas. This may include English breakfast, Tetley British Blend, Oolong tea, and much more. A word of advice when pouring with this teapot: go slowly to avoid accidents!
Drawback
The weight is an issue that might count as a drawback, but that’s only because it holds more tea in it! With that said, you’ll need strong arms to pour the tea safely even though we already said it has a balanced weight that pours evenly. That’s why there’s an extra handle in its design.
If you’re thinking of giving it as a gift, you might want to consider its weight and if the person you want to give it to will truly use it (it’s more suited for groups rather than just a husband-and-wife setting).
4. Botanical Porcelain Duo Teapot Teacup and Saucer Set
Are you in search of porcelain antiques? The Botanical Porcelain Duo Teapot is a great choice for you. This teapot holds up to 15 ounces of tea, which may translate to 2 cups for most tea lovers. The eye-catching design will be a great addition to any antique-designed home due to the insect and leaf design plus the golden trims on the sides.
If you’re a fan of small teapots that are just right for solo or partner afternoon tea, this is for you. As for the quality, it has a thick porcelain material so it won’t feel too delicate when you use it. People who want to restrain themselves from drinking too much tea will like the smaller size of this teapot.
Do you have friends or family who enjoy antique designs? This makes a great gift for them, although we’d suggest pairing it with teacups or even a coffee pot in case they’d like a different morning/afternoon drink.
When it comes to the hotness of the tea, the pot has good temperature regulation so that even on your second cup, the teapot will remain warm.
Drawback
Picking up the handle is a little awkward at times due to its design wherein the saucer and the cup handle are too close. In terms of stability, you’d have to experiment as it might not sit too tightly.
Aside from that, we also would’ve liked a better design for the lid since it seems too small to pick up. That’s probably because this was designed as a solo or duo teapot.
5. Gracie China by Coastline Imports Vintage Porcelain Tea Set
Yet another porcelain tea set, vintage lovers will feel classy with this 11-piece set, which includes both the teapot and a teacup set with saucers.
If you are eyeing a solid set, this is a great teapot to have. It has some weight to it, which makes it less likely to tip over. Even so, the weight is balanced and makes pouring tea just right if you want to use it daily.
When it comes to the design, the overall texture and color theme gives a very Victorian look, which is perfect if you want some fancy tea sets. The light colors of these pieces make it flexible between those who want super antiques but also want an everyday tea set. The cream color makes it easier to clean than those that have plain white designs.
We also like that the sizes of each included cup are suitable for coffee. It has good durability and will last for a long time with proper maintenance. Even though it looks very feminine in terms of design, the added weight makes it sturdy while also at a price point that won’t break the bank – great for group tea parties.
Drawback
Perhaps the only concern is the loose fit of the lid on the teapot, so you have to be extra careful when pulling the tea strainer out. Also, some color choices have a bit of discrepancy when compared to the pictures posted online, which is a con to some but not a major drawback.
6. YZWDTGS Portable Travel Ceramic Kungfu Tea Set with Travel Bag
For those who are looking for a portable and traditional tea set, this handy package is for you, which comes with everything you need for a traditional way of preparing Chinese tea ceremonies. You can use it for oolong, Pu’er, green tea, and the like.
Due to the portability of the ceramic teapot, it’s rather small compared to the other ones we reviewed above. The design, however, doesn’t compromise in quality and durability. It comes well-packed with all the tea set materials you need (cups, washing table, etc.) and it bears a good visual design.
When it comes to the quality of the ceramic material, it has a very intricate design and sturdy build. All the other materials have the same quality as the teapot. If you want to know how to prepare tea as they do in Chinese tea ceremonies, it will be a great starter kit just for you.
A plus point is the included case, which would come in handy if you want to prepare tea while you’re at a friend’s house or while out on vacation/travel. The inside of the case is well-padded to protect the entire tea set. The tray, which is used in tea ceremonies to wash the cups, can be used to catch spills of the tea.
