Cast Iron Teapots - How to Use and Take Care of Them

How to Use and Take Care of a Cast Iron Teapot: www.teaformeplease.com/how-to-use-and-take-care-of-a-cast-iron-teapot/
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[@teaformeplease]

If you enjoyed this video, you might also want to check out my teaware basics playlist! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJzVoqGnoth5q9U

[@EricBryan]

I've always wanted a cast iron tea pot but never took the plunge. And I was just on the hunt for a new tea pot...didn't even think of giving cast iron a try. Glad you made this video!

[@teaformeplease]

Thanks, Eric! They really do last forever. I've had the larger one in this video for over a decade.

[@ginettevallieres604]

This is so helpful! I’ve always been interested in cast iron teapots but I didn’t know how to care for them and I wasn’t sure how to use them properly either so I never bought one. Now I feel confident. Thank you!

[@teaformeplease]

I'm so glad to hear that this video helped!

[@SuchanDEJP]

I live in Japan since 25 years and my wife and there whole family (all japanese) only use cast iron teapots. I never saw them use the clay teapots most western teafans recommend. And to be honest, our local tea shop recommend cast iron teapots for most people. I mean the ones with enamel inside.

[@teaformeplease]

Yes, clay pots are typically used for gongfu brewing which originated in China. One exception would be the Tokoname region of Japan, which is known for it's beautiful kyusu.

[@achukmvlid.johnson9588]

I just found a genuine tetsubin from 1902 iwachu arare pattern. Such a treasure. Just sitting in a box something sticky was on it. I used hot water and a cloth to clean it. And boiled and boiled it. Now it is a beautiful addition.

[@teaformeplease]

Wow! That sounds like a great find.

[@FreyasArts]

Good to know I've intuitively cared for my tea pot in the right way. The comparison of the different types was very interesting. Thank you for the video :)

[@teaformeplease]

You're so welcome!

[@catey62]

I have just received mine that I purchased a week ago on Ebay. just a small 600ml size, (about a pint ) and with a plain interior.. have used it several times already and love it.if you have one with an unenamelled interior, it will add a little iron to your tea, but a negligible amount. when I finish making my tea I just rinse it, the fill it with hot water to warm it then tip it out and let the heat dry it naturally,and prevent rust. looking forward to many years of use from mine. 😊

[@teaformeplease]

Very nice! I'm sure you'll enjoy many cups of tea together.

[@catey62]

@@teaformeplease We will ☺

[@DisHammerhand]

If you drop one or it gets hit hard, you can blow the enamel off where the pot is hit. I handle mine like they're glass so I don't damage the enamel.

[@teaformeplease]

They should definitely still be handled with care 😊

[@kurbis3492]

Great video with helpful information👍But enamel ware can and very often is supposed to be used directly on heat sources. There are many brands for high quality kitchen utensils (like Silit, Le Creuset, Riess) that sell pots, pressure cockers and so on that can be used even on induction stove tops. But you should avoid rapid temeprature changes (never put your hot tea pot in cold water and vice versa).

[@teaformeplease]

Thank you! It's important to keep in mind that there are many different kinds of enamel. Dutch ovens and other kitchen utensils are made to use in ovens and on stovetops. However, these teapots are not. They are an example of a skeuomorph (an object which imitates the design of a similar artifact made from another material).

[@laynefuller]

A cafe I worked for has had the same cast iron pots for over 30 years and they show no signs of damage. Naturally it was my first choice when I bought my first (and still my only) teapot. Serves me well, and hopefully will last nearly a lifetime.

[@teaformeplease]

Nice! Cast iron teapots will definitely last for many years if you take good care of them.

[@billlee794]

What company made that pot?

[@laynefuller]

@@billlee794 I am not sure, they weren't branded or anything

[@catey62]

Cast iron will last for generations if properly looked after. I have an old cast iron frypan I bought secondhand a few years ago in an antique shop, and I dont know how old it is but it still looks new, and is beautiful to cook with.

