subject: The Different Styles & Models Of Teapots [print this page] While there are many different styles and models of teapots, they are usually made from cast iron, glass, or ceramic. While ceramic is a little bit different than glass as far as how it is made, it can be considered basically the same. There are pros and cons to using all of these different kinds of tea pots.
If you want a teapot for serving your guests, then you should choose glass or ceramic. There are an abundance of different style options, with oriental styles, decanters and floral decorations being some of the more popular designs. You can probably find one to fit in with any decor. The biggest problem with glass and ceramic is that although they ARE durable, they don't hold up to extreme temperature changes, and direct heat from gas stoves, or where the heating element is exposed. What people usually do for these types of teapots is prep the tea in the ceramic or glass, then pour the hot water into it from some other source that was heated on the stove.
Another disadvantage to ceramic and glass is the they don't retain heat very long and unless you use up the tea quickly or have some way to keep the ceramic or glass teapot warm, the tea is going to get cold pretty quickly.
Because of this, some individuals look for other metal tea pots, one such type being cast iron. When you use a cast iron teapot, you find there are a number of advantages, but some disadvantages as well. Cast iron by nature is a very thick and heavy metal and can hold a number of different heating sources. If you are out at a campsite, you can actually place it on the fire. This is something you cannot do with glass or ceramic. Because they are constructed from metal, they will also keep their heat and it is more evenly distributed. When you have a good cast iron teapot, it will keep its heat for over an hour from the time it is removed from its heating source.
Now there are some disadvantage to using cast iron. One of them is that it is cast iron, and depending on the size, can be heavy. Iron is going to heat up, and caution is needed when handling the teapots to prevent a burn. While there have been improvements in the style and designs of cast iron teapots, most of them can be considered ugly, and won't be the center of attention at a party, unless it's to say how ugly it is. However, if you are a more practical person, don't throw a lot of tea parties, and want a good overall teapot that you don't have to worry about being rough with, then cast iron is going to be your best choice.
You will find all these teapots can be located most anywhere. For the best savings you should try looking online. You will find quite a number of websites that offer these pots, and the best deal might be found on Amazon.com. At this site you will also find reviews from actual customers, and some orders have free shipping as well.
