Collection: Teaware & Accessories

Tea is a beverage that is enjoyed all over the world. From classic black tea to herbal infusions, each type of tea requires different methods of brewing and serving. The vessel in which tea is brewed and served can have a significant impact on the taste and aroma of the beverage.

Here are the most common types of teaware and their pros and cons:

1. Teapot

A teapot is a classic vessel for brewing tea. It comes in many shapes, sizes, and materials, from glass to porcelain, to clay. A teapot is perfect for brewing tea for several people at once. Teapots with built-in filters make it easy to brew loose tea leaves without any of the sediment making it into the final cup. However, the downside of a teapot is that it can be difficult to clean the narrow spout and infuser. A teapot may lose heat quickly, making the tea colder and less enjoyable. In that case, using a warmer with a tealight candle can solve the problem and extend the joy of drinking tea. 

2. Tea infuser

A tea infuser is a small vessel that is placed in a cup or mug for brewing loose tea leaves. It is generally made of metal, silicone or glass and comes in a range of sizes and shapes. Using a tea infuser is simple and straightforward, and it is perfect for a single cup of tea. However, the disadvantage of a tea infuser is that it does not always work well with finer tea leaves or herbal infusions, which can escape through the holes. Also, the silicon and metal infusers can change the taste of tea in that case using a glass infuser is recommended. 

3. Gaiwan

A traditional Chinese vessel for brewing tea, the Gaiwan is a small bowl with a lid and saucer. It is used for brewing and drinking fine green, white, and oolong teas. The advantage of a Gaiwan is that it allows the tea to be brewed and drunk without the leaves ending up in the final brew. However, brewing tea in a Gaiwan can be tricky for beginners, and its small size is not ideal for serving more than one person.

5. Tea mug

A tea mug is a simple and convenient way of brewing and enjoying tea. It comes in a range of sizes, shapes, and materials, such as ceramic, glass, and stainless steel. The advantage of a tea mug is that it is portable and can be used for brewing tea at home, at work, or on the go. However, a tea mug can often not have a filter which limits the brewing to tea bags.

6. Tea cup and saucer

A tea cup and saucer is a traditional vessel for serving tea in many cultures. It is generally made of porcelain, bone china, or ceramic, and comes in a range of patterns and designs. The advantage of a teacup and saucer is that it is perfect for enjoying delicate teas such as Darjeeling and Jasmine teas, as it allows you to savour the aroma of the tea. Teacups should be used besides other tea vessels like teapots or Gaiwan and given the size they can hardly be used to brew herbal tea.

In conclusion, the choice of teaware and vessel for brewing and serving tea depends on individual preferences, type of tea, and occasion. Each has its pros and cons, and a variety of them can add to the tea-drinking experience.