10+ Must-try Japanese donabe pots for rice, hotpot & more

A Japanese donabe pot is more than just cookware, it’s a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and the art of slow cooking that brings out authentic flavors. From fluffy rice to bubbling hotpot, these clay pots have been cherished in Japanese homes for centuries. Today, they’re gaining popularity worldwide as food lovers seek healthier, tastier, and more soulful cooking methods.

In this guide, Japan With Love’ll introduce you to 10+ must-try donabe pots that can transform your kitchen experience. Whether you’re curious about their history, looking for the best Japanese donabe pot for rice, or want to explore versatile designs with steamers, you’ll find practical insights here.

1. What is a Japanese donable clay pot?

“Donabe” (土鍋) literally means “clay pot” in Japanese. A Japanese clay pot is crafted from special porous clay, sometimes glazed inside to prevent leakage while keeping its rough, earthy texture outside. This unique construction allows the pot to absorb and radiate heat slowly, locking in flavors and cooking food evenly.

For centuries, donabe has been central to the Japanese dining style known as nabe o kakomu, gathering around a hot pot at the table. It represents warmth, comfort, and family bonding.

Why it’s still popular today

• Excellent heat retention: Once heated, the pot stays hot and keeps food warm even after the flame is turned off.
• Enhanced flavor: Slow, even cooking draws out natural umami and blends ingredients harmoniously.
• Multi-functional: Suitable for rice, stews, soups, Japanese donabe hot pot, and even steaming.
• Aesthetic appeal: Each donabe is handmade and develops a unique character with age.

For home cooks who already enjoy traditional cookware such as a best Japanese rice cooker, a donabe is a natural next step to experience more authentic Japanese cooking techniques.

2. Top 10+ best Japanese donable pots to experience Japanese special dishes

To help you choose the right Japanese donabe pot for your kitchen, we’ve curated a list of over 10 highly recommended options. Each one reflects authentic craftsmanship and offers unique features, whether you’re cooking rice, hotpot, or steaming vegetables. Let’s explore the top picks below.

1. Kamado-san Shiro Double-Lid Donabe Rice Cooker
2. Ginpo Touki Hanamishima Nº7 Donabe Casserole Earthen Pot
3. Miya Donabe Casserole Autumn Maple 8-Go
4. Kogiku Donabe Earthenware Casserole Pot Black
5. Tayo Donabe Round Donabe Steamer
6. Miyawo Thermatech Japan Rice Cooker Donabe
7. Mushi Nabe Donabe Steamer
8. Ginpo Mishima Donabe Casserole
9. Banko Ware Stoneware Donabe Casserole Rice Cooker
10. Hario Earthen Pot No.8 GDN-225-B

2.1 Kamado-san Shiro Double-Lid Donabe Rice Cooker

Made by Nagatanien, the Kamado-san is one of the most celebrated donabe rice pots. Its body is 1.5 times thicker than standard donabe, allowing excellent heat distribution. The double-lid design creates gentle steam pressure, resulting in fluffy, aromatic rice every time.

• Best for: Japanese donabe rice pot cooking
• Effective for: Keeping rice moist and flavorful
• Material: Coarse, porous clay body that “breathes” during cooking, helping heat build gradually and enhancing even heat distribution
• Material: Iga clay with inner glaze
• Tip: Remove the inner lid when cooking soups or hotpot

This pot is often chosen by people who want an alternative to electric appliances and prefer traditional tools over modern kitchen devices found in the kitchen essentials category.

2.2 Ginpo Touki Hanamishima Nº7 Donabe Casserole Earthen Pot

The Ginpo Touki Hanamishima Nº7 is a versatile Japanese clay cooking pot that combines everyday usability with the timeless charm of Banko ware. Crafted with lightweight but durable petalite clay, it’s easier to handle than traditional heavy donabe while maintaining excellent heat retention. The floral Mishima-inspired design on the lid adds an elegant touch, making it suitable not only for cooking but also for serving directly on the table.

This donabe is ideal for families who enjoy multi-purpose cooking, from soups and stews to hotpot nights and rice dishes. If you’re building a Japanese-style kitchen that also includes items like a Japanese frying pan, this donabe fits seamlessly into daily cooking routines.

• Best for: Family-style cooking, hotpot, stews, rice
• Effective for: Lightweight handling with strong durability
• Material: Banko clay with floral glazed lid
• Texture: Smooth glazed interior, earthy exterior feel
• Tip: Preheat gradually to prevent thermal cracks

2.3 Miya Donabe Casserole Autumn Maple 8-Go

For those who want a donabe that doubles as kitchenware and art, the Miya Donabe Autumn Maple 8-Go delivers. With a hand-painted maple leaf design inspired by Japan’s autumn season, this Japanese donabe ceramic hot pot enhances not only the flavors of your dishes but also your dining presentation. Its generous 8-go size is well-suited for families or group gatherings.