[@catey62]

@@spicesmuggler2452 Eggs are wonderful done in them, and because mine is so well seasoned now they rarely stick at all. cast iron rocks! 🙂

[@mariaanmo]

Wow... I've just realized I've had a Tetsubin all this time thanks to your video! Do you happen to know how to care for this type of teapot?

[@teaformeplease]

I got into it a bit in this video. The most important things are to avoid using any soap or cleaners and to make sure to dry it thoroughly after use.

[@douwlenewillemse676]

Thank you, your the only KZbin channel that's gives the perfect advise 👌

[@teaformeplease]

There's definitely a few others but I'm so glad that you find my videos helpful 😊

[@Elvira_Axen]

Really informative!! I thrifted a really cute cast iron teapot a while back but it has some stains and minor rusts inside.. I don't mind it but it if it's safe to use if I decide to leave it? Can I get rid of the rust somehow?

[@teaformeplease]

Glad it was helpful! I've never had an issue with rust myself but these instructions from Republic of Tea are worth a try: the.republicoftea.com/tea-library/tea-101/cast-iron-teapot-care-instructions/

[@Elvira_Axen]

@@teaformeplease thank you!! ✨

[@niceone1swe]

I have one I bought for cheap at TGR.. Mostly brew that Chinese smoked tea, Lapsang souchong

[@teaformeplease]

They're definitely good for stronger black teas. You'll still taste that smokiness in other teas that you brew in it, though.

[@yurikawaii7809]

I found one on the side of the road close to a Marine base. Has some rust on it. Going to clean it with 50/50 white vinegar and water. Hopefully it won't get damaged. Looks old found the top and basket not to far from the pot. 9/22/22

[@teaformeplease]

Nice find! I hope it cleans up well for you.

[@yoga.and.faceyoga]

Thank you for the info. I have an old pot from Teavanna that I’ve taken good care of. There is no rust, but the outside used to be a gold color and now it’s just black. Is there a way to remove the tarnish and get back to the gold? I cannot find info about cleaning the outside of these pots!

[@teaformeplease]

You're welcome! Unfortunately, it sounds like the gold paint on the outside of your pot has worn off. I used to work there and that was a pretty common appearance. The pot itself is naturally black in color.

[@kukana60]

Thank you so much for the informative video! I just got a new Iwachu cast iron teapot. It arrived with the handle detached from the teapot. Is there some kind of method or trick to easily attach it? Would really appreciate any and all suggestions!

[@teaformeplease]

That's a tough one! The best method is to find a way to clamp the teapot and firmly but gently force the handle into place. You can try having someone who is familiar with metal work make the handle pliable by heating it but that method can cause warping.

[@GoodStuffForeverMore]

My cast iron tea pot does not have an enamel lining. I bought it years ago at Cost Plus World Market. I so enjoy using it! It is very easy to take care of.

[@teaformeplease]

Nice! Cost Plus World Market is a great place for finding tea things.

[@l.z.2315]

Great video ..Thank you !

[@teaformeplease]

So glad you liked it!

[@s3hooligan]

I used my cast iron pot a few times under direct heat before I figured out that I was doing it incorrectly. Fortunately it didn’t do any damage. Thanks for the tip on preheating the pot….I had no idea that I was supposed to do that.

[@teaformeplease]

You're welcome! Preheating really makes a difference in keeping the tea hot for much longer.

[@TeawithJann]

Great information Nicole 👏 thank you for sharing this 🙌💕

[@teaformeplease]

Thanks, Jann!

[@maggiefeng483]

Thanks for your info. I appreciate it.

[@teaformeplease]

You're welcome! 😀

[@Darkestdarkify]

Would you frown upon the teavanna tea light warmers? I got in the bad habit of letting the teavanna cast iron kettle sit empty while the candle burns it looks like I may have damaged the interior :/

[@teaformeplease]

Not at all since I used to work there. 🤣 Candle light warmers are usually fine because it's very low heat in comparison to a stove. Definitely avoid letting it sit empty because that can eventually damage the enamel. It there are marks inside, try scrubbing with a magic eraser to see if they'll come off.

[@roni8h]

Hi, thanks for this. Can you please explain why you can't put the pot on a stove-top? Enamel is an extremely strong material, and it can withstand extremely high temperatures. It is used for coating a lot of cookware, e.g. Dutch ovens, and I never heard of any problem heating it or even putting it inside a stove.

