We absolutely love this well made little teapot! It’s just what we wanted. We use it to make our favorite Japanese Genmaicha Tea every morning. I know I could use it right on the gas stove, but I prefer to boil water separately in a stainless steel kettle and pour it over the tea in the strainer of the cast iron kettle. After putting the lid on and steeping it for 30 - 40 seconds (yes, seconds!), it makes 2 perfect full cups of tea. I did follow the cleaning and breaking in directions and throughly rinse it 3 times with hot water, no soap, immediately after each use. Then I dry the cast iron lid and kettle immediately. I do let the stainless steel strainer air dry. I highly recommend this authentic old world artisan crafted treasure! It will last us a lifetime.