Samovar guides
Our guides to choosing the right copper samovar, lighting it safely and enjoying it for many years.
How to light and use a wood-fired samovar
Step by step: lighting, brewing tea, putting out the fire and everyday tips.
What size samovar should I buy?
What size samovar do you need? Choose between 5, 7 and 10 litre wood-fired copper samovars by group size and use, with tips on teapots, weight and carrying.
How to clean a copper samovar
How to clean a copper samovar: emptying ash, descaling the tank, polishing the outside, caring for antique and oxidised finishes, plus electric samovar cleaning.
What is the best wood for a samovar?
Which wood should you burn in a wood-fired samovar? Dry, thin wood, kindling, and what must never go in a samovar – tips for a fast boil with little smoke.
Copper samovar tin lining
Why copper samovars are tin-lined, signs that the tin is wearing, how to protect the tin lining and when to have a samovar or teapot re-tinned.
Samovar fire rules in Türkiye
Is it legal to light a wood-fired samovar in Türkiye? General rules for forests, parks, beaches and balconies, official Turkish sources and safety tips.
Electric vs wood-fired samovar
Electric or wood-fired samovar? A comparison of where you can use them, the experience, speed, care, safety and running cost, with advice on which to choose.
How much electricity does an electric samovar use?
How much electricity does an electric samovar use? Calculate kWh from watts and time, the energy to boil water and keep-warm consumption, with an example.
Electric samovar not heating / tripping the fuse
Electric samovar not heating or tripping the breaker? Likely causes – heating element, thermostat, limescale, earth leakage and overload – with safe checks and FAQ.
Copper vs stainless steel samovar: how to choose the best electric samovar
Copper or stainless steel samovar? Heat conduction, look and care compared, plus a checklist for choosing the best electric samovar: capacity, watts and thermostat.