Best teapots

Top pick: ForLife Stump Teapot with Infuser (18 oz). It's the one I'd hand most people: a built-in infuser for loose leaf, a drip-free spout, and a sturdy ceramic body that shrugs off daily use — and owners rate it very highly.

Who the others suit:

• Bodum Assam — the classic glass press-pot teapot; best if you like watching the leaves steep and want a big pot for a crowd.
• Simple Brew Loose Leaf Teapot — glass with a stainless strainer lid; ideal for gongfu-style sipping and easy to see strength.
• Smith Teamaker Teapot — a generous 25 oz pot for sharing a whole leaf tea session.
• Tetsubin Cast Iron Teapot — for anyone who wants heat to hold for ages and likes the Japanese look.
• Two-Cup Travel Teapot Set — small ceramic pot plus cups in a pouch; the pick for travel or a desk.
• Certified International Winter Blooms — a cheerful ceramic pot if you want something decorative on the table.
• Ichendorf Botanica — a design piece for serving rather than heavy brewing.

Skip glass pots if you want stovetop heating — most are hand-wash and not stove safe.