The Different Aesthetic and Functional Styles of Cast Iron Teapots
A cast iron tea pot is sometimes generically termed a ‘tetsubin’ teapot after the classical ironware of Japan. The basic shape of the cast iron teapot can be thought of as a two-part structure consisting of two bowls permanently welded together along their rims. The bowl on top is, of course, inverted. The hole for pouring the water in and dropping the tea ingredients is found at the top bowl and a lid is used to close it. The spout of the cast iron teapot is also found on the top bowl. The handle is typically a stiff arched structure
Also found on the upper bowl. Given this basic shape of the cast iron tea pot, you encounter many variations designed by the different manufacturers of these teapots.
The upper and lower bowls of the cast iron tea pot may be flattened
Some models of the cast iron tea pot have flattened bowls. Some are so flat as to make the cast iron vessel resemble a flying saucer with somewhat sharp outer edges. The position of the spout and the handle is still on the upper bowl but the designer has the option of shaping the spout with an upward stem and an outward curve instead of merely pointing straight outward as in the more spherical type of teapot. The spout itself may have a wide or narrow base and can have a funnel which is circular or squarish in contour, depending on the preference of the designer.
A saucer-type cast iron tea pot is meant for quickly brewing tea, the flatter the pot, the faster it takes to make the brew. More residues will collect along the narrow rims of the saucer-shaped tea pot. Consequently, this type of tea pot may be distinctly flavored after having been used many times. Since the aroma of tea brewed in it tends to be strong, it would be better to brew tea blends that are compatible in taste and aroma in this kind of vessel, in that way to maintain the good taste of the tea.
The spherical cast iron tea pot
This type of cast iron tea pot is cast in a spherical mold with an opening on top for the lid. In other words, it does not have the appearance of being made up of two bowls, one inverted on top of the other. The basic construction of this type of cast iron teapot follows that of an iron kettle with the join of the base with the sides somewhat tapered instead of angular and straight. This type of cast iron tea pot is ideal if you intend to include larger tea components in the brew because the mouth of the pot is typically wider in approximation of the mouth of a cooking kettle. People who like to mix bark and roots to make medicinal tea will find the spherical cast iron tea pot more convenient for putting in, as well as for occasionally mixing the somewhat bulky ingredients.
A cast iron tea pot should include a strainer for tea leaves
If you frequently brew tea leaves, you should look for a strainer when you purchase cast iron pots. Having this will enable you to pour the liquid out when done without the leaves in it. Additionally, you will be able to set aside the leaves that were only half-brewed (as when you prefer a weaker taste in your tea) as easily as removing the strainer, drying the leaves and putting them in a container.
You will find that besides pure functionality, you can have hundreds of designs and tens of colors on your cast iron tea pot. There are teapots made to resemble pumpkins. There are even kettle-type pots which are not spherical but have flattened bases, the sides tapering upwards to resemble Mount Fujiyama. These are wares that also make excellent dining room décor.