A kettle is ...

A teapot is a dishware with a spout, a lid and a handle, used to boil and brew tea. The history of the first teapots originates in ancient China, where even before our era vessels were made of special clay, mined in the province of Yixing. The unique properties of this clay made it possible not only to withstand high boiling points, but also provided an air flow, and allowed the liquid to "breathe".

There is an assumption that the first teapots were just clay vessels for storing and transporting tea leaves to overseas countries. With the opening of cast iron, it became possible to cast durable dishes that retain heat for a long time. The next step was to reach the European level; by the end of the 18th century, German and Dutch craftsmen had learned to make luxurious specimens from fine porcelain and silver.

Thus began the story of the birth of a modern teapot, which today is in every home. Let's figure out what they are and what they are used for.

For stove

The very first and uncomplicated samples for heating water on an electric and gas stove or an open fire. Most often they are made by cast technology: molten liquid metal is poured into the mold, after cooling of which, the finished product is obtained. A distinctive feature of this type is reliability and a long service life, which is why they are widely used in the army and in marching conditions.

For brewing

Represent small capacities for infusion of tea leaves and herbs. For their manufacture using a variety of materials:

• Heat-resistant glass;
• Metal;
• Plastic;
• Ceramics (clay, faience, porcelain).

Ceramics contributes to the preservation of the taste of tea and is the subject of luxury, style and personality. The price of such items, especially handmade, is very high, for example, the most expensive item in the world is estimated at 3 million dollars.

IMPORTANT! High-quality ceramic teapots have one secret: they must be equipped with a "water lock". The kettle is equipped with two holes: in the lid and in the spout itself. When pouring a hot drink, you just need to pinch the hole in the lid with your finger and the tea will not pour.

Simpler plastic models are used for everyday use and are several times cheaper than their porcelain brothers. But such budget variations have very dubious heat preservation properties. An alternative can be a glass teapot heated by a candle.

Device:

• With strainerholding tea leaves for a clean drink;
• With metal flask, which makes it possible to adjust the strength of the infusion if you pull it out in time;
• With button (tipot) and two compartments. The flap between the upper and lower parts delays the tea leaves, preventing them from falling. This design is convenient for making tea in the famous Chinese way of strait. Experts allow up to 10 stages of brewing one leaf.

Electric

The most modern and common type. The first simplest models were a hybrid vessel and heating plate. Only in the middle of the 20th century did they acquire modern shapes with a heating element (TEN) and an automatic shut-off function.

Device:

• With an open heating element. Contains an internal spiral for boiling water. The main disadvantage of such devices is the scum on the heating element, leading to most breakdowns;
• With a closed heating element. The presence of the plate at the bottom protects against contact with the liquid, so the service life of the device is significantly increased.

The most common electrical appliances are made of plastic and heat-resistant glass, the latest trends are ceramic specimens with high environmental characteristics. With the advent of new technologies, it became possible to control the process of boiling and maintaining the temperature using a smartphone.

Thermal sweat

Thermopot is a symbiosis of a teapot and a thermos.

IMPORTANT! Water boils in it for about 4 minutes and this, according to scientists, is the ideal time for the death of bacteria and filtering all impurities and chlorine. Special heat-insulating material of the device maintains the required temperature for several hours. Thermal sweets often have a control element, a display and a manual pump for bottling.

Each teapot model serves its purpose. To comply with the best traditions of tea ceremonies and enjoy the whole spectrum of aroma of a noble drink, dishes made from natural materials are suitable. The most functional and convenient household appliance will be. Large families and economical people will appreciate the functionality and convenience of thermal sweats.