Gaiwan vs teapot
The first equipment decision that changes what you can taste, and the one most often made in the wrong order. The gaiwan is cheaper than most people expect and shows more of a tea than any pot will.
brewing method
What is being compared
Point by point
| Aspect | Gongfu brewing (gaiwan) | Western brewing (teapot or mug) |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 100–150 ml. | 400–1,000 ml. |
| Leaf ratio | 5–7 g per 100 ml. | 1–1.5 g per 100 ml. |
| What it shows | How a tea changes across six or more infusions. | The tea’s average character in one cup. |
| Cost | Low. A porcelain gaiwan is among the cheapest tea items there is. | Varies widely. |
| Learning curve | Real — the lid grip takes practice and the vessel gets hot. | None. |
The short answer
Buy a gaiwan before anything else if you want to taste what a good tea is doing. Buy a teapot if you want a pot of tea, which is a legitimate and different goal.
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