[@teaformeplease]

There are many different kinds of enamel. Not all of them have the same level of heat tolerance. Cast iron teapots lined with enamel are inexpensive copies of tetsubin (kettles that do not have any lining) that are made specifically for export/tourists. I worked for Teavana, which sold a lot of these, and the manufacturer directions specifically stated not to put them on an open flame or induction surface. I also had customers show me pictures of their pot glowing red because they ignored those directions.

[@allthtjas]

⁠​⁠@@teaformeplease I was just given one of the teavana tea pots (hand me down). I’ve been on a tea kick since learning I’m sensitive to coffee bean. However, after watching your video and reading this comment, it looks like it was placed on open flame and looks like a lot of the enamel is gone. I do see a glowing red as well. Is it still okay to use? I’d be using it the proper way of course

[@teaformeplease]

I would not risk using it. Once the enamel starts chipping it will negatively affect the tea brewed in it, along with any dangers there might be from particles being accidentally ingested.

[@allthtjas]

@@teaformepleaseaw, man. What a bummer 😭 thank you!

[@tacosupreme337]

@@teaformepleasewhat do you recommend to heat it up instead of the stove?

[@christinec.7917]

Oh my I’ve been doing it wrong. I cleaned it with dish soap and I’ve put it on direct heat. Thank you for this video. I’ve also left the tea on there. I saw another video where you put hot water in it to clean it. I’ll do that. Question though, to brew tea, do I take boiling water from another tea pot and add it in with the basket of tea leaves? I think I’ll just use this a decorative. Seems to defeat the purpose if that’s how I have to do it. Thank u

[@teaformeplease]

The best way to think about it is that tea kettles are for heating water and tea pots are for brewing. You'll need to heat the water and then pour into your cast iron teapot to make tea. The purpose is that they are sturdy and retain heat for longer periods of time than porcelain or glass (make sure to preheat first if that's what you're looking for).

[@Mat-ilda]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@teaformeplease]

I'm so glad that it was helpful 😊

[@Hyderagean]

Thank you so much for your video! After watching it, I realized that the rust on the inside of the cast iron was just tea stains on the enamel. I was going to turn it into a planter before it's time! Thank you!

[@teaformeplease]

I'm so glad that it was helpful! 😁

[@georgeth4421]

This really stressed me out lol. I washed the cast iron teapot I just bought, because, well you know, I don't feel comfortable drinking right away from a teapot that was inside a box! Is there a problem with that? Also, for how much can the tea sit inside the teapot? Thanks!

[@teaformeplease]

You're fine if you washed it when you first go it, but I would definitely avoid soaps or detergents going forward. You can let the brewed tea (without leaves) sit inside the teapot for as long as it takes for you to drink it normally. It just shouldn't be left overnight or for very long periods of time.

[@isla4953]

Same 😅 I panicked

[@janbojarski004425]

honestly; I've always used my cast iron pot to boil water on a gas burner, and for 5 years that I've done that I haven't noticed any flakes or cracks, maybe if it would be put on top of fire dry then it would cause problems but not with water inside. Also a lot of chinese tea literature mentions using cast iron pots to boil water for preparing tea in clay pots.

[@teaformeplease]

It's important to remember that not all cast iron is the same. This video refers to the inexpensive enamel coated teapots that are made primarily for export. They are not the same as traditional tetsubin or even more modern cast iron kettles.

[@stephenm8100]

I'm a big cast iron cookware enthusiast. I found doing a salt scrub works really well.. One table spoon of table salt and one half tablespoon of cooking oil.. Just rub and scrub. That will remove stains and light surface rust. Rinse with hot water before use.

[@teaformeplease]

That's definitely one of my favorite ways to clean cast iron pans. These teapots are a bit different because they are glazed with enamel inside. The salt might be a bit too abrasive in that case.

[@stephenm8100]

@@teaformeplease mine is not. It just has the black seasoning like the cast cookware.

