What size samovar should I buy?
Choosing the right capacity means you neither carry a needlessly big, heavy samovar nor run out of hot water when guests arrive. In this guide we compare 5, 7 and 10 litre wood-fired copper samovars by how you will use them.
5 litres: small families and small groups
5 litre samovars are designed for small families and a few guests. Light and compact, they are the most practical for picnics, camping and the balcony, and a good start for first-time buyers.
7 litres: mid-sized families and garden tea
7 litres is the favourite of mid-sized families and small groups – a balanced size for long tea conversations in the garden, on the balcony, at a country house or on a picnic, when 5 litres is not enough. On our models the fire base detaches from the body.
10 litres with two teapots: big tables and businesses
The 10 litre models have a 9 litre water tank and two teapots. At big family gatherings, tea gardens, campsites and events like weddings, brewing two different teas at once is a big help.
4 questions to ask before you decide
- How many people will you usually serve? Choose for your most frequent use, not the occasional crowd.
- Will you carry it? If you often load it into the car, 5 litres or models with removable parts make life easier.
- How many teapots do you want? For two different brews at once, look at the 10 litre model with two teapots.
- Do you need a spare teapot? 1.4 and 2 litre samovar teapots are sold separately.
Frequently asked questions
What size samovar is enough for a home?
For family use with a few guests, 5 litres is usually enough; if guests come often, 7 litres is more comfortable.
Which size suits a tea garden?
For places with continuous service such as tea gardens and café gardens, we recommend the 10 litre models with two teapots.
Does a bigger samovar take longer to boil?
Boiling time depends on capacity, how dry the wood is and the weather; bigger models hold more water, so they take a little longer.