I Talked to Stylish Tea Connoisseurs to Find the 9 Best Teapots

While a glass teapot might seem too delicate for daily use,Aleksandra Crapanzano, author ofChocolat: Parisian Desserts and Other Delights, relies on this elegant, curved borosilicate glass option from tea purveyorRishi. “The large base means I can turn out the lights to watch a movie and not worry the pot is going to tip when the coffee table is inevitably bumped by feet, knees, or my beloved dog,” she says. “I love to stuff this glass teapot with an abundance of fresh leaves of verbena, mint, rose buds, or chamomile.”

Large enough for two people to enjoy a cup each, this simple Kinto teapot comes recommended byThe QifounderLisa Li, who has used it daily for over four years. “It’s truly perfect for any kind of loose-leaf tea, from delicate flower teas to traditional green teas. And unlike clay or metal, glass never alters or interferes with the flavor of the tea, so you taste it exactly as intended,” she says. “It has a removable, tall glass strainer that is easy to clean. Even with regular use it’s held up beautifully over the years, and it’s dishwasher safe. It’s elegant, versatile, and enhances the tea-drinking experience visually.”

This side-handle teapot, known as a kyusu, is perfect for enjoying Japanese teas, which have short steeping times due to a unique process of steaming and rolling. “Placing the handle 90 degrees from the spout makes use of the rotating motion of the forearm to quickly pour the tea and stop the infusion, effectively preventing the brew from oversteeping and becoming bitter,” says Robateau, who recommends this one designed by third-generation master craftsman Yukitaka Umehara. “The semi-porous clay body of the teapot will develop a beautiful patina over time but won’t hold on to scents if rinsed immediately after use. This makes it versatile enough to be used with various types of tea.”

Sometimes a teapot is for more than just tea.GhiafounderMélanie Masarinuses this Wilmax number for anything that needs a little extra time to infuse, from fresh ginger tea to hot water with lemon, both of which are daily staples, or even a quick leftover-veggie broth or mint tea. “For that reason, I prefer something that can safely go on the stovetop and is super-easy to clean,” she says, adding that the height of the teapot also makes it easy to use with tea bags.

This playful porcelain teapot from Jonathan Adler is as much a conversation piece as a vessel for enjoying the ritual of making tea.Forgravefounder Catherine Cosgrove Hicks likes that it can serve up to six people, making it ideal for a small gathering. “I like that it blurs the line between serveware and décor,” she says. “Tea is about slowing down and creating joy in small moments, and this teapot captures that spirit beautifully.”

Cookbook author Peter Som loves the “whimsical handle and touches of colored glass on the lid and base” of this teapot, made in collaboration with the Qi and homeware designer Sophie Lou Jacobson. “I should add it pours really well — no drips. Truly it’s really a functional work of art.” Som uses it for green, black, and herbal teas and says the glass walls are perfect for watching the Qi’s whole-flower teas bloom.

Two different people I spoke to gushed about this luxurious porcelain teapot from Parisian homeware brand Degrenne. “It’s what I reach for when I want to feel like a fancy boy,” saysHam El-Waylly, culinary partner atStrange Delight. “The iconic bell shape is stunning to look at, and the felt-lined steel cover keeps my tea at the optimum temperature so I don’t feel rushed as I sip on my chosen blend of the day.”Lisle Richards, owner ofIsle of Usmarketplace and café, has this teapot in the emerald-green colorway and says its best feature is a hidden interior felt layer that keeps the tea hot for longer than other porcelain vessels.

Carol Han Pyle, founder ofNette, loves that each Astier de Villatte Sabre teapot is made (by hand, in Paris) using black terra-cotta that is glazed in a glossy white glaze that lets some of the black shine through. “It develops this really interesting texture and color,” she explains. “They’re quite minimal but still really interesting to look at and handle.” Han typically uses hers for Korean green tea, and she says that while this teapot serves two, she usually drinks more than one cup herself.

Serax gave the traditional Japanese cast-iron teapot an “ultra-modern and minimalist” upgrade, says Lisa Limb, managing partner ofLaunchpad Hospitality. “The clean lines make the design graphic and striking.” The cast-iron material is ideal for keeping tea warm, and the enamel interior ensures that each pour has a clean taste.