[@teaformeplease]

Ah, what you have is a kettle (also called a tetsubin). They are used for heating water but not for brewing tea. That is because of the iron can cause the tea oxidize while it is brewing.

[@stephenm8100]

@@teaformeplease I was told by my wife's Aunt. who is Japanese, that my pot is dual purpose. It's made for travel. So it's a kettle with a filter screen.

[@darklink17ful]

How can you tell if your tea pot has enaml lining? The instructions that came with mine said to use a stove, so I was surprised when you said not to use a stove. Also, to cast Iron pots not whistle? I've found that if I leave my pot too long by accident, it'll spill over without whistling. It's only happened twice, and I've been careful since then not to let it boil too long, but I wasn't sure if it was because I over filled it, or if I should just make sure to take it off once it's steaming?

[@teaformeplease]

Enamel would be if there is any kind of glaze, paint, or coating inside. Only pots made out of unfinished cast iron should go directly on a heat source. In that case, they are referred to as tetsubin. Unfortunately some pots do come with inaccurate directions. That was part of what inspired me to make this video. Cast iron pots do not whistle. Most people who use the traditional tetsubin to heat water go by the sound. Over time you can start to tell when it reaches a full boil by the way the water moves inside the kettle.

[@darklink17ful]

@@teaformeplease so then what would be the best heating source? Like just a spacer from the burner?

[@teaformeplease]

The pot should not be heated at all. You'll need to heat the water in a kettle separately and then pour it in to brew your tea.

[@darklink17ful]

@@teaformeplease ooooooh! I didn't really pick up the correct method from your video. I do think I have a pot meant for a heat source then, cause the handle has a specific grip for heat, and the instructions say to boil water in it to clean, and then lightly wipe it down after the water is evaporated, but I'll double sheck with the manufacturer, first, cause it's likely your right cause you're more informed then me on the subject. Thanks for the info ❤

[@darklink17ful]

@@teaformeplease hmmm, weird, the manufacturer's site says that the traditional Japanese tea pot I got can be used on a stove, but recommends used warm water to clean, not boiling water like the instructions say, But also they sell candle burners, so maybe they're specifically taking about those???? Idk, either way I don't NEED to boil it on the oven, I can just use my electric kettle then move it over like you suggested, I don't want to destroy my pot

[@MyCornerOnline]

I’ve always wanted one but have never had one. Only so much space in my house.

[@teaformeplease]

I bought mine when I first got into tea. Truth be told I don't use them very much anymore since I started brewing gongfu.

[@g.s.5196]

Hi, mine is enamelled: is it ok to clean the interior with vinegar? It would also help remove calcium deposits from the “hard” water from my tap. Thanks

[@teaformeplease]

Vinegar is ok if your teapot has mineral build, but make sure to rinse it thoroughly and dry well afterwards. Installing a water softener can help prevent them from happening in the future.

[@aragwinc.337]

This is so helpful Nicole! Thanks 🤎

[@teaformeplease]

Glad it was helpful!

[@realMartinHamilton]

I've been boiling water in mine for a long time and the enamel seems ok. I only use 3/4 heat but it does boil. It's a Teavana Tetsubin. I'm going to keep boiling water in it. What are the health risks? I can't find any information on that.

[@teaformeplease]

I worked at Teavana for several years and per the manufactuer in Japan, they are only for brewing and not supposed to be heated directly. It will eventually cause cracks and chips in the enamel. Once that happens it will negatively affect the taste of the tea. I would imagine that ingesting enamel wouldn't be good for you either.

[@realMartinHamilton]

@@teaformeplease it's crazy they make a product like that. Oh well, I live and learn. I've noticed some enamel coated cast iron is ok for stovetop use. It's confusing.

[@mistymidnight4447]

@@realMartinHamilton I boil mine too and it’s fine

[@realMartinHamilton]

@@mistymidnight4447 I'm selling mine at a thrift store. Gonna go with stainless steel.

