Toss or usable?

[paperspirit]

Hello, I'm new, and I hope you all don't mind a simple question. I've been enjoying tea for years, but just recently started using better teas, and actually enjoying the process of brewing it instead of just popping a teabag into a cup.

I have some cheap teapots that were given me as gifts over the years - they seem to be glazed porcelain. I'm wondering if the couple that I might keep would be worth trying to use for tea, or will they just chip easily and stain badly?

I want to weed my collection down to items I'll actually enjoy using. I do have some nicer ones to use, so I might as well clear out the chaff.

Thank you!

[MarshalN]

No picture, no comment.... until we see what they look like, it's hard to judge

[paperspirit]

No picture, no comment.... until we see what they look like, it's hard to judge

Fair enough I'll clamber up onto the cabinets and grab some for pictures.

[tenuki]

I've actually been looking for a small porcelain pot to brew things like hojicha and kukicha in. There is even room in my tea cabinet for modern bodum and antique british bone china. be careful as you winnow.

[paperspirit]

Ok, most of what I have are novelty pots, one that I have is a more what I think of as a "traditional" teapot, but says it's from Teleflora on the bottom - so probably came with flowers. That makes me wonder if it's actually made to be used.

Cheapest one:



Somewhat better paint job:



This one is staying no matter what - he's a lot better quality, and hey, who doesn't want to drink tea from a trout?!

[hop_goblin]

Yeah definitely keep the fish

[chingwa]

yeah, that fish is awesome

[Beidao]

Oh my, I want that fishy thing!

[Chip]

I would say these pieces are for decoration than for use with hot water. The glaze may not be safe.

Your fish is a pitcher I believe. I have a fish one, made in China, pretty funny pot from my niece. This one clearly states, not for use and may poison food!

Anyway, better safe than sorry IMHO. And definitely no on the FTD one.

[paperspirit]

Thanks all. I had a feeling they were pretty much just for show

Still keeping the trout though

[shogun89]

That aint no trout my friend. Its a large mouth bass!!!!!

[Salsero]

That aint no trout my friend. Its a large mouth bass!!!!!

I was kind of wondering.

[Drax]

Yes, I admit the fish is pretty nifty.

Fish heads, fish heads, rolly-poley fish heads...