Iga-yaki Double Lid Kamado-san Donabe Clay Pot
Best clay pot for home cooks seeking perfect, traditional Japanese rice.
Discover the artisanal charm of Nagatani-en's Iga-yaki Kamado-san donabe, meticulously crafted in Mie, Japan. This pot utilizes historic, porous Iga-yaki clay, celebrated for its exceptional heat retention and absorbency, perfect for achieving flawlessly cooked rice. Its robust, double-lidded construction, developed through extensive research, guarantees optimal cooking results. Available in medium and large sizes, this donabe embodies traditional Japanese craftsmanship, bringing delicious, evenly cooked meals to your home.
$160.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
1
/ 215
Best Tagines & Clay Cooking Pots
Price vs Category Average
+34%
Above average
Capacity
1.58
/ quarts
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking restaurant-quality rice texture
- Hosts who value long-lasting heat for family meals
- Minimalists preferring simple, intuitive cooking methods
Who should skip it
- Busy cooks needing low-maintenance, durable cookware
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable kitchen staples
- Modern homeowners relying exclusively on induction cooktops
Performance breakdown
Rice Texture Precision
The double-lid design produces restaurant-quality rice with perfect moisture balance.
Heat Retention
Porous Iga-yaki clay maintains consistent temperatures long after the flame cuts.
Build Authenticity
Handcrafted Japanese heritage provides a tactile quality unmatched by mass-produced pots.
Cleaning Maintenance
Hand-wash only requirements demand careful handling of the delicate porous clay.
Versatility
Excels at rice but performs admirably for stews and slow-cooked braises.
Thermal Durability
Thick-walled construction withstands high oven temperatures without compromising structural integrity.
Key Specs
Capacity
1.58 quarts
Glaze Type
Glazed
Dishwasher Safe
No
Max Oven Safe Temperature
932°F
Lid Type
Dome
Interior Finish
Seasoned
Diameter
9.45 inches
Height
7.09 inches
Features
- Artisanal Japanese craftsmanship
- Historic, porous Iga-yaki clay
- Superior heat retention
- High absorbency for flavor
- Durable thick-walled design
- Double lid for steam control
- Ideal for rice and general cooking
- Oven and stovetop safe
What customers say
The Kamado san Donabe is celebrated for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Users consistently praise the simple process of achieving perfectly cooked rice, attributing success to the clever double lid system that manages pressure effectively. This pot is seen as a beautiful and reliable investment for the kitchen. It consistently elevates daily cooking, delivering superior and dependable results with every use.
Know before you buy
The double-lid design acts as a pressure cooker, creating the ideal environment for steaming rice. The inner lid provides extra weight and pressure, while the outer lid helps maintain consistent heat and prevents boil-over.
No, this pot is designed for use on gas stovetops and in the oven only. It is not compatible with induction cooktops.
Yes, because the clay is porous, you should never soak the pot in water or leave it wet for extended periods. It is also not dishwasher safe; it must be hand-washed and dried thoroughly before storage to prevent mold or cracking.
While it is specifically engineered to produce perfect rice, its superior heat retention makes it excellent for stews, soups, and braised dishes. Its oven-safe construction also allows for versatile cooking beyond the stovetop.
Yes, you should perform a 'medome' or seasoning process before your first use. This involves cooking a starchy liquid, such as rice porridge, in the pot to seal the pores of the clay and prevent leaks.
The Kamado-san donabe weighs approximately 7.94 pounds. Its thick-walled construction is intentional, providing the thermal mass necessary for even, consistent cooking.
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