A teapot is designed for steeping tea leaves to extract their flavors, while a tea kettle is used to heat water. For an elevated tea experience, consider using a glass teapot, like those from Newby, which allows you to observe the leaves unfurling.

Brewing time varies by tea type: black teas may steep for up to five minutes, while delicate teas like white tea should steep for no more than three minutes to prevent bitterness.

For balanced brewing, use one teabag per cup. For delicate infusions, one teabag per teapot is sufficient; for stronger brews, use up to two teabags, depending on your taste preference.

The best teapot depends on heat retention, durability, and aesthetic preference. Glass teapots allow for viewing the tea, ceramic pots retain heat well, while metal teapots heat quickly and are durable.

Porcelain teapots retain heat well and don’t affect tea flavor, making them preferable. Ceramic teapots also retain heat and come in various designs but can be heavier. Your choice should depend on aesthetics and heat retention.