Tea trays
A Chinese tea tray catches the spills so you can pour freely.
Wet tray or dry setup?
Wet tray with drawer
A slatted top sits over a built-in drawer. Rinse water goes straight through. Empty it after every session.
Wet tray with hose
A hose carries water to a bucket under the table. Good for a fixed tea spot and long sessions, less so for a dining table.
Dry setup
A small plate under the pot and a waste bowl beside it. Less gear, no drawer, and it fits a small table.
Spilled water is part of brewing. Give it somewhere to go.
Before you order
Some rosewood trays use CITES-listed timber, which can limit import. Ask for the wood species before you buy.
Tea trays
Hand-picked pieces are on the way.
Good to know
What is a tea tray used for?
A Chinese tea tray holds your teapot and cups and catches water, so you can rinse and warm them freely. Water drains into a drawer or hose.
Do I need a tea tray?
No. A plate and a bowl for waste water work fine. A tray is worth the space when you brew gongfu often and pour hot water over the pot.
How do you clean a bamboo tea tray?
Empty the drawer, rinse with plain water, wipe dry and let it air. Skip soap and soaking. Standing water stains bamboo and can split it.
