**REVIEW** Cast Iron Tea Kettle (a true tetsubin)

When I posted about the cast iron teapot that I was sent to review, I called it a tetsubin in the title. I did clarify that in the actual post, but I'm here now to tell you about an real tetsubin that I broke down and treated myself to. It was only $31, but still a bit much for my budget. Oh well, guess I'll just eat eggs and toast for a couple of weeks. This kettle is so worth it.

Some of you might think its's not as pretty as the teapot. I didn't either, not at first. As a matter of fact, I almost didn't get it. The price was great, yes, but I could only find this particular one in the black color. I wanted red (to match my other kitchen appliances and decor), but... I just could not find another kettle at this price that had such positive reviews. Now that I have it, I love it. I never want to be without it.

If you read the post about the teapot and tetsubins in general, you might remember the whole thing about the interiors being either enamel or non-enamel. In short, cast iron teapot interiors are enameled and meant only to infuse and serve tea. Cast iron kettles (or tetsubins) are not enameled and can be used to heat the water and serve the tea.

This pot is different from the other one in more than the enamel. For one thing, this one is slightly larger (30 ounces) over the other's 20 ounce capacity. The infusion basket is larger too. Most importantly, this tetsubin holds heat much better than the teapot. The teapot could (with a little help) keep tea quite  hot for for 30-40 minutes. This one kept the tea hot for about an hour. After about an hour and fifteen minutes, it started losing heat and going lukewarm. 

You know how you have to spend some time seasoning a cast iron skillet? Heating it in the oven with a bit of oil at 400 degrees for a couple of hours? Seasoning this was similar. I had to boil some tea in it and let that sit for an hour. Here, let me show you how the manual explains why:

"the tannin in the tea and the iron which dissolved by the iron pot will react to form a tannin-iron surface layer , so the cast iron pot will not easy to rust."

 The instructions for seasoning and caring for the kettle are adorable. I love that, even though they weren't written by someone for whom English is a first language, so much detail was included. That really impressed me.

It took a couple of hours to season the kettle and get it ready for first use, but it was so worth it. The instructions suggest using the pot often in the first few days. No problem! I already used it three times today to drink about 6 cups of tea.

It's not just the idea of having a particular kettle, but using this extends the whole process of preparing the tea. It feels comforting to take the time to enjoy all the steps. Before, I was just boiling some water in a metal pot and pouring it onto a bag. Now, I am boiling and steeping and taking care to get the right strength of brew. I think the Japanese who work so hard have also made relaxation into an art. I've been dealing with a lot of anxiety and adjustment issues lately. This tea making process is a nice, soothing ritual of sorts.

Now, while this interior is not coated with enamel, there is this from one part of the seller's description:

"Our Cast Iron Teapot Features a Fully High Temperature Oxidation Enameled Cast Iron Interior That Not Only Makes Cleaning Easier, But Helps to Prevent The Build-Up of Rust And Oxidation."

Before I received the kettle, that made me think that I would be prevented from benefiting from the iron. Remember that cooking (or boiling) things in cast iron is supposed to literally add iron to your diet. Well, I found another part of the description that took away that worry:

"The use of JUEQI iron pot boiled water containing divalent iron ions, so there will be spring water effect, which can effectively enhance the taste, very suitable for brewing all kinds of tea." (my underline)

Also, the fact that it can be used on the stove is a big clue, right? The interior of the teapot I reviewed was obviously coated with enamel.










This tea kettle ...





























So, it looks like I have found m perfect cast iron tea kettle. I'm really happy with it and hope to get a lot of years' use from it before I have to pass it along to someone else. Once I manage to save up a few extra dollars, I plan to get a nice cast iron rivet to rest the kettle on. Ha! First, let me just get through the next month eating on a reduced budget!

Peace
--Free

**REVIEW** Cast Iron Teapot (Tetsubin)

Before I get to the review, a little preface:

Just so you all know, not all of the products I have reviewed over the past few years were given to me by sellers or brands. I will review (and have done)  just about anything I personally buy. For one thing, I think that reviews help other people when they are trying to make a decision about a purchase. That's why I will review even the most mundane, everyday type of item. I know that someone out there might be trying to decide between an item by Brand A and Brand B and might just find my review helpful. I know that because I read a ton of reviews before I make purchases.

