Opinions please...

[Nefarious]

I have been using 2 of these infusers for the last 5 years, one at home and one at work: http://www.wearetea.com/shop-teaware/si ... ea-infuser

I have never used a gaiwan or Yixing pot so have nothing to compare with and I am sure, being plastic, some people will be skeptical but on the plus side, they are easy to clean, absorb or release no flavours, create no mess, drain completely with each infusion, allow the leaves free movement and show me clearly what is going on in the water. They dispense directly into a cup and are easily filled from a kettle so are ideal for work, bedroom, etc.

However, this is not an advert and I want to know, beyond the ceremony and aesthetics of traditional methods, am I missing out on anything material when brewing my quality Puerh, oolong, etc teas?

[Alex]

A few random bullet points of my thoughts

-In a world of amazing ceramics it seems a shame to use plastic regardless of implications of taste.

-Tea taste better coming out of something beautiful

Directly at your question I do believe you'll get better tea out of a Gaiwan. Leave the yixing for now. Get yourself something decent like a gaiwan from Wisdom of China on ebay or one from redblossomtea.

Testing for yourself is always the best option and you can do that here with little investment. Have fun, enjoy and welcome to the board my friend.

[.m.]

While I would never use a plastic device to make my tea (unless there was no other option available), I can imagine this to be a practical solution for use in an office.

[debunix]

I enjoy my tea more when I'm brewing up in a fine kyusu or gaiwan or shiboridashi or teapot, but most of my favorite teas still are wonderful brewed up in my plastic Kamjove, that these days I reserve for travel use. I used to use it regularly in my office, and it's still a practical, useful way to brew good tea. I see nothing wrong with it. The difference in taste in various teas that I brew up in the Kamjove or a glazed or glass teapot vs with a carefully paired unglazed pot are generally small (with a few finicky exceptions), but the overall aesthetic of the experience can be large.

[Alex]

Analogy removed.....I really need to stop posting before I've woken up...That's not the first time I've made a love making analogy on here either LOL


Deb well put!

[steanze]

It also depends on the drinker, and I guess on the quality of the plastic of which that tool is made. A gaiwan is cheap, relatively easy to use, and you can use it to brew any kind of tea. I suggest that you get one and compare the two methods

[impromptuandy]

Even though you said it doesn't release any flavors, you still might be able to tell the difference when using a gaiwan or something else that's glazed, if you pay close attention. Worth a shot.

I imagine there's also a difference in heat retention between plastics and porcelain.

[theredbaron]

However, this is not an advert and I want to know, beyond the ceremony and aesthetics of traditional methods, am I missing out on anything material when brewing my quality Puerh, oolong, etc teas?

To be straight - i would never ever waste my good tea in one of those ... things...

A small yixing pot and one or two cups are about as easy to use and clean as these ... things...

I can only suggest to you to buy a small Yixing pot, and compare by yourself, and make up your own mind.

[wyardley]

I think there are similar ones made of borosilicate or similar, but I'd personally be wary of a plastic one, especially considering that we're talking about boiling or near-boiling water. Even (possibly even especially) bpa-free plastics may well leach harmful substances
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/ ... astic-safe

[Nefarious]

Thanks for all the responses and for the welcome
While I doubt I will give up my infuser, at work at least, I will follow your various advice and try out a gaiwan at home. I will report back later whether there is any taste difference! I am rather taken by this one...

http://www.dragonteahouse.biz/green-ete ... wan-150ml/

[Alex]

Shape wise looks good for both caveman and three finger grip!

[Nefarious]

Shape wise looks good for both caveman and three finger grip!

You're going to have to explain the caveman grip to me!!

[Alex]

Just where you scoop the whole 3 piece up in one hand. its my subtle nod to it being slightly less elegant .....I use it as well as 3 finger so not hating

[Nefarious]

Just where you scoop the whole 3 piece up in one hand. its my subtle nod to it being slightly less elegant .....I use it as well as 3 finger so not hating

Lol no hating from me! I think it's easy with these things to get overly-purist about stuff... I ordered that gaiwan today as well as a few other items from Dragon Teas so we will see when it arrives...

[debunix]

Shape wise looks good for both caveman and three finger grip!

You're going to have to explain the caveman grip to me!!

Like so?