Stellar teapot - worthy of the name (Stellar Classic Continental Teapot)

Member Name: dmandrew

Product:	Stellar Classic Continental Teapot
Date:	26/03/08 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to clean, variety of sizes, perfect pour, safe to use

Disadvantages: Quite expensive

Stellar Classic Continental teapots are available in four sizes:
12oz - 0.3L (2 - 3 teacups or 2 mug)
20oz - 0.5L (4 teacups or 3 mugs)
38oz - 1.0L (8 teacups or 5 mugs
62oz - 1.7L (12 teacups or 8 mugs)
I have calculated this to the nearest cup or mug, allowing for milk - obviously you can eke it out a bit!

Teapots don't generally have many features as such, so you will want to know what it is like to use, whether it keeps its shining stainless steel good looks, whether it's well made, whether the handle gets too hot to hold, whether it pours well without dripping.

These teapots are made from 18/10 stainless steel. The manufacturers say they can be put in the dishwasher, though we happen not to. As with all teapots, always rinse it out if you have used detergent. We just rinse ours out, as the tannin colouring that accumulates inside generally enhances the flavour of the tea.

The generous lid on the top is held on by a strong pin hinge that looks as if it will last. We've had ours for five years and it's as good as when we got it.

It's easy to fill with water - and the lid has two other features (hey, it has got some, after all!)- a solid ball for a central handle, so that you don't get burned, and a steam release hole, so that you don't get scalded when refilling from the steam built up inside.
The carrying handle extends an inch and a half away form the main body, reducing heat conduction, and the part of it that you hold on to is made from hollow, shaped stainless steel, again reducing greatly the danger of heat injuries. It's not too hot to hold, and your fingers are kept away from the hot sides of the teapot.

As it's made from quality stainless steel, it is very easy to keep clean. The best way is with a warm damp cloth, with a bit of washing up liquid if you need to, and then you can finish off with a cotton cloth or bit of kitchen paper to keep the shiny finish looking good.
Most importantly, does it pour well, without that really annoying dripping? You would think that all manufacturers could get this right, once someone has hit on the right design for a spout that does the business, wouldn't you? Well, the Stellar passes with flying colours - you get a perfect pour every time. We have the big pot because we like a lot of tea (so it's been thoroughly tested!) and I can't therefore speak for the others, but I would expect them to be just as good.

Cost - they're not that cheap, but they will last as long as you want them do. Typical prices are £29, £33, £40 and £50 for the four different sizes.

2009 update - still looks fabulous: just being cleaned on the outside with warm soapy water does the trick!

Summary: Smart teapot that pours perfectly