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KAMA-ASA’s Chinese Style Steamer 18cm
Overview
A Trusted Maker
Magemono-koubou Shimizu
Founded in 2021 and led by bentwood craftsman Takayasu Shimizu, the workshop produces bento boxes, steamers, and other woodenware. Each piece is carefully handcrafted, making it a promising new workshop that will help carry Japanese craftsmanship into the future.
About This Tool
An Essential Tool for Steaming
This Chinese-style steamer is made from Japanese hinoki cypress and bamboo, making it one of the few domestically produced steamers of its kind.
Because the lid is woven from bamboo, steam escapes at just the right rate, producing light and evenly steamed results.
The hinoki steamer basket also absorbs excess moisture, helping ingredients cook more deliciously.
4 Key Features of the Chinese Bamboo Steamer
Designed for Efficient Steaming
The lid features a double-layered bamboo weave with a thin wooden sheet sandwiched between the layers to help retain steam.
This design makes it ideal not only for steaming dim sum such as pork buns and shumai, but also for dishes that require longer steaming times, such as glutinous rice, sekihan (red bean rice), and other sticky rice preparations.
A Versatile, Extra-Deep Design
The deeper design provides more capacity than a standard steamer, making it suitable for dishes served in taller tableware, such as chawanmushi.
To make the most of this additional depth, we also developed a stainless steel raised steaming rack.
Using the rack allows you to cook the equivalent of two layers in a single steamer basket.
Made for Long-Term Use
Stainless steel fittings are used to secure the steamer.
By fastening it firmly in multiple places, the steamer is made to withstand years of use.
A Design Tailored to Each Size
The 27 cm and 30 cm steamers are also commonly used in professional kitchens. They are therefore made thicker than standard steamers for enhanced durability.
How to Choose a Steamer: Q&A
Should I Choose a Chinese or Japanese Steamer?
Both types can be used to prepare the same dishes. However, KAMA-ASA's Chinese bamboo steamer provides more interior space when the basket and lid are assembled. Compared with steamers of the same diameter, it can hold more ingredients and accommodate tableware for dishes such as chawanmushi. This makes the Chinese steamer the more versatile option.
How Do I Choose the Right Steamer Size?
We recommend considering the size you would like to place directly on the dining table after cooking.
Thinking of the steamer as a serving plate can make the size easier to choose.
Example: An 18 cm steamer is similar in size to an 18 cm plate and serves approximately one to two people.
How Can I Tell Whether a Steamer Will Last?
We recommend checking the number of fasteners used. Many imported steamers have only two or three fasteners, and when these break, the steamer may no longer retain its shape.
In comparison, KAMA-ASA's Chinese bamboo steamer uses 14 fasteners. Four stainless steel wires also pass through the steamer walls from the outside to the inside, creating a stronger construction designed for long-term use.
Is a Steamer Difficult to Care For?
Wash it with water and a scrub brush without using detergent.
Detergent can remove the natural oils from the wood, making it more difficult to keep the steamer in good condition.
After washing, wipe away excess moisture and leave it to air-dry overnight in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
Because a steamer is exposed to hot steam each time it is used, it is relatively easy to maintain compared with many other wooden kitchen tools.
