These Kamado-san donabe by Nagatani-en can be used to cook rice, or as all-purpose hot pots. In their busy lives it is typical for Japanese households to cook rice in an electric rice cooker. This does not mean that there is not sometimes time, and an affection, for the original way to do it. Donabe or 'earth pots' are the way that rice used to be made, and can be used for a range of other slow cooking activities. What they lack in convenience they make up for in one crucial respect: the food tastes better. This is particularly the case for donabe made in their most traditional location: Mie, in west Japan. Here the clay used in the Iga-ware pottery tradition is particularly suited to the heavy based pots, and donabe exponents such as Nagatani-en have an especial expertise. The pots come with English language care and recipeinstructions. Before use it is recommended that a process known as medome is completed to season the pot, and this is described in the instructions. The pots are suitable for direct fire, but not induction hobs. Two Rice Cup size (2-Go) Size: 21cm x H16cm. Volume: 1000ml. Weight: 3kg Pakage weight: 4.01kg Three Rice Cup size (3-Go) Size: 24cm x H18cm. Volume: 1500ml. Weight: 3.6kg. Pakage weight: 5.01kg *Due to its weight this item is exempt from free shipping. The cost of shipping is calculated at checkout. *The pot stand (trivet) pictured here is not included with the product.