Best Japanese Clay Pots (Donabe) : Complete Buying Guide for Perfect Rice & Hot Pot Cooking

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Quick Summary:

Looking for the perfect Japanese clay pot (donabe)? Our comprehensive 2025 guide covers the top-rated clay pots for rice cooking, hot pot dishes, and everything in between.

From traditional Iga ware to modern IH-compatible options, find your ideal donabe today.

Photographer Wada (living alone)
Photographer Wada (lives alone)

Hi there!
We’re the editorial team at UTSUWABI.
If you’re curious about Japanese clay pots (donabe) — for fluffy rice, cozy hot pots, or traditional Japanese cooking — this guide is for you!

A clay pot takes up a lot of space and seems difficult to clean...
I think many people don't have one for these reasons.

Japanese clay pots (donabe) are versatile cooking vessels that excel at much more than traditional hot pot dishes.

From perfectly steamed rice to slow-cooked stews, these authentic Japanese cookware pieces can be taken out as is, so they're convenient for both single-person households and large family gatherings.

In this article, we will explain in detail how to choose and care for authentic Japanese clay pots, as well as table coordination using our top-recommended donabe products.

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How to Choose the Perfect Japanese Clay Pot (Donabe): Complete Buying Guide

Selecting the right donabe depends on several key factors. Here's our expert guide to choosing the perfect Japanese clay pot for your needs:

■Select by usage

Photographer Wada (living alone)
Photographer Wada (lives alone)

Japanese clay pots come in two main styles: shallow-style donabe and deep-style donabe. Which one you choose should be decided based on what kind of dish you want to use it for.

・Shallow Clay Pots: Best for Traditional Hot Pot Dishes

Quoted from Hasenen official website

Perfect for family-style hot pot meals! For such people, the shallow type is suitable.
The shallow depth prevents the ingredients from sinking to the bottom, allowing you to see at a glance what ingredients are inside.
Also, the wide mouth makes it easy to separate.

・Deep Clay Pots: Ideal for Rice Cooking and Slow-Cooked Stews

Quoted from Hasenen official website

Deep donabe excel at even heat distribution and prevent boiling over, making them perfect for cooking restaurant-quality rice and hearty stews.

Therefore, if you want to cook delicious rice or use it for stew dishes such as oden and pot-au-feu, we recommend a deep type.

■Size Guide: Choose by Number of People

Selecting the right size clay pot ensures optimal cooking results and portion control:

Single Person/Small Portions: Size 4-6 Clay Pots

Perfect for solo cooking enthusiasts, This size is extremely convenient, and you can enjoy porridge, rice porridge, nabeyaki udon, etc. just by adding rice or noodles to the ingredients you have in the refrigerator.

Couples/Small Families: Size 8 Clay Pots

The most popular size for 2-3 people. It's perfect for pots, and there are many products to choose from.

Large Families/Entertaining: Size 9+ Clay Pots

If you want to enjoy with a large number of people, size 9 or above is better.
However, large items are heavy, so be careful where you store them.
Since size 10 weighs over 3 kg, it is safe to store it in the bottom shelf of the cupboard.

■Traditional Japanese Clay Types: Banko Ware vs Iga Ware

When choosing authentic Japanese clay pots, Banko ware and Iga ware from Mie Prefecture are the most renowned.

Both have a Japanese texture that gives you the warmth of the earth, but be sure to understand the differences and choose the one you like.

Banko Ware Clay Pots: Heat-Resistant & Durable

Banko-yaki clay pots are crafted from special soil mixed with petalite mineral, making them exceptionally heat-resistant and crack-resistant.

As a result, it is heat resistant and durable, making it difficult to crack even when used under high heat.

Ideal for frequent hot pot cooking and year-round use.


Iga Ware Clay Pots: Superior Heat Retention

Made from coarse Iga clay, these pots feature thick walls that provide exceptional heat storage capacity.

It has a high heat storage capacity, making it perfect for slow-cooked dishes such as oden.

Both Banko ware and Iga ware are made of water-absorbent pottery, so they are susceptible to odor and color transfer. 
When preparing dishes with strong aromas such as curry, wash them immediately and dry them thoroughly.

Modern Ceramic Clay Pots: Easy Maintenance

Ceramic clay pots feature smooth, non-porous surfaces that resist staining and odor absorption.

Unlike ceramics, there is almost no worry about odor or color transfer.

The appearance differs depending on the material, so it is important to imagine how it will look on the table when choosing.

