Teapot Iwachu Kanbin 350 ml Red

Product description Teapot Iwachu Kanbin 350 ml Red

The enameled Iwachu Kanbin tea kettle comes from Morioka, Japan, where it is handcrafted by the family-run company Iwachu – one of the leading manufacturers of Nanbu Tekki cast iron ware. Its shape is inspired by the traditional Japanese kanbin vessel, which has been used for centuries to gently warm sake. The surface features the arare pattern – small raised bumps characteristic of Nanbu Tekki cast iron ware and a hallmark of its traditional aesthetic.

Cast iron that holds the heat

Cast iron is a material with an exceptional ability to absorb and retain heat. As a result, tea brewed in the Iwachu Kanbin stays hot significantly longer than in a porcelain or ceramic teapot. The walls heat evenly and continue to hold the temperature even after pouring into a cup.

The interior of the kettle is coated with an enamel layer. This protects the cast iron from corrosion, prevents any impact on the flavor of the drink, and makes cleaning easier. The Iwachu Kanbin therefore differs from uncoated Japanese tetsubin, which are designed for direct heating over a flame and require more specific care.

Iwachu Kanbin — material, strainer, and practical features

• Japanese cast iron teapot by Iwachu
• Traditional arare pattern characteristic of Nanbu Tekki cast iron
• Artisan craftsmanship that meets strict Japanese quality standards
• Cast iron retains the temperature of brewed tea effectively
• Enamel-coated interior protects against corrosion and makes maintenance easy
• Removable stainless steel strainer for convenient preparation of loose leaf tea
• Textured surface finish

What teas is the Iwachu Kanbin suited for?

Thanks to the removable stainless steel strainer, the kettle is well suited for brewing loose leaf tea. With a capacity of 350 ml — roughly two cups — it's ideal for a personal brew or sharing between two people.

The enamel interior doesn't affect the flavor of the drink, so the kettle can be used with a wide variety of teas — black, green, herbal, and fruit blends alike. Steeping time is easy to control simply by removing the strainer.

Read more about tea rituals on our blog.

Our tip: preheat the kettle before brewing

The cast iron walls of a cold kettle will absorb some of the heat from the water when you pour it in — lowering the temperature of your brew before steeping even begins. To avoid this, preheat the kettle before making tea: pour in hot water, let it sit for a minute, discard the water, and then proceed with brewing. This step is especially worthwhile for green tea, which is sensitive to water temperature and benefits noticeably from the extra care.

To keep the tea warm while serving, you can also use a teapot warmer with a tea light candle.

How to care for a cast iron teapot with an enamel interior

• Before first use, rinse the kettle several times with hot water.
• Do not place the kettle directly over a flame — this can damage the enamel coating.
• After use, rinse with clean water. Do not use dish soap or abrasive cleaning tools.
• The kettle is not suitable for use in a microwave or dishwasher.

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