When judging the quality of Yíxīng teapots the following can be done:[citation needed]

 

Tap the pots lightly together: the ceramic should make a distinctly metallic sound.

Look at the fit of the lid into the pot, it should be flush and appear seamless.

Fill the pot with water, place the lid on, and begin pouring the water. it should pour smoothly

While pouring, place your finger over the hole on the lid, this action should stop the flow of water immediately and completely if the lid is well fitted.

Prices can vary from a few dollars to thousands of dollars per teapot, where some Chinese National treasures have even been deemed priceless. Generally, the price of most contemporary Yixing teapots are dependant on such factors such as age, clay, artist, style and production methods. The more expensive pots are shaped by hand using wooden and bamboo tools to manipulate the clay into form. While lesser quality and thus cheaper Yixing pots are mass produced using a "slip cast" method where slurry is channeled into predetermined moulds and subsequently placed in kilns to harden.