Drawback
The only concern is that you have to provide a loose leaf tea strainer separately (which you can buy from most stores, anyway). The lid could be redesigned to fit properly and the holes are a little large so be careful when pouring out the tea.
7. Tealyra Drago Ceramic Teapot – Large Teapot with Stainless Steel Lid Extra-Fine Infuser To Brew Loose Leaf Tea
Able to take up to 37 ounces or 4 to 6 cups of tea, the Tealyra Drago Ceramic Teapot is something that you will enjoy if you like an assortment of pot colors to choose from with a large tea infuser. It’s lead-free and BPA-free so it’s eco-friendly.
If you’re having tea for about an hour, this teapot will keep it warm throughout that time. If you have a big cup, it will fit about 2 cups (about 3 for smaller cups). Due to the lightweight yet balanced feel, pouring tea is a breeze with this pot. We like that it has a large handle that’s comfortable to the touch.
Aside from that, the stainless steel strainer basket is usable for all kinds of teas of your choice. Built with a solid design in mind, the strainer is also easy to remove and it has a fine mesh that will keep a lot of the leaf debris from getting into your tea. We also like the good amount of depth of the strainer, which isn’t commonly seen in most teapot sets.
It also has a lid that’s easy to remove, which helps avoid hand scalding and also helps with cleanup. Handling the teapot is also convenient due to the ergonomic design, which makes carrying the tea comfortable.
Drawback
It has a small opening that isn’t ideal for teabags. The lid might be slightly off-center and could be redesigned as such, making pouring the last drop a little tricky to avoid accidents.
8. YOLIFE Flowering Shrubs Ivory Ceramic Tea Party Service Set for Adults
Fancy an English-style tea set? Why not try this one? This porcelain ceramic set is great for tea parties, which includes a set of spoons, a teapot, a tray, and some teacups.
The teapot handles properly and the added spoons make it a complete set. On usability, the teapot is just right for 2 to 4 people sipping tea in the afternoon (or any time of the day). Even without saucers, the teacups look stylish due to the added tray.
When it comes to design, this tea set doesn’t hold back on its English-style design. It looks quite antique and makes a great gift for someone on their birthday – preferably seniors. If you know someone who collects antiques at home (either for display or use), this is a must-have for them.
We like that even though this tea set looks very fancy, it is dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup a breeze overall. Compared to most tea sets, the intricate design on the rim of the cups and the teapot makes it unique, stylish, and artistic, so it’s more than just a gift but it can also become home décor if you intend it to be.
Drawback
Even though it will hold up to 2 large cups of tea, some people might find it a bit too small compared to other ceramic teapots. With that said, this isn’t a con if you just prefer a bit of tea that’s enough for either solo or 2 to 4 persons.
9.Ebros Gift Japanese Ceramic Tea Pot and Cups With Strainer Set
If you’re a fan of lucky items, this tea set that’s inspired by the Maneki Neko is a great gift for yourself or someone else. The teapot will handle up to 20 ounces of liquid and the design is unique from most sets.
We like the painted design very much – a must-buy if you’re into Japanese items. This makes it a great gift for someone who’s into Japanese culture. What’s more, the handling weight is just right so it won’t feel too overwhelming to carry the pot to pour the tea into each of the cups.
Likewise, the cups are all of a standard size if you’re looking for a traditional Japanese tea set. With that said, the pot maintains the desired warmth of the tea while the drinking cups allow the temperature of the tea to cool down to a drinkable state.
You can give it to someone as a gift due to being a complete set. Even pet lovers, especially cat lovers, will find this tea set quite appealing due to the adorable design.
What we truly like with this ceramic teapot set is the adaptability to both loose leaf and bagged tea. Not everyone has the convenience of stocking up on loose-leaf, which makes the teabag option convenient on the filter within the pot.
Drawback
A small drawback would be the size, which is not ideal for people who prefer bigger teapots. We think that the wicker handle could be redesigned in terms of durability as well.
