Best Tea Kettle For Gongfu Brewing – Top 5 Gong fu Brewing Tea Kettles (Updated)

A gongfu tea ceremony is the best way to drink tea. For some tea drinkers, finding the best tea kettle for gongfu brewing may appear to be a difficult process reserved only for tea professionals. Although excellent gong fu tea brewing takes years to master, you may still incorporate the basic principles and begin enjoying all of the exquisite flavor notes that tea enthusiasts rave about. You can also use an eco-friendly tea kettle to make a tea that remains flavorful and leaves you feeling refreshed. So don’t forget to check out our expert listing of eco-friendly tea kettles.

In this article, we’ll look at the finest kettles for gongfu brewing so you may pick the perfect kettle for your house or for travel at your leisure. People who travel a lot and just can’t skip tea can take a look around at the best kettle for travel.

What is Gong fu brewing?

Gongfu tea brewing, also known as gong fu cha, is a Chinese method of brewing tea or a traditional Chinese tea ceremony found long ago. It is less known than the Japanese method but is widely practiced in China and worldwide. Although the actual history of the gong fu tea ceremony is unknown, the technique of brewing tea dates back over 1000 years. Gongfu implies skill or effort; hence Gong fu cha or gong fu tea can easily be defined as skillfully prepared tea. And, yes, perfecting the art of making a wonderful cup of tea takes time and practice. Many people enjoy drinking Turkish coffee. Not only does it taste great, but it also has many health benefits. Check out our expert listing of the best Turkish tea kettles for more options.

The perfect kettle should last for as long as you require it. Because every company tries to advertise their products as the best, determining durability may be difficult.

If budget is not an issue, I would like you to take a look at copper kettles. A copper tea kettle will surprise you with its beautiful looks alongside high quality and utility. Our experts have a list of picks for you at 

the best copper tea kettle.

Did You Know?

A Tea Pet, usually made from the same clay as a Yixing teapot, is a small clay figure which is kept by some tea drinkers for good luck. Traditionally these ‘pets’ are classical Chinese figurines, such as a Dragon, Lion Turtle, or Toad, and are used as a receptacle over which the wasted tea is poured, usually to develop a patina. Click here to know more about a tea pet.

What are the benefits of Gongfu tea brewing?

There are numerous advantages to gongfu-style brewing. For starters, you’ll discover dozens of new flavors even in teas you thought you knew well. Gong fu brewing calls for more tea leaves and lesser water, resulting in a more robust flavor.

Then you’ll use every last drop of flavor your tea has to offer. Third, it provides an excellent opportunity to concentrate on tea while enjoying a peaceful moment surrounded by strong scents, flavors, and serenity.

However, if you are a college student, you are undeniably looking for something compact and efficient rather than a serene experience. Our experts know how busy you are with your studies, so they have collated a list of the best kettle for college students.

Things to Consider While Buying Tea Kettle for Gongfu Brewing

AUTHENTICITY

If something appears to be too good to be true, it usually is. This old aphorism comes up frequently when addressing various topics in the tea business. Clay teapots are the subject of numerous tall tales. Unreliable vendors would claim that they can miraculously transform the taste of tea and that if you use them frequently enough, you won’t need to use tea leaves at all. I’ve also heard of shoe polish being used to imitate the look of an old pot.

As a result, pots manufactured from the real thing will be more expensive. While they may produce an adequate cup of tea, authentic teapots are not available in Chinatown grocery stores. 

It is possible to find a tea kettle made from stainless steel, chrome-plated steel, or brass. It would help if you chose a kettle made from heavy-duty cast iron, for which you can take a look at our post, so it will last for years to come. You can also choose a tea kettle made from ceramic or porcelain. Whatever type of material is used to manufacture the kettle, you should be able to find the best tea kettle for brewing gongfu.

Material

Teapots are made from many materials such as glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and coated metal. While stainless steel is a safe material, I recommend purchasing any non-plastic tea kettle that has no plastic elements that come into contact with the water, or at the very least one that is BPA-free. And don’t worry! Our experts have collated a list of options for you.

Kettles that are made of glass give an excellent look to your kitchen as this kettle does. If you want that look at your house, check out the best glass kettles.

