A cast iron teapot asks for very little, but what it asks for matters. Most of its care comes down to one habit: drying it well. Get that right, and the rest is simple.
One thing to know first: cast iron teapots don’t all follow exactly the same rules. Some can go on the hob, some can’t, and the first use differs from one pot to another. The guide below covers what they share, then what changes.
Before the first use
Each of our cast iron teapots has its own first-use routine, described on its product page:
| Teapot | Before first use | On the hob? |
|---|---|---|
| Hobnail | Season it with tea: fill just under halfway with water, add about 8 g of tea leaves, simmer gently for 5 minutes and pour away. Repeat three times. | A gentle hob for seasoning only, with water inside |
| Plum Blossom | Rinse, fill to about 70% with fresh water, bring to the boil over a gentle heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Pour away and repeat two or three times. | Electric hobs only, over a gentle heat. Not for gas or open flame |
| Golden Tree | Rinse several times with boiling water, then pour it away. | Gas and electric, over a gentle heat, to heat water |
| Flat | Rinse the pot and infuser with hot water two or three times. | No: heat your water in a kettle |
Whenever a pot goes on the hob, take the infuser out first, keep water inside and use a gentle heat.
Everyday care: rinse, empty, dry
- Rinse with warm water only. No soap or detergent, and don’t scrub the inside. A light tea residue may build up over time: that is normal.
- Empty it after each use. Never leave water or tea in the pot overnight.
- Let it dry completely. Take off the lid and let the warmth of the iron dry the inside. Wipe the rim, the lid and the spout with a tea towel so no water is left behind.
- Store it somewhere dry, especially if you won’t use it for a while.
The Plum Blossom Tea Cups follow the same idea: rinse by hand in warm water and dry them straight away, inside and out.
What to avoid
- The dishwasher. None of our cast iron pieces are dishwasher safe.
- Heating the pot empty. Always keep water inside if it goes on the hob.
- Sudden changes of temperature. Never cool a hot pot with cold water: it can crack cast iron.
- Oil, salt and hard knocks. Keep the pot away from them, and from sharp objects that could mark it.
And remember that the body, lid and handle get hot once the pot is filled. Keep a cloth to hand when you pour or lift the lid.
What to do about rust
A little rust on cast iron is common, usually where water was left inside. It is simple to treat on the pots that can go on the hob:
- Plum Blossom and Golden Tree: boil fresh water in the pot two or three times, then dry it well.
- Hobnail: season it again with tea, as for the first use, two or three times (simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, never letting it boil dry). Then boil fresh water in it once or twice before brewing.
The Flat Cast Iron Teapot isn’t made for the hob, so drying it fully after every use is the best way to keep it rust-free. If you notice rust on yours, write to us at contact@ooloteaware.com.
A pot that rewards a little care
Rinse, empty, dry: that is most of it. In return, a cast iron teapot holds its warmth well once filled, and brings a quiet weight to the table.
Still choosing? Read our comparison of glass or cast iron teapots, or browse all our cast iron teapots.