Default sorting Sort by popularity Sort by latest Sort by price: low to high Sort by price: high to low

Showing the single result

---

Free shipping is available for all orders over $70. Alternatively, pop into one of The Tea Centre's ten tea shops located in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT.

The Tea Centre’s cast iron teaware

The history behind cast iron teaware (particular cast iron teapots) spans hundreds of years. While thought to have origins in Ancient China, the cast iron teapot has become ubiquitously known as a Japanese export and emblematic of the nation’s tea-drinking culture. In Japan, traditional cast iron teapots (no enamel) are known as tetsubin and the process of brewing tea inside them is called kyūsu.

Ready to experience the history behind cast iron firsthand? Then be sure to explore our beautiful range of authentic cast iron teapots below!

What size teapot do you need?

Teapots can start at a one-cup size, with a standard large teapot holding about six cups. Larger volumes of tea will stay warmer for longer, but of course, this time will decrease as the tea is dispensed and more of the tea’s surface area is exposed. That means large teapots won’t necessarily keep tea warmer for longer; rather, larger volumes of tea, irrespective of the size of the teapot, will remain warm for longer.

Are cast iron teapots safe to put on the stove?

While traditional tetsubin were made to brew tea over charcoal fires, Western-style cast iron teapots are not akin to kettles! Therefore, they are not safe to use on the stove. While The Tea Centre’s cast iron teapots have a protective enamel glazing, it is very fragile and could be damaged from excess heat.

How do I prevent my cast iron teaware from rusting?

Given cast iron is a natural metal, it is prone to rust if not properly taken care of. To prevent rusting, do not scrub your cast iron teaware with abrasive pads, detergents, oils, and/or salts that may damage the protective enamel. Avoid scraping your cast iron teaware with other sharp tools. Similarly, cast iron teapots are not microwave or dishwasher safe. Instead, the best way to clean your cast iron is to simply rinse with water while the teaware is still warm and dry after each use.

If your cast iron teapot has already developed rust, clean the rusted area with a soft toothbrush and then fill the teapot with used leaves and boiling water! Funnily enough, the tannic acid in the tea will help prevent rust in the future. Don’t leave the tea inside until the infusion grows cold though! While fantastic at preventing rust, the tannic acid in tea can also leave a stain if left in the teapot for extended periods of time.

Why are cast iron teapots better/worth it?

The main reason why tea drinkers love cast iron teaware (other than their sophisticated look) is that they are designed to last! There are Japanese cast iron teapots from the 1700s that are still used to this day. Furthermore, cast iron is known for its excellent fluid retention properties, which allows your tea to stay hotter for longer.

Teaware material differences

In the same way that a carpenter is lost without his tool belt, a tea drinker can’t enjoy the full experience of tea without the proper teapot on hand! When it comes to choosing the perfect teapot to suit your lifestyle, it’s important to consider the following pros and cons of each type of teaware material.

In the same way that a carpenter is lost without his tool belt, a tea drinker can’t enjoy the full experience of tea without the proper teapot on hand! There are pros and cons to each type of teapot material, and this often affects how long a teapot can keep the tea warm.

Ceramic: Compared to other traditional teawares, ceramic goods can retain heat well. However, this material is more prone to chipping than others.

Glass: aesthetically pleasing to watch tea leaves unfurling during the infusion process. However, glass does not retain heat as well as other materials.

Earthenware and Cast Iron: traditionally, earthenware and cast iron is said to retain not just heat, but also the memories of the tea and tea drinker! These teaware materials are also relatively easy to keep clean.

Porcelain/Bone China: beautiful pure white colour and a convenient material for teaware. Used to be very delicate but is now much more durable. They are not as great at retaining heat.

Stainless steel: when it comes to retaining heat over a long duration, stainless steel is the best of the bunch.

Buy cast iron teapots and teacups online or in-store at The Tea Centre tea shops

Here at The Tea Centre, we have a gorgeous range of cast iron teaware that makes every tea-drinking experience an absolute delight. Cast iron teapots and teacups are our go-to teaware when serving delicious teas and are perfect for when guests pop over for a visit. That’s why purchasing cast iron is always a worthwhile investment!

To make the perfect cuppa next time you want to relax and unwind, we'd recommend brewing one teaspoon of loose leaf tea to every cup that the teapot has the capacity to hold. Most of your teapots will already have inbuilt infusers, making it easy to scoop in your tea of choice and dispose of used tea leaves afterwards.

Interested in other teawares? Look through our selection of tea cups, tea sets, and tea tools, to find the right ones for you.