Cast Iron Teapots : Formerly very popular because they were placed on wood stoves, cast iron teapots are now only used to heat water, and not as cauldrons for boiling water. These teapots have many benefits : they maintain heat for a very long time, allowing you to take your time to enjoy your tea while always having a hot infusion. These teapots are also very durable, almost unbreakable! They therefore have a very long usage life and are now available in all sorts of shapes and colors. Their only disadvantage is that they can be very heavy. They are sometimes sold individually, but can also come with small cups. The fact that these teapots are glazed makes them easier to clean. The insides are rustproof and to not retain elements (flavors for example).
N.B. It is important that they do not contain lead!
Porcelain or ceramic teapots: Teapots in ceramic or porcelain are certainly the most decorative and come in many styles, shapes and colors. They retain heat for an average time of about 25 minutes. They are generally easy to clean and sold in lots. Porcelain or ceramic teapots are, howver, breakable. Prices vary depending on the quality of porcelain or ceramic , and by the way in which they are painted (by hand or not).
YIXING purple clay teapots: These teapots are probably the most interesting! First, they are 100% handmade. No molds are used - only hands and tools. They are very artisanal, and each artist signs them with their seal. The kind of clay that is used for YIXING teapots is found in southern China. It is a clay that is highly porous, which means that it absorbs tastes. Indeed, these teapots have hundreds of pores that fill with the tea's essential oils, thus providing your teas with an even more intense taste! It is like making tea in... tea! Obviously, the disadvantage is that you should always use the same kind of tea inside this teapot, because it will curate the taste of it. They are probably the best kinds of teapots and are available in multiple colors and shapes! The limits are only those of the artist's imagination. YIXING purple clay teapots are most definitely small works of art.