Brown Betty, bam-ba-lam
I like to use a Brown Betty when I brew western-style blacks and the time has come for me to upgrade to a larger size. I know that there have been production problems and heavy crazing with them in the last few years. The small pot that I use now is a mess. Does anyone know the status of the pots now? I know that the manufacturer was supposedly working on it, but in that time, a lot of vendors have stopped carrying them due to the problems. Did the problem get fixed?
Jul 28th, '09, 23:58
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Maitre_Tea
Re: Brown Betty, bam-ba-lam
Even though I don't use a Brown Betty, I looked it up on Google Image, and I think my local teashop has something similar to that. What's the name of the manufacturer and what size are you looking for? I can check it out for you next time I'm there.
PS: If you have an image of what you're looking for, that might help.
PS: If you have an image of what you're looking for, that might help.
Re: Brown Betty, bam-ba-lam
Thanks for offering to look! I'm actually not having trouble finding them for sale. I'm more curious if anyone has any experience or knowledge of whether or not the current (2009) pots are still having the same crazing problem.Maitre_Tea wrote:Even though I don't use a Brown Betty, I looked it up on Google Image, and I think my local teashop has something similar to that. What's the name of the manufacturer and what size are you looking for? I can check it out for you next time I'm there.
PS: If you have an image of what you're looking for, that might help.
The manufacturer is Caledonia Pottery, and more info and images can be seen here:
http://www.brownbettyteapot.com/
At that site, the manufacturer claims the problem has been resolved, but I'd rather some independent verification.
Now, if you know of anyone who has a vintage English-made Brown Betty in 4 cups or larger, I'd definitely be interested in that...
Re: Brown Betty, bam-ba-lam
What size are you looking for? I seen a 48 oz for sale. Just google then click shopping. I'm still a newbie not sure if I can post links yet. Hope this helps
Jul 29th, '09, 00:13
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Re: Brown Betty, bam-ba-lam
You certainly can post links!Ms Kita B wrote:What size are you looking for? I seen a 48 oz for sale. Just google then click shopping. I'm still a newbie not sure if I can post links yet. Hope this helps

Good to see you again.
Re: Brown Betty, bam-ba-lam
Abracadaver:
I bought a 4-cup Betty from Strand Tea a few months ago. I haven't noticed any problems with it, but I don't use it all the time, either. Mine has the lettering stamped into the side, which I never notice because I'm left-handed and the letters end up facing away from me.
There's a note at the bottom of this listing regarding the crazing:
http://www.strandtea.com/shop/shop-for- ... d_168.html
They have pretty good prices and good service. My Betty had a little tiny chip on the rim and they sent me a $10 credit voucher. (I also had the option to return her) Then a couple weeks later I dropped the lid and broke it and they sent me another one free of charge. I have been pretty happy with this site.
Hope this helps! And now I have that song in my head!
I bought a 4-cup Betty from Strand Tea a few months ago. I haven't noticed any problems with it, but I don't use it all the time, either. Mine has the lettering stamped into the side, which I never notice because I'm left-handed and the letters end up facing away from me.

There's a note at the bottom of this listing regarding the crazing:
http://www.strandtea.com/shop/shop-for- ... d_168.html
They have pretty good prices and good service. My Betty had a little tiny chip on the rim and they sent me a $10 credit voucher. (I also had the option to return her) Then a couple weeks later I dropped the lid and broke it and they sent me another one free of charge. I have been pretty happy with this site.
Hope this helps! And now I have that song in my head!

Jul 29th, '09, 00:26
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Location: Washington, DC
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Maitre_Tea
Re: Brown Betty, bam-ba-lam
When I first read "crazing," I thought you meant the tea pots somehow became super-popular, and were sold out for years...after going to that link I've realized it meant the glaze forming spider-web marks... 

Re: Brown Betty, bam-ba-lam
Geeber1 for the win! Well done--that is exactly the info that I was looking for and the vendor you posted, in addition to having some of the best prices that I've seen on Brown Betties, sounds like they will take care of any problems. Thanks!
Maitre_Tea, that made my day! I'm totally going to start using crazing to describe popular trends.
Maitre_Tea, that made my day! I'm totally going to start using crazing to describe popular trends.
