What are the guidelines as far as pouring hot water into teapots, porcelain cups, borosilicate glass containers, etc.? Can I pour 180 degree water straight into any of these if they've been sitting at 70 degrees?
Since I've seen recommendations to heat teaware at the same temperature as you'll be brewing at, I assume the concept of warming up gaiwans and teapots is so that there's not such a temperature drop when the water is poured over the leaves.
Jan 11th, '12, 11:43
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debunix
Re: Care of teapots in terms of temperature
Most of the preheating instructions are to make sure there isn't too much of a temp drop from the kettle to the first infusion of tea, but not all.
In general, teaware should be able to take the thermal shock of 'room temperature' to boiling without shattering, but some pieces are supposed to get extra care. My little Chao Zhou pot for Dan Congs came with a recommendation to soak it (in room temp/lukewarm water) before use, and while I have mostly stopped doing that, I do try to rinse it with some hot but not yet boiling water inside & out before starting a session, as the water is heating up. I'm similarly cautious with a few other prized pieces.
I am VERY careful, however, about the first rinse of teaware after use, to be sure the teaware is cooled to lukewarm or cooler, or to use warm or hot water, to avoid the hot teaware/cold water shock that has shattered some surprisingly sturdy-looking things in the past.
In general, teaware should be able to take the thermal shock of 'room temperature' to boiling without shattering, but some pieces are supposed to get extra care. My little Chao Zhou pot for Dan Congs came with a recommendation to soak it (in room temp/lukewarm water) before use, and while I have mostly stopped doing that, I do try to rinse it with some hot but not yet boiling water inside & out before starting a session, as the water is heating up. I'm similarly cautious with a few other prized pieces.
I am VERY careful, however, about the first rinse of teaware after use, to be sure the teaware is cooled to lukewarm or cooler, or to use warm or hot water, to avoid the hot teaware/cold water shock that has shattered some surprisingly sturdy-looking things in the past.
Jan 11th, '12, 14:14
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Re: Care of teapots in terms of temperature
As debunix mentions, teaware should certainly be able to tolerate this swing with ease. It is after all teaware and unless there is a clear warning otherwise, you should be fine.
However, in going on 13 years of serious tea drinking, I did have one teapot ... fail ... when I poured hot water (not boiling ... around 180*) into it for the very first time. I heard this ching ching ching ching ... and knew this new little kyusu was dying, and there was nothing I could do as the damage was done.
A crack formed around the entire belly of the kyusu body. And it is a leaker, though it to this day has not fallen apart.
Still, this would not stop me from the practice of pouring hot water into a room temp teapot.
The potter was very apologetic and made me a new one.
However, in going on 13 years of serious tea drinking, I did have one teapot ... fail ... when I poured hot water (not boiling ... around 180*) into it for the very first time. I heard this ching ching ching ching ... and knew this new little kyusu was dying, and there was nothing I could do as the damage was done.
A crack formed around the entire belly of the kyusu body. And it is a leaker, though it to this day has not fallen apart.
Still, this would not stop me from the practice of pouring hot water into a room temp teapot.
The potter was very apologetic and made me a new one.
Jan 11th, '12, 15:24
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Re: Care of teapots in terms of temperature
Maybe this is not correct technique, but I tend to first begin pouring boiling water in a circular motion around the outside of the pot (in a sense pre-heating it.) I tend to drink teas that like high temps. This may help keep them up.
In part I do this since I find many times that by the time I get around to brew one after pre-heating the pot is already cooled down.
None of my pots have broken except for the ones I knocked off the table.
In part I do this since I find many times that by the time I get around to brew one after pre-heating the pot is already cooled down.
None of my pots have broken except for the ones I knocked off the table.
That sounds like good advice debunix!I am VERY careful, however, about the first rinse of teaware after use, to be sure the teaware is cooled to lukewarm or cooler, or to use warm or hot water, to avoid the hot teaware/cold water shock that has shattered some surprisingly sturdy-looking things in the past.
Re: Care of teapots in terms of temperature
With older Yixing, if there are any minor cracks or firing problems, boiling water can cause damage.
I am pretty blasé about water temperature with newer or less expensive zisha teaware, but with anything I'm really attached to, especially older pots, I try to put in warm water and slowly add some hot water before putting room boiling water in it.
I am pretty blasé about water temperature with newer or less expensive zisha teaware, but with anything I'm really attached to, especially older pots, I try to put in warm water and slowly add some hot water before putting room boiling water in it.
Re: Care of teapots in terms of temperature
I have an old zhu ni pot with me (purchased second-hand) that has a small hole on the bottom. Would be enough if I warm up the pot with the hot water from the tap and then add boiling water?wyardley wrote:With older Yixing, if there are any minor cracks or firing problems, boiling water can cause damage.
Hmm, I am a bit worried since this pot just brews perfect Lishan oolong. I would be very upset if the bottom ends up cracking in half.
Re: Care of teapots in terms of temperature
I think if i was worried about shocking the pot i would pour my warming water into a taster cup first so the temperature drops fairly quickly, then pour the taster cups water into the pot. That should be enough to prime the pot for hotter water.
Honestly, you shouldnt have to worry unless your teaware is already damaged. My gaiwan is eggshell thin but still the potter who made it was amused that I thought hot water could damage his tea wares.
Honestly, you shouldnt have to worry unless your teaware is already damaged. My gaiwan is eggshell thin but still the potter who made it was amused that I thought hot water could damage his tea wares.
Re: Care of teapots in terms of temperature
I was at my local tea shop a couple of weeks back and they told me for clay teapots that have bot been used for a while is to fill it up with room temparature water to let the clay absorb the lost moisture. Probably just a few minutes then only fill it up with boiling water. That way it will ensure that it does not crack.
Jan 24th, '12, 16:16
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Re: Care of teapots in terms of temperature
I'm always a little worried about this happening with the glass pot I use at work, since the break room tends to be very cold. But, for the most part teaware should be able to take the temp change.
Though still, like debunix, I'm careful about pouring/rinsing cold water over a piece that's still hot as I have cracked something, non-tea-related, in the past doing that.
Though still, like debunix, I'm careful about pouring/rinsing cold water over a piece that's still hot as I have cracked something, non-tea-related, in the past doing that.