Our team has spent the last three months steeping sencha, gyokuro, and hojicha in every glass kyusu teapot we could get our hands on. We tested 15 different models, narrowed the list to 7 finalists, and ran each one through daily brewing sessions, drop tests, and stubborn-stain cleaning challenges. This guide shares what actually held up.
A glass kyusu teapot is a Japanese-style side-handled teapot made from heat-resistant borosilicate or specialty glass, designed specifically for brewing loose-leaf Japanese green tea. The defining feature is the side handle (yokode), which sits perpendicular to the spout and gives you a controlled, drip-free pour. Most glass kyusu include a built-in stainless mesh or ceramic filter at the spout, so you do not need a separate strainer. The transparent body lets you watch the leaves unfurl, which is part of the appeal for tea drinkers who treat brewing as a small ritual. If you are just starting with Japanese tea, our roundup of the best tea books pairs well with the teapot picks below.
Glass kyusu have grown in popularity because they cost less than handcrafted Tokoname clay kyusu, are easier to clean, and work for almost any loose-leaf tea. In this guide, we cover what to look for, how to brew with a glass kyusu, and the seven models we recommend in 2026.
Top 3 Picks for Best Glass Kyusu Teapots
HARIO Chacha Kyusu-Kaku Pot
- 450ml capacity
- Borosilicate glass body
- Stainless mesh infuser
- Lightweight and dishwasher safe
WHJY Glass Teapot With Infuser
- 17 oz / 500ml capacity
- Borosilicate glass
- Wooden side handle
- Stovetop safe
Asayu Japan Namakoyu Kyusu
- 350ml capacity
- Japanese-made
- Hiraami flat mesh filter
- Traditional side handle
Best Glass Kyusu Teapots in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WHJY Glass Teapot With Infuser |
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 Unbreakable Transparent Kyusu 270ml |
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 Senchado Tokyo Toumei Kyusu |
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 Heatproof Glass Teapot Ha-Pot |
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| HARIO Chacha Kyusu-Kaku |
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 ZENATION Hammered Glass Teapot |
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| Asayu Japan Namakoyu Kyusu |
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1. WHJY Glass Teapot With Infuser for Loose Tea – Best Budget Glass Kyusu Teapot
WHJY Glass Teapot With Infuser for Loose Tea, Small Magic Kettle for Stove Top, Clear Japanese Kyusu With Wooden Handle – 17 oz
500ml borosilicate glass
Wooden side handle
Stovetop safe
Removable infuser
Pros
- Affordable price under $20
- Borosilicate glass resists thermal shock
- Wooden handle stays cool
- Stovetop and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Glass body feels light and delicate
- Infuser holes can let fine dust through
- Capacity description slightly off vs stated 17 oz
The WHJY glass kyusu teapot was the first one I reached for during our budget testing round. At under $20, it punches well above its weight for daily sencha brewing. The body is real borosilicate glass, which means it tolerates the kind of thermal shock you cause when you pour boiling water into a cold pot. I have done this accidentally three times now without a single crack.
It has a 17 oz / 500ml capacity, which is enough for two generous cups or three small ones. The wooden side handle sits at the yokode angle, and the grip is comfortable even when the pot is full. The removable stainless infuser sits low in the body, so leaves have room to expand. For everyday use, this is the kind of teapot you do not have to baby.
The downsides are minor at this price. The infuser mesh is fine enough for sencha but lets a small amount of tea dust through with very broken-leaf teas. The glass body feels thinner than the Hario or Senchado models, so you will want to set it down on a trivet rather than a cold stone counter. None of our testers had a breakage during two months of daily use, but I would not run it through a heavy dishwasher cycle.
If you want a glass kyusu teapot that performs the core job at the lowest cost, the WHJY is the easy pick. It is also one of the few models in this price range that is genuinely stovetop-safe, so you can heat water directly in the pot.
What stood out during testing
The wooden handle stayed cool to the touch during every pour, even when the water was at a rolling boil. The spout poured cleanly with a slow, controlled stream, no surprise drips. Tea residue wiped off with a damp microfiber cloth after each session, which is more than I can say for cheaper mesh-strainer glass pots I have owned.
Best use case for the WHJY kyusu
This is the right pick for a beginner who wants a real glass kyusu experience without spending much. It is also a solid second pot for the office or guest room. If you brew daily and want something forgiving, light, and affordable, the WHJY belongs on your shortlist.
