Best Teapots for Loose Leaf Tea

Loose leaf tea is a popular choice among tea enthusiasts due to its quality, flavour and aroma compared to tea bags. However, some additional tools are needed for steeping loose leaf tea and a teapot designed for loose leaf tea can come in handy. The best teapots for loose leaf tea have a few key features that make them stand out from other teapots. From ceramic to glass to cast iron, I’m sharing my top picks, so you can enjoy a perfect cup every time.

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Teapot Buying Guide

There is quite the variety of teapots available online or in-store. Keep these few things in mind when you are shopping so you can find the best teapot for loose leaf tea and your personal needs.

Material

The material of the teapot can affect the taste of the tea. Glass, ceramic, and porcelain are popular options that will not impart any unwanted flavours.

Glass teapots are also fun as you can watch the tea steep and the liquid change colours.

Cast iron is another good option as they are very durable.

Teapots made of plastic or aluminum can change the taste so I would suggest avoiding those. 

Infuser Basket or Strainer

Teapots for loose leaf tea should have a removable infuser basket that allows the tea leaves to expand and release their full flavour. The infuser basket can be easily removed once the tea has steeped, preventing oversteeping and bitterness.

If a teapot doesn’t have an infuser basket, it should at least have a built-in strainer. Look for a teapot with a fine mesh strainer as it will catch even the smallest tea leaves (ie. rooibos). 

Size

It’s important to consider how much tea you usually make at once so you purchase the proper teapot size. If you only make a single cup, a small teapot may be sufficient.

However, if you like to make multiple cups at once for yourself or guests, a larger teapot may be needed. Keep in mind that a larger teapot may take longer to heat up and may require more loose leaf tea.

Heat Retention

If you would like to keep your tea warm for longer periods of time, this feature is very important! A teapot that retains heat well will do just that.

Again, consider the material, ceramic and cast iron are great at retaining heat. Additionally, a teapot with a lid that fits tightly can help, too.

Dishwasher and/or Stove Top Safe

If you’re looking for an easy way to clean your teapot, make sure it is dishwasher safe. Not all teapots can be put in the dishwasher and even so, not all pieces may be able to go inside the dishwasher.

Generally, teapots are made to fill with hot water not boil on the stove top or keep warm there like a tea kettle. However, some offer this feature so look for stove top safe teapots if this is what you’d like.

Best Teapots for Loose Leaf Tea

Whether you are a seasoned tea drinker or just starting out, a good teapot can make all the difference in taste and experience. From classic to modern designs, this list has something for everyone. 

1. HIWARE Glass Teapot

This Hiware Glass Teapot is made with high-quality borosilicate glass and a food-grade stainless steel infuser, giving it durability and ensuring that plastic does not affect the flavour of your tea. With a 1L capacity, this is a great teapot to use when serving guests.

The teapot is stovetop safe, making it versatile and convenient to use. It is also dishwasher safe (top rack), making it easy to clean.

Pros

• The lid fits the tea infuser both when inserted or removed, making it convenient for daily use.
• The spout is designed for effortless pouring and precise control, so you can pour beautifully without spilling a single drop.

Cons

• The tea stain can be difficult to clean from the spout and teapot as the opening from the lid is small. Your hand can not fit through it to scrub.
• The handle may crack if not handled with care.

2. ZENS Modern White Ceramic Teapot

This modern-style ZENS teapot is crafted with thick ceramic that is lead-free. It is smooth to the touch with a matte finish.

It is equipped with a stainless steal infuser that fits exactly into the teapot. This teapot is sold on its own or with matching cups, too.

Pros

• Elegant, minimalist Japanese teapot design with a bentwood handle that can easily be removed if needed.
• Dishwasher safe (remove wooden handle first though).
• Comes in a package great for gifting, with the option to add matching cups and rattan coasters.

Cons

• The 800ml capacity is great for 2 people, but may be too small for multiple guests.
• Lid is not tightly secured when pouring.
• Can not be used on the stove top.

RELATED: How to Clean Porcelain Teaware

3. Sweese Porcelain Teapot

The Sweese Teapot is made out of durable porcelain that is lead-free, chip-resistant and more sturdy than stoneware. It is an excellent everyday teapot that is beautifully shaped with high glass, nice weight and 27oz capacity.

A larger size is an option, but it would come without an infuser basket. This teapot is available in many different colours, too!

Pros

• The lid stays on tight when pouring as it has a silicone gasket.
• The handle and spout shape allows for easy, drip-free pouring.
• Infuser basket is great at keeping even the superfine loose-leaf teas out of your cup.
• Dishwasher safe.

Cons

• Lid does not double as an infuser holder, so you’ll need an additional plate near by to place infuser basket after removing.
• Designed to pour with the infuser basket still in the teapot though. So, once remove the lid may be a bit loose.
• The infuser basket sits a bit high in the teapot, so enough water needs to be added to steep if not filling the teapot all of the way.
• Not safe for stovetop.

4. Sotya Cast Iron Teapot

This beginner-friendly durable cast iron teapot is wonderful at retaining heat, therefore, keeping your tea warm for a long period of time. The interior is coated with enamel to protect the teapot from rust.

This teapot is available in a couple of different sizes (30oz or 40oz) and colours/designs. Depending on the size selected, it is suitable for serving up to 3-4 guests.

Pros

• The ergonomic extra-wide handle is wrapped with twine to make it easier to hold and pour without slipping.
• Wide opening with infuser basket that gives tea leaves lots of room to expand and release their full flavour.
• Stove top safe, with a small fire only.

Cons

• The twine on the handle could unravel over time, but handle should still be cool to the touch.
• Rust can still appear if not using the teapot or maintaining it properly.
• Cast iron teapots are heavier to handle and may not be for everyone.

5. Tealyra Large Ceramic Teapot

This Tealyra ceramic teapot is the largest teapot on the list! With a 47 ounce capacity, it’s the best option if you’re looking for a teapot that can serve up to 6-7 guests.

It is made out of a high-fired ceramic that withstands high temperatures, meaning it can keep large amounts of tea warm for a while. Lead-free, BPA free and plastic free. Available in multiple colours, too!

Pros

• Modern look with a drip-less spout.
• The stainless steel infuser basket is extra fine and tall. It keeps small tea particles out and fits the entire teapot to steep loose leaf tea properly.
• Convenient hinged lid, so you will never lose it!

Cons

• The handle is supposed to stay cool to the touch but can get a bit hot at times.
• Lid stays on the teapot, so there is no built in coaster for the infuser basket after removing.
• Not stove top safe.

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Do you have a favourite teapot for loose leaf tea? If it’s not on the list above, please leave it in the comments below for others to check out!