Donabe Clay Rice Cooker – 2 Rice-Cup Size

Discover the joy of cooking rice the traditional Japanese way. This clay donabe is made exclusively for rice, and it brings out flavors and textures that an electric cooker simply can’t match.

Handcrafted in Iga, one of Japan’s most celebrated pottery regions, the donabe’s coarse clay is rich with tiny air pockets that store and release heat slowly and evenly. This natural quality allows the rice to reach and maintain the perfect temperature for cooking—producing plump, tender grains with just the right balance of springiness and moisture.

Its thoughtful design is part of the secret: a thick, rounded body that encourages the rice to circulate as it cooks, paired with double lids that trap steam and create gentle pressure. No complicated heat adjustments are needed—just set it over the flame, and it delivers beautifully cooked rice every time.

Made from pure Iga clay, this piece is sturdy, heat-loving, and designed to be part of your kitchen for years to come. With a few simple care habits (a quick “medome” seasoning before first use, avoiding sudden cooling, and never setting a wet bottom on the flame), it will only grow more enjoyable with time.

Cooking with this rice donabe turns an everyday staple into a centerpiece. Start with plain white rice, brown rice, then explore seasoned mixed rice (takikomi gohan) or other variations—it can go straight from stove to table, making it both practical and beautiful. I even wrote a blog about how I came to this donabe rice cooker, which you can read on 'Discovering the Joy of Donabe Rice Cooker'

Read Before You Purchase: 
Each donabe is handmade, so variations in glaze tone, luster, and size may occur. Small stones may appear on the surface, and natural marks such as pinholes or light scuffs can also be present.
Over time, fine cracks or small chips may develop — these are part of the natural character of donabe and do not affect rice cooking or serving.

Before first use, season the donabe once (medome). Watch the instruction video here.

Diameter: 8.5" (215 mm)

Height: 6.1" (155 mm)

Width including handles: 10.2" (260 mm)

Weight: 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg)

Material: Earthenware (Iga Clay)

Made in Japan

Before first use, season the donabe once before cooking rice (Medome):
1. Fill the pot with about 20% cooked rice and 80% water.
2. Simmer gently over low heat until it becomes porridge.
3. Let the porridge cool completely, then discard and rinse with water.
4. Wipe off moisture and dry the pot upside down thoroughly. Your donabe is now ready to use.
(Please see the video from the link above for reference )

Tips:
The donabe has two lids—an inner and an outer. Position their steam holes about 90° apart (not aligned) for fluffy, well-cooked rice.

Important:
Do not wet the unglazed bottom. Always check the base is completely dry before placing it over heat.
After washing, dry the pot upside down to ensure no moisture remains.

Over time, small cracks or chips may appear—this is natural. However, water left in the base can cause larger cracks, so keeping it dry is essential.

Gas stove top safe.

Hand wash only.

Azmaya

Azmaya collaborates with skilled Japanese artisans to create everyday tools that honor tradition while serving the needs of modern life. Each piece is made with uncompromising attention to detail, often taking years to perfect, and is designed to be cherished for generations—lasting a hundred or even a thousand years when cared for with love.