[@drmoynihan]

Hello, I have grown up with cast iron (pioneer Grandma lived next door) and inherited a full set which my wife and I have used through the last 43 years. But the big cast iron water pot always get some rust inside and it can even pit the wood sto e if you are not careful. During the January cold spell we fired up the wood stove and then rinsed out the rusty pot, which got me in trouble because I used the wrong rag. She said the tea was just fine and so was my coffee. I dried it out with hot air when the electricity and gas furnace went on. I wondered what would happen if I seasoned it with some olive oil to stop the rust. ??? My wife says oiley tea and I wouldn't use it to pour over my coffee. 😂

[@teaformeplease]

Interestingly, the best thing to help rust is tea. Fill the pot about 70% full and bring to a boil. Add a healthy amount of green tea (old or low grade is fine) and boil for 30 minutes. Wait for 24 hours before cleaning.

[@drmoynihan]

​@@teaformeplease Thank you very much. I will try that. :)

[@katdog1689]

Can I wipe the inside with a paper towel so it drys better?

[@teaformeplease]

You definitely can. I still recommend air drying for a bit to make sure the hard to reach places like inside the spout are totally dry before storing.

[@Frostflwr69]

If your cast iron teapot is not enameled inside it does add iron to your tea just like any cast iron cookware it will add iron to your food and tea which is a health benefit.

[@teaformeplease]

If it is not enameled then it is a kettle for heating water rather than a teapot. It will change the taste of the water and add some iron to it. That being said, tea can interfere with iron absorption so I wouldn't recommend doing it for the purpose of health benefits.

[@MariusMoonbeam]

Hi! I got two cast iron teapots at tjmaxx and I wanted to make sure that I'm okay to use them. I've watched them twice with soap and water. Can I still use them?

[@teaformeplease]

Nice! They should be totally fine to use. I would definitely recommend avoiding soap in the future but otherwise, you're good to go.

[@MariusMoonbeam]

@@teaformeplease thank you very much for the fast reply!

[@alfscott11]

If it has enamel, what rusts? The outside?

[@teaformeplease]

Yes. You can also get rust inside if the enamel is damaged.

[@melinamarottoli673]

I just got a cast iron teapot as a present, but mine doesn't have the enamel that you show, just a dull finish, as if it were painted with something. Is that ok?

[@teaformeplease]

Yes, that's fine. It can pretty much be treated the same as the ones with enamel. Rinse and dry throughly after each use. No soap or cleaners.

[@nicoleharris4192]

Does anyone know what other types of drinks I can brew in a cast iron kettle? I'm bringing mine camping with me this summer and not everyone that I'll be camping with drinks tea. My kettle can be heated. Which is why I'm bringing it to use on our campfires.

[@teaformeplease]

If the cast iron is not coated with enamel it will actually make the tea oxidize. I recommend bringing separate brewing vessels for tea and coffee that the hot water could then be poured into.

[@Vireak_In]

Great video thank you for sharing!

[@teaformeplease]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@evymoerman7112]

Hi I was a bit dumb and I put it on the stove once, is it still okay? I did handle it with care otherwise.

[@teaformeplease]

It happens! As long as there is no visible damage to the enamel you should be ok.

[@teathoughts_]

Great tips! Thank you!!

[@teaformeplease]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@teathoughts_]

@@teaformeplease yes! I was doing some of the things you said not to do and they werent lasting very long so next time I get one ill be better 😍

[@OrdenJust]

I am looking at my teapot or tea kettle. It is mostly black in appearance, but it has high relief of random short line segments that have a goldenish-color. The inside of the pot is pure black, and does not have enamel. I am wondering if this pot is made of bronze, and it was then blackened. (Is this what is meant by japanning?) The pot was bought at an auction, and the items up for sale were donations, and it is plausible that this pot was purchased in the Far East, as the group raising money via the auction might be described as a syncretism of Asian philosophies and religions, and many of its members travel to East Asia. I did a google search on "bronze cast iron tea pots", and many of the images that come up look similar to this teapot. Is there such a thing as bronze cast iron?

[@teaformeplease]

Sounds like you have a great find! I've not really heard of bronze being used for this type of teaware. If the inside is black, it's most likely made out of iron. The gold you described sounds more like a finish that is applied to the outside.

