Alright, so I finally got my hands on one of those Iwachu cast iron teapot warmers. Been seeing them around, thought I’d give it a try ’cause I hate when my second cup of tea gets cold. You know how it is.
First thing you notice, this thing is heavy. Solid cast iron, feels like it could survive anything. Looks pretty classic too, which is nice. Doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy, that’s for sure.
Getting Started
So, using it is dead simple, really. No complicated instructions needed, which is good ’cause I probably wouldn’t read them anyway.
- First, I grabbed a standard tealight candle. You know, the little metal cup ones.
- Popped it right into the center part of the warmer base. Fits perfectly.
- Then, I lit the candle. Used one of those long lighters, makes it easier than fiddling with matches inside the thing.
Putting it to the Test
Okay, candle’s lit. Little flame going. I had just brewed a pot of sencha in my trusty cast iron pot (not Iwachu, but works fine). Carefully, ’cause the pot’s hot and heavy too, I placed the teapot right on top of the warmer. It sits nice and stable, no wobbling.
And then… I waited. Poured my first cup. Sat back, read a bit. Usually, by the time I want a second cup, the tea’s lukewarm at best. But this time? I went back maybe half an hour later, poured another cup, and it was still properly warm. Not piping hot like the first pour, obviously, but definitely warm enough to enjoy. It just gently keeps that residual heat going.
The Reality of It
It does exactly what it says on the tin. It keeps your already hot tea warm using a tiny candle. Doesn’t make it hotter, doesn’t boil it, just maintains a pleasant temperature for a good while. I probably got a solid hour of warm tea out of it before the candle started to fade. Depends on your candle, I guess.
Things to watch out for? Well, it’s cast iron. It gets hot. The whole thing. Don’t go grabbing it after the candle’s been burning. Let it cool down completely before you try and move it or clean it. Common sense, really.
Cleaning is easy. Once it’s cool, just wipe it down. Sometimes the underside of where the pot sits gets a little bit of soot from the candle. Wipes right off. Take out the spent tealight, chuck it. Done.
So, Worth It?
Yeah, I’d say so. If you like to slowly enjoy a pot of tea, especially cast iron pot tea which holds heat well anyway, this little warmer just extends that enjoyment period. It’s simple, looks good in a rustic sort of way, and it works. No electronics, no fuss. Just a chunk of iron and a candle. Sometimes the old ways are pretty effective. Happy I got it.
