Every now and then, I hear friends complain about burning their hands like 'red-braised pork trotters' when using a gaiwan to brew tea, regardless of whether they're beginners or experts. Is it really that tricky?

Choosing a Gaiwan for Beginners

This type of gaiwan has a flared rim, with the highest water level positioned a good distance from the edge. With this design, even when filled, holding the rim won’t feel too hot.

Reasons for Burning Your Hands

▲This tall gaiwan has little space between the lid and the rim, making it prone to burning your hands.

▲Notice how flat the rim is. The bowl is relatively short. With this design, tea is more likely to spill, and the rim gets hotter.

Another issue is the lid—the knob is recessed and too close to the lid, so pressing it can also burn your fingers.

Water Level

After adding tea leaves to the gaiwan, pour water just enough to cover them. Overfilling will inevitably lead to burns. Moreover, too much water dilutes the tea.

Pouring Technique

▲Hold the gaiwan straight, placing your fingers on the rim without gripping the body. Tilt it slowly over the fairness cup to let the tea flow gently, avoiding contact with your hands.

▲If tilted incorrectly, the tea will flow unevenly, increasing the risk of burns. Being scalded mid-pour forces you to pause, which can over-steep the remaining tea and alter its flavor.