The material not only affects the item’s appearance but may also determine whether or not it can be placed on the stovetop. If you are looking for a kettle for a gas stove, click here. And if you want a kettle that’s perfect for a glass stovetop, take a look at our detailed listing of the best glass top stove kettles. And here’s my two cents for those who value the convenience of a stovetop-safe teapot – look for heat-resistant materials that will not damage by the direct heat source. 

SIZE 

The main reason for utilizing clay teapots is to brew tea in the Gong fu style. It is crucial to remember that larger pots will necessitate significantly more leaves. Many infusions with a pot holding multiple cups of water are likely to be more than anyone could properly drink. Unless you often serve a large gathering, I would recommend purchasing a pot no larger than 250ml. My particular sweet spot appears to be approximately 150ml. The units of measurement are ounces, liters, quarts, and cups. Are you looking for a 3 quarts tea kettle? Our experts have prepared a list to help you out.

SHAPE

The shape of a teapot is crucial to consider since it influences how tea is brewed. Larger leafed teas, such as Puerh, thrive in flatter pots with large holes. Aromatic Oolongs are best in tall pots with narrower holes. Because they are difficult to clean, I avoid pots with narrow channels and excessively small openings. The best tea kettle for Gongfu brewing would be the traditional rounded xi shi shape. But if you are looking for some contemporary features in your device, we have a whole list of modern tea kettles for you. Don’t forget to take a look!

WATER ABSORPTION

A high-quality pot should be porous enough to absorb water quickly. When you pour hot water or tea over the teapot, you should be able to see it dry nearly instantly. This feature is something I seek in teapots. Some people may brush tea onto their teapots to accelerate the formation of a patina. After years of frequent usage, well-loved pots will achieve a gentle yet deep shine. You can also boil water on the programmable tea kettle without adding much extra water or worrying about heating the kitchen. If you want to make tea but don’t like watching over the stove, this is one of the best choices you can get in the market. Hence, do take a look at our post for more options.

HEAT RETENTION

People may prefer to use a clay teapot over porcelain or other materials to make tea since clay retains heat much better. The additional heat will aid in the extraction of the volatile components that contribute to the complexity of tea. Thicker-walled pots retain more heat than thinner-walled pots of the same form. White tea and young Sheng Puerh may benefit from a thinner-walled pot, whereas Shou Puerh and roasted Oolongs benefit from increased heat during brewing.

I found many restaurant owners using an electric kettle, backed by its quick rate to make tea for the customers. If you are looking for an electric kettle for your restaurant, our experts are here to help you out.

POUR

Pouring tea kettles may be the most crucial aspect. Over-brewed, astringent tea will result from a slow, dribbling stream. A rapid, clear stream is essential in a teapot. An excellent way to see if a pot is well-made is to insert your finger into the air hole (typically placed in the lid or just above the handle). If the flow of water entirely stops, then you have a well-made pot in your hands because this is only possible if the lid fits perfectly.

 

Did You Know?

Distilled or extremely soft water should never be used as water in brewing since it lacks minerals, which will negatively affect the flavor of the tea and so can result in a “flat” brew.

You can also get yourself kettles with a wifi feature that allows you to control your kettle with your phone from anywhere. If you would like a cool kettle with this feature, you can take a look at our listings of the best wifi tea kettle.

Best Tea Kettle For Gongfu Brew – Tea Pots Summary List

#1 Le Creuset Traditional Teapot – Le Creuset blends stoneware’s traditional appearance with a few modern additions.

#2 MULHUE Chinese Yixing Xishi Tea Pot – Yixing teapots are designed for use with black, oolong, and aged pǔ’ěr tea. This tea kettle offers a genuine gongfu brewing experience.

#3 Tealyra Daze Ceramic Teapot – Tealyra’s Daze Ceramic Teapot comes in a variety of colors and has a stainless steel infuser.

#4 Everyday White by Fitz and Floyd Teapot – This classic-style teapot is dishwasher and oven safe, and it is reasonably priced.

#5 Sweese Porcelain Teapot with Infuser – It’s beautiful and cute, plus it comes with a convenient infuser that works with both bagged and loose tea.

