Yixing pot question

[kraan]

Hi everyone,

I have a quick question regarding zisha pots. I've heard they can be heated directly with no ill effects. So, can I stick my pot directly on the heating element base for my electric water kettle? As for why I would want to do this, I have my reasons. But I'd like some confirmation that it will be okay before I risk my baby on it.

Will the bottom crack or turn black or anything funky?

Thanks!

[Chip]

Definately do not place yixing directly onto a heat source. I never tried it, and I would not want to.

They are called teapots, not teakettles.

[kraan]

Hi Chip,

Respectfully, I would like to ask if you know what the negative consequences would be? Or if you know anyone who has made this mistake and regretted it?

I understand that instinct tells us not to do certain things (like, toss our 2 month-old infants into hot tubs) but I'm looking for advice from someone with first-hand experience, e.g. "Definitely don't do it. I tried it once and my pot broke" or "It will be okay, but the bottom will turn black and the room will stink with black smoke".

If absolutely no one has ever done this, then I'll take that as an answer in itself!

Anyway, thank you for your thoughts, regardless.

best,
kraan


edit: woops, it's Chip, not Chris

[scruffmcgruff]

Ceramic is generally resistant to heat and pressure, but keep in mind that not all ceramic is created equal. It theoretically *should* be fine, but I can't guarantee it. There are ceramic kettles made for stovetop use, but I don't know enough to say whether those are significantly different from zisha pots.

What kind of kettle do you have, by the way? I don't know of any electric kettles that produce heat when the base and kettle are not attached. Is yours just like an electric hot plate with a regular kettle on top?

Also, just out of curiosity, what are your reasons for doing this?

[Space Samurai]

I've already put my pots in jeopardy to solve some of the other tea questions, so someone else will have to stick their yixing on the stove.

[Chip]

Hi Chip,

Respectfully, I would like to ask if you know what the negative consequences would be? Or if you know anyone who has made this mistake and regretted it?

I understand that instinct tells us not to do certain things (like, toss our 2 month-old infants into hot tubs) but I'm looking for advice from someone with first-hand experience, e.g. "Definitely don't do it. I tried it once and my pot broke" or "It will be okay, but the bottom will turn black and the room will stink with black smoke".

If absolutely no one has ever done this, then I'll take that as an answer in itself

Respectfully, I do not know anyone stupid enough to try this. Yixing are not designed to be used as kettles, or they would sell yixing kettles also.

Uneven heating on a burner of a clay pot will likely have dire consequences.

[kraan]

Actually, Scruff, you were the guy who pointed me to Imperial Tea Court's online store where I picked up the kettle I am using now. It was in some kettle thread about a month or two ago. The kettle is glass and the base is a hot-plate as you say, and yes it can be turned on whether the kettle is in place or not.

So here's the reason I'm asking this: there's a little trick I've been doing with a small 100ml heat-tempered glass teapot I have. After 5 or so oolong infusions I find that just pouring in hot water doesn't have quite enough "oomph" to squeeze out enough goodness to justify waiting 8 or 10 minutes for a thorough steeping. So what I've been doing is placing this little teapot on the hot-plate after having just removed the kettle and poured the water -- the base remains quite hot of course after just being switched off, and that extra heat is perfect for "milking" the goods from my leaves for another batch of infusions. It gently heats the water to just under a simmer and isn't very rough on the leaves. I've been really enjoying these later infusions with this method; the tea seems to get really smooth and sweet and I don't have to wait more than 4-5 minutes.

Anyway, I'd like to try it with my little zisha, but obviously don't want anything bad to happen.

[Chip]

With the burner turned off prior to placing the yixing on the burner, maybe it would be ok.

Only one way to find out.

Maybe it would not crack or be harmed, but maybe it would. No guarantees.

[kraan]

Respectfully, I do not know anyone stupid enough to try this. Yixing are not designed to be used as kettles, or they would sell yixing kettles also.

Uneven heating on a burner of a clay pot will likely have dire consequences.

Okay, your opinion is duly noted, thanks for taking the time to help out.

[Space Samurai]

Chip, I'm stupid enough. I just don't have a zisha pot.

[Chip]

Space, lol...I was going to comment on your earlier post, thanx for reopening the door.

Try it on your artist nippon kyusu...

[scruffmcgruff]

Interesting kraan, I was wondering how they got those glass kettles to work. I guess I just assumed the coil was attached to the kettle part instead of the base, but apparently I was wrong. How do you like it, by the way? I like the look of it, and I think being able to see the water could be helpful in gauging temperature.

Regarding the zisha thing, I don't think a small amount of time like that would have terrible effects on your teapot, but again, know that I don't actually know what I'm talking about. If I were you I would probably buy a cheapo yixing pot first to try it out before subjecting your good one to potentially deadly abuse.

[kraan]

Well, I was a touch disappointed when I first saw the kettle in person, because there's actually a metal base on it (that fits snugly onto the heat-plate base), probably to speed up boil time by improving the heat conductivity. I was hoping the kettle would be all glass, but it's a small quibble. Also, the "variable temperature" knob actually is just a thermostat of sorts that flips the heating element on and off at a certain temperature depending where the knob is set. I was hoping for an actual "real-time" temperature control for the heat-plate.

These are small points though, I actually really love it. It is the sleekest looking thing, too. Of course, it's not cheap, and it is just a water kettle... but hey, spending money on obsessions is fun, right?

As regards your idea to get a cheap teapot to test it out... that's the best way to do it I think. Chinese Teapot Gallery here I come

[ABx]

You really shouldn't need to heat a yixing pot, they retain heat very well (moreso than other teapots, which is a big reason they're used). If you need to add some extra heat you can just pour boiling water over the outside, maybe in a bowl so it sits in it. You may also be able to do a quick rinse, even with the already steeped leaf. If you're worried about the time between steeps, just get the smallest pot you can find.

[Chip]

You really shouldn't need to heat a yixing pot, they retain heat very well (moreso than other teapots, which is a big reason they're used). If you need to add some extra heat you can just pour boiling water over the outside, maybe in a bowl so it sits in it. You may also be able to do a quick rinse, even with the already steeped leaf. If you're worried about the time between steeps, just get the smallest pot you can find.

Yep, good points ABx, I forgot all about pouring boiling water over the outside. This is much better than placing a yixing pot on direct heat.