Ufine Bamboo Gongfu Tea Tray with Water Drainage

The general consensus from reviewers is yes — it offers solid value for an entry-level gongfu tray. The bamboo construction is sturdy, the traditional Chinese pattern etching looks attractive, and the drainage system is functional. Multiple reviewers specifically call out the good quality-to-price ratio. Where it falls short of premium trays is in the finer details: the material can feel a bit lightweight, and the seal on the reservoir nozzle sometimes needs a fix. For the price point though, it's hard to beat as a starter gongfu tray.

This depends on how heavy your tea sessions are. The reservoir sits underneath the tray surface and holds a moderate amount of water, but reviewers note it's not enormous — during a full gongfu session with lots of vessel rinsing and tea washing, you may need to drain it once or twice. The siphon pump makes this easy and quick without interrupting your session. For lighter, casual use you can likely get through a session without emptying it. If you brew daily, just make it a habit to drain after each session.

It's actually one of the better entry-level gongfu trays. The automatic drainage system means you don't have to worry about carefully emptying water — just brew, pour, and let the tray handle the mess. It's affordable enough that you're not making a huge investment while you learn, and the 15-inch surface gives you room to work with multiple vessels as you practice. Reviewers who are gongfu beginners appreciate the no-frills, functional design. The one thing to be aware of is that some units may need a quick seal fix on the drainage nozzle, so keep some waterproof sealant handy just in case.

Some reviewers do mention a noticeable chemical or finish smell when the tray is brand new. This seems to come from the protective coating on the bamboo. The good news is it does dissipate — you'll want to wash the tray thoroughly and let it air out for a day or two before your first tea session. It's worth noting this isn't universal; not every unit has a strong smell, but it's something to expect and plan for.

Reviewers find this tray easy to clean and dry, which is one of its strengths. After each session, wipe down the surface, drain the reservoir using the siphon pump, and let it air dry. Bamboo is naturally water-resistant, but you'll still want to avoid leaving standing water in the reservoir for days to prevent any mold or odor. Periodically check the drainage nozzle seal and the corners for any signs of wear. A quick wipe with a dry cloth after sessions goes a long way toward keeping the bamboo in good shape.

Interestingly, some reviewers found it works well as a portable tea set thanks to the compact drainage system — everything is self-contained with the reservoir built into the base. The bamboo is lighter than stone or ceramic alternatives, which helps. That said, it's 15 inches, so it's not pocket-sized. It's more "bring to a friend's house" portable than "take it hiking" portable. For tea meetups, demonstrations, or educational settings, it travels well.

It makes a thoughtful gift — the product is literally marketed as a gift set, and the traditional Chinese pattern etching gives it an authentic, ceremonial look. It's a complete functional setup right out of the box with the tray, reservoir, and drainage pump. For someone curious about gongfu tea, it's an affordable way to get started with a proper tray. Just note that the recipient may need to air it out for a day due to the initial finish smell, and it's worth mentioning that the reservoir seal might need a small tweak. Minor things, but good to set expectations for a gift.

A tea tray — especially a gongfu-style tray like this Ufine bamboo one — is designed to catch all the water that gets splashed, poured, and discarded during a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. In gongfu brewing, you're constantly rinsing vessels, warming cups, and discarding rinse water, so having a tray with built-in drainage means you don't have to worry about making a mess. This particular tray has a hidden reservoir underneath that collects all the waste water, plus a siphon pump to drain it without lifting or tipping the tray.

Place your gongfu tea set on the tray — typically a teapot or gaiwan in the center, a fairness pitcher, and small tasting cups arranged in front. The Ufine tray is 15 inches, which reviewers say comfortably fits a complete gongfu setup with multiple vessels and even tea pets. Warm your vessels by pouring hot water over them (letting it drain into the tray), rinse your tea leaves, then brew and serve. The beauty of having a tray with drainage is that you can pour freely without worrying about spills — everything collects in the reservoir below.

The main things to consider are size (will it fit your tea set and your space?), drainage type (reservoir vs. tube drainage vs. dry tray), and material durability. This Ufine tray hits a good middle ground — at 15 inches it's spacious enough for a full gongfu setup but not so large it dominates a table. The bamboo construction is sturdy and naturally handles moisture well. Reviewers highlight the good value for the price, making it a solid entry point if you're getting into gongfu tea. Just be aware that if you have a very small desk, this tray might be a tight fit.

A typical gongfu tray setup includes a teapot or gaiwan, a fairness pitcher (cha hai), small tasting cups, tea tongs or a tea pick, and often a tea pet for good luck. This Ufine tray at 15 inches gives you enough room for all of that. Reviewers specifically mention it fits an entire gongfu set with multiple vessels comfortably. Some people also keep a tea towel draped on the side and a waste water bowl nearby, though the built-in reservoir handles most of the liquid.

Tea trays generally fall into a few categories: dry trays (flat surfaces with no drainage, for simple tea service), wet trays with drainage (like this Ufine bamboo tray, designed for gongfu ceremony where lots of water is used), and stone or ceramic trays (heavier, more decorative). Materials range from bamboo and wood to stone, ceramic, and even bakelite. This Ufine tray is a bamboo wet tray with a hidden reservoir — it's one of the most practical styles for regular gongfu brewing because bamboo is naturally water-resistant and the drainage system keeps things tidy.