I am wondering about the long-term durability of the enamel on the pin around which the SS handle rotates. Does the enamel eventually wear off exposing the cast iron?
Any long-term users who can comment?
TIA
I haven’t seen this pot in person but am skeptical of the design vis-a-vis the angle of the pour, and possible seepage of water round the lid while pouring. I’d never buy something this pricey (and ugly, to my mind, but to each his own), but suggest test-driving it before deciding to get one.
Erica,
I have actually purchased this pot for my girlfriend and we both use it. She’s had it for about two years. It functions fine.
I just broke my ceramic teapot and I don’t like to make anything but green tea in my hand-made Japanese Tetsubin cast iron tea pot. So I need a new tea pot for my other teas, and I’ve grown to like this one but the longevity question gives me pause because it’s not cheap. Ergo my question.
In the beginning I concluded I would never purchase this pot for myself because of the design of the handle. But it seems to be working fine on hers, so I thought I would give a shout so see if anybody has had one for ten or twenty years.
I really like cast iron tea pots because they do well on tea candles (duh) and stay warm all morning or evening.
Purchasing the Tetsibun many years ago may have been a mistake because my expectations for tea pots are pretty high. 
Hi John,
I’ve owned one for two years, and examined it very closely. I’ve also observed others for sale on EBAY–new and used. Mine is basil–sometimes almost looks black:
It’s a real showpiece–and a very functional teapot as well. Seems to be in the spirit of the old cast iron Japanese tea pots used in tea ceremonies.
I can’t speak for any appreciable time period, but nothing I have experienced or observed would suggest any failures of the enamel–even around the pin.
Ray
OK, this is embarrassing. Never mind!
I just ordered the last one in stock from Amazon in the Basil, which definitely is my color. $149.00 no shipping and no tax.
My first Staub piece, and my first enameled cast iron that is not red.
Girlfriend gets yet another chance to call me a no-good copy cat. But at least hers is the matte black.
This is mine, I will let you judge it with the photos. I really like the look of it, but the design of a square teapot is simply impractical, need to open up the teapot and use the angle to pour out the last bit. I didn’t use a lot, and have got it for 8 - 10 years, there is a chipping at the spout. No problem with the enamel with the handle part. I never had it hit on anything, so the chipping is a bit weird, can be a fabrication default. I think there is a guarantee coming with it.
Personally, I have used a Japanese cast iron pot, I like it more, it comes with a filter, and the experience of pouring tea is better.
naf,
Chipping is always the issue with enamel. That’s why I prefer the old Le Creuset models with the smaller handles: They are less likely to chip since they stick out less.
I think if you like the design, I would recommend the “matte” black one. I have owned 4 Staub products with enamel, no chipping except this teapot. And never have problem with the matte black version with my other cocottes.
https://www.remodelista.com/products/staub-la-theiere-round-teapot/
Cancelled Amazon order.
$136.00 from Cutlery & More with current 20% discount. No tax or shipping.
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Great you even find a good price, did you still order the green pot?
naf,
Yes, Basil green. Girlfriend has the matte black, which I like too, but green and I have a thing going.
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