Universal tea pot - what is the closest?

[bongoman]

I find myself wanting to explore a lot of teas and whilst I realise that most teas have an optimal vessel in which they can be brewed, am looking for the closest thing to a 'universal' pot.

Something that is capable of brewing sheng and shu, oolongs of different oxidation/roasting and greens as well.

I'm guessing that something in ceramic or porcelain, medium thickness, around 150ml might suffice? I realise it won't be optimal for all teas but I'm limiting myself to mid-range teas for now and don't really have the budget for specialised pots for different teas. I'd rather spend that money on tea itself right now.

[Victoria]

You are on the right track Glazed or porcelain are the right choices.
Now to find something in your price range and size with the right filter.
Many people use the Den's kyusu but it's 9oz.

Maybe a gaiwan or modified gaiwan?

[nickE]

My 4 oz. gaiwan is the most versatile thing I own. Pretty much anything can be brewed in it.

I would recommend the gaiwan over a larger Kyusu just because brewing Shengpu 8 oz. at a time would require tons of leaf.

Anyway, you should be able to find a nice 4-5 oz. gaiwan for pretty cheap.

[teashionista]

I second a gaiwan, but would also suggest a 120ml porcelain Jing De Zhen teapot. I've been using mine quite a lot recently
Here is one http://cgi.ebay.com/Jingdezhen-Blue-Whi ... 859wt_1139

[tingjunkie]

I've been curious about those pots teashionista. How is the pour? Is it fast? Does it drip? Thanks for any info.

[debunix]

At the satellite office where I don't have room to keep a full array of tea options, I keep a 4 ounce gaiwan, when I have time to take my time to brew, and a Kamjove "gongfu art" device to brew a quart thermos-full at a time.

[teashionista]

I've been curious about those pots teashionista. How is the pour? Is it fast? Does it drip?

I love this teapot! It pours faster than the three 7-hole yixing teapots I have (JDZ teapot also has a 7-hole screen), doesn't drip, and is well-balanced. The walls are on the thinner side, and the workmanship is just amazing. The lid fit is not very tight, but it hasn't been a problem. I found the size to be perfect for one person (I mostly brew reds and greens in this pot) - now if only I could find a nice big (~100ml) JDZ cup to go with it!

[tingjunkie]

Great. Thanks for the info!

[bongoman]

Thanks for all the useful suggestions. As much as I like a nice gaiwan, there's something about a pot that pours.

After browsing around a bit more, I'm thinking that a Petr Novak Shiboridashi might be just the thing I'm after

Or maybe a Lin's Ceramics 150ml "Easy Steep" pot.

[debunix]

One caution: when brewing teas that need boiling water--black teas, puerhs--a nice pot without thin flared rims or handle may prove more than a little challenging to your fingers, to handle it.

I reserve my lovely little travel set piece from hankook for green teas, even oolongs at 185-195 degrees are pretty tough on my fingers.



It's a lovely things, but far from a universal brewer, unless you have asbestos-coated fingers.