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Do you know which is your favorite teapot? Which one might best fit your personal use? Don't worry if you're not sure because you wouldn't be the first person in this kind of situation. The only kind that we knew of at first was made of glass and the second was ceramic...
What you need is information in regards to how they differ from one another. This way, you can make an informed choice when you buy one or decide that it's the right one for you. After all, not everyone likes the same tea, and not everyone likes the same teapot either. Have fun choosing which one is right for you!
Yixing:
For centuries in China, tea has been brewed in small pots now commonly known as Yixing or zisha (meaning purple clay).
Their uniqueness comes from the fact that the inside is never glazed. Each time that they are used, the walls of the pot absorb some of the oil from the tea. Over time, this special quality will enhance the flavor, color and aroma of fine tea. Hence, it is best to drink only one kind of tea out of these special pots.Seeing three Yixing pots on a shelf is rather common as one will be used for Chinese green teas, another for Oolong teas, and the third for pu-erh and black teas.
These pots have a long and rich history. They are often collected and treasured by their owners. Each is a unique work of art. Some were designed by famous artists which makes them truly unique. Also, the natural, unglazed Zi sha clays are lead free, retain heat well, and are known to brew the best tea.
They can be found in the round traditional form, but they can also be found in animal shaped forms. Some common shapes have a dragon design on it, some of them have a dragon body for the handle. Others are in the form of a fish. The variety is endless and you can really find the one that will fit you taste.
Antique:
These can be really expensive. Some are from the Qing Dynasty, Ming Dynasty, The Republic of China, etc. If there is a seal on the bottom of the pot, it will be worth even more as it indicates that the item is truly authentic. These are either collectible or functional or can be both. Make sure that you know whether they can be both or not. You wouldn't want to ruin it!
Also, for certain of these antiques, the price is not mentioned. In that case, whoever is selling them will be providing you with a price after you have contacted them.
A Word on Modern Designs:
Teapots have lasted throughout time. And has time passed, the forms of have evolved. Today, you can still find the traditional pots, but you can also find some that are very intriguing and distinguished in their unique form. Though the designs may be different today, they are still made out of the original materials such as ceramic, porcelain, Zisha clay, etc.
If you enjoy seeing something a tad out of the ordinary, try one of the modern designs.
Cast Iron:
There is nothing quite like a cast iron teapot. Beautiful and enduring, and yet, perfect for everyday use. However, these are not for stove top use. Do not use detergents, otherwise, you will brew a tea that will taste like soap. (yuk!) Wipe clean with a damp cloth only. Then, let dry thoroughly.
What is also really cool about these is that they are literally impossible to break. These are great if your children like to have tea parties of their own. They have fun and you rest assure that you are not going to hear the horrified cries as a teacup or the pot is accidentally broken.
The designs on the walls of the pot will vary. Each symbol means a different thing. Choose the one that fits you and your lifestyle or that fits your family. You could even give it to a friend for a special occasion. (Make sure to choose the one that fits the occasion.)
Blue cast iron teapot with coin symbols: Represents prosperity.
Dragonfly symbol: Represents new beginnings, good fortune and long marriage. (Great for a wedding gift!)
Dragon symbol: Represents power, strength and good luck. (Great for the beginning of a business.)
Gourd symbol: Represents good health and long life. (Really good for an anniversary.)
Hobnail pattern: Represents strength.
Horse symbol: Represents intelligence and leadership ability. (Very nice as a present to someone who's doing well in life.)
Maple Leaf symbol: Represents growth.
Monkey symbol: Represents quick wit and high spirits. (want to show one of your friends that their occasional well-meaning jokes are appreciated--most of the time that is!)
Pine Needle pattern: Represents friendship and long life. (Want to get back in touch with some of your best friends?)
Rooster symbol: Represents high energy and the warrior's spirit.
Rabbit symbol: Represents happiness, fertility, good luck and family. (Great for an anniversary present.)
Shogun Warrior's Armor pattern: Represents strength and courage.
Porcelain:
These have lasted throughout time. They represent finesse. 
Fragile and yet, so distinguished. Today, porcelain tea sets can be found in England, China, and many other countries. But the most famous of all porcelain is the China porcelain. The prices vary from very affordable to very expensive. The prices really depend on the quality of the porcelain. Of course, the better quality, the more expensive it is.
You can reserve the porcelain when you have important people come over, but you can also use them with your friends. Just keep an eye on how they are being handled. You wouldn't want one of them to be accidentally broken.
Samovar:
The samovar is an interesting kind of teapot. It is a heated metal container which was traditionally used to heat and boil water in Russia, as well as in other Slavic nations, Iran and Turkey. Since the heated water is usually used for making tea, many samovars have an attachment on top of its lid to hold and heat a teapot filled with tea concentrate. They can bring quite a charm to your home and will rouse the curiosity of more than one individual. Don't hesitate to display it where it can be seen. But if you have children, do be careful where you place it. You wouldn't want it to get accidentally broken.
Ceramic:
These can be used on a regular basis and will look great in your kitchen.
They are original and have a distinguished air. You can find them in different colors and shapes too! From the basic ceramic teapot, they have evolved to some pretty intense shapes. It's up to you if you go for the traditional one or the newly designed ones. Either are great!
For one or two?
If you're a regular tea drinker and it's often just you who drinks tea, then you might want to consider this kind of teapot. This way, you don't have to worry about having made too much tea. You can drink your fill without wasting anything. And the way that these teapots are made are very cool.
Glass:
These are quickly becoming the most popular. Sturdy glass walls convey the beauty of the brewing process. And if you love flowering tea, this kind of teapot is the way to go because you can watch the brewing process unfold before your eyes. Watching a flowering tea is a true delight that you cannot afford to miss. (Makes great gifts too!)
Don't forget that glass teapots are not made for stove top use. You have to boil the water in a kettle first.
Silver:
These originated in Europe and became popular in the 1700s due to their durability and ability to retain heat. Simple globular shaped designs soon gave way to straight-sided silver teapots. These in turn were replaced by the oval shaped teapots of the 1770's. By the 1780's footed silver teapots appeared, designed to protect tabletops from heat scarring. But today, these bring a distinguished taste to one's home.
Kettles:
Kettles come in all sorts of fun shapes and colors. It's crazy what new forms those can come in! Keep in mind that copper
bottom kettles heat faster and keep the water warmer for longer. (What an energy saver!)
Don't forget that most teapots are not for stove top use. That's where the kettle comes in. Use it to boil the water and then pour it into your teapots.
Copper kettle:Ah... these copper kettles. They've lasted throughout time and will still be here for a long while. For those of you who prefer to use a copper kettle, no worries, they aren't going anywhere and will always be of great use. Don't forget that most teapots are not for stove top use. That's where the copper kettle comes in.
Electric teapot:
These are brand new! You put in the tea and water and press a button and it pretty much does everything else on it's own. The tea is brewed to perfection. You just sit back and enjoy your tea!
We hope that you have found which kind of teapot fits you best!