MOVIE
How to Use, Recommended Steamed Dishes, and Cleaning
- More Ways to Use KAMA-ASA Kitchen Tools -
Sekihan: Japanese Red Bean Rice
Steamed Rice Paper Spring Rolls
Acqua Pazza
Details
Specifications
- Size
-
18 cm
Basket: Outer diameter 18 cm, inner diameter 16 cm, height 10 cm, inner depth 6 cm
Lid: Outer diameter 18 cm, inner diameter 16 cm, height 7.5 cm excluding handle, inner depth 7 cm
Total height with basket and lid assembled: 16.5 cm excluding handle
21 cm:
Basket: Outer diameter 21 cm, inner diameter 19 cm, height 9.5 cm, inner depth 6.5 cm
Lid: Outer diameter 21 cm, inner diameter 18.5 cm, height 7.5 cm excluding handle, inner depth 7 cm
Total height with basket and lid assembled: 16.5 cm excluding handle
24 cm:
Basket: Outer diameter 24.5 cm, inner diameter 22 cm, height 9.5 cm, inner depth 6.5 cm
Lid: Outer diameter 24.5 cm, inner diameter 23.5 cm, height 7.5 cm excluding handle, inner depth 8 cm
Total height with basket and lid assembled: 16.5 cm excluding handle
27 cm:
Basket: Outer diameter 27.5 cm, inner diameter 24 cm, height 9 cm, inner depth 7 cm
Lid: Outer diameter 27.5 cm, inner diameter 24 cm, height 7.5 cm excluding handle, inner depth 4 cm
Total height with basket and lid assembled: 17 cm excluding handle
30 cm:
Basket: Outer diameter 30.5 cm, inner diameter 27 cm, height 9 cm, inner depth 7 cm
Lid: Outer diameter 30.5 cm, inner diameter 27 cm, height 7.5 cm excluding handle, inner depth 4.5 cm
Total height with basket and lid assembled: 16.5 cm excluding handle - Weight
- 18 cm: Basket approx. 224 g, lid approx. 200 g
21 cm: Basket approx. 291 g, lid approx. 234 g
24 cm: Basket approx. 385 g, lid approx. 313 g
27 cm: Basket approx. 550 g, lid approx. 540 g
30 cm: Basket approx. 640 g, lid approx. 606 g - Material
- Body: 18–24 cm: Yoshino hinoki cypress; 27 cm and 30 cm: Kiso hinoki or Tono hinoki cypress
Fasteners: Japanese cherry wood
Bamboo: Made in China - Origin
- Body: Gifu Prefecture, Japan; bamboo: China
Precautions
- When using the steamer, ensure that there is enough water in the pot to prevent it from boiling dry.
- Take care when adjusting the heat, as the steamer may scorch.
- When steaming oily foods, line the steamer with a steamer sheet or vegetables to help prevent staining.
- Do not use in a dishwasher or dish dryer.
- Do not store the steamer while wet or sealed inside a plastic bag. As it is sensitive to moisture, store it in a well-ventilated place.
-
The product created in collaboration with Supreme® differs in size and specifications from KAMA-ASA's standard steamers.
The parts are not compatible and cannot be used together. Please take care not to purchase them for use with this product.
Downloads
Regarding the quality of products
- Cracks
This product is handcrafted from natural wood and bamboo. The fastening sections are joined by cutting into the wood fibers with a traditional tool known as a kizasashi. As a result, small cracks may occasionally appear around the fastening sections depending on the grain and direction of the wood fibers. Cracks may also develop during use as the material expands with heat. - Rough Surfaces
Due to the machinery and production methods used, some surfaces may have slight fuzzing or roughness. These characteristics do not affect the product's performance as a kitchen tool. Thank you for your understanding. - Natural Characteristics and Individual Variations
The following variations may occur. These are natural characteristics of products made from natural materials and are not considered defects.
・Variations in color and wood grain
・Slight variations in size or shape
・Small gaps between overlapping bentwood sections that do not affect use
・Peeling or splintering on the surface of the bamboo slats
・Stains or natural spots
Before First Use
- The steamer can be used as-is. However, if you are concerned about the natural aroma, steam it empty for approximately 10 minutes before use.
Care Instructions
- In most cases, the steamer does not need to be washed after use.
- If you are concerned about stains or residue, wipe it with a well-wrung damp cloth. Avoid using detergent whenever possible.
Troubleshooting
- The wood is turning dark...
Discoloration may occur depending on the water quality in your area. In most cases, the steamer can continue to be used without any issue. If the discoloration concerns you, rubbing the area with a slice of lemon may help reduce it. - Cracks have appeared...
Cracks may appear when the steamer is first used. In many cases, the crack creates room for the wood to expand and contract, preventing it from spreading further, and the steamer can continue to be used as normal.
This is a natural result of the materials and manufacturing process. It does not affect the quality or performance of the product, so you can continue using it with confidence.
FAQ
Yes, you can order items not listed online. Please feel free to contact us using the inquiry form.
Yes, we offer a fee-based gift wrapping at JPY660 per set (tax included). To request a gift wrapping, please contact us using the inquiry form.
Yes, but for online orders, we offer a free engraving service for knives only. Please select the desired engraving option, enter text and add the knife to cart. Engraving for products other than knives is only available at our physical store at Kappabashi, Tokyo.
Please feel free to contact us using the inquiry form. We are happy to make a quotation for your order. It would be helpful if you could first tell us the delivery address and the desired due date so that we can proceed smoothly.