List of Top 5 Tea Kettles For Gongfu Brew – Best Rated Teapots

#1 Le Creuset Traditional Teapot

Le Creuset Stoneware Traditional Teapot, 1.4 qt., White
  • Vibrant glaze resists chips, scratches and stains
  • Nearly-nonstick glaze easily releases foods for quick clean-up
  • Non-porous stoneware blocks moisture absorption for exceptional strength
  • Superior heat retention keeps food Warm at the Table while serving

Le Creuset is well-known for producing high-quality (and eye-catching) cookware. The century-old French maker takes the timeless appearance of stoneware and inserts a few modern accents with this teapot. It’s chip-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and built to retain heat for a long time. The rounded handle is comfortable to grip, and the spout has been elongated for easier pouring. Perhaps the only drawback is that the item does not include a tea infuser.

The colors available differ based on the retailer. The stunning blue Marseille shade is the most popular, although the Oyster color, a more subtle grey, is also widely available.

The teapot is large enough to serve numerous guests, weighing around 45 ounces. The price is also shockingly low, especially for an item that will gleam for years in the kitchen, dining room, or cabinet. 

User Experience 

The brand says it all. Users liked the product and appreciated its quality. They also mentioned that the kettle is sturdy yet lovely, and it makes a big pot of tea. One of the users commented that she loves this teapot, and it is gorgeous, a claim with which I totally agree. And if you are looking for the downside of this device, well, I did not find any significant complaints by the users.

Pros

  • Classic design
  • Large capacity
  • Great heat retention

Cons

  • It may be too heavy for some
  • A little pricey
  • No infuser

My Verdict: It is a great tea kettle. The handle has a good grip and heat retention is also good. Adding to that it would be enough to serve your whole family. A great product coming at a great price.

#2 MULHUE Chinese Yixing Xishi Tea Pot

MULHUE Chinese Yixing Xishi Tea Pot Hand-painted peony Zisha Azure mud Clay Gongfu Teapot(160cc)
  • Xishi pots: yixing zisha genuine, Ball filter and sand is elegant natural.
  • Size: 4.92*2.36 in; Capacity: 160cc
  • Yixing pot is breathing, it can keep fresh tea leaves.It can also be used as a storage tea utensils, can make the tea very good fermentation.
  • Natural Azure mud, High temperature burning production, safety and health;
  • Exquisite workmanship and design.Password carefully, the surface smooth and comfortable.

Yixing pot can preserve fresh tea leaves because it breathes. It can also be used as a tea storage pot, resulting in excellent tea fermentation. It’s made from natural azure mud and takes care of your health and safety. This teapot is exquisitely crafted and beautifully designed. Handle it with care; the surface is smooth and comfy.

Yixing teapots are designed for use with black, oolong, and aged pǔ’ěr tea. One can also use them for green or white tea, but the water must cool to around 85 °C (185 °F) before being poured into the kettle. If you prefer green tea, you can take a look at the best kettle for green tea

User Experience 

Though highly rated for its quality, I could find very few reviews on this product. But those few posts that I found were full of customer appreciation for its looks and quality. One of the buyers commented that the material has personality and its texture highlights one of the flowers and letters in the back. Well, who wouldn’t want a great teapot with some flowers highlighting its looks? And so far, I didnt find any complaining customers.

Owning an artistic kitchen device like this one can make you popular among your friends for your ability to handpick the best. If you are a fan of aesthetics, refer to our listing of the best enamel tea kettle for some head-turning teapots. 

 Pros

  • Very Compact
  • Unique design
  • Made with a good quality clay

Cons

  • Small capacity
  • Not many reviews

My Verdict: This is a traditional teapot that gives a genuine gongfu brewing experience. There is no doubt about its beauty and craft. 

This is one of the best clay kettles in the market which will give you a great cup of tea. Check out our listing of the best clay kettles for more options.

#3 Tealyra Daze Ceramic Tea pot

Tealyra - Daze Ceramic Teapot in Blue - 27-ounce (2-3 cups) - Small Stylish Ceramic Teapot with Stainless Steel Lid and Extra-Fine Infuser To Brew Loose Leaf Tea
1,306 Reviews
Tealyra - Daze Ceramic Teapot in Blue - 27-ounce (2-3 cups) - Small Stylish Ceramic Teapot with Stainless Steel Lid and Extra-Fine Infuser To Brew Loose Leaf Tea
  • BEST TEAPOTS ARE CERAMIC! Tealyra teapot is ceramic made because this material is the best for brewing large- and small-leaf or herbal tea. High-fired ceramic...
  • EXTRA-FINE STAINLESS STEAL STRAINER. In the perfect tea there are no leaves or small particles floating. So that you can really enjoy the drink, the leaves...
  • CONVENIENT AND FUNCTIONAL DESIGN. Tealyra teapot is equipped with a stainless steel cover, which is opens widely and conveniently, without interfering with the...
  • STYLISH AND ATTRACTIVE LOOK. Beautiful, modern Daze ceramic teapot is available in black, blue, lime, orange, red, turquoise, white, and yellow. You decide...
  • DO YOU NEED AN IDEA OF A GOOD GIFT FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY? Our best teapot is lead-free, BPA free and plastic free. Safe, quality, beautiful and functional...