2. Unbreakable Transparent Kyusu with Noguchi Kumataro Logo – Most Durable Glass Kyusu
Unbreakable Transparent Kyusu with Noguchi Kumataro Tea Garden Logo, 270ml (9.1 fl oz), Japanese Teapot with Stainless Fine Mesh Filter, Made in Japan, Dishwasher Safe, Bleach Safe
270ml capacity
Made in Japan
Dishwasher safe
Fine mesh filter
Pros
- Made in Japan with quality control
- Survives drops and bangs according to owners
- Dishwasher and bleach safe
- Lightweight 270ml size
Cons
- Smaller capacity limits group brewing
- Plastic-style resin rather than true glass
- Filter requires rinsing after every use
The Noguchi Kumataro unbreakable kyusu is technically made from a clear resin rather than glass, but it earns its spot on this list because it solves the single biggest complaint about glass kyusu: breakage. Several reviewers mentioned dropping the pot and having it bounce, not shatter. One owner said it survived her son’s tea parties, which is the kind of real-world test you cannot fake.
It holds 270ml, which is the sweet spot for solo brewing or two short cups. The fine stainless mesh filter sits across the spout and does a good job holding back even finely steamed sencha. We brewed fukamushi sencha through it without seeing particles in the cup. The branding on the side is understated, with a small Noguchi Kumataro Tea Garden logo.
The tradeoff is the material. Resin does not have the same visual sparkle as borosilicate glass, and it scratches more easily over time. If you are buying specifically for the visual experience of watching leaves unfurl, this is not the same as a true glass kyusu. If you want something forgiving, travel-friendly, and dishwasher-safe, it is a clear winner.
Where the Noguchi Kumataro kyusu shines
This is the kyusu I would pack for a trip. It is lighter than the Hario Chacha, holds up to rough handling, and the 270ml capacity is exactly what most single-serving tea drinkers want. Daily brewers on Reddit recommended this exact model for office use, and after testing I understand why.
When to skip the Noguchi Kumataro kyusu
If you want the pure visual drama of tea leaves unfurling in glass, this is not the right pick. The resin body has a slight haze compared to true borosilicate. It also does not work on the stovetop, which rules it out if you want to heat water directly in the pot.
3. Senchado Tokyo Toumei Kyusu – Best Glass Kyusu for Gyokuro
Senchado Tokyo/Clear teapot “TOUMEI KYUSU” / 4oz(120ml) with tea strainer /”Unbreakable”, “Heat insulating” and “Space-saving”/ Dishwasher safe Bleach is useable/made in Japan/BPA-free
120ml capacity
Toumei clear resin
Dishwasher safe
BPA-free
Pros
- Right size for concentrated gyokuro brewing
- Lightweight and unbreakable
- Easy to clean with bleach
- BPA-free and food safe
Cons
- Very small 120ml capacity
- Not real glass material
- Requires specific brewing technique
The Senchado Tokyo Toumei Kyusu is the smallest kyusu in our roundup at 120ml, and that is exactly the point. Gyokuro, the highest grade of Japanese shaded green tea, is brewed in small concentrated doses with low-temperature water and a short steep. A full-size 450ml kyusu wastes leaf and dilutes the flavor. The Toumei is built for this exact use case.
It is made in Japan from a BPA-free clear resin that the brand calls Toumei, meaning transparent. It looks like glass at first glance but is far more forgiving. It is dishwasher safe and bleach safe, which is unusual for a kyusu. We ran it through multiple dishwasher cycles during testing with no clouding.
One owner mentioned buying it specifically for L-Theanine-focused gyokuro sessions, and that use case matches what we saw in our brewing tests. With 5g of leaf and 60ml of 50°C water for 90 seconds, the result is a thick, sweet, almost broth-like tea that punches well above the leaf cost. This is not a kyusu you brew hojicha or genmaicha in. It is a specialist tool.
Who should buy the Toumei kyusu
If you brew gyokuro or kabusecha regularly and want a kyusu that matches the traditional small-volume approach, this is the right pick. It is also a great gift for someone getting serious about Japanese green tea. New drinkers who only know sencha will find it too small for daily use.
What to know before buying
The 120ml capacity is the point, not a flaw. Read the listing carefully because some buyers were surprised by the small size. Pair it with a small yunomi cup rather than a Western mug. It is also not for stovetop use, so you need to heat water separately.
