A pot of tea in a Mexican home is as likely to be cinnamon as black tea. Té de canela is made by simmering cinnamon sticks until the water turns amber, manzanilla is steeped from dried chamomile flowers, and hot jamaica turns any glass pot a deep ruby red. A good teapot handles all of them: it holds enough for the table, keeps leaves and flowers out of the cups, pours without dribbling, and is easy to clean afterward.
The main choice is material. Glass lets you watch the brew and, in a few models, goes straight on the stove. Porcelain and stoneware hold heat longer and look at home on the table, but you should know what the glaze is made of. This guide covers eight teapots in glass and ceramic, with what each maker states, and explains why we left out cast iron.
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Quick verdict: which teapot to buy
For most kitchens, the best teapot is the Teabloom Celebration Glass Teapot: Teabloom says the pot and its glass infuser are borosilicate and safe on the stovetop, in the microwave and in the dishwasher, so you can simmer canela right in it, and it holds 40 ounces. If you want to stop the brew at the right strength, the Bodum Assam tea press does that with a plunger. For porcelain, choose the Sweese 27-ounce teapot, which Sweese describes as lead-free. On a budget, the Primula Half Moon, and for one person, the Rishi Simple Brew.
If you brew single cups most days, a basket infuser in your favorite mug may be all you need; we cover those in a separate tea infuser guide.
Five teapots compared
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of tea drinker, with the material, capacity and stovetop use each maker or listing states. All eight teapots are reviewed in full below.
| Teapot | Best for | Material and capacity | Stovetop-safe | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Teabloom Celebration Glass Teapot, 40 ozBest overall
|
Simmering canela, brewing for four | Borosilicate glass, 40 oz | Yes, per Teabloom | View on Amazon |
Bodum Assam Glass Tea Press, 34 ozBest for strength control
|
Stopping the brew without bitterness | Borosilicate glass, 34 oz | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Sweese Porcelain Teapot, 27 ozBest ceramic
|
Two mugs, holds heat, on the table | Porcelain, 27 oz with infuser | No, per Sweese | View on Amazon |
Primula Half Moon Glass Teapot, 40 ozBudget pick
|
A big pot for less | Borosilicate glass, 40 oz | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Rishi Simple Brew Glass Teapot, 400 mlBest for one
|
A cup or two at a time | Borosilicate glass, 13.5 oz | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Materials, capacities and stovetop use are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best teapot
These eight teapots cover glass pots you can watch steep, a plunger press, porcelain pots that keep tea hot at the table, and a hand-painted pot for serving. Each pick says who it suits, what the maker states, and one honest reason to skip it. For every ceramic pot we quote the maker’s own statement about lead in the glaze or body.
1. Teabloom Celebration Glass Teapot, 40 oz – Heat, Steep and Serve in One
Most teapots only steep; you boil water somewhere else and pour it in. Teabloom says every part of the Celebration, the pot and its removable infuser, is heat-resistant borosilicate glass that is safe on the stovetop, in the microwave and in the dishwasher. That makes it the most useful pot here for Mexican herbal drinks: you can drop cinnamon sticks into the water and simmer té de canela right in the pot, lift out the infuser, and pour.
It holds 40 ounces, which Teabloom says brews up to five cups, and the listing adds an extra-wide handle and a non-drip spout. Because the infuser is glass rather than metal mesh, nothing but glass touches the tea. Teabloom backs it with a one-year warranty, and the box includes two of its blooming jasmine teas.
Glass holds heat less well than porcelain, so pour soon or use a tea cozy. Teabloom doesn’t say which stove types suit it, so check the instructions before using it on glass-top or induction cooktops.