The pot retains heat effectively, allowing you to cook dishes slowly and evenly while keeping food warm for extended mealtimes. It’s a wonderful option if you want to highlight both taste and aesthetics at the dinner table. The Miya Donabe proves that a Japanese clay pot for cooking can be practical while also bringing seasonal Japanese culture into your home.

• Best for: Hotpot dinners, family meals, casseroles
• Effective for: Slow cooking and keeping food warm
• Material: Earthenware with hand-painted glaze
• Texture: Smooth glazed interior, decorative exterior
• Tip: Ideal as both cookware and serveware

2.4 Kogiku Donabe Earthenware Casserole Pot Black

The Kogiku Donabe, with its striking matte-black finish, is a minimalist take on the traditional Japanese cooking pot donabe. Its simple yet elegant design blends easily into both modern and classic kitchens. Despite its understated appearance, the pot is crafted from durable earthenware that provides excellent heat retention for soups, stews, or small hotpot meals.

This donabe is especially popular among those who value practicality and subtle elegance. It brings out the natural flavors of ingredients by cooking them evenly over low to medium heat. For those who prefer a timeless, no-frills style that doesn’t compromise on performance, the Kogiku is one of the best donabe pots to add to your collection.

• Best for: Minimalist home kitchens, soups, stews
• Effective for: Even heating and long-lasting warmth
• Material: Durable earthenware with matte glaze
• Texture: Smooth interior, matte-black exterior
• Tip: Avoid leaving empty on flame to protect the clay

2.5 Tayo Donabe Round Donabe Steamer

The Tayo Round Donabe Steamer is a clever twist on the traditional donabe. It comes with a perforated steamer insert, allowing you to steam vegetables, fish, or dumplings on top while simmering soup or broth underneath. This multifunctional setup makes it an ideal donabe pot with steamer, saving space while expanding your cooking options.

Made from high-quality heat-resistant clay, this donabe ensures steady steam circulation and even cooking. It’s perfect for health-conscious cooks who want to enjoy nutrient-rich steamed foods alongside hearty soups or Japanese donabe hot pot. With its compact yet versatile design, the Tayo Steamer is an innovative way to experience the full range of donabe cooking.

• Best for: Steaming and simmering in one pot
• Effective for: Healthy cooking with multi-functionality
• Material: Heat-resistant clay with steamer insert
• Texture: Glazed interior, earthy clay exterior
• Tip: Check lid and steamer tray fit to trap steam

2.6 Miyawo Thermatech Japan Rice Cooker Donabe

The Miyawo Thermatech is a modern upgrade to the traditional Japanese donabe rice pot. Made with advanced Thermatech ceramic, it is designed to be heat-resistant and safe for direct use on gas stoves. Unlike some delicate donabe, this pot is engineered to minimize cracking while still delivering the authentic taste and fluffy texture that only donabe rice can offer.

This pot is perfect for busy households that want the benefits of traditional donabe cooking without the worry of extra maintenance. It cooks rice evenly, retains moisture, and can also be used for soups and stews. For those looking for a reliable everyday Japanese clay pot for cooking, Miyawo Thermatech strikes a balance between tradition and modern practicality.

• Best for: Rice cooking, soups, daily use
• Effective for: Crack-resistant durability
• Material: Thermatech ceramic clay
• Texture: Smooth glazed finish inside and out
• Tip: Ideal for households new to donabe cooking

2.7 Mushi Nabe Donabe Steamer

The Mushi Nabe is a specialty Japanese donabe ceramic hot pot designed specifically for steaming. It features a steam grate insert that allows you to cook vegetables, seafood, meat, and even dumplings while locking in natural flavors and nutrients. Its domed lid helps trap steam efficiently, ensuring your dishes are both flavorful and healthy.

This type of donabe is particularly valued in Japanese cuisine for its ability to highlight the essence of fresh seasonal ingredients. If you are looking for a unique donabe pot with steamer that goes beyond soups and hotpot, the Mushi Nabe is a must-try addition to your kitchen.

• Best for: Steaming vegetables, dumplings, seafood
• Effective for: Nutrient-rich cooking with pure flavors
• Material: Traditional earthenware with steamer tray
• Texture: Glazed interior with earthy exterior
• Tip: Use with broth in the base for added flavor infusion

2.8 Ginpo Mishima Donabe Casserole

The Ginpo Mishima Donabe Casserole showcases traditional Mishima-style motifs with elegant brushwork patterns across its surface. As a Japanese clay cooking pot, it is designed for both daily home use and serving at gatherings. Its medium depth makes it versatile enough for hotpot, stews, or casseroles, while the artistic lid design enhances presentation at the dining table.

Thanks to its Banko ware craftsmanship, the pot heats evenly and retains warmth, allowing food to stay hot long after cooking. This combination of function and artistry makes the Ginpo Mishima one of the best donabe pots for anyone who values cultural design as much as cooking performance.

