Gaiwan vs Teapot: Which Is Better For Brewing Tea

In tea culture, both Gaiwan and teapot are commonly used brewing tools, but they each have their own characteristics. Choosing which one is more suitable for brewing tea depends on personal preference and tea type. This article will compare Gaiwan and teapot to help you understand which one is more suitable for your tea brewing needs.

What is Teapot

A teapot is a container for brewing tea, usually with a spout and a handle. A teapot can hold more tea, which is very suitable for multiple people to share tea. Common teapot materials are ceramic, glass, and purple clay, each of which has different heat preservation effects and affects the taste of tea soup. Teapots are designed in a variety of ways and are suitable for daily use.

(Borosilicate Heat-Resistant Glass Mini Teapot (120ml) $26.97)

Advantages of teapots include:

• You can make a large amount of tea at a time, suitable for multiple people to share.
• The teapot can keep the temperature of the tea broth, suitable for sipping tea slowly.
• Designed with a spout and handle, it is not easy to burn your hands when pouring tea.
• Different teapot materials can affect the flavor of the tea to meet different taste requirements.
• Teapots are best suited for strong tea blends and large leaf teas. Black teas have a strong, full-bodied flavor, and the spaciousness of the teapot allows the tea leaves to fully expand.

What is Gaiwan

A Gaiwan is a traditional tea set consisting of a bowl, lid, and tray. It has a simple structure and an open design for brewing tea, making it easy to control the brewing time. A Gaiwan is often used for the personal brewing of delicate teas such as green tea and oolong tea because it fully displays the aroma and flavor of the tea. Gaiwans are mostly used in formal tea ceremonies, emphasizing refinement and ritual. It is also a common form of tea set in Chinese weddings.

Gaiwans are usually made of materials such as porcelain, glass, or clay. Porcelain is most popular because of its heat-retaining ability and non-reactive properties, which can preserve the true flavor of the tea.

The benefits of using a Gaiwan include:

• You can easily control the steeping time and temperature, which affects the taste and aroma.
• The design of the Gaiwan maximizes the contact between the tea leaves and the water, enhancing the flavor.
• To brew with a Gaiwan, simply place the tea leaves in the bowl, pour in hot water, and use the lid to adjust the steeping time. Pour into a cup or sip directly from the gaiwan to enjoy different flavors over multiple brews.
• The most suitable types of tea are green tea, white tea, oolong tea, and Pu'er tea.

(Glaze Gaiwan (100ml) $32.98 )

What is the Difference Between Gaiwan and Teapot 

Usage Scenario

Gai bowls are typically used for individual or small amounts of tea and are especially suited for delicate, short periods of time with multiple brews, such as savoring high-grade green or oolong teas. Teapots are better suited for sharing with multiple people, or for social occasions where a larger amount of tea can be brewed at once for friends or family to enjoy together.

Brewing Control

The design of the Gaiwan makes it easy to control the brewing time and temperature, making it ideal for those who require a high level of finesse in their tea. Teapots are well insulated for keeping the tea warm for a long time, but the precision of controlling each brew is not as good as that of a covered bowl.

Easy to clean

Covered bowls are simple to use and easy to clean, making them suitable for quick daily tea brewing. Teapots have a large capacity but are slightly more complicated to clean and maintain, especially for some materials such as Zisha pots, which require special attention to maintenance.

Types of Tea

Gaiwan is more suitable for delicate teas, such as green, white, and oolong teas, as they bring out the full aroma and flavor of the tea leaves. Teapots are suitable for stronger teas, such as black and pu-erh teas, as they are able to maintain the concentration and temperature of the tea broth.

Culture and Experience

Gaiwan are more commonly used in formal tea ceremonies, emphasizing meticulousness and ceremony, and are preferred by tea culture enthusiasts. Teapots, on the other hand, are more practical and universal, suitable for everyday tea drinking and social occasions.

Portability and Practicality

When considering portability, the compact size of the gaiwan makes it a convenient travel tea set. It is lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for enjoying high-quality tea on the go.

However, teapots are usually larger and less convenient to carry. They are more suitable for fixed occasions, such as a leisurely afternoon at home or a gathering with friends. They are designed for brewing large amounts of tea and are perfect for sharing.

Gaiwan vs. Clay Teapot: Brewing Japanese Oolong Tea

Choosing how to brew your oolong tea can enhance or diminish your tea experience. Gaiwan and clay teapots are popular choices for this task, especially when handling Japanese oolong tea. 

Miyazaki Sabo oolong comes from a rare breed of Japanese oolong tea. Japan predominantly produces green tea, so finding an oolong from this region is a treat. Unlike Taiwanese oolongs, which have tightly rolled leaves, Miyazaki Sabo's leaves are loosely packed, giving them a distinct character. This oolong stands out with its light and flowery essence, reminiscent of lilac and coconut milk, offering a creamy aroma that hints at strawberries and hyacinths.

Brewing with a Clay Teapot

Using a clay teapot is a simple way to brew Japanese oolong tea. Start by placing the loose leaves into the teapot. Use a lower leaf-to-water ratio. Pour hot water over the leaves and let the tea steep for about three minutes. This longer brewing time allows the flavors to mix, giving you a strong and bold cup of tea. The result is a full-bodied flavor, but the different tastes may blend together, making it difficult to pick out individual notes.

Brewing with a Gaiwan

Brewing with a Gaiwan lets you explore the tea’s flavors in more detail. Begin by placing a generous amount of Miyazaki Sabo oolong leaves into the Gaiwan. Pour hot water over the leaves for just five seconds and then pour the tea into a cup. With each subsequent brew, increase the steeping time by five seconds. This method allows you to taste the tea in stages, revealing new aromas and flavors with each infusion. It’s perfect for appreciating the complexity of the tea.

Comparing the Two Methods

When brewed in a clay teapot, Miyazaki Sabo delivers a powerful, floral aroma with a touch of astringency. It's rich, yet the flavors are all mixed together, offering a singular tasting experience. On the other hand, the gaiwan method provides a lighter, more aromatic first brew, followed by richer and creamier notes in subsequent infusions. It allows you to savor each flavor note separately, making it ideal for a detailed tasting.

Conclusion

Choosing between a gaiwan and a teapot depends on personal preference and brewing style. A gaiwan is good for experimentation and is perfect for those who enjoy the process of brewing tea. A teapot is convenient and perfect for entertaining guests.

Teatsy offers high-quality Gaiwan tea sets, glass teapots, and ceramic teapots. We are a legitimate tea set store and we make every tea set with care! The more you buy, the more you get.