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The great thing about tea is it tastes great, is great for your health and it’s budget friendly.  

Every so often I get a little bored with my tea prep and willingly look for ways to complicate things.  When I received a humongous gift certificate a few years ago I drove myself crazy deciding what to get.  Finally I chose and made one of those buys that basically makes no sense and you never really understand why you actually did.  

I had to buy something - I didn’t want to be one of those people that doesn’t use their gift cert, so I chose the Staub Round Cast Iron Teapot in Black .  The teapot retails for over $119 but unfortunately it lacks the basics I’m looking for in a teapot/kettle. 

For starters the stainless steel handles cannot be handled when hot… I really don’t have time to fool with oven mitts or third degree burns.  Also I want to leave extra water in it and put it in the dishwasher every so often which is not possible.  I normally leave my teapot on my stovetop so it does get greasy and cooking stuff on it.  Another thing that bugs me is there is no whistle because the pour spot is open.

The only good thing is I do love the way it looks, I think it’s got a great style and character but the functionality is seriously lacking.  I found this to be an expensive and impractical tea kettle for my needs.  I often turn to my trusty pot to prepare my tea water.

Keep on steeping!