January 22, 2026

How to Use & Care for Your Nambu Iron Kettle?

Thank you for choosing a Nambu Iron Kettle, crafted in Japan using traditional cast-iron techniques passed down through generations. With proper care and use, your kettle will provide years of reliable performance and timeless beauty. Please read this guide carefully before first use and keep it for future reference.

How induction heating works: heating the cookware itself

Induction cookers heat the cookware itself rather than the hob surface. When switched on, a magnetic field is generated, creating an electric current within compatible cookware. This causes the pot or kettle to heat directly, making induction cooking highly efficient and safe, as no open flame is used.

Cookware Compatibility

Not all cookware is suitable for induction cooking. Materials such as clay, copper, and aluminium do not respond to magnetic fields and cannot be used.

To be compatible with an induction cooker, cookware must:

Be made from a magnetic material
Have a base that meets the minimum size required by the cooker
Sit flat and make full contact with the hob surface

If the base is too small, uneven, or not flat, the cooker may not detect the cookware properly, even if the material itself is suitable.

How to Use Your Iron Kettle?

Before First Use

Lightly rinse the inside with water or warm water.
Do not use detergent, a sponge, or abrasive materials.
Fill with clean water, bring to boil, then discard the water, repeat this process 2-3 times before regular use.

During Use

Do not fill the kettle to the brim.
Keep the water level to 70-80% capacity to prevent boiling over.
Heat gently over low to medium heat.
To avoid overflow, leave the lid slightly ajar or remove it while boiling.

Pouring

Ensure the lid is securely fitted.
Use an oven mitt or folded cloth to hold both the handle and lid.
Pour slowly and carefully, as the kettle and lid will be very hot.

After Use

Pour out all remaining hot water.
Place the empty kettle back on the hob over very low heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute to evaporate residual moisture.
Turn off the heat and allow the kettle to cool naturally.
Gently wipe away any moisture on the exterior and lid with a dry cloth.

Important - Please Do Not

Do not use detergent, soap, or abrasive tools
Do not leave water inside after use or soak in water.
Do not use a dishwasher or dish dryer.
Do not heat empty, overheat, or boil dry.
Do not cool rapidly with cold water.

About Enamel-Coated Nambu Ironware

Products with a smooth, glass-like enamel interior are teapots, not iron kettles for boiling water. They are designed specifically for steeping tea with hot water that has already been boiled elsewhere.

Using enamel-coated teapots directly on heat - whether induction or gas, may cause the enamel lining to crack or detach. This risk is especially high with induction heating due to rapid temperature changes.

How to Remove Rust from a Nambu Cast Iron Kettle (Tetsubin) ?

Light surface rust may occasionally appear on a cast iron kettle. This is a natural characteristic of iron and can occur even with careful, experienced use. In most cases, it is not a cause for concern unless the water becomes noticeably reddish.

To reduce and stabilise light rust, a traditional care method can be used:

Add sencha (Japanese green tea leaves) to the kettle, fill with water, and gently bring it to a boil. The tannins in the tea react with the iron, helping to reduce rust and create a protective layer inside the kettle.

This process is part of traditional iron kettle care and may be repeated if necessary.

Please refer to the video below for a visual guide on this method.

With proper care, your iron kettle will age beautifully and provide years of reliable use, reflecting the quiet functionality and craftsmanship of Japanese ironware.