Why we like it
- Stovetop, microwave and dishwasher safe, per Teabloom
- All-glass pot and infuser
- 40 ounces, up to five cups
- Non-drip spout and wide handle
Key specifications
| Teapot | Teabloom Celebration (CEL-POT-US) |
|---|---|
| Material | Borosilicate glass |
| Capacity | 40 oz (4 to 5 cups) |
| Infuser | Removable glass infuser |
| Stovetop-safe | Yes (Teabloom) |
| Glaze/enamel statement (maker) | Not applicable; unglazed glass |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want one pot that heats water, simmers spices and serves the table.
Skip it if you want tea to stay hot a long time on the table; porcelain holds heat better.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simmer canela directly in the pot
- Large capacity
- Clear glass shows the strength
Cons
- Glass can break
- Cools faster than ceramic
2. Bodum Assam Glass Tea Press, 34 oz – Plunge When It Tastes Right
The Assam works like a French press for tea. Leaves steep in a stainless steel strainer inside the glass pot, and when the tea is as strong as you like it, you press the plunger down. Bodum says its patented system stops the brewing when the tea is plunged, so the tea is not bitter, and you never need to take the infuser out.
That suits black tea and strong herbal blends that turn harsh if left too long. The 34-ounce pot is heat-resistant borosilicate glass, and the strainer and plunger are stainless steel, per the listing; Bodum’s sister listing for the smaller Assam describes a silicone rim on the filter that keeps leaves inside. All parts are dishwasher safe.
The listing does not say the pot can go on the stove, so heat the water in a kettle. Bodum also sells a 17-ounce Assam if you brew for one or two.
Why we like it
- Plunger stops the brew, per Bodum
- No infuser to lift out and drip
- All parts dishwasher safe
- 34 ounces for the table
Key specifications
| Teapot | Bodum Assam tea press (1805-01US) |
|---|---|
| Material | Borosilicate glass; stainless strainer and plunger |
| Capacity | 34 oz |
| Infuser | Plunger strainer |
| Stovetop-safe | Not stated; use a kettle |
| Glaze/enamel statement (maker) | Not applicable; glass |
| Dishwasher-safe | All parts |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if over-steeped, bitter tea is your usual problem.
Skip it if you want to simmer spices in the pot itself; it is not listed for the stove.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Control over strength
- Easy cleanup in the dishwasher
- Familiar press design
Cons
- Not for stovetop use
- Plunger parts to take apart and clean
3. Sweese Porcelain Teapot, 27 oz – Everyday Pot for Two
Porcelain keeps tea warmer than glass and looks right on a table set for merienda. Sweese’s 27-ounce pot holds two mugs or three teacups, per the listing, with a removable stainless steel infuser big enough for loose leaves to move as they steep. A silicone gasket on the lid keeps it in place when you pour, and Sweese says the spout doesn’t drip.
On materials, Sweese states that these teapots “are made of durable porcelain, a type of premium LEAD-FREE ceramic,” and calls it chip-resistant and sturdier than stoneware. That is the maker’s claim, which is why we include it; the FDA notes that a “lead free” label alone does not guarantee a piece is free of leachable lead, so buy from the maker’s own listing.
It is dishwasher and microwave safe, but Sweese is clear that it is a pot, not a kettle: do not put it on a heating element. Heat the water separately.
Why we like it
- Maker states lead-free porcelain
- Removable stainless infuser
- Gasketed lid stays on while pouring
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
Key specifications
| Teapot | Sweese Porcelain Teapot, 27 oz (Navy) |
|---|---|
| Material | Porcelain; stainless steel infuser |
| Capacity | 27 oz with infuser |
| Infuser | Removable stainless steel |
| Stovetop-safe | No (Sweese) |
| Glaze/enamel statement (maker) | “premium LEAD-FREE ceramic” (Sweese) |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a ceramic pot for one or two people that keeps tea warm and goes in the dishwasher.
Skip it if you brew for a group; 27 ounces is two mugs.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Holds heat better than glass
- Stated lead-free material
- Many colors
Cons
- Not for the stove
- Small for a crowd
4. Primula Half Moon Glass Teapot, 40 oz – A Big Pot for Less
The Primula Half Moon is a simple, large glass pot. The listing says it is heat-resistant borosilicate glass with a protective holder and grip handle, a removable fine-mesh stainless steel filter that keeps sediment out of the cup, a drip-free spout and a non-slip silicone base. The whole teapot is dishwasher safe, and Primula offers a one-year limited warranty.