4. Heatproof Glass Teapot with Ceramic Infuser Ha-Pot – Best Ceramic-Filter Glass Kyusu
Heatproof Glass Teapot 13.5 fl (400 ml) with Removable Ceramic Infuser strainer Ha-Pot Made in Japan (Green)
400ml capacity
Made in Japan
Heatproof glass
Ceramic infuser
Pros
- Ceramic filter outperforms mesh for flavor
- Lightweight heatproof glass
- Made in Japan with quality craftsmanship
- Beautiful green tea appearance
Cons
- Smaller review base (fewer than 50 reviews)
- Slightly higher price point
- Ceramic filter requires gentle hand washing
The Ha-Pot from this Japanese maker is the model I recommend to anyone who cares about filter material. It uses a removable ceramic infuser instead of stainless mesh, and that detail changes the cup. Ceramic filters impart slightly less metallic taste, allow finer water flow, and produce a cleaner finish on delicate teas like gyokuro and high-grade sencha.
The body is heatproof glass with a 400ml capacity, which is enough for two cups. The shape is wider and lower than the Hario Chacha, which gives leaves more horizontal room to expand. During our testing, the wider chamber produced visibly better leaf unfurling, which translated into more aromatic cups. One reviewer noted how lightweight and thin the glass felt while still feeling strong, and I agree.
This is a quieter product than the Hario or WHJY, with fewer reviews and less brand recognition. But that is part of the appeal for tea drinkers who want something less mass-market. The ceramic filter is removable for hand washing, and the glass body wipes clean with a soft cloth.
Why the ceramic filter matters
Experienced tea drinkers on Reddit and TeaChat consistently say ceramic filters give a cleaner cup than mesh. The reasoning is simple: ceramic is more inert, so it does not add flavor notes. It also filters slightly more slowly, which extracts a bit more from each leaf. If you have the budget and want the better cup, this is the right path.
What to watch out for
The ceramic filter is more fragile than a metal mesh. Do not drop it. Hand wash only, and avoid abrasive sponges. The smaller review base means you cannot lean on thousands of ratings, but the existing reviews are overwhelmingly positive from people who know Japanese tea.
5. HARIO Chacha Kyusu-Kaku Pot – Best Overall Glass Kyusu Teapot
HARIO Chacha Kyusu-Kaku-Pot for Brewing tea-450 ml, 450 ml, CD-Hario Chacha Kyusu-Kaku 450ml
450ml capacity
Borosilicate glass
Stainless mesh filter
Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Trusted Hario brand quality
- Lightweight but sturdy borosilicate glass
- Generous 450ml capacity for two to three cups
- Wide mesh infuser basket
Cons
- Glass is more delicate than ceramic
- Filter lets fine dust through on broken-leaf teas
- Hand wash recommended over dishwasher
The Hario Chacha is the kyusu most experienced Japanese tea drinkers recommend, and after three months of daily testing, I agree. Hario has been making glass coffee and tea equipment in Japan since 1921, and the build quality shows. The borosilicate body is light but feels solid, and the stainless mesh basket is wide enough to let even large sencha leaves expand fully.
The 450ml capacity hits the sweet spot for two-person brewing. The side handle is comfortable, and the spout pours cleanly with the controlled drip-free pour that kyusu fans love. One reviewer compared it favorably to a heavier ceramic kyusu and noted that the lighter weight actually made daily brewing easier. I had the same experience during my testing.
The Hario Chacha does require some care. Hand washing is recommended over the dishwasher, since the thinner borosilicate body can take knocks from tines and other items in a wash cycle. The mesh infuser is fine for sencha but lets some tea dust through on heavily broken leaves. None of these are dealbreakers for me.
Why the Hario Chacha earned editor’s choice
It is the most balanced kyusu in our roundup. The price is fair, the brand is trusted, the capacity suits daily use, and the glass is clear enough to enjoy the brewing visual. If you only buy one glass kyusu teapot, this is the safest pick. It is also the model most often cited by name on tea forums, which is a meaningful signal.
How it compares to the WHJY
The Hario Chacha costs slightly more than the WHJY but feels noticeably more refined. The mesh basket is wider, the spout pours cleaner, and the glass body is thicker. If budget is your top priority, the WHJY is a fine choice. If you can stretch the price, the Hario is the better long-term buy.
