Kayla select said

First Gaiwan

Hello all,
I am finally at a point where I can take the time to expand my tea knowledge, collection, and invest in teaware (I’m SO excited for this next chapter in my tea adventure!). I am curious as to what types of Gaiwans you have used and your thoughts. I took a quick peek at http://www.aliexpress.com/ and found that they are made of several different materials and I do not know where to start.

11 Replies

boychik said

I like this one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chinese-GongFu-Porcelain-Five-Blessings-Hand-Grabbed-Gaiwan-teacup-teapot-130ml-/351106606948?hash=item51bf95a764

Also there is a bunch of threads regarding gaiwans, the most recent one
http://steepster.com/discuss/11569-help-the-newb-gaiwans-and-pitchers-and-cups-oh-my

Kayla select said

Thanks for the link to the thread!

boychik said

One thing i recommend you – do not buy cheap thin gaiwan, or glass gaiwan. they are impossible to hold, you will burn yourself. Easy gaiwan is great for the beginner. its thick, easy to grab, you dont have to tilt the lid. Also you should not get bigger than 120-130ml if you are the only drinker ;)

LuckyMe said

I second the recommendation to buy an easy gaiwan. It’s more user-friendly and you are less likely to burn your fingers with it, particularly during gongfu sessions. It’s my primary brewing vessel now for all kinds of tea.

Kayla select said

oooh, I’m happy you said something boychick. I liked the look of the glass ones! And it sounds like I may need more than one gaiwan then! Thanks to both, I will narrow my search to easy gaiwans :D

Ubacat said

I agree with everyone here. The easy gaiwans are the best. I would recommend having a tiny one – 70ml and one a bit bigger. As for the glass gaiwan- yes you can burn your fingers BUT it’s great for green teas. I love to see the leaves.

AllanK said

I’m very fond of this gaiwan. It has a metal mesh brewing basket if you choose to use it, or you can use it without the basket. The seller is excellent and always ships the next or same day.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-120ml-GongFu-Tea-Porcelain-Ceramic-Poetry-Hand-Grabbed-Gaiwan-teacup-teapot-/331310004531

ZhenTea said

I love simple white porcelain gaiwans. White inside makes it easier to see the color of the tea leaves and liquor. Easy gaiwan is a really beginner friendly, but I feel gaiwan is a better investment. Once you pass the phase of following the standard brewing instructions and start to explore how to bring out the best of each tea by brewing, gaiwan begins to show its advantages. But either way, I think a brewing basket/filter is really useful.

__Morgana__ said

That’s what I have. Plain, white, and simple.

kieblera5 select said

I like the gaiwan from white2tea.. I own two of them (one for work, one for home). It’s wider, so I like that it’s easier to pour than another one I have that’s taller. Might not fit your hands well, though, if they’re smaller.

Imperial Tea Court said

Spring Bouquet Gaiwan

http://www.imperialtea.com/Spring-Bouquet-Gaiwan-p/gaiwans002.htm

First Gaiwan

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