10. Pavilion Gift Company Bloom Mother Ceramic Tea for One
Are you eyeing a gift for your mom for her birthday or when Mother’s Day arrives? Here’s a great gift idea just for you! This fancy-looking teapot has a stackable design, which makes storage safe and convenient (not to mention, unique).
It will hold up to 15 ounces of tea inside while its bottom mug has an 8-ounce capacity. The added ribbon and tag make it an easy choice for a gift.
When it comes to handling the teapot, we like the stackable design, which saves space if you have a cramped room or have other items on the table. Whoever thought of this design is quite a genius – the bottom half makes the teacup, which is placed over the teapot.
On making tea inside, it will fill up about 2 regular teacups so it’s good for small to medium-sized groups drinking tea. Maintenance is also a breeze with this teapot since it is dishwasher-safe. With that said, we still prefer hand-washing for the tea to keep the design vibrant.
The teapot is also microwavable, which is ideal for when you’re in a hurry and yet still want to have your daily cup of tea.
Drawback
Due to the design of the teapot, it has a lid that doesn’t do well with preventing leaks. Aside from that, the colors of the teapot design aren’t that accurate to the pictures online.
Moreover, we think that the cup could be redesigned so that it doesn’t cool off quickly (although this would ruin the purpose of the stackable design).
How to use a ceramic teapot for loose tea
The common purpose of ceramic teapots is to make loose tea, which uses leaves, such as black tea, chamomile, oolong, green tea, and so on. So, how do you use your ceramic teapot? If you want to make easy loose leaf tea, here’s how:
What you’ll need:
- teapot with strainer
- tea leaves
- teacups
- teaspoons
- tray
- milk and sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Pour water into any kettle and bring the water to a boil.
- When it bubbles, pour it into the teapot and give it a shake.
- Put about 2 tsp of your loose leaf tea into the strainer.
- Add sugar or milk depending on your preference.
- Steep the tea for about 5 minutes or as indicated on the tea label.
- Take out the infuser and pour the tea into the cups. Enjoy your tea!
How to clean the inside of a ceramic teapot
Cleaning a ceramic teapot is relatively simple, with no harsh chemicals needed to avoid affecting the tea flavors and teapot design. Here’s an easy procedure:
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup vinegar
- 4 tbsp baking soda
- water (boiled)
- sponge or any scrubber
Instructions:
- Combine vinegar and baking soda into the teapot.
- Pour the water into the teapot and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- After cooling the teapot, scrub the inside manually.
- Pour out the cleaning solution and dry the teapot before storing it.
How to keep a ceramic teapot warm
So, what can you do if your teapot cools down fast? One method is to use a teapot warmer, which can be bought from most stores. Most of them are electric warmers and take little space in your countertop (or table). Moreover, a classic English way of warming a teapot is to use a tea towel and wrap it up.
If you want to retain the warmth of your tea, you can also limit the amount of time that the teapot lid remains open. Aside from that, you may also want to go for a teapot with a double-wall design, which enhances its warming capability.
Can you microwave a ceramic teapot?
Yes, but it depends. Some ceramic teapots are microwavable but it’s best to ask the manufacturer for the specifications.
Teapots that are made with AB-grade porcelain are suitable for microwave use. Not all ceramic teapots are safe for the microwave, so always double-check with the manufacturer before trying to heat your tea in there.
Why you should never put ceramic teapots on the stove
Ceramic teapots aren’t meant for the stove because they will likely crack. It’s best to ask the manufacturer if the teapot is stove-friendly but in general, we advise you not to put it on the stove. Instead, invest in a teapot warmer.
Conclusion
Ceramic teapots are always a great companion to help you relax in the afternoon – whether it’s a cup of loose leaf tea, bagged tea, or even coffee, if the pot is big enough.
Whether enjoyed solo, with your significant other, with family, or with friends, there’s a ceramic teapot that’s just right for you out there – and we’ve covered some of them here. We hope that you liked our suggestions!