Historic Shigaraki-yaki Donabe Rice Cooker
Made by a small family-run kiln in Shigaraki, Japan, the Kanefusa Donabe Rice Cooker is an exciting addition to our donabe rice cooker collection. Since its introduction in 2001, the Kanefusa Donabe Rice Cooker has been appreciated in Japan for its excellent performance and durability. Every detail of its design, from the shape and thickness of the body to the height of the rim and the weight of the lid, has been thoughtfully considered to help prevent boiling over and ensure beautifully cooked rice, with each grain tender and fluffy.
The most distinctive feature of this rice cooker is that it does not require an inner lid—a testament to the craftsmanship of this long-established kiln. Every feature of this donabe is thoughtfully considered, from its shape and thickness to the height of the rim and weight of the lid, to prevent boiling over and ensure the rice cooks evenly.
The standard recommendation is to cook the rice over high heat for approximately 15 minutes, then let it rest for another 15 minutes. This allows the rice to cook so that each grain “stands up,” resulting in beautifully fluffy, glossy rice with an ideal texture and a natural sweetness that develops as you chew.
The donabe offers excellent heat efficiency and heat retention. Once heated, it cooks food effectively and efficiently, while the far-infrared effect of the clay helps heat the ingredients evenly and bring out their natural flavors. Beyond cooking excellent rice, this versatile donabe can be used for soups, stews, braised dishes, hot pot, and much more.
The glazed interior makes this donabe easy to clean and maintain. For everyday cleaning, use a non-abrasive sponge or brush, such as a tawashi (Japanese scrubbing brush).
Shigaraki is located close to Iga, and the two regions share a long tradition of pottery making. Shigaraki-yaki and Iga-yaki donabe have many qualities in common, including the use of locally sourced, historic coarse clay and the warm, rustic character that develops through firing.
Oribe: Historic Green
Known for its deep, expressive green, Oribe has long been admired for its bold and unmistakably Japanese character.
The Kanefusa Donabe Rice Cooker is available in three beautiful color options: Oribe, Shino, and Kiseto.
Your donabe develops its character as it ages
As you use your donabe over and over, it develops character and that’s something to be welcomed.
- The very thin cracks could appear on the surface (glaze) of the donabe. It’s called “kannyu” in Japanese and the cracks run like veins. They are the naturally developed cracks on the glaze and won’t affect the function of the donabe.
- Once you start using the donabe, the bottom may begin to change color, and dark spots (like scorch marks) may appear. This is a natural part of the donabe developing character. If the bottom darkens very quickly, the heat may be too high, so we suggest using a lower heat setting.
- Able to cook up as small as 1 rice cup (180 ml) | 3/4 US cups to 5 Japanese rice cups (900 ml) | 3 3/4 US cups of rice (dry)
- Capacity: Approx. 2.5-qt | 2,500 ml
- Height: Approx. 5.5 in (7.1 in with lid) | 15.0 cm (18.0 cm with lid)
- Weight: 7.4 lbs | 3.3 kg
Material: Clay
Producer: Kanefusa
Origin: Shigaraki, Japan
Included in the package: Donabe (bowl and lid)
Usage and Care
- Ideal for gas stove top use. This donabe is not suitable for electric or induction cooktop.
- Hand wash only.
- Before the first use, this donabe must be seasoned (How to Season Donabe).