Anyway, I do get the chance to try out some pretty cool products that I might not otherwise have given a thought. Recently, I was caught completely off guard when I was asked to try out a cast iron teapot.

What? I had never heard of such a thing. My mother used cast iron everything - pots, skillets, griddles - but I don't recall seeing a cast iron teapot. I was definitely happy to do this review!

Another name used here in America for a cast iron teapot/tea kettle is tetsubin. If you're a hipster. If you're like Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies, you just call it a good kettle. I like using the term tetsubin, but I now know to be careful about slinging that word around. You will see what I mean in a minute.

I was given the chance to try this cast iron teapot:

 Cute, yes? I think so. Problem is, I didn't realize how tiny it would be. I was thinking about Granny and her big old cast iron kettle. What I got was something very small and finely detailed.

No matter what that label says, this is NOT a tetsubin

It's adorable. Also, when you think about it, it's perfect for serving a decent amount of tea. It can hold 21 ounces of liquid, which is more than a decent amount.

But... teapot or tea kettle?

Once I was offered this, I had to go and look up information about cast iron teapots in general. I started with Wikipedia (of course) and gave myself a headache with info overload. Still, I learned is that this particular teapot is not what the Japanese would call a proper tetsubin. That's because this one has an enamel coating inside because the pot is intended only for brewing/steeping tea. If it were used to heat the water, the enamel coating would be damaged. A real tetsubin is doesn't have the interior coating because it is used as a kettle and can be heated over a fire (or stovetop). This from Japan Design Store does a better job explaining the differences.

Be careful when shopping for a tetsubin

I really do like this teapot. But that is what it is - a teapot. If you are looking for a kettle that you can heat water in and serve tea from, make sure you're not getting a pot with an enameled interior. That can be tricky because that information isn't always clear and not all sellers are as honest as the one I dealt with. They call the pot I tried a tetsubin on the actual tag but not in the online product description (like some less careful sellers do). By the way, I actually asked if this seller carried a non-enameled pot but they didn't have any. Darn.

How did it work?

This teapot is so beautiful  that it could be used as a nice piece of decor. It's not as heavy as I expected and I found it really easy to handle even when it was full The one thing I do have to be careful of is that the outside can get very hot. The handle is heat-free but you still need to touch the lid at some point. That lid gets real hot. Also, when I pour the tea, I tend to reach and hold the lid so it won't slide. Don't do that. The lid won't slide if you move slow.

There is a removable infusion basket that fits nicely right under the lid. That's great for loose tea. With bagged tea, I removed the infusion basket and just dropped the bags right into the pot. Dealing with that basket is when you're at risk of touching hot spots.

The first time I used the pot, the tea didn't stay hot for long at all. I think it started getting lukewarm after about 20 minutes. The second time around, I pre-warmed the pot by letting some boiling water sit in it a few minutes before I was ready to use fresh hot water to steep my tea. (Did that make sense?) The tea stayed hot for about 40 minutes. Not bad. When I went back and re-read the instructions, I remembered that I could have sat the pot on a candle warmer. So... the third time around, I didn't pre-warm the pot, but I put the pot on my candler warmer. That didn't really help. Maybe my warmer wasn't hot enough?

Bottom line

If what you want is an attractive serving pot, then this one would be great. If you are a serious tea drinker and want something super functional, you might want to look at a non-enameled pot. Most non-enameled pots are more expensive. There are a few in the $30-$40 range but you really have to look hard to find them. I wanted a pot that I could use as a kettle also, but didn't have the budget for some of the pricey choices. As an alternative, first look for "tea kettle" in the description, then ask the seller if the interior enamel is the "high oxidation" type that can be safely used on a stove top.

To be honest, I would prefer a cast iron tea kettle. I guess I will be looking around for one in that $30 price range... I just might have found one. If you know of something better, please let me know.

By the way, I want a full cast iron kettle for the same reason I like cast iron skillets: I was taught that using cast iron is healthy because it adds iron to the diet. Old wives' tale? Maybe, maybe not, but I think my mama would want me to have a cast iron kettle! So there.

This one that I tried would make an awesome wedding gift. This one came in the red I chose (of course) and a green shade. There are other pots similar to this one in various colors and with all kinds of designs. This one came in the red I chose (of course) and a green shade.

I rate this one ★★★★☆ because of the need to pre-warm for best results.

I had fun and someone is going to be getting a nice used teapot for Christmas!

Peace
--Free