Recommend a steeping cup?

[MEversbergII]

My current collection of teaware includes a 500ml earthenware pot, a pair of gaiwans, and a pair of 250ml kyusu. One of the kyusu is going to be for office use, but I'd like something a little more "universal" in application - there'd been some discussion as to whether the kyusu would accumulate flavor buildup or not.

I keep finding these:
http://theteaspot.com/tea-steeping-cup-steepware.html

And I can get them at my local real food store, but the one review was ho-hum.

I am after basically 2 criteria:

1) Ceramic insert
2) Ceramic body

This one has been suggested: http://www.korean-arts.com/tea_ware/tea ... up_set.htm

I do like how it looks more like an Eastern tea-cup than a mug.

But I'm opening up to see what everyone else has had luck with so I can get a better picture of what's out there.

Thanks!

M.

[futurebird]

hmm do those inserts drain quickly? I could see them getting blocked and it being difficult to remove them when the water is still hot?

[Joel Byron]

Rishi Tea has a couple different designs on their site. I've got the one with the handle at one of my workplaces. Most of these have a large capacity, around 10oz, so they aren't the best brewing vessel for teas that you can steep multiple times. What kind of teas are you planning on steeping in one of these mugs?

[MEversbergII]

Rishi Tea has a couple different designs on their site. I've got the one with the handle at one of my workplaces. Most of these have a large capacity, around 10oz, so they aren't the best brewing vessel for teas that you can steep multiple times. What kind of teas are you planning on steeping in one of these mugs?

Thanks, I will check out Rishi.

10oz or there about is fine; I can always get some fresh leaves.

As for tea variety, it'll likely be whites, greens, hongs and puer's. Oolong isn't (yet) something I brew often.

Thanks again!

M.

[saxon75]

I have the 16-oz version of that Teaspot cup, and it drains fine. The workmanship is only so-so, and the porcelain got stained pretty quickly. I find that it works best with whole-leaf teas. I routinely use it for Chinese greens, baozhong, some high-fired oolongs, and occasionally for Yunnan black, and it doesn't seem to hang on to flavors.

I also tried it with some genmaicha, and it didn't get clogged but it did let through a lot more particles than I was happy with. If you're into broken-leaf teas then you probably want to look into something else.

The thing that futurebird said about heat is definitely true--when you go to take out the insert it's very easy to burn your fingers. I compensate for this by leaving some space at the top--about a centimeter or so--instead of filling it all the way up, but even so, both the steeping basket and the steam can be uncomfortably hot.

[teaisme]

i've contemplated buying the bodum yo yo in the past, that would be a convenient universal brewer and easy to maintain, though it does not fit your criteria for ceramic insert.

the korean ones worked surprisingly well for oolongs and greens. Never tried brewing pu or reds, but imagine with the high heat retention these would brew well (as long as you are mindful with how you handle all that heat). Ebay constantly churns these out at prices lower then korean arts.

the teaspot ones feel very rushed.

[tenuki]

My I suggest something along these lines?

[MEversbergII]

I found one or two things on Rishi I liked, it's going into the next order buget. Thanks again! Still, if you guys have something to suggest, fill it in here. There is bound to be others with similar interest, and this thread could guide them places. Specifically, I am interested in this one:

http://www.rishi-tea.com/product/koryo- ... up/teacups

Though this plus some cups would make a nice small set:

http://www.rishi-tea.com/product/ho-hin ... ot/teapots

Might also try this one for hotter brewing teas:

http://www.rishi-tea.com/product/cerami ... ky/teacups

I'm under the impression that the first one is very indicative of Korea. I have yet to explore Korean tea culture. TO DO!

Tenuki: I've thought about making Matcha an at the desk staple because of how easy it is to prepare. Thank you for the reminder; my next shipment from Den's is going to be heavily biased towards Matcha and related equipment.

M.

EDIT: Just got another look and realized the infuser for those Rishi ones don't have very many holes at all - problem?

[victoria3]

Like teaisme I like using my Bodem YoYo on occasion. It is versatile for all kinds of tea, nice to hold and the double-walled glass stays a manageable temperature. The lazer cut stainless steel filter has an easy lift extension so it never heats your fingers, and is fine enough for finely broken tea leaves or larger ones. The lid also functions as a saucer.

Bodum-Pavina.jpg (36.8 KiB) Viewed 1050 times

[teaisme]

all the ones you listed look like they have enough holes

the houhin looks like something that would stick around and be used for the long haul (green teas)

however...the new additions at teahong looks even better for the price and can be a more universal brewer
http://teahong.com/98-teapot

I imagine sold out pretty soon.

[tenuki]

+1 on the bodum yoyo - I have and use one.

For Life sells a cheaper one that looks pretty much functionally equivalent.

[jbu2]

i am in love with the Koryo.

i have a steeping cup and i am sorry i bought that, beyond that that the filter is bad (unless you don't mind Bits of leaf in your tea) the tea comes out not rich flavor .

maybe this well best suite you:
http://www.adagio.com/teaware/ingenuiTE ... dc8666bda3

but i recomend this the most:
http://www.ochatea.com/ocha-teapots/?sort=featured

[MEversbergII]

Teaisme: Go figure they post those up right after I do an order with them! Ah well. Unfortunately, shipping from HK has been a bit steep. In this case, it's a little more than the item itself!

I think the next pay day I will get a pair of the Koryo mugs and give them a try.

Sure about the holes, though? So used to there being vents all the way up. Maybe overkill.

JBU2: I tried that Adaigo ingenuiTE a little while back, but did not find it too satisfactory. Pretty generally not a fan of plastic.

M.

[teaisme]

Sure about the holes, though?

yeah there's enough on the bottom and even some on the side, you should be good

what do you plan to brew mostly?

[MEversbergII]

Chinese teas almost exclusively. I'll run the gamut from white, green, red and pu. Probably the most likely will be white and red, though who knows?

I have a kyusu for the Japanese stuff, but a mug like the above ones are simpler in execution, storage etc. - more practical for the desk on busy days.

M.