A Chinese teapot holds heat a little longer than a gaiwan, which draws a deeper, rounder flavour from fuller teas. It's the comfortable, familiar way to brew — pour for the whole table at once. A ceramic teapot is neutral and easy to live with; an unglazed clay teapot seasons over time and suits darker teas.

• Ceramic & porcelain teapots — neutral and versatile, good for almost any tea. Includes Ru Kiln's silky green-blue glaze and Dehua's kiln-formed marble patterns.
• Yixing zisha clay teapots — unglazed purple clay that holds heat and seasons over time, best for darker teas (Yixing Zisha Teapot)
• Cast iron kettles — for boiling water over a flame; brew the tea separately

A ceramic teapot is neutral and won't hold flavour, so you can brew freely. The held heat makes it especially good for fuller, warmer teas:

• Oolong tea — light or roasted
• Black tea — warm and malty, right at home in a teapot
• Jasmine tea and everyday scented teas
• Ripe pu-erh — relaxed daily drinking

For delicate green tea or white tea, a gaiwan gives finer control over heat.

• By size — 150–220ml suits gongfu brewing for one or two; larger pots serve a group.
• By material — a ceramic teapot for any tea and easy care; a clay teapot to season for one type of dark tea.
• By tea — keep a ceramic teapot for everyday oolong and black tea, and a gaiwan for delicate green and white.

• Chinese Tea Sets — full gongfu sets
• Gaiwan — the classic lidded brewing bowl
• Gong Fu Tea Tray — to catch the water
• Chinese Tea Cup — small cups to sip from

What's the difference between a ceramic and a clay teapot?

A ceramic teapot is glazed, neutral and easy to clean — good for any tea. A clay (zisha) teapot is unglazed, holds heat and slowly takes on the flavour of what you brew, so it's best kept for one type of dark tea.

What size teapot should I buy?

For gongfu brewing, 150–220ml suits one or two people — small enough for short, repeated steepings. Larger pots work if you often brew for a group.

Can I brew tea in a cast iron kettle?

Our cast iron pieces are bare iron kettles for boiling water over a flame, not for brewing tea inside. Boil the water in the kettle, then brew the tea in a teapot or gaiwan.

Do you ship teapots across Australia?

Yes — all orders are dispatched from Sydney, Australia, with standard and express options. Orders over $100 ship free.