At 40 ounces it matches the Teabloom for capacity, and Primula suggests it for loose leaf, tea bags, blooming teas and fruit or fresh herb waters in the refrigerator. Lift the filter out for blooming teas, or to cold-steep jamaica flowers and pour through a fine-mesh strainer into glasses.
The listing gives no stovetop guidance, so pour in water you have boiled in a kettle.
Why we like it
- 40 ounces of capacity
- Fine-mesh stainless filter, removable
- Whole pot is dishwasher safe
- Non-slip silicone base
Key specifications
| Teapot | Primula Half Moon, 40 oz, Black |
|---|---|
| Material | Borosilicate glass, protective holder |
| Capacity | 40 oz |
| Infuser | Removable fine-mesh stainless filter |
| Stovetop-safe | Not stated |
| Glaze/enamel statement (maker) | Not applicable; glass |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes, entire teapot |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a large, clear pot for family tea or cold infusions without spending much.
Skip it if you want to heat water in the pot; the listing does not say it can go on the stove.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Good capacity for the price
- Works for hot and cold infusions
- Easy cleanup
Cons
- No stovetop guidance
- Plastic holder around the glass
5. Rishi Simple Brew Glass Teapot, 400 ml – One Cup, No Mess
Rishi is a tea company, and its Simple Brew is a small borosilicate glass pot for one or two cups. The strainer is built into the lid, per the listing: steep, then pour, and the leaves stay in the pot for another steeping. To clean, you unscrew the filter from the lid and wash it.
At 400 ml (13.5 ounces) it is the smallest pot here, sized for a mug of manzanilla before bed or a cup of green tea at a desk. Rishi suggests it for hot or iced tea and says the glass is chosen to avoid thermal shock. It also suggests decanting the tea fully after each steep, which keeps a second infusion from turning bitter.
The listing does not mention the dishwasher or the stove, so hand wash it and boil water in a kettle.
Why we like it
- Strainer built into the lid
- Leaves stay in for re-steeping
- Borosilicate glass
- Right size for one
Key specifications
| Teapot | Rishi Tea Simple Brew (GW116) |
|---|---|
| Material | Borosilicate glass |
| Capacity | 400 ml (13.5 oz) |
| Infuser | Strainer built into the lid |
| Stovetop-safe | Not stated |
| Glaze/enamel statement (maker) | Not applicable; glass |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you drink loose tea alone and want something simpler than a basket and saucer.
Skip it if you ever brew for company; it holds one generous mug.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Pours clean through the lid
- Compact
- From a tea specialist
Cons
- Small capacity
- Care instructions not stated
6. Hario Pure Leaf Glass Teapot, 700 ml – Clean Japanese Design
Hario is a Japanese glassmaker known for coffee and tea gear. Its Pure Leaf teapot is heat-treated glass from the body to the lid to the handle, with a stainless steel mesh strainer inside, per the listing. It is sized at 700 ml, which Hario calls four cups.
The all-glass handle looks clean and has no plastic parts, and the mesh strainer suits loose leaves and small flowers like manzanilla. It is a good middle size between the Rishi for one and the 40-ounce pots.
The listing is short: it does not say whether the pot is stovetop or dishwasher safe, and it lists only a 30-day warranty. Treat it as a steeping pot and hand wash it.
Why we like it
- Heat-treated glass, glass lid and handle
- Stainless steel mesh strainer
- Four-cup size
- From an established Japanese glassmaker
Key specifications
| Teapot | Hario Pure Leaf (CHEN-70T) |
|---|---|
| Material | Heat-treated glass |
| Capacity | 700 ml (4 cups) |
| Infuser | Stainless steel mesh strainer |
| Stovetop-safe | Not stated |
| Glaze/enamel statement (maker) | Not applicable; glass |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you like an all-glass look and brew three or four cups at a time.
