Using different kinds of material of teaware will have an influence on the taste of the tea.

Common materials for teaware include:

Clay (purple clay), porcelain, and glass.

Characteristics:

Clay (purple sand): porous material, retaining heat better

Porcelain: pores on the surface are microscopic, dissipating heat better.

Glass: pores on the surface are microscopic, dissipating heat the best.

Suitable tea types:

Clay: suitable for roasted teas, e.g., Dong Ding Oolong Tea. It mellows the tea aroma.

Porcelain: suitable for fresh teas, e.g., High Mountain Oolong Tea.

Glass: suitable for fresh teas, e.g., Oriental Beauty Tea and Black Tea.

Presentation for the taste:

Clay: full-bodied taste with deeper aroma.

Porcelain: high and refreshing aroma with a lighter taste.

Glass: high and refreshing aroma with a lighter taste.

Summary:

Full-bodied taste: Clay > Porcelain > Glass

High and refreshing aroma: Porcelain = Glass > Clay

Heat retaining: Clay > Porcelain = Glass

Q: Do I have to use the specific tea wares for specific tea types?

A: Yes, so it could present the unique flavor of that specific tea.

Q: What if I use different materials of teaware to make tea?

A: By doing so, you could adjust the tea flavor. Take Dong Ding Oolong Tea for example. If you use the purple sand clay pot to brew the tea, it will have a strong aftertaste and full-bodied flavor. If you use the porcelain teaware to brew the tea, it will have a lighter taste and evident roasted aroma, which is suitable for people not used to drinking stronger tea.