Honestly, we’re big fans of cast iron teapots, and we’re not alone in this. When it comes to making tea, finding the right teapot for your tea ritual is essential. Factors like heat retention, size, and durability all play important roles. But on an aesthetic level, you also want a teapot that’s visually stunning. Taking all these factors into account, you might think that finding the perfect teapot is a utopia. Whether it’s a utopia or not, cast iron teapots come pretty close to being the perfect teapot in our view, and we’d like to tell you why.
The Benefits of Cast Iron Teapots
Aesthetics
Cast iron teapots are not only practical, as you’ll discover later in this article, but they are also visually appealing. They make a beautiful addition to your home decor and will elicit “wows” and “ooohs” from your guests. It’s no wonder that cast iron teapots are frequently found in some of the world’s best restaurants, hotels, and other dining establishments. The designs are endless, from sleek black teapots to those adorned with Japanese or Chinese characters, dragons, koi fish, elephants, dragonflies, and other Oriental decorative elements. Then there’s the typical cast iron teapot with small dimples, which happens to be our favorite, especially when pouring a delightful cup of oolong tea!
Heat Retention
Cast iron teapots are incomparable when it comes to heat retention. Modern cast iron teapots are designed based on the traditional Japanese tetsubin, which was used to boil water on charcoal stoves. Cast iron teapots are extremely heat-resistant, allowing them to serve as both teapots and kettles. If you plan to use a cast iron teapot as a kettle, make sure not to fill it more than 3/4 full with water to prevent overflowing. Also, ensure that the flames don’t directly touch the pot. Additionally, be cautious, as the handle of a cast iron teapot can get hot.
Durability
Cast iron teapots are incredibly durable and can withstand almost anything. You’d have to go to great lengths to damage one of these teapots. Unlike ceramic teapots with handles or spouts that can easily break off, or glass teapots that can shatter if dropped, cast iron teapots are virtually indestructible.
Tradition and Folklore
Owning a cast iron teapot brings a touch of Japanese tradition and folklore into your home. These teapots, also known as tetsubin, transport you to bygone eras when tea ceremonies were performed according to the rules of art. Cast iron teapots have been used in Japan since the 17th century. They create a nostalgic atmosphere in your home and among your guests, enhancing your enjoyment of tea and the serenity of the tea ceremony.
The Downsides of Cast Iron Teapots
Heat
Cast iron teapots can get very hot, especially when used for boiling water. Caution is required when handling them to avoid burning your fingers. While some cast iron teapots have handles made from different materials to prevent burns, doing so takes away from the traditional design. It’s always best to be cautious.
Rust Formation
Traditional cast iron teapots, known as tetsubin, do not have an enamel lining to prevent rust. Constant contact with water and temperature fluctuations can cause the metal to rust. Rust in your teapot isn’t a problem as it is not toxic, and your tea remains safe to drink. To remove rust, you can use a soft brush to scrub the rusted area. Afterward, fill the pot with used tea leaves and boiling water, letting it steep for about 20 minutes. Remove the tea leaves and water, then rinse the pot. The tannins in the tea will create a natural protective layer to prevent rust formation. Another method to remove rust is to use a mixture of 50% vinegar and 50% water or baking soda.
Enamel Interior Chipping
If you opt for a cast iron teapot with an enamel interior, you won’t have to worry about rust, but you should be aware that the enamel interior may start to chip over time. This is especially likely if a small section on the inside has chipped a bit, which can lead to further chipping.
Cleaning Cast Iron Teapots

Allow the teapot to cool completely before cleaning it.
Use a soft sponge to gently clean both the inside and outside of the pot, using warm water only. Do not use soap or other cleaning agents. Avoid using salt or oils as well.
Allow the teapot to air dry completely.

Despite some cast iron teapots being dishwasher safe, we still prefer the traditional method and always wash our teapots by hand.