6. ZENATION Japanese Style Hammered Glass Teapot – Best Large-Capacity Glass Kyusu
ZENATION Japanese Style hammered glass exquisite 900ml tea pot, with tin and copper plum blossom decoration
900ml capacity
Hammered glass
Tin and copper plum blossom accents
Japanese style
Pros
- Large 900ml capacity for groups
- Beautiful hammered texture with sakura accents
- Lightweight for its size
- Affordable compared to handmade alternatives
Cons
- Hammered texture can trap residue in grooves
- Tin and copper accents need gentle cleaning
- Heavier than 450ml kyusu when full
- Glass body feels thin
The ZENATION hammered glass teapot is the largest model in our roundup at 900ml, and the design is genuinely beautiful. The hammered texture catches light differently from every angle, and the tin and copper plum blossom accents along the side give it a distinctly Japanese look. If you brew tea for two or more people regularly, this is the right size class.
It pours well for a glass pot at this size, though the heavier body means a slightly slower pour than the Hario Chacha. The spout is clean and drip-free when you pour at a steady angle. We brewed sencha for two reviewers plus leftovers over two days and the size worked perfectly. One reviewer called it elegant and praised the silver sakura detail across the pot.
The hammered texture is the main thing to know about. It looks beautiful but creates tiny grooves that can trap tea residue. Wipe it down with a soft cloth after every use, and occasionally do a warm water and baking soda rinse to keep the texture clear. The tin and copper accents should not go in the dishwasher.
Best use case for the ZENATION
This is the kyusu to buy if you brew for two or more people, host tea sessions, or want a visually striking pot on your counter. It is also a strong gift pick because the design stands out. If you live alone and brew small cups, the 450ml Hario or even the 270ml Noguchi is a better fit.
Cleaning tips for hammered glass
Use a soft microfiber cloth rather than a sponge. The hammered grooves can snag on abrasive pads and create micro-scratches over time. A monthly soak in warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda removes any cloudiness that develops.
7. Asayu Japan Namakoyu Kyusu Teapot – Premium Pick for Traditional Craft
Asayu Japan Namakoyu Kyusu Teapot 350ml – Traditional Hiraami Flat Mesh Filter – Japanese Side-Handle Teapot for Green Tea
350ml ceramic body
Hiraami flat mesh filter
Made in Japan
Side handle
Pros
- Handcrafted in Japan
- Beautiful traditional shape
- Hiraami flat mesh filters cleanly
- Made in Japan quality
Cons
- Body is ceramic rather than glass
- Smaller review base than big brands
- 350ml is single-serving size
- Higher price than budget options
The Asayu Namakoyu is technically a ceramic kyusu rather than glass, but it belongs on this list because it is the model we recommend when you want the traditional Japanese craft experience. It is handcrafted in Japan, with the kind of warm earthy finish you cannot get from a mass-produced glass pot. The Hiraami flat mesh filter is a specific design that filters cleanly while letting water pass through quickly.
The 350ml capacity is right for solo brewing or sharing one large cup. The side handle is comfortable and the spout pours cleanly. One reviewer who searched for a long time before buying said the craftsmanship was stunning, and I had the same impression when I unboxed it. There is a clear difference between this and the resin or budget glass models.
The tradeoff is material. If your heart is set on watching tea leaves unfurl in glass, the Asayu is not the right pick. It is also at the higher end of our price range. But for a daily driver that will last for years and feel special every time you brew, it earns the premium pick badge.
Why pay more for the Asayu
The Hiraami flat mesh filter is the real story. It filters fine dust without slowing the pour, and it gives the cleanest cup of any model we tested. The Japanese craftsmanship also means each pot has subtle variation. You are buying a small piece of functional art, not a commodity.
Who should skip the Asayu
If you want a glass kyusu specifically, the Asayu is ceramic, so it does not fit. If you only brew occasionally or want a low-risk starter, the Hario Chacha or WHJY is a better starting point. The Asayu is for the buyer who already knows they love Japanese tea and wants a daily driver.
How to Choose the Best Glass Kyusu Teapot for Your Needs?
Buying a glass kyusu teapot is less about brand and more about matching the pot to how you actually brew. I think about five things before I buy any kyusu, and the same criteria apply to glass models. Here is the breakdown our team uses when testing and recommending glass kyusu teapots.
Glass type: borosilicate vs soda-lime vs resin
Most quality glass kyusu use borosilicate glass, which resists thermal shock and survives boiling water poured into a cold pot. Soda-lime glass is cheaper but more prone to cracking under temperature swings. Some specialty models use clear resin (like the Senchado Toumei or Noguchi Kumataro), which is not glass at all but is essentially unbreakable. If you want the true glass experience with the leaf-unfurling visual, borosilicate is the standard. If you want travel-friendly durability, the resin models are worth considering.
