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Iron kettle - CHUBEI HIROKUCHI HADA -
Features
Nambu ironware representative of Japan.
Nambu ironware is a traditional craft of Iwate Prefecture, and the tetsubin, synonymous with it, is a traditional tool used exclusively for boiling water.
It is said that water boiled in an iron kettle has a mellow taste and goes well with tea and coffee as well as white water.
In addition, the iron components of an iron kettle dissolve into the hot water as divalent iron, which is easily absorbed by the body. It is also said to play a role in daily iron supplementation.
Produced at Suzuki Chuzendo,a workshop that has been in existence since the Edo period.
All tetsubin handled by Kamasa Shoten are from Suzuki Chuzendo, a workshop in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture.
Suzuki Chuzendo was founded in 1616 (Genna 2), when Suzuki Chubei I was called upon by the Morioka Nanbu clan as a foundry master.
Since then, the Chubei name has been passed down for 400 years, and as of 2024, the company is in its 13th generation.
Today, the company manufactures a wide range of Nambu ironware products, including tetsubin (iron kettles), under the leadership of Ikuo Ito, a traditional craftsman.
Tetsubin made by Suzuki Chuzendo are inscribed with the name ‘Chubei’. This is a sign of the long tradition and proof of quality.
SUZUKI SHUZENDO tetsubin's four commitments
KAMAYAKI
Kama-yaki (kin-keisatsu), the most important feature of tetsubin, is carefully carried out one by one using traditional charcoal in accordance with the casting finish of the time.
This ensures an even finish and is said to make the water more mellow.
Traditional spout
The spout is made using a traditional mould, which is then finished by hand to make it easier to pour and less likely to drip.
CHUBEI's unique design
The colouring is unique, with a slightly brownish Chubei only look, created by applying an o-haguro (iron plaster) solution after baking the lacquer mixed with coloured rust.
Iron kettles with an easy-to-handle design.
This tetsubin imitates the wide-mouthed kettle of a tea kettle. The pattern reproduces the finish of the iron itself, known as hikame. The wide mouth of this simple tetsubin makes it easy to handle.
Product Details
Specification
- size
- Appro.W17.5cm(including spout)xD13cmxH11cm
Height to handle 19.5cm. - weight
- 1.5kg
- heat source
- Compatible with gas and induction.
- capacity
- 1.2L
- material
- cast iron
- origin
- Iwate, Japan
Notes
-
Be careful not to burn yourself as it is hot.
The lid in particular is very hot, do not touch with bare hands, use a cloth. Take care with boiling water and steam. -
When using induction, please pay attention to the temperature control. Suddenly raising the temperature may cause deformation.
-
Rusting of cast iron products may occur depending on usage conditions.
-
Sizes may vary slightly.
Before first use
-
Breaking-in Methods
Repeat boiling and dumping the water two or three times. Once the water is clear, it can be used as it is.
If the water is cloudy or has an iron smell, acclimatise again.
How to boil water
- Boil the water slowly. Do not allow the flame to come out of the bottom of the gas cooker, and use IH on low heat.
Please note that if IH is boiled over high heat, the temperature will rise rapidly and deformation may occur. - *Please reduce the amount of hot water to 80% of the original volume. If the water is filled to the full, it will spill over when it boils.
*A tetsubin is a tool for continuously boiling water, so keep boiling until you have finished using it.
How to care
-
When you're done using it.
Open the lid and transfer the water to another container or discard it while it is still hot. This will allow the heat from the tetsubin itself to dry it out.
When it is dry, you can leave it as it is, but if any moisture remains, dry it immediately by heating it on the stove. Never use high heat, but dry slowly over low heat.
As soon as the water has evaporated, turn off the stove. The lid also dries with heat, but if it is not completely dry, wipe it dry with a dry cloth.
The spout and lid should be wiped dry as they tend to collect water. -
About cleaning
*Do not wash the tetsubin with detergent, as it is a tool for boiling water and does not need to be washed. Washing may cause rust.
*Never use detergent, touch the inside in particular, or clean it directly with a scrubber or sponge. -
When not in use.
Store in a dry and dry place.
*Store in a completely dry place. Do not put plastic bags, etc. in it as they become easily steamy!
*The product is prone to rusting if not used for a long period of time. Frequent use will reduce rusting.
FAQ
-
Why can't I boil tea?
As the tetsubin uses iron itself to boil water, the iron components react with the tannin in the tea, discolouring the tea.
Also, due to the nature of the product, it is not washable, so do not boil tea directly in the kettle, as the tea ingredients may remain and lead to the growth of mould and bacteria. -
Can you supply iron?
Water boiled in an iron kettle contains iron. It is therefore believed that drinking white water boiled in an iron kettle supplies iron.
However, please understand that it is only a supplement and this will not improve your constitution or make you healthier.
Please also note that iron absorption is said to be inhibited when used with tea or coffee. -
Does the handle collapse?
The handle of the iron kettle is fixed and will not fall over. Please note that it cannot be repaired if it is forcibly knocked over. -
Can it be repaired?
We are responsible for the repair of items purchased from our shop,
so please contact us using the enquiry form.
When in doubt.
-
Red dots appeared on the inside of the tetsubin ...
It may look like rust, but it is not rust unless the hot water is discoloured or has an iron smell.
It may occur depending on the quality of the water in the area where it is used. It is evidence that the tetsubin is growing and should continue to be used as it is. -
Red dots appeared on the inside of the tetsubin ...
It is crystallised calcium, magnesium and other substances in water. This adhesion deters rusting.
It is a sign that the iron kettle is growing well. Never remove them. -
Rusted ...
No matter how carefully you use it, it may rust. If rust should occur, do not rub the inside of the tetsubin, but use a tea packet or similar to boil tea in the tetsubin for a while. When doing so, add water frequently to avoid emptying the kettle.
The tea will turn black because the tannins in the tea react with the iron and discolour it. This action serves to stop the iron from rusting.
Boil the water for 20-30 minutes and then discard the contents. Then repeat the process of boiling and discarding until the water becomes clear.
Rust removal is complete when the water becomes clear and no longer smells of iron. If there is no improvement, repeat the process. -
I've got an empty fire ...
If you do burn a fire, put out the fire immediately. Never pour water on it and wait until it cools down. When the tetsubin has cooled completely, rinse the inside and clean the inside.
Do not touch or rub the inside.
Then boil the water and if the boiled water does not have a metallic odour, use it as it is.
If there are any problems such as leaks, repairs will be made (at cost).
If you would like to request a repair, please contact us using the enquiry form.
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.
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Delivery preferences
*Date of delivery can be requested for ONLY domestic shipment. *If you wish to have your knife inscribed, you cannot specify a delivery date and time. We will ship 1 week to 10 days after the order date.