[@OrdenJust]

@@teaformeplease I examined the teapot just now. I am not sure it is a particularly great find. What I did is I examined the bottom with a magnifying glass. At first, it looked like where the black was flaking off, there was a goldenish color underneath. But when I scratched it with a jackknife blade, it looks like the bottom-most metal is the gray of unseasoned cast-iron. So I am thinking the pot is cast iron, then some sort of goldenish coating was applied, then on top of that some sort of blackish coating. The short line segments, or needles, in high relief look like where the black has been rubbed off the high points of the outer surface of the pot. The magnifying glass shows japanese characters, and, in English, the words "made in japan", on the bottom. So I am guessing this is something made for the tourist market or export. I am doubting it is of any antique value now, although I might someday make out more clearly the japanese characters and get those translated.

[@42976675]

So teapots are for steeping and dispensing but the water is heated elsewhere and added to the teapot?

[@teaformeplease]

Yes, that's exactly it 😁

[@42976675]

Haha! Thanks! My sister gave me a handsome ‘teapot’ fir Christmas. But I was flummoxed about what it actually was and how to use it. I slowly came to learn the difference between a teapot and kettle and realized what I had was a teapot. You made a difference. Thank you!

[@savannahsaunders5252]

Thank you

[@teaformeplease]

You're welcome!

[@celestfilms2746]

What are the best ways to heat and preheat the cast iron tea pot?

[@teaformeplease]

You would pre-heat it simply by filling it with hot water and then dumping that out when you're ready to brew.. The teapot should never be heated directly.

[@fuquafuschnikens5256]

@@teaformeplease This is confusing. You said to pre-heat the pot by pouring in hot water, but (make sure to preheat first) how are you suppose to preheat it before putting hot water in it?

[@teaformeplease]

@fuquafuschnikens5256 you preheat it with hot water that was heated in a kettle, dump that out when you're ready to brew, and then pour in your hot water for brewing

[@Goldi-Luc]

j have the cutest little teapot but ot doesnt have the top knob on the lid so its a bit annoying to ise. i havent been able to find a place to order a new knob though.

[@teaformeplease]

That would be difficult! Cast iron lids get pretty hot.

[@Goldi-Luc]

@teaformeplease yup! I've been holding it back with a chopstick lol, i need to just go find a knob at home depot they actually sell fairly small ones. either that ir maybe i can put some oven bake clay on the right sized screw and make my own. however its been several years so we'll see if i ever get around to it!

[@SharonMartinez]

With regard to chipping...this discussion is about any teapot whether cast iron or not - is it possible to coat those disrupted spots with food grade epoxy and continue to use the pot?

[@teaformeplease]

I wouldn't recommend it. Food grade does not necessarily mean it is able to withstand repeated exposure to very hot water. I've used epoxy that might have been fine for plates and other items, but it became soft and gummy when the teapot is used.

[@Christ_saves_sinners]

I have a cast iron teapot and I notice it has engraved spots through the bottom of the kettle. It doesn’t look like this was intentional but wear and tear (I bought at a thrift store). I noticed my tea pours out a black color. Is there any way to repair or do I have to throw it away?

[@teaformeplease]

If the inside of your teapot is coated with enamel, unfortunately your tea turning black could be a sign of damage. If it isn't coated, you might have lucked into an authentic tetsubin. They should only be used for heating water rather than brewing as direct contact with the iron causes tea to oxidize.

[@Charlie123W]

Hypothetically speaking…. If someone happens to have put their teapot through the dishwasher a few times and the pot is showing rust on the outside, do you know how they might be able to restore it please? 😅

[@teaformeplease]

That can be tricky. The good news is that it shouldn't affect the tea you brew in it, but the rust might start to spread. You can try wiping it off gently with a soft toothbrush dipped in lemon juice.

[@seanshack1872]

So i ordered a cast iton tea pot on amazon and it says it has interior enamel but in the same sentence says “can be used on gas and electric stoves” so should i put it on a direct heat source or not

[@teaformeplease]

I wouldn't recommend putting it on a direct heat source. These types of teapots are usually made in China or Japan for export and some things may get confused in translation.