• Best for: Hotpot, stews, casseroles
• Effective for: Beautiful design and practical use
• Material: Banko ware clay with Mishima brushwork lid
• Texture: Glazed cooking surface, patterned exterior
• Tip: Great as both cookware and serveware

2.9 Banko Ware Stoneware Donabe Casserole Rice Cooker

Handcrafted in Japan’s famous Banko region, this stoneware donabe is a trusted choice for rice lovers. The thick clay walls allow for slow, even cooking that enhances both texture and aroma, making it one of the most reliable Japanese donabe rice pots available. Beyond rice, it is also suitable for soups, stews, and hotpot.

The durability of Banko ware ensures long-term use if cared for properly. Its rustic charm and authentic build make it a go-to Japanese clay cooking pot for those who want the closest experience to traditional Japanese home cooking.

• Best for: Fluffy rice, hotpot, rustic-style meals
• Effective for: Slow cooking and deep flavor extraction
• Material: Banko ware stoneware clay
• Texture: Natural matte exterior, glazed interior
• Tip: Season the pot before first use for durability

2.10 Hario Earthen Pot No.8 GDN-225-B

The Hario Earthen Pot No.8 blends traditional donabe design with Hario’s well-known innovation. This Japanese donabe hot pot is crafted for everyday use, featuring a sleek black design and sturdy earthenware construction. Its size is perfect for family meals, whether preparing hotpot, soup, or a comforting casserole.

Hario, a brand celebrated for glassware and heat-resistant products, brings the same dedication to this pot, making it one of the most accessible and functional options. If you’re searching for the best Japanese donabe pot that combines brand trust with traditional craftsmanship, the Hario No.8 is a dependable choice.

• Best for: Family meals, hotpot, casseroles
• Effective for: Daily cooking with durable build
• Material: Heat-resistant earthenware
• Texture: Smooth black glaze with simple finish
• Tip: Gradually increase heat to avoid cracking

3. Why should you choose a donable pot from Japan over other regular pots?

Japanese donabe pots are not just cooking tools, they are a reflection of centuries-old craftsmanship and cultural tradition. Unlike regular pots made of metal or glass, a Japanese clay cooking pot brings out the natural flavors of food through slow, even heat distribution. The porous nature of the clay allows moisture to circulate inside, making rice fluffier, soups richer, and stews more aromatic.

Another reason to choose a donabe from Japan is durability and versatility. Authentic Banko ware or Iga ware donabe can withstand direct heat, making them suitable for gas stoves, ovens, and even charcoal grills. Many designs, such as a donabe pot with steamer or Japanese donabe hot pot, also allow multifunctional cooking that goes far beyond boiling or frying. When properly cared for, a donabe becomes more seasoned over time, improving the taste of each dish and becoming a treasured item in the kitchen.

Key benefits of choosing a Japanese donabe pot:

• Flavor enhancement: Slow, even heating brings out natural umami.
• Versatility: Suitable for rice, soups, stews, hotpot, and steaming.
• Durability: High-quality clay like Banko or Iga ware withstands direct flame.
• Aesthetic value: Doubles as cookware and serveware, elevating dining presentation.
• Cultural connection: Owning a donabe is like bringing a piece of Japanese tradition into your home.

4. How to use a Japanese donable pot properly?

A Japanese donabe pot is designed to last for years, but it requires a bit of special care to ensure durability and the best cooking results. Unlike stainless steel or non-stick pans, donabe is made of natural clay, which means it needs gradual heating, proper seasoning, and careful handling. With the right approach, your donabe will reward you with deeper flavors and authentic Japanese-style cooking.

Before the first use, it’s important to “season” your donabe, also known as medome. This process involves boiling rice water inside the pot to seal its microscopic pores and prevent future leaks. Once seasoned, always heat the donabe gradually rather than exposing it to sudden high flames. This helps avoid cracks and allows the clay to distribute heat evenly.

Tips for using your Japanese donabe pot:

• Season first: Boil rice water for 10–15 minutes before the first use.
• Avoid high heat suddenly: Start with low to medium flame and increase slowly.
• Use wooden or silicone utensils: To prevent scratching the glaze.
• Don’t leave it empty on heat: Always ensure some liquid or food is inside when cooking.
• Dry completely before storage: Moisture can lead to cracks or mold.
• Dedicated for one type of dish: Many Japanese families keep separate donabe for rice and hotpot to preserve flavors.

With these simple steps, you’ll not only extend the life of your pot but also experience why the donabe has remained a staple in Japanese kitchens for generations.

A Japanese donabe pot is more than a cooking vessel, it’s a bridge to authentic flavors, slow-living traditions, and the warmth of shared meals. From rice and soups to hotpot and steaming, each donabe brings out the natural essence of ingredients in a way that modern cookware can’t fully replicate. With options ranging from classic Banko ware to innovative designs with steamers, there’s a donabe suited for every home and cooking style.

FAQs - People also ask about Japanese donabe pot

Yuzuki Tsukihana

Yuzuki Tsukihana is a Japanese beauty writer and researcher with over 8 years of experience in the skincare and cosmetics industry. She holds a Master of Science in Cosmetic Science from the University of Cincinnati (USA), where she specialized in skincare formulation, ingredient efficacy, and product safety.

View articles by Yuzuki Tsukihana