Gongfu brewing looks intimidating. There are tiny cups, clay pets, and water spilling everywhere. But at its heart, it is the simplest and most effective way to taste tea.

You don't need an expensive antique Yixing pot to start. In fact, most experts recommend starting with a simple porcelain Gaiwan (lidded bowl). We have curated the essential tools you need to build your own Gongfu setup for under $50.