Hey everyone, I'm excited to talk to you today about selecting your first Yixing-style teapot. How do you go about choosing the right one?

Now, why do I say "Yixing-style" teapot? Because it’s not strictly necessary that your pot is made from actual Yixing clay or even from the Yixing area. There are great teapots made in other regions, like Taiwan or Thailand, that can work well for your first teapot.

Currently, in the teapot market, Yixing teapots have become quite expensive because the clay is a limited resource and increasingly rare. So for beginners, I recommend starting with a pot that’s slip-cast (made using a mold). These are often high-quality and affordable. If you’re concerned about lead content in your teapot, you can buy test pens to check. Generally, if you buy from a reputable vendor, the pot will be safe to use.

One of the key questions to ask yourself when selecting your teapot is: What tea do I brew most often? This is important because with an unglazed teapot, the clay will become seasoned over time by the tea you brew in it. The more you use it for a specific type of tea, the better that tea will taste over time due to the subtle seasoning of the pot. But keep in mind, this is a gradual and subtle process.

However, the real reason to use a Yixing teapot is because it's just the most fun way to make tea. Let’s talk about some characteristics to look for in your first teapot.

1. CostStart with something that isn’t too expensive. Once you go down this path, you’re likely to accumulate more teapots over the years, so don’t feel pressured to get an expensive one right away. A good quality slip-cast teapot can range from $35 to $75, and these are great for beginners.

2. Clay ColorDo you want a reddish pot or a darker one? Red clay teapots are great for high mountain oolongs, roasted oolongs, puerh, and even black teas. Darker clay, which contains more iron, retains heat better and is often recommended for aged puerh, Iron Goddess of Mercy (Tie Guan Yin), and heavily roasted oolongs.

3. ShapeThe shape of the teapot can also impact how the tea brews. A cylindrical teapot allows the tea leaves to expand more freely, while a teapot with shoulders can compress the leaves a bit, which can slightly alter the texture and flavor of the tea. These are subtle differences, but they add to the fun of experimenting with different pots.

4. Pouring and SealAnother thing to consider is how the pot pours and if it has a good seal. Some teapots might not pour perfectly, but part of the charm is learning to work with your pot. It adds to the experience of making tea.

5. Strainer or No Strainer?Does the pot have a strainer or just a single hole? If it's the latter, you may need a tea pick to keep the spout unclogged while brewing. Personally, I prefer pots with no strainers, but I also enjoy using some that do have them.

Choosing your first teapot can feel like a big decision because it’s a financial investment, and you may not know how much you’ll actually use it until you start experimenting. But once you dive in and begin brewing with a Yixing-style pot, it can be a lot of fun. You’ll probably start collecting more over time, trying different shapes, clays, and sizes, all suited for different teas.

I hope this helps you in your search for your first Yixing teapot!