The Best Tea Set

Buying Guide

Brewing and enjoying a hot cup of tea is a ritual many people love. Whether it’s something you start your day with or a pick-me-up after a long day’s work, the process of tea-making and drinking provides a few quiet moments to look forward to every day. While it’s easy to drop tea in a mug with water that’s been microwaved, it’s something special when it’s made in a teapot as part of a tea set. This elevates a simple beverage into a warm and welcoming tradition.

When shopping for a tea set, it’s important to start by thinking about the different elements you want. Not all tea sets include the same items. For example, some simple tea sets include a teapot with a milk or cream jug and a sugar pot while others come with teacups and saucers. Some also go a step further and include side plates and cake stands.

For many, the most important part of the tea set is the teapot. Consider what size pot you need based on how many cups of tea you plan to brew at a time. For example, if you typically drink two or three cups of tea at one time — or share a cup with someone else — you’ll need a smaller pot.

On the other hand, if you’re making tea regularly for a family, or plan to make enough tea to last the day, you may prefer to brew six to eight cups of tea at a time. Keep in mind that if you use loose-leaf tea, it can be steeped multiple times with the same leaves, so you can simply add more hot water to the teapot if you need to.

Some tea drinkers are very particular about the type of teacup they use, so pay attention to the ones that come with the tea set. For example, you may want a tea cup with a wide rim so you can feel the warmth and aroma of the tea. You may prefer an Asian-style teacup, a small cup that comes without handles, and is meant to be filled only 70% to the top for easy handling without spilling.

However, a teacup shouldn’t be too large; you don’t want to pour too much tea out into it at a time, since it will get cold. It’s best to take multiple smaller servings of tea than one large one from the teapot, so the tea can stay at its optimal temperature for longer.

Tea sets come in all shapes and sizes and are made from many materials. You’ll want to consider porcelain versus ceramic, spout shape and construction (to prevent dribbling or gurgling), whether or not you’d like an infuser included and aesthetics. Do you prefer a more classic style or something contemporary and beautiful? Ultimately, your choice depends on your preference, but no matter what you like, you’re bound to find something that will suit you.

• Consistent heat in a tea pot is essential to getting a good cup of tea. Glass tea pots look beautiful, but they typically don’t retain heat as well as other materials. Glass also feels hot to the touch and can be hard to hold. Ceramic and porcelain are good options for tea pots because they are good at retaining heat.
• If you use loose leaf tea but don’t like to have stray leaves floating around in your teacup, opt for a tea set that comes with an infuser. This is a small basket that goes inside the teapot and holds the tea leaves in the water. You can simply pull out the infuser when the tea is brewed.
• When it comes to care and maintenance, many tea sets will be hand-wash only. Keep this in mind, especially if you plan to use them often. Some will be more durable and will be able to go into the dishwasher on a regular basis. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make your tea set last.