Tea & Metal: Is It Ok to Make Tea in a Metal Container?

When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of tea, the tools we use can make all the difference. Metal teaware is a blend of tradition and innovation. From the sturdy cast iron kettles to the elegant Moroccan teapots, metal has carved its niche in the hearts of tea enthusiasts worldwide. Besides the charm and efficiency, you might wonder: how safe is it to make tea with it? Do these elegant teaware really stand up to scrutiny, or could they potentially be harmful to you? Join us as we dive into the world of metal teaware, exploring its benefits, safety, and the delightful experience it brings to every sip.

Metal Teaware Types: Kettles, Thermoses, Teapots

Metal teaware includes a variety of items such as kettles, teapots, spoons, strainers, trays and even teacups. However, you may wonder if these pieces of teaware have any negative effects on your tea and your health, potentially leaching harmful chemicals. The following are the most common examples of metal teaware that may affect your tea the most.

Kettles

Kettles are mainly made of stainless steel and can be electric or for the stovetop kettle. They aren't meant for steeping tea, but heating water. Modern electric ones are usually made of stainless steel.

An interesting type of metal kettle, usually a stovetop kettle, is the copper kettle, which can soften the water, especially tap water.

Another material used for kettles is cast iron. This is used for the traditional Japanese kettles known as tetsubin. These kettles are typically heavy and well-insulated, which helps to retain heat longer than other types of kettles.

Besides these, Russian samovars and Turkish stacked teapots (çaydanlık) are other exquisite traditional types of teaware, combining a kettle and a teapot into a single device.

A samovar is essentially a metal vessel designed for heating water and brewing tea. The term "samovar" translates literally to "self-boiler," originating from two Russian words: "sam," which means "itself," and "varit," meaning "to boil."

The traditional Turkish stacked tea kettle takes this concept to another level. It consists of a larger kettle at the bottom for boiling water and a smaller teapot on top for brewing a rich tea concentrate. As the smaller teapot is indirectly heated to brew tea, minimizes the risk of scorching the leaves, which results in a smoother flavor. The boiled water in the larger teapot can be used to make the flavour of the tea lighter.

Russian samovars and Turkish stacked teapots can be made from a variety of metals such as copper, silver, iron, or stainless steel.

Teapots

Moroccan teapots are the primary example of the metal teapot category. Often made of silver, brass or silver plated, these teapots are characterised by their elegant, curvy shapes, intricate designs, and engravings. They have a distinctive long spout that allows for a graceful pour, essential for the traditional Moroccan tea ceremony.

In recent years, cast iron teapots resembling tetsubin kettles, have also seen a surge of interest. These have an inner enamel coating to prevent rust, which makes cleaning more manageable, and ensure the tea's flavour remains unaffected.

Another type of metal teapot is the Sichuan longspout teapot. As the name suggest it has a very long spout (usually between 60-90cm) and are used to pour tea in an artistic and spectacular way. They're used by martial artist for practicing kungfu and tea pouring at the same time.

While the martial art of longspout teapots used to be in decline, nowadays it's been revived due to strong interests in such performances. The art of the longspout teapot pouring performance can still be observed in tourist spots and restaurants in the Sichuan province of China. As a poem by Zhe Gui Ling goes:

Observe the pure copper and the light silk ribbon.
A dragon playing in the water, a phoenix flying through the clouds, and a civet cat climbing a tree.
A white line flew out of the long beak, and eyebrows were raised on the table.
You were moved, but not a drop was splashed, not a single drop was missed.

Thermos

Invented in 1892 by a Scottish chemist, the thermos is also known as a vacuum flask. It typically consists of two walls with a vacuum that minimises heat transfer by conduction or convection. The internal wall is usually made of stainless steel, while the external can be metal or plastic.

There are also thermoses made of glass. Although convenient for having tea on the go, thermoses can be tricky: they are difficult to clean, and the rubber seal may get mold if not properly cleaned and dried. Moreover, keeping your hot tea in these flasks for a prolonged time may results in a bitter and astringent taste. At last, it may destroy vitamins and cause a loss of aroma for certain teas.

Metal Teaware Properties

What are the properties of the primary metals used for teaware? In this section, we will explore the advantages and potential drawbacks as well as harmful effects of four of the most common metals used for tea vessels.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is an alloy composed mainly of iron (ca. 95%). Kettles made from this material are highly valued for their exceptional heat retention and for providing a smoother, sweeter tea experience.

While cast iron teapots are usually enamelled, iron-cast kettles (Japanese tetsubin) aren’t. Having said that, un-enamelled or enamelled iron cast is safe to use, as iron isn't considered harmful to the human body. There is just one main downside of iron cast teaware: there are several rules you must follow to maintain them in good status and prevent rust. You may be surprised, but rust is not harmful when ingested in small quantities, but it's definitely not something you want to taste in your tea.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the most widely used material for metal teaware due to its affordability and high resistance to corrosion and temperature variation. Moreover, it is durable and requires very little maintenance. Most electric kettles and thermoses are made with this material.

As tea is slightly acidic, some believe if made in stainless steel teaware, it may cause corrosion and leach harmful chromium into the beverage, potentially impacting human health. However, this is incorrect as corrosion and chromium leaching can only occur under specific industrial conditions, and won't happen in normal daily use.

Copper

Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, which is why copper kettles allow water to boil faster than glass or stainless steel kettles, saving both time and energy. Teaware made of it is also durable and rust-resistant. Furthermore, copper has natural antibacterial properties and can soften water, making tea taste smoother and more mellow. Copper does not retain tea flavours, ensuring a pure taste.

However, copper is toxic when ingested and may lead to allergies and poisoning. Therefore, it's important to ensure that your copper teaware is appropriately lined and free of dents. Regular maintenance is required to prevent tarnishing, and care must be taken to avoid scratches.

Silver

Silver is commonly used to create various tea utensils, including teapots, pitchers, teacups, tea strainers, and storage jars. Silver is very ductile and malleable and has the highest thermal conductivity of all metals. It tarnishes quickly when exposed to air. Unlike other materials, silver does not impart any unwanted flavours. It is a noble metal, which means it is very non-reactive chemically; thus, the chances of leaching are almost nonexistent.

Still, you should know whether your silverware is made out of silver or just silver-plated. For the latter, be cautious not to wear or chip the silver coat to avoid contact between underneath metal and your tea/water.

Summing up

While under specific conditions, low-quality metal kettles and teapots may leach harmful metals into your tea, high-quality metal teaware is safe for your health. Their sturdy construction ensures durability, making them a reliable investment for your daily tea rituals. Moreover, some metals such as copper can enhance your tea, softening the water and accentuating the aromas.

However, some vessels, especially copper and cast iron ones, are require maintenance and care to keep them in the best condition and avoid any alteration. Luckily, for some tea connoisseurs, cleaning them is a ritual that enhances their tea experience. In contrast, for those who prefer a more low-maintenance approach or want to eliminate any chance of heavy metal traces in their tea, high-quality glassware may be a better option. They're easier to use and maintain, providing a hassle-free tea experience.