Ceramic teapots are well-known for their exceptional heat retention, ease of cleaning, and timeless appearance. Tealyra’s Daze Ceramic Teapot features all of these beautiful characteristics, plus it comes in seven different colors to match any personality or kitchen décor. 

It has a 24-ounce capacity with a ceramic body that is designed to withstand extreme temperatures and the test of time. The extra-fine stainless-steel strainer keeps even the tiniest leaves from floating into your tea, resulting in a flawless cup. Buyers note that the pot does not drip while the tea is poured and that it would make an excellent gift for a friend who enjoys a warm cup of tea on a cold day. Alternatively, for beverages ranging from chocolate to French press and baby formula, consider an electric kettle with temperature control settings.

User Experience 

Users were really happy with their purchase. They mentioned that the teapot works great and is easy to clean. They also mentioned that the kettle has a good weight, and feels sturdy in hand. Users liked that they have a lot of color options to choose from and pick whatever they like. Users were unhappy with the quality of the kettle. Some users complained that it broke off after few uses.

Pros

  • Unique silhouette
  • Large infuser
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Small capacity
  • Mixed reviews on dripping
  • The lid doesn’t always stay shut

My Verdict: This ceramic pot looks very good and works even better. It would make an awesome gift for your loved one.

This kettle features a big infuser which is great for the users and helps them a lot. Looking for an electric kettle with an infuser? Don’t worry, we got your back. Our experts have collated a list of electric kettles with infusers just for you.

#4 Everyday White by Fitz and Floyd Teapot

Gourmet Whiteware Collection, Teapot
  • Brew your favorite tea in the charming Gourmet Whiteware Teapot from Fitz and Floyd
  • The porcelain teapot and lid are dishwasher safe
  • The Gourmet Whiteware Collection is ideal for entertaining and for everyday dining, too
  • Stock up on dining essentials and showcase your culinary delights with crisp, gleaming Gourmet Whiteware
  • Every Fitz and Floyd product is crafted with exquisite detail, whether it's Presidential dinnerware or a tea service for HM Queen Elizabeth II

This classic-style teapot has modern characteristics such as dishwasher and oven safe (up to 250 degrees), all at a low price. Because there are no steel attachments, the pot may be microwaved, making it an excellent choice for individuals who want to reheat up their tea throughout the day. 

With a capacity of 48 ounces, this teapot is ideal for entertaining because it can warm numerous cups. This pot does not include a tea infuser, but one can be simply added. This everyday kettle is easy to clean. Above all, the white teapot will look great in your kitchen. This kettle won’t make much noise while heating although if you want a kettle that will alert you by whistle, we got your back. Check out our expert listing of the best whistling kettle.

User Experience 

It’s a great product no doubt on that. One of the users commented that it’s a Nicely shaped, inexpensive porcelain teapot which I totally agree with. There were several more positive comments by the users. There were no complaints by its users as of now.

Pros

  • Microwave and dishwasher safe
  • Large capacity
  • Smooth pouring

Cons

  • Drips if too full
  • Must hold the lid while pouring

My Verdict: It’s an excellent budget option. The features that caught my eyes are that it’s microwave and dishwasher safe which is great. A big thumbs up from my side.

This kettle is great but might be too big for someone or hard to take out on a trip. Looking for something to take along on camping? Our experts have made a detailed list of the best kettles for camping for your needs.

