"I'm thinking of buying a gaiwan, but which is easier to use: 100ml or 150ml?" The answer to choosing the capacity of a gaiwan is determined clearly by the number of people drinking at once and the size of your hands. Here, we have summarized the criteria for choosing a capacity without mistakes, keeping in mind the difference between the listed capacity (full to the brim) and the practical capacity (80% full).
1. The Pitfall of Full Capacity vs. "Practical Capacity (80% full)"
Many of the capacities listed in catalogs and product pages are "full capacity," meaning water is filled right to the brim. However, since filling a gaiwan to the brim can cause burns, the amount you can actually use is about 70–80% of the listed capacity.
- 100ml Listed Capacity Gaiwan → Practical tea yield: approx. 70–80ml
- 150ml Listed Capacity Gaiwan → Practical tea yield: approx. 110–120ml
2. Optimal Capacity Guide by Number of People
| Usage/Number of People | Recommended Full Capacity | Practical Tea Yield | Benefits and Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Tea/Desk (1 person) | 80–110ml | 60–80ml | Uses less tea leaf (3–4g) and can be finished before it gets cold. Even those with small hands won't get burned. |
| Pair/Daily Use (2 people) | 110–130ml | 80–100ml | The most versatile all-purpose size, allowing for even pouring into two tea cups (40ml each). |
| Guest Tea Service (3–4 people) | 140–180ml | 110–140ml | Serves 3–4 tea cups at once. Since it gets somewhat heavy, utilize two-handed holding or specialized gripping techniques. |
3. When in Doubt, "100–110ml" is the Safest Bet
If you are choosing your first one, we strongly recommend the "100–110ml size," which has a practical capacity of around 80ml. It is light enough to handle with one hand, carries the lowest risk of burns, and provides the best sense of the true Gongfu tea experience: savoring high-quality tea leaves a little at a time.
