Cast iron teapots: features and review of manufacturers

Many connoisseurs of tea are visited by the desire to purchase a cast iron teapot. With it, a popular drink is served in Asian establishments, in which this item is not a wonder, but a classic. Cast iron models attract an unusual shape and appearance. Let us consider in more detail the features of dishes from hard and at the same time brittle alloy.

Each item in use there are positive and negative sides. As a plus, experts and ordinary users identified the following:

• kettles have excellent high heat capacity; the drink keeps the temperature for a long time;
• due to the peculiarities of the material, the product can be placed on both an electric and a gas burner; It is worth noting that not all models have this characteristic;
• attractive appearance markedly distinguishes dishes from cast iron on the background of more standard options; many specimens are decorated with three-dimensional elements and thematic patterns;
• a quality product will last more than a decade, retaining practical and aesthetic qualities;
• Despite the fragility of the material, cast iron is considered more reliable than glass, ceramics and porcelain.

Denoting the benefits, you should pay attention to the negative side.

• The tendency of the cast iron alloy to rust due to the presence of iron. To cope with this problem, manufacturers cover teapots with protective enamel.
• The second drawback is weight. Even small copies weigh at least 2 kilograms, which is why it is inconvenient to handle them, especially for beginners.

To make the right choice, you should evaluate the product on a number of criteria. The following information will help to buy a suitable kettle among a rich assortment.

In order for the kettle to retain its appearance and performance, inside and outside the product must be covered with special enamel. The most commonly used formulations on glass. Cast iron is a porous material, so enamel is needed not only to protect against corrosion, but also to prevent clogging of pores. Otherwise, there will be an unpleasant smell inside the kettle. A layer of enamel should cover the kettle completely to reliably protect the iron from rust. Even with little contact with uncoated moisture, an unpleasant taste may appear, which is unacceptable.

Enamelled teapot inside is a mandatory feature. However, experts recommend choosing copies not only with internal but also with external coating. For protection, paints and varnishes resistant to high temperatures and mechanical damage are used.

Brewing models characterize compact dimensions. It should be noted that in eastern countries, concentrated tea leaves are not diluted with hot water. In this regard, it is necessary to choose the amount of dishes, given the number of guests at the table or family members. For two persons, choose a kettle of 800 milliliters. If you intend to arrange a tea ceremony for two persons, the model with a volume of 1 to 1.2 liters is ideal. The most compact products are designed for 200 ml of drink.

In the wide range you will find various forms of cast iron products. Some of the original models are surprisingly decorative. The choice of customers are presented as high options, resembling coffee pots, and flattened teapots. When choosing the appearance of the product are guided by personal taste preferences, but there are the following selection criteria:

• curly bends and volumetric elements are beautiful, but complicate the process of washing;
• to keep the tea warm as long as possible, get a rounded kettle;
• It is recommended to choose symmetrical models;
• for daily use, it is advised to choose simpler options, and for special ceremonies and receptions to choose a model of unusual shape, decorated with decorative elements.

The shapes of nozzles can be varied. Having estimated a wide choice, you will find straight, long, compact, curved, standard and especially figured options. The best are products in which the openings of the neck and the nose are on the same level. If this parameter is violated, spillage may occur during use.

Important! It is possible to find on sale the products completed with a small strainer in the basis of a nose that will prevent hit of tea leaves in a cup with drink. However, cast-iron models complement them very rarely.

To make the kettle comfortable to use, the lid must be held firmly in place. Remember about the large weight of cast iron products. The weight of the lid may even exceed 0.5 kilogram. Find out if there is a special hole in the lid, designed for steam release. It must be carefully treated with protective enamel to prevent rust. Pay attention to the presence of a handle on the lid of sufficient size, which simplifies the use of the kettle. The lid can only be taken through the tack, as the cast iron heats up quickly.

Given the large weight of even small models of teapots, the handle must be strong and securely fastened. Even when falling from a small height, the kettle will break. Most products are decorated with handles of the upper type, located on the body. In the manufacture of compact products designed for one cup of tea, manufacturers use cast handles. The most common shapes are rectangle or arc. Carbon steel is used as a material. To protect against burns it is covered with wood.

The growing interest in teapots from the above-mentioned alloy has led to the emergence of various models from different companies that have attracted the attention of buyers.

• Lefard. After evaluating the assortment of the Chinese brand, you can find a scarlet teapot. Volume - 600 milliliters. The product is decorated with three-dimensional images of bamboo, covered with gold paint. Radiant decor perfectly in harmony with red. Manufacturers have thought out not only the appearance of the product, but also practicality. The kettle is covered with a durable layer of enamel to avoid rust. Comes with a small stainless steel strainer.

• Mayer Boch. The next instance, made in green, will attract attention with an unusual design. The kettle is covered with a special heat-resistant varnish, both inside and outside. Use it on an open fire (gas burner) can not. Due to the practical holder on the lid, using the kettle is easy and convenient.

• BergHOFF. Connoisseurs of classic colors should pay attention to the teapot from this manufacturer. The company offers customers a round-shaped model in black. For the manufacture of handles manufacturer chose high carbon steel.Due to the volume of 1.4 liters of one kettle is enough for a company of 4-6 people.

• Elff Decor. A Chinese brand has produced a stylish flat-shaped kettle. The volume of the model is 0.8 liters. Tea is enough for 2-3 people. Due to the original dyeing technology creates an amazing vintage effect. The product is made in red with black voluminous hieroglyphs.

About cast iron teapots speak on many sites devoted to the subject of tea drinking or dishes. Most buyers respond positively to the products. The main advantages are the original design, durability and the feature to maintain the hot temperature of the drink. Negative feedback is also available. They identified a large weight of teapots and a high price, compared with the options of glass, ceramics and other materials.

On how to choose the right kettle, see below.