■Modern Features: IH-Compatible Clay Pots

IH Induction Compatible Donabe
Modern Japanese clay pots now offer IH compatibility for contemporary kitchens.

When using a clay pot, it is important that it can be used on your home stove.

If you are using an IH cooking heater, choose one that is compatible with IH.

Recently, the number of IH compatible products is increasing, and the options are expanding.

Top 6 Japanese Clay Pots (Donabe) - Expert Reviews

Nagatanien Kamado-san Donabe 3cups | Japanese Clay Pot Iga Ware

"Kamado-san" is the gold standard for rice-cooking clay pots, featuring a distinctive rounded lid design that ensures perfect steam circulation."

This is an excellent product that allows anyone to easily cook delicious rice.

Simple 2-step cooking process: 13 minutes medium-high heat + 20 minutes steaming.

No need to adjust the heat and no boiling over! 

Authentic Iga clay construction breathes like traditional wooden ohitsu, preventing sticky rice texture.

If you extend the cooking time by about 1 minute, the rice will burn.

It looks stylish even when left in the kitchen.

 

Induction Safe Donabe White | Japanese Clay Pot Banko Ware

Revolutionary white ceramic clay pot that works on induction, gas, and oven.

The shape of the lid knob is a little different.

Triple-layer construction: ceramic exterior with metal-ceramic interior for universal compatibility.

Therefore, it is compatible with IH, open fire, and oven.

Minimalist design complements any tableware style - perfect for modern kitchens.

It is very useful for menus of various genres such as Japanese food, Western food, hot pot, etc.

 

Nagatanien Donabe Black | Japanese Clay Pot Iga Ware

Compact "Kuromaru" design perfect for individual portions and small households.

Although it is small in size, it is very convenient as it can be used for many purposes.

Microwave and oven safe with dry heating capability for expanded cooking options.

You can enjoy a variety of menus such as soup and porridge for one person, nabeyaki udon, and steamed clams in wine.

Available in matching black and white sets - perfect for gifting.

Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Donabe black 3cups | Japanese Clay Pot

Unique hole-free lid design prevents steam loss for consistently fluffy rice.

There are no holes in the lid, so steam won't leak out and you can cook fluffy and delicious rice.

Dual-function design: cooks rice and serves as traditional ohitsu storage container.

Once the rice is cooked, you can serve it on the table and serve it yourself, which will help your mother as well.

Refrigerator-safe compact design with microwave reheating capability.

This is a convenient product for households where family members have different meal times.

 

Nagatanien Miso Soup Pot Small | Donabe Iga Ware

Adorable round-shaped pot perfect for soups, stews, and single-serving meals.

The product is called a miso soup pot, but it can be used not only for soups but also for stews.

Round design ensures even heat distribution and flavor infusion through residual heat cooking.

Child-friendly size that encourages better eating habits. We have heard some happy feedback, such as how children with small appetites are now eating more after using this pot.

Just having a hot pot with a warm and cozy atmosphere will make you look forward to your meal.

 

One-handed Porridge Pot Brown | Donabe Iga Ware

Elegant brown single-handle pot designed for quick individual meals.

Fast cooking capability perfect for porridge, soups, and oven dishes.

Once it's finished, it's convenient to be able to serve it to the table with just one hand.

Space-saving design reduces dishwashing while serving as both cookware and serving vessel.

It is convenient to have one for cooking small side dishes, as well as for those who live alone.

It's compact so it's easy to store.

 

How to Cook Perfect Rice in Japanese Clay Pot: Step-by-Step Guide

Master the art of clay pot rice cooking with our foolproof method:

Step 1: Prepare and Rinse the Rice

Use a bowl to thoroughly rinse the rice until water runs clear.

If you are particular about water, use mineral water or water that has been filtered through a water purifier. When the water becomes translucent, drain it in a colander.

Step 2: Soaking for Optimal Texture

Place the rinsed rice in a clay pot and pour cold water over it.

Soak for 30 minutes at room temperature (extend to 1 hour in winter months).

If the rice is not new, you may want to add a little more water.

Step 3: Cooking Process

Cover the rice and heat over medium heat until it boils.

Maintain medium heat for 10-15 minutes until vigorous bubbling appears.

It's OK if steam comes out and bubbles are coming out vigorously from all over.

Reduce to low heat and continue cooking for 10 minutes until surface moisture disappears.

Step 4: Steaming for Perfect Texture

Turn off heat and steam undisturbed for 10 minutes - do not lift the lid!

