Some things always immediately spring to mind in the form of pairs: bread and butter, salt and pepper, peanut butter and jam, and the perpetual flow of cups of tea and the UK.
If you are someone who always has a cup in hand or it’s in the process of being made, you'll probably want a fancy teapot to pour it from. Ideal if you're making tea for a large group of people or suitable if you'd like a regular top-up throughout the morning without re-boiling the kettle each time, a good teapot is essential for almost all occasions.
Teapots come in a range of materials, including ceramic, glass, stainless steel and cast iron. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so consider what's important to you: heat retention (for those who boil the kettle and then forget to pour it), durability (for those who live in a household with clumsy housemates), or style (for those who want a nice tea-drinking IG picture or two).
It's also worth keeping in mind what features you need, like a removable infuser, a lid that fits securely or a handle that stays cool. Most modern teapots bring together at least a few of the features above but, depending on the type of tea you'll be drinking, you may want to focus on the removable infuser part most. After all, no one likes those tiny leaves floating around in your mug.
Whether you're a tea connoisseur or just looking for a simple and effective way to brew your tea, you'll find options below to suit every taste.
We've rounded up all of the best teapots.
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Le Creuset Stoneware Grand Teapot
This vibrant red teapot is definitely a sophisticated one and comes in three neutral shades or one pillar box red one. Designed with an anti-drip spout to prevent any spillage, it has a large handle making pouring effortless, even when the teapot is full. Its tall design is also suitable for serving either tea or coffee.
Buy now £58.00, John Lewis
Yamakiikai Tokoname Ceramic Japanese Kyusu Teapot
The Japanese know a thing or two about tea so why not lean fully into the theme with a beautiful Japanese teapot? This Yamakiikai Tokoname Ceramic Japanese Kyusu Teapot is most definitely a talking point next time you fancy a brew with its unique shape and style. While the Kyusu is a Japanese teapot traditionally used for brewing Japanese green tea, you can also use it to make a cuppa of anything else that takes your fancy.
Buy now £36.46, Amazon
Maxwell & Williams Teas & C’s Kasbah Loose Leaf Teapot with Infuser
A Maxwell & Williams teapot is a certain way to elevate your tea drinking experience with its stylish shape and gorgeous patterns. This particular teapot was inspired by Moroccan tile patterns and has a removable stainless steel filter, which locks loose leaves inside for a smooth, tasty brew. It features a pretty, tessellating green pattern with hand-painted real gold detailing. One perhaps to reserve for the finest tea-drinking opportunities.
Buy now £23.75, Amazon
John Lewis Wave Fine China Teapot
John Lewis’ Wave Fine China Teapot is a larger teapot with a 1.2 litre capacity: perfect if you’re regularly in charge of making a cuppa and don’t constantly trek to the kitchen throughout the day. With its oversized design and neutral colours, this is a great teapot for effortlessly blending in with the rest of your kitchenware. This contemporary Wave teapot is dishwasher and microwave-safe for everyday use.
Buy now £34.00, John Lewis
Wedgwood Butterfly Bloom teapot
Nothing says “time for tea” quite like a Wedgwood teapot and this beautiful option is perfect for gifting or treasuring yourself. The Wedgwood Butterfly Bloom teapot features vintage floral designs, inspired by patterns from the Wedgwood archives. Rendered from top-quality fine bone china, this colourful teapot is covered with vibrant butterfly motifs and gold detailing. You’ll find a range of similarly printed cups if you want to go all out.
Buy now £145.00, Selfridges
Georg Jensen stainless steel teapot
A Georg Jensen stainless steel teapot is a seamless choice if you prefer to keep things minimal in the kitchen. This suave design is large enough to hold plenty of cups of tea or coffee and, with its mirror-polished stainless steel, is one you’ll definitely keep in a prominent position when it’s not being used. With its one-litre size, it’s big but not too big, making it great for easy daily use.
Buy now £138.00, Georg Jensen
Whittard Chelsea Glass Teapot with Infuser
Tea master Whittard is famed for its delicious brews and, next time you’re popping in to stock up, you might want to leave with a new teapot in hand, too. The brand’s Chelsea Glass Teapot comes with a removable stainless steel infuser and a spring filter at the spout, so you can watch your leaves infuse to just the right strength. Expertly crafted in heat-resistant borosilicate glass, it can hold six cups of tea and, if you’re familiar with the Whittard brand, is the big cousin to the Pimlico Teapot.
Buy now £35.00, Whittard
CitytoCottage Ceramic Handmade Teapot
Etsy is a go-to if you’re a fan of handmade ceramics and this stripy number is both traditional and modern with its bright blue stripes. The CitytoCottage Ceramic Handmade Teapot comes in an extra large design and was designed specifically to make pouring easier.
If you’re someone liable to spillage or find yourself frustrated when the tea somehow avoids the cup, this teapot promises to airily wave those worries away with its vibrant design. Despite its handmade nature, this teapot is another that’s microwave and dishwasher-safe.
Buy now £63.96, Etsy
STAUB Cast Iron 5 Cup Teapot and Serving Pot, 1.1L, Black
Capacity: 1.1L
The vintage-inspired STAUD teapot is composed of a cast iron that retains heat – this allows the pot to have a dual function as both a kettle and a serving pot for the likes of tea, soups or stews. Offered in an array of hues, the kettle is oven-safe up to 250 degrees and can hold around five cups.
Buy now £199.00, John Lewis
Verdict
For a teapot that’s large enough for the whole family, stylish enough to leave perpetually on the dining table and sturdy enough for younger members of the family to hold safely, choose Le Creuset’s Stoneware Grand Teapot.