Skip it if you want clear care instructions and a longer warranty; the Teabloom states more.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No plastic parts listed
- Mesh strainer for fine herbs
- Mid-size capacity
Cons
- Sparse care information
- 30-day warranty
7. KOOV Ceramic Teapot, 34 oz – A Larger Porcelain Pot
If the Sweese is too small, KOOV’s porcelain pot holds 34 ounces, which KOOV says is enough for six cups. It comes with a stainless steel infuser that gives loose tea room to move and a large handle with space for your fingers, per the listing. The reactive glaze varies from pot to pot.
KOOV states that the pot “is made of durable porcelain, a high-quality, lead-free and non-toxic ceramic that is stronger than stoneware.” As with any ceramic, that is the maker’s own claim. KOOV says it is dishwasher safe and easy to clean by hand, and that it doesn’t stain like many plastic teapots.
The listing does not say whether it can go on the stove, and porcelain teapots generally aren’t made for direct heat, so pour in water from a kettle.
Why we like it
- 34 ounces, about six cups
- Maker states lead-free porcelain
- Stainless steel infuser
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Teapot | KOOV Ceramic Teapot, 34 oz (CH-1-8) |
|---|---|
| Material | Porcelain, reactive glaze |
| Capacity | 34 oz |
| Infuser | Removable stainless steel |
| Stovetop-safe | Not stated |
| Glaze/enamel statement (maker) | “lead-free and non-toxic ceramic” (KOOV) |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a ceramic pot big enough for the whole table.
Skip it if you prefer a long-established maker; KOOV is a newer brand on Amazon.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large ceramic capacity
- Stated lead-free material
- Roomy handle
Cons
- Glaze color varies
- No independent review we could cite
8. Certified International Tunisian Sunset Teapot, 40 oz – Color for the Table
Certified International is a long-running dinnerware company, and its Tunisian Sunset pot is a hand-painted, multicolor ceramic teapot in a folk style that sits happily next to bright Mexican serveware. It holds 40 ounces, enough for one person or up to six, per the listing, and the maker says it pours without drips.
The listing states “No lead and cadmium, making your teapot safe for daily use.” We include it because the maker makes that statement; the FDA advises extra care with brightly decorated ceramics, so buy it new from the maker’s listing rather than secondhand. Certified International also says it keeps tea hot longer and the handle stays cool.
It has no infuser, so add loose tea with a basket or ball, or strain as you pour. The listing does not give dishwasher or stovetop guidance.
Why we like it
- Maker states no lead and cadmium
- Hand-painted design
- 40 ounces for up to six
- Cool-touch handle, per the maker
Key specifications
| Teapot | Certified International Tunisian Sunset (22457) |
|---|---|
| Material | Ceramic, hand painted |
| Capacity | 40 oz |
| Infuser | None |
| Stovetop-safe | Not stated |
| Glaze/enamel statement (maker) | “No lead and cadmium” (Certified International) |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if the pot is part of the table setting and you already own an infuser.
Skip it if you want a built-in strainer; this pot has none.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Bright, festive design
- Large capacity
- Stated lead and cadmium free
Cons
- No infuser
- Care instructions not stated
How to choose a teapot
Decide how many cups you brew, whether you want to heat on the stove, and what the pot is made of.
1. Glass, porcelain or stoneware
Glass shows you the color of the brew, rinses clean, and in a few models goes on the stove. Porcelain and stoneware keep tea hot longer and suit a set table, but they need a glaze, and the glaze is where lead can hide. Glass is the simpler choice if you aren’t sure.