Open the lid and stir with a rice scoop from the bottom to release excess steam.

Pro Tip: Cooking times vary by pot thickness and type. Practice multiple times to perfect your technique and discover your preferred texture.

Essential Clay Pot Care: Seasoning (Medome) and Maintenance

How to Season Your New Clay Pot

Proper seasoning (medome) is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. First of all, after purchasing a clay pot, seal(Medome) it before using it.

This process closes the porous surface to prevent leaking, cracking, and odor absorption.

Below, I will introduce a method of closing the rice porridge, which is often referred to as "making porridge."

<Rice Porridge Seasoning Method>
1. Fill clay pot with water to 80% capacity
2. Add approximately one bowl of rice and stir gently
3. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally
4. Cool completely before removing porridge
5. Rinse thoroughly with water only

Alternative seasoning options include rice water, flour, or potato starch.

However, recently there are some products that do not require sealing, so please check the instructions.

5 Creative Uses for Japanese Clay Pots Beyond Hot Pot

Discover the versatility of your donabe with these innovative cooking techniques:

1. Natural Steaming Vessel

Transform your clay pot into a healthy steamer using high-moisture vegetables as a natural steaming base.

To do this, simply lay out vegetables with a high water content such as Chinese cabbage, add water, and heat.

Once it boils, put meat, fish, shumai, etc. on it and heat it again to create a delicious steamed dish.

Perfect for nutritious meals that preserve vitamins and natural flavors.

It is also good to use for desserts such as pudding.

2. Slow-Cooking for Enhanced Flavors

Clay pots excel at low-temperature cooking, breaking down starches into natural sugars between 40-60°C.

As a result, the time in the temperature range of 40 to 60 degrees Celsius is longer, where starch, which is abundant in rice and root vegetables, is easily broken down into sugar.

This process enhances natural sweetness while maintaining ingredient integrity - perfect for pot-au-feu and hearty stews.

3. Eco-Friendly Residual Heat Cooking

Harness superior heat retention for energy-efficient cooking methods.

Once the temperature rises, it is difficult for the pot to cool down, and the clay pot retains its high temperature even after the fire is turned off, making it suitable for cooking with residual heat.

Reduce utility costs while achieving perfectly cooked meals with minimal supervision.

It is also convenient for boiling pasta etc.

Bread makers use clay pots for dough fermentation, then bake directly in the oven for artisanal results.

4. Natural Beverage Cooler

Clay pots provide excellent insulation for both hot and cold beverages.

Therefore, if you add ice and a can or bottle of drink, it will stay cold for a certain period of time.

Ideal for entertaining and home parties where temperature control matters.

Japanese Clay Pot Styling: Table Setting Ideas

Image taken from @saori_moon Instagram

Contrast Styling with Patterned Tableware

The patterned platter stands out against the black clay pot.
Since the small bowls and bowls are plain colors such as white or brown, your eyes will naturally fall on the patterned ones.
Use patterned ceramics as focal points against neutral clay pot backgrounds for sophisticated contrast.

Minimalist White Clay Pot Presentations

Pure white donabe serve as perfect canvases for colorful dishware and vibrant food presentations.

Because the main dish is simple, the other pottery stands out and creates a gorgeous atmosphere.

Ideal for hot pot parties where colorful ingredients and lively patterns create festive atmospheres.

Modern Black Clay Pot Combinations

Contemporary black donabe pair beautifully with bold patterns and bright lacquerware accents.

A plain pot will not look out of place even if you use a pot with a slightly flashy pattern or color.

Perfect for experimenting with unique pottery combinations you wouldn't normally consider.

Why Choose Japanese Clay Pots? Year-Round Cooking Benefits

Image taken from @saori_moon Instagram

Japanese clay pots transcend seasonal cooking limitations. Although clay pots are often associated with winter, they can be used for a variety of dishes, from rice to desserts, so they can be used all year round.

Whether you're a beginner exploring Japanese cooking or an experienced home chef seeking authentic tools, if you don't have one yet, or if you're thinking about buying one but are unsure, why not refer to this article and find the best clay pot that suits your lifestyle.

Expand your culinary horizons and elevate every meal with authentic Japanese clay pot cooking.

Ready to start your clay pot journey? Browse our complete collection of authentic Japanese donabe and discover the perfect clay pot for your kitchen today.

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Thank you for reading our complete guide to Japanese clay pots. We hope you find the perfect donabe for your cooking adventures!

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