Black Microwave Rice Cooker with Double Lid

No, donabes are not safe for deep frying. They are designed for simmering, steaming, hot pot, soups, and rice — the very high oil temperatures used for deep frying can damage the clay and cause cracking. For frying, use a stainless or cast iron pot.

It depends on the model. The majority of our donabes are not oven safe and are stovetop-only. Ginpo Kikka donabes are the main exception — they are oven safe, but please remove the lid before placing in a preheated oven. If the product description does not mention oven use, email support@jocgoods.com before using it in the oven.

It depends on the model. The majority of our donabes are not microwave safe — uneven heating can cause the earthenware to crack. Ginpo Kikka donabes are the main exception and can be microwaved. If the product description does not mention microwave use, please email support@jocgoods.com before microwaving. For models that are not microwave safe, reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

A little moisture on the outer surface is normal — donabe clay is porous and naturally absorbs broth during cooking. However, noticeable seeping often means the initial seasoning (me-dome) was insufficient. Re-season by cooking a 30-minute rice porridge (okayu), or simmer water with 1–2 tablespoons of cornstarch or potato starch for 10 minutes, then cool and rinse before storing.

Yes, dish soap is fine. The key rules: never soak the donabe in water (the porous clay absorbs it), never put it in the dishwasher, and dry it completely before storage to prevent mustiness. Use a soft sponge — avoid metal scrubbers or abrasive pads, which scratch the glaze and clay.

Use serving size as your guide. For 2–3 people, a 25–27 cm (10–11 in) donabe is ideal. For 3–5 people, choose 29–32 cm (11–13 in). When in doubt, size up — extra capacity is more useful than running out, especially for hot pot meals where ingredients build up at the table.

Soak the donabe in warm water for 10–15 minutes to loosen the residue, then gently scrape with a wooden or silicone utensil. For stubborn spots, add water plus 1 tablespoon of baking soda, simmer 5 minutes, let cool, and rinse. Avoid metal scrubbers, which damage the clay surface.

No. These marks are normal characteristics of handcrafted Japanese ceramics, formed during shaping, glazing, or firing in small kilns. Subtle dents, tiny pinholes, and slight texture variations are part of the artisan process — not defects. If you see clear cracks, chips, or peeling glaze, please email support@jocgoods.com with photos.

Yes, the dark specks are safe. They are natural iron minerals in the clay that react during high-temperature firing, leaving small marks under the glaze. They do not affect food safety, durability, or performance, and are part of the organic character of handmade Japanese pottery.

Some glazed ceramic pieces may contain trace amounts of lead or cadmium sealed beneath the glaze, at levels safe for food use. Japanese ceramic tableware is regulated under the Food Sanitation Act, which sets leaching limits for lead and cadmium in glazed tableware. Testing standards differ by country, so we cannot guarantee compliance with every regional regulation.

Each piece is shaped, glazed, and fired by hand in small artisan kilns across Japan, so subtle differences in color, glaze pattern, weight, and even rim shape are expected. No two pieces are identical. This natural variation is what makes each item one of a kind, not a quality flaw.

Dishwasher-safe pieces can go in the dishwasher, and doing so will not damage the glaze. That said, ceramic (earthenware) is more prone to chipping than porcelain, and pieces can knock against the rack or other dishes while loading and unloading — which is the most common cause of small chips. For longevity, hand-washing with warm water and a soft sponge is gentler.

Yes. You may add a personalized gift message of up to 250 characters at checkout — it is printed on a card and included inside the package. Prices and order details are never shown on the card or anywhere in the shipment, so the recipient sees only your message and the gift itself.

Yes. Every JOC Goods order is wrapped in a traditional Japanese furoshiki cloth before shipping at no extra charge — both gifts and personal orders. If your order includes many or large items, the furoshiki may be packed inside the box rather than wrapped around them. Prices are never included in any shipment.