2. Glaze and lead
The FDA warns that some traditional pottery from Mexico labeled “lead free” has been found to contain extractable lead, and that “no amount of washing, boiling, or other process can remove lead from pottery.” Its questions and answers on lead-glazed pottery suggest extra care with handmade, antique, worn and brightly decorated pieces. That is why we list only ceramic pots whose makers state they are lead-free, and quote that statement, and why an old olla de barro of unknown origin is better kept for display than used for drinks, as the FDA suggests for pottery you can’t test or trace to a reliable maker.
3. Capacity
A teacup is about 6 ounces and a mug about 12. A 27-ounce pot serves two mugs; a 40-ounce pot serves four or five teacups. For té de canela for a family, go big.
4. Infuser
A removable infuser lets you lift out the leaves before the tea turns bitter; a press does the same with a plunger. Fine mesh matters for chamomile and broken herbs. A pot without an infuser needs a separate basket or a strainer at the spout.
5. Stovetop or not
Only the Teabloom Celebration here is stated as stovetop safe. Every other pot steeps water you heat in a kettle; Sweese says plainly not to put its pot on a burner. If you want a kettle that also brews, check the maker’s instructions for your type of cooktop.
How we picked these eight teapots
We looked at glass, porcelain and stoneware teapots from established tea-ware and kitchenware makers, sold on Amazon in the United States and in stock when we checked. Materials, capacities, infusers and care come from each Amazon listing; where a figure was missing we wrote “Not stated.” For every ceramic pot we required a lead-free statement from the maker and quoted it.
That rule ruled out several well-known pots. We found no lead-free statement for the glaze on the Price & Kensington Rockingham, RSVP stoneware or London Pottery pots, or for the enamel lining of the Toptier and Iwachu cast iron teapots, so we left them out. A Le Creuset stoneware teapot did not turn up in stock on Amazon when we searched; the Le Creuset items we found were enamel-on-steel kettles, not teapots. We did not find a current, in-depth teapot review from America’s Test Kitchen, and we did not read Wirecutter or the NYT for this guide, so we don’t quote them. We have not used these teapots ourselves.
Teapot questions, answered
What is the best material for a teapot?
Borosilicate glass is easy to clean and lets you see the brew; porcelain keeps tea hotter. Choose glass if you want to heat on the stove, porcelain if the pot sits on the table a while.
What are the best teapot brands?
Teabloom, Bodum, Hario and Rishi make well-regarded glass teapots, and Sweese is widely sold for porcelain. We chose makers whose listings state materials and care clearly.
Which teapot is the most durable?
Cast iron is the heaviest-duty option, but we couldn’t find a maker’s lead-free statement for the enamel linings sold on Amazon, so we don’t list one. Among our picks, the Sweese maker calls its porcelain chip-resistant and sturdier than stoneware, and borosilicate glass resists heat shock but can still break if dropped.
Can I make té de canela in a teapot?
Yes. Simmer cinnamon sticks in a stovetop-safe pot like the Teabloom Celebration, or simmer them in a saucepan and pour the tea into any teapot to serve. Sweeten with piloncillo; our piloncillo guide compares brands.
Is there a good red teapot?
Several of these come in colors; Sweese and KOOV list multiple finishes. Check that the color you pick is the same model with the same lead-free statement, since brightly colored glazes are the ones the FDA asks people to watch.
Our final pick for a pot of tea
Buy the Teabloom Celebration if you want to heat, simmer and serve in one glass pot, or the Bodum Assam to stop the brew at the right strength. Choose the Sweese for a porcelain pot with a stated lead-free body, the Primula for a big glass pot on a budget, and the Rishi Simple Brew for one.
More for tea and hot water: gooseneck kettles, stovetop tea kettles, tea infusers.
On a budget? See our guide to the best value teapots.
Related guide: Best book about tea.
Related guide: Best gifts for tea lovers.
Related guide: Best glass teapot.
Related guide: Teapot vs tea kettle.
For the hot water, see the best electric kettle, and for a cold drink made from the same jamaica flowers, what aguas frescas are. Or let us make the drinks tonight: see our drinks and the menu, or call to order.