A Bodum Assam cast iron tea press teapot

Bodum Assam Cast Iron Tea Press

I have owned many teapots through the many years of  my drinking green tea. One range of teapots which has become my favorite is the Bodum Assam teapot, more so from a practical point of view. And the one that I use most frequently now is the Bodum Assam cast iron tea press.

If you enjoy drinking green tea from loose leaves, you might like getting one of those cast iron teapots like the Bodum Assam to bring the best out in your tea. Well-favored by connoisseurs, the cast iron teapot has traditionally been used for centuries in Japan where they are known as tetsubins.

Unlike the clay, porcelain or glass teapot, the cast iron teapot are definitely more durable because they do not break so easily. The material of cast iron also allows heat to be more efficiently retained in the teapot and this keeps your tea warmer for a longer period of time. The interior of the teapot is lined with an enamel coating so that the brew is not directly exposed to the iron. They normally come with filters – the preferred choice should be those made of stainless steel. And plastic filters would not be advisable. A good filter should sit firmly in your teapot and not float up while you are brewing.

Which cast iron teapot to buy on Amazon

Amazon offers a wide array of cast iron teapots with well over 300 items in various shapes, colors and designs. So, you are really spoilt for choice here. Many of them are so beautifully designed that they also make excellent gifts for someone who loves tea. But looks or appearance is just one factor. I’m sure you would like to select a cast iron in terms of its performance in brewing your tea and keeping it warm for some time and one that can last for the long term. Below I also provide some tips on how to take care of your cast iron teapot so that it will serve you for many more years to come.

But, how do you really choose a good one that suites your needs and requirements? Take note of the size of the teapot in terms of the ounces of the brew that you will be making or the number of persons whom you will be serving. But going through 300 items may be a daunting task for some. Yes, it can be rather time-consuming. And I fully understand how one must feel in getting a teapot and finding out that your second cuppa is no longer as warm as it should be or that it has become more bitter and astringent. The worst that I came across in researching one product was someone commenting that after just one and a half year of using her cast iron teapot, the interior began flaking off and iron bits appeared in her brew. Yikes!

I have done my research on other teapots for comparison and I highly recommend the Bodum Assam Cast Iron Tea Press as my top pick. The internationally renowned Bodum Company, founded in 1944 in Denmark, specializes in the design and development of innovative office, household and kitchen products. It first developed its Assam teapot in 1991 for the British Tea Council.

What I like

The Bodum Assam cast iron tea press comes with a stainless steel filter which I always recommend as the preferred choice. Moreover, the filter is equipped with a plunger in which all you need to do is to press it down so that the loose leaves are separated from the water so that it stops brewing. Now, this is important. It enables you to control the steeping time. While enjoying your first cup, you do want your teapot to keep the rest of your tea warm but not to over brew it lest your second cuppa turns out to be more bitter and astringent. This innovation is inspired by the same principles in the French coffee press system. And, disposing of the used leaves is easy with the filter.

What I don’t like

The handle of the Bodum Assam tea press is also made of iron. So it is also hot while keeping your brew hot. It is advisable to use a kitchen glove while pouring out from it.

Bodum Assam Cast Iron Tea Press Reviews

Reviewers are happy with their Bodum Assam tea press in brewing that perfect cup of tea and keeping it warmer for a longer period of time. They also like the stainless steel filter and the plunger press system. Two of the reviewers commented on the durability of the teapot with one saying that it would “last a lifetime.” One reviewer, however, mentioned that she found the teapot to be heavier than her normal teapot but nevertheless was glad that she purchased it.

For 1 or 2 persons
Bodum Assam 17-ounce cast iron tea press with stainless steel filter

For more persons
Bodum Assam 34-ounce cast iron tea press with stainless steel filter

Caring for your cast iron teapot

Although the solid cast iron teapots are known for their durability they are by no means damage-proof. Unlike the tetsubin cast iron teapots of old, the modern ones are not made for boiling water over the stove. It is better to boil water in a separate kettle and then pour the hot water into the teapot to start brewing.

After using the pot, rinse off with normal or warm water without using any soap or detergent. Avoid using any scrub so as not to damage the enamel or even the exterior coating.

Being made of iron, rusts do appear sometimes on your cast iron teapots especially when the outer coating of paint is damaged. To deter rusting, once in a while, you can always apply a layer of coating of an edible oil such as olive oil to the exterior of the teapot. Take special note of those hard- to- reach places like the corners and the part where the spout is joined to the teapot.

Buy from Amazon
Bodum Assam 17-ounce cast iron tea press with stainless steel filter

Bodum Assam 34-ounce cast iron tea press with stainless steel filter

Filed under: Teapots & Accessories

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