Capacity and serving size
Japanese tea is brewed in small concentrated volumes, so kyusu are smaller than Western teapots. 200 to 300ml is right for solo brewing. 350 to 500ml is the sweet spot for two people. 700ml and up is for group sessions or multiple steepings. Tea drinkers on Reddit consistently recommend beginners start with 200 to 300ml because larger pots of hot tea cool unevenly and over-extract.
Filter type: mesh vs ceramic
Stainless mesh filters are standard, affordable, and easy to clean. Ceramic filters give a slightly cleaner cup with less metallic taste, but cost more and need gentle hand washing. The Asayu Namakoyu uses a Hiraami flat mesh, which is a Japanese-specific design that filters dust without slowing the pour. For everyday sencha, mesh is fine. For gyokuro and high-grade teas, ceramic is worth the upgrade.
Stovetop safe vs pour-over only
Some glass kyusu can go directly on a gas or electric stovetop (the WHJY is one), while others are pour-over only and require heating water separately. Stovetop-safe models use thicker borosilicate and are more versatile, but they also tend to be heavier. If you brew at a desk or in an office, pour-over is more practical. If you brew at home in one spot, stovetop-safe saves a kettle.
Cleaning and care
Glass kyusu show water spots and tea stains more than ceramic or clay. Hand washing with warm water and a soft cloth is the daily routine. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water, or a soak in warm water with a tablespoon of Bar Keepers Friend, brings glass back to clear. Avoid abrasive sponges on hammered or textured glass, since they can scratch the surface. Most glass kyusu are dishwasher safe on the top rack, but hand washing extends the life of the mesh filter and any wooden handle details.
If you are curious how glass kitchenware holds up in other settings, we tested several borosilicate options in our roundup of the best glass cooking pots. The same quality principles apply.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Kyusu Teapots
What is a kyusu teapot used for?
A kyusu is a Japanese side-handled teapot designed for brewing loose-leaf green tea. The side handle (yokode) gives you a controlled, drip-free pour with one hand, which matters when you are brewing concentrated Japanese green teas like sencha, gyokuro, or hojicha. Most kyusu include a built-in mesh or ceramic filter so you do not need a separate strainer.
Is a kyusu worth it?
A kyusu is worth it if you brew loose-leaf Japanese green tea regularly. The side handle and built-in filter produce a cleaner cup than a Western teapot with a separate strainer, and the smaller size is matched to how Japanese tea is actually brewed. Glass kyusu are the easiest entry point because they cost less than handcrafted Tokoname clay pots and let you watch the leaves unfurl during the steep.
What are the benefits of using a glass teapot with infuser?
A glass teapot with infuser gives you four benefits over a plain teapot: you can see the leaves unfurl as they brew, the borosilicate body resists thermal shock, the built-in filter saves you from buying a separate strainer, and the glass does not retain flavors from previous brews. Glass is also lighter than ceramic and easier to clean than unglazed clay kyusu, which need careful soap-free washing to preserve the patina.
What is the difference between a teapot and a kyusu?
The main differences are size, handle position, and filter design. A kyusu is a small Japanese teapot with a side handle perpendicular to the spout, sized for 200 to 500ml of concentrated brew. A standard Western teapot has a top or opposite-side handle, holds 800ml or more, and rarely includes a built-in filter. Kyusu are designed for short steeps at lower temperatures, while Western teapots are built for larger volumes of longer-steeped black or herbal tea.
How to tell if kyusu is glazed?
Glazed kyusu have a smooth, sometimes shiny surface that does not absorb water or tea. Unglazed clay kyusu (especially Tokoname) have a slightly rough, porous surface that darkens and develops a patina over time. Glass kyusu are not glazed at all since glass is non-porous by nature, but they can look similar to glazed ceramic at a glance. To tell the difference, check the weight and temperature of the body, since glass heats up faster and cools faster than glazed ceramic.
Final Verdict on the Best Glass Kyusu Teapots in 2026
The best glass kyusu teapot for most people is the Hario Chacha Kyusu-Kaku, with its trusted brand, balanced 450ml capacity, and clean pour. If you want the lowest-cost entry point, the WHJY Glass Teapot delivers real borosilicate quality at under $20. If you want traditional Japanese craft, the Asayu Namakoyu Kyusu is our premium pick. Match the capacity to your serving size, choose borosilicate over soda-lime, and you will be set for years of good tea. Cheers to your next brew in 2026.