[@seanshack1872]

@@teaformeplease ah gotchu thankyou very much❤️

[@parthathakuria6528]

Will a cast iron teapot rust eventually?

[@teaformeplease]

Not if it's well taken care of. I've had mine for 10+ years and there's no rust at all.

[@greysuit17]

I’m pretty sure ours is a legit Tetsubin, it’s cast iron inside.

[@teaformeplease]

Another big indicator is price. An authentic tetsubin is hard to find outside of Japan and will cost $500+ USD, often quite a bit more than that.

[@billmartins5545]

Thanks!

[@teaformeplease]

No problem!

[@simratsandhu8069]

Hello mam... Plz reply... Can i boil milk in cast iron pot???? I am from Punjab India

[@teaformeplease]

No, cast iron teapots are not made for boiling.

[@enriquemontano2232]

I’m watching this video as I’m beating my pot on the stove.. my bad haha

[@teaformeplease]

It happens so often since they are designed to look exactly like a real tetsubin. As long as your enamel isn't cracked or chipped it should still be ok to use, minus the stove. 😉

[@Zorro12975]

Do you put hot water and then put the tea bag

[@teaformeplease]

You certainly can if you'd like. I usually put loose leaf tea in first and then hot water.

[@user-ld1wl5vk2q]

I have a tea light warmer for my cast iron teapot but i noticed it left like a burn mark under the teapot. Is thay safe???

[@teaformeplease]

It definitely shouldn't leave burn marks. Make sure to only use tea light size candles. The flame should not be able to touch the teapot. Since it's only on the outside it should be ok, but keep an eye out for chipping paint or enamel.

[@xw591]

A burn mark or a soot stain?

[@venukrsnadas1436]

So can you heat a cast iron teapot on the fire or gas stove? thanks

[@teaformeplease]

No, cast iron teapots cannot be heated at all. They are for brewing tea in only.

[@cristinatrifautan88]

Why can't I use the tea pot if the inside is cast iron. My Tea is getting black after about 15 min. But is there any reason to not drink it except for the color and the slight taste of iron. What I'm trying to ask is why is everyone saying you should not use it? What is the scientific health reasons for it?

[@teaformeplease]

You absolutely can use a cast iron teapot. However, if your tea is changing color drastically it sounds like your teapot may be damaged in some way. If the teapot is not glazed inside, then it is meant to be used as a kettle to heat water rather than as a teapot. Brewing your tea inside could damage the kettle in that case.

[@cristinatrifautan88]

@@teaformeplease I see thank you 💖

[@xalisonasbestosx]

What if my glass stove top isnt on but warm from me just using it

[@teaformeplease]

Unfortunately not. These teapots are not designed for direct heat. If you want to keep it warm, you can purchase a teapot warmer that uses a tea light sized candle. This is the most heat they can withstand.

[@mikeloeven]

Do you have a guide to properly caring for a traditional Tetsubin that does not have the enamel layer. I recently purchased one of these however I am a bit unsure about the instructions as it did say before use to put water and tea leaves in the pot and boil it on the stove for 10 minutes before first use. than again the translated instructions were pretty bad so if someone can clarify that would be helpful ...

[@teaformeplease]

I have heard that tea leaves can help prevent rusting when you are first starting use your tetsubin. Hojo Tea has some great tips n this article: hojotea.com/categ_e/tetsubin.htm

[@grumblydoore8551]

Wait. So I can’t put it on a stove? I can’t make tea with my tea pot?

[@teaformeplease]

Unfortunately not. It helps to remember that teapots are for brewing tea. Kettles are for heating water. You shouldn't brew directly in a kettle and teapots are not usually designed to be heated.

[@MrPhotographerDude]

So how do you heat the water with these pots?

[@teaformeplease]

The water is heated separately in a tea kettle.

[@Phlegethon]

Clay teapot thanks.

[@teaformeplease]

I definitely plan to make a video on clay teapots. I just wanted to wait until I need a new one so that I can show how to season them. 😁

[@audunjemtland8287]

Do you know what matte paint is used on these?

[@teaformeplease]

It depends on the quality of the teapot. Traditionally, Urushi laquer is used but enamel paint that can withstand high heat is more common.

