I'm a little tea pot short and stout!

I love teapots, one might even say I have a slight obsession when it comes to them.  As a collector and owner of more than 60 teapots I think I may be able speak quite confidently on the topic of what makes a good or great teapot.

So here is my top ten tips for what to look out for when buying a new teapot:-

1. Do you like watching your tea brew? If so, a glass teapot is definitely the right choice for you. If you don't mind, then a ceramic or metal pot is good.

2. Size matters! Is it big or small enough for the number of cups you want each brew? Are you regularly making tea for the whole family, for just you and your partner, or are you wanting something just for your own personal quiet times?

3. If it is a Tea for One or a Tea for Two (where the teapot sits on the cup) how wide is the rim of the cup? The wider the rim of the cup, the quicker your tea will cool once it’s poured.

4. If you can, try the pour of the pot. Does it dribble from the spout (or the lid) or does it pour cleanly?

5. Does the lid stay on the pot as you pour? There’s nothing more infuriating than a teapot lid that keeps falling off as you pour.

6. If it has an internal infuser basket, can you remove the infuser and still have the lid stay in place when you pour - especially if it makes more than one cup.

7. If you're a tea cosy type, is the shape of the teapot going to be suitable for your cosy?   Generally, all cosies are a similar shape, but teapots are not.

8. If you brew fine leaves like Rooibos will it strain the leaves or will you need an extra finer tea strainer?

9. Would you prefer a Tea Wee (Handy Brew), Teapot or Tea Press? Choices, choices, choices…!

10. If you go for aesthetics, will the teapot match your other china? Sometimes plain is best and goes with everything.

Teapots are fabulous and every home should have one.

Happy sipping,

Anthea