#5 Sweese Porcelain Teapot with Infuser

Sweese 221.103 Teapot, Porcelain Tea Pot with Stainless Steel Infuser, Blooming & Loose Leaf Teapot - 27ounce, Navy
3,440 Reviews
Sweese 221.103 Teapot, Porcelain Tea Pot with Stainless Steel Infuser, Blooming & Loose Leaf Teapot - 27ounce, Navy
  • EVERYDAY TEAPOT - A perfectly serviceable teapot. Sturdy, pleasing shade, nice weight, size of 27oz. It is beautiful happy, high gloss, and very classy. Just...
  • TEA MADE IN THIS POT TASTES AND SMELLS FRESH & FLAVORFUL - The handle is the correct shape to allow for easy pouring and the spout doesn't drip. The lid has a...
  • ENOUGH TEA FOR TWO MUGS - Absolutely perfect for one to two drinkers as it holds two mugs or three teacups. If you might want more than one cup but don't need a...
  • PRO-GRADE PORCELAIN & SAFE FOR DISHWASHER, MICROWAVE - These Sweese porcelain are made of durable porcelain, a type of premium LEAD-FREE ceramic, chip-resistant...
  • SMART DESIGN - Pouring tea by holding the Infuser tab to the handle with your thumb as you pour, which is natural and easy.

This 27-ounce teapot is stylish as well as beautiful. The rounded handle and slightly gooseneck spout give the item a traditional form, and it’s available in a variety of colorful and glossy colors, from classic white to eye-catching blue. It also includes a stainless steel infuser that works with both bagged and loose tea.

The teapot is compact, but its volume is adequate for personal usage; you can expect to make two to three cups at a time. Sweese manufactures a nearly comparable teapot at 40 ounces, which will suit avid tea drinkers or customers who frequently host parties. The only difference is that the larger teapot does not have an infuser.

One thing to bear in mind is that while porcelain is robust, it is not completely immune to chipping and scratches.

User Experience 

Customers who bought this were really happy with their purchase and you can see that clearly in the reviews. It has one of the highest ratings on the list. Users liked the design and the look of the kettle. One of the customers commented that this Sweese teapot makes the best tea, particularly because the strainer is fine enough to contain small tea particles that get through other strainers. Some of the users were disappointed in the fitting of the lid and complained that it was loose. Also, others were facing the issue of leakage and said that the kettle drips while pouring.

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Multiple colors
  • Dishwasher and microwave safe

Cons

  • Not the smoothest pouring
  • Small capacity

My Verdict: This teapot is highly acknowledged for its value for money, and it also makes a wonderful present for tea lovers. Go for it without a doubt.

Water warmed to just the appropriate steeping temperature in a good kettle makes a more rich cup. Check out the best electric kettle with tea steep for more options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which kettle is better- stovetop kettle or electric kettle?

Electric kettles are much more energy-efficient than electric stovetops or a microwave. An electric kettle with higher wattage heats up water at a much faster rate than using an electric stove. You can take a look at our detailed listing of electric kettles.

Stovetop tea kettles, on the other hand, are low-cost, low-tech, and easy to use — there is no learning curve. This type of tea kettle is as attractive as they are functional, and they provide a genuine Gongfu brewing experience. When it comes to tea, or “cha”, “gong-fu” simply describes the traditional Chinese method of tea making.

What is the best way to clean a kettle?

The majority of stovetop kettles are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

If you have an electric kettle, you should clean it with warm soapy water and moist cloth on a regular basis. To eliminate limescale build-up, use vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda. Before cleaning the kettle, remember to disconnect it.

Why should I get a cordless kettle?

If you don’t want the hassle of putting a kettle on the cooktop and remove it and then serve, you can check out our post on the best cordless tea kettles.

How much minimum water can you boil in the 1L kettle?

A boil can be achieved with a minimum of 300 mL of water.

Is stainless steel kettles better than clay kettles?

You can also use a clay kettle as it has several advantages over metal kettles. Clay pots are ideal for boiling water and for making teas. Many people don’t realize how easy it is to boil water with a clay tea kettle. On the other hand, the steel kettle has a great built quality due to its stainless steel construction. You can check out the best stainless steel kettles for more similar options.

Whether you want a stainless steel tea kettle or a clay tea kettle, you may discover one that fits your personality and budget. 

Here’s a video to help you out with the gong fu tea brewing technique.

Conclusion

If you are looking for the best tea kettle to use for gongfu tea brewing, you’ll probably find that there are quite a few options available. You have to consider your overall budget, your preference in the size and shape of the kettle, and the features that you would like to have. Once you have decided on those three things, the sky is truly the limit when it comes to choosing the right tea kettle for you. You can also look at our expert listings of the best tea kettle and buy the one according to your needs.