Smith Teamaker Teapot vs ForLife Stump Teapot with Infuser

Buy the ForLife Stump if you want a durable, dishwasher-safe everyday pot with a hinged lid and a finer infuser. Buy the Smith Teamaker if you want a larger ceramic pot with a no-drip spout and a more decorative look for serving. The ForLife has the stronger track record: 4.9 from 273 ratings versus 4.8 from 57, and its 0.3 mm mesh handles fine teas better. The Smith holds more tea per brew and its spout pours cleanly, but it needs hand washing and holds less than its size suggests for two mugs.

• Choose the Smith Teamaker if you want a bigger, good-looking ceramic pot with a no-drip spout for serving two people at the table.
• Choose the ForLife Stump if you want a tough, dishwasher-safe pot with a hinged lid and an extra-fine infuser for fine loose-leaf teas.