[@chikitoborroko6597]

can I use it to boil the water directly

[@teaformeplease]

No, cast iron teapots have enamel on the inside ad are not to be heated directly. If there is not enamel, it is a kettle but should be used only for heating water and not for brewing tea.

[@izh6421]

I purchased a cast iron teapot without knowing it can’t be exposed to direct contact with fire now I will have to return it for not doing the research before hand 😅

[@teaformeplease]

It happens a lot! When I worked at Teavana I made sure to warn every customer.

[@RAZASHARP]

how do you heat it??if not with direct heat??

[@teaformeplease]

You don't! It is a teapot for brewing tea, not a kettle for heating water. That's the entire point of the video. 😊

[@RAZASHARP]

@@teaformeplease no wonder my tea was so dark, I’ve had my cast iron kettle for a year and didn’t know this until I found your video !😳🤦🏽‍♂️ thank you Nicole🖤❤️

[@shaneblankenship5054]

They can last a life time Some past it down from generation to generation And in japan it becomes a part of the family if not a member.

[@teaformeplease]

They definitely can. Though, the ones you see passed down from generations are likely real tetsubins (for boiling water) rather than teapots.

[@shaneblankenship5054]

@@teaformeplease well perhaps decades from now it will be the ladder. 🏵🏵🏵

[@81Garret]

So iron intake isn't a health benefit?

[@teaformeplease]

No, it isn't. Enameled pots don't actually let the tea come into contact with the iron. Real tetsubin (no enamel, for heating water only) will change the taste, but there is not enough iron in the water to act as a health benefit.

[@rs2143]

Sitting here drinking a cup of mint tea i just brewed in a enamel lined cast iron tea pot cooked on an electric stove . Mmmm . Well i got it for three dollars never used . Guess i will see how long it takes to damage it . If i cant use it its worthless. Then it will be a flower planter 😊

[@teaformeplease]

Definitely keep an eye out for any cracks for chips in the enamel. I wouldn't recommend heating it directly in the future.

[@cierraeras]

I dont think a mr clean magic eraser should be used to clean the inside of the teapot because that is toxic

[@teaformeplease]

Magic Erasers are non-toxic. The teapot should be rinsed after use but it will not harm you or the teapot.

[@talalztube]

jeeez just keep it in the showcase

[@teaformeplease]

You can absolutely brew tea in it. As I explained in the video, the enamel lining will be damaged if it is heated. Teapots are for brewing. Tea kettles are for heating water.

[@janusgates2589]

1:00 Not true, blasted thing and whatever it’s contents get blazing hot no matter what you do 🥵

[@teaformeplease]

It's how thermodynamics works. 🤷‍♀️ The point of this type of teapot is keep the tea hot for long periods of time. You might be better off with porcelain or glass if that's not the goal.

[@kaboom430]

Thank you. Mine started cracking inside. I’ll replace

[@teaformeplease]

Sorry to hear your pot is damaged! I hope you're able to find a perfect new one.

[@wankertanker1813]

I'm looking for a cast iron tea kettle that I can heat on the stove. I accidentally bought on with the inside coated with enamel that some reviews have said flakes off. I don't want a prop kettle just for serving. I don't have a microwave. And heating water using an open top sauce pan, which I've been doing, is so energy inefficient. Do you know of any cast iron kettles I can use on any heat source? One online list of top ten C.I. kettles to use on wood burning stoves had many with enamel, but listed as downside of possible flaking over time. I don't want that.

[@teaformeplease]

I would honestly recommend a stainless steel kettle for most normal home brewing. They're inexpensive, low maintenance, and easy to find. Real cast iron kettles (called tetsubin) are beautiful but can cost hundreds of dollars. They're also high maintenance and take a very long time to reach boiling. It's kind of like making soup in a cauldron when you could just do it in a regular pot with way less time and effort.

[@wankertanker1813]

@@teaformeplease thanks for the response. Making soup in a cauldron. Lol. I just ordered one from a company Hwagui. It was only about 35$. Just have to keep up and dry the thing. Though, like you say....maybe it will take a long time to heat. :/ Oh, well