Uncoated stainless steel has nothing to absorb excess heat. Dry heating or a high setting is what causes warping, discolouration and, at worst, fire — not age or ordinary use.
- Safety Notes
- Cooking Guidelines
- On Gas
- On Induction
- Cleaning & Care
- Glass Lid
- Troubleshooting
- Detachable Handle
Important Safety Notes
Never leave the pot unattended while cooking, and never dry heat it. Heating an empty pot can cause deformation, discolouration or fire. If you must leave the kitchen, or if anything unusual occurs, turn off the heat immediately.
Never cook with a loose handle. On fixed wooden-handle models the handle is held by a screw. If it feels loose, tighten it and it is good as new — see Troubleshooting if it will not hold.
- Inspect the pot before use for damage, dents or cracks.
- Burn hazard. The pot body, rim and metal parts become extremely hot during use.
- Prevent boil-overs. Adjust the heat level and do not overfill the pot.
- Keep it out of reach of children.
- Do not use it on room heaters such as kerosene stoves.
Cooking Guidelines
- Use medium heat or lower. Excessive heat causes discolouration and warping.
- Always cook with sufficient liquid. Water regulates the temperature and keeps the stainless steel from overheating.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes. Do not plunge a hot pot into cold water.
Do not use it for stir-frying. This pot is designed for boiling and simmering. Small amounts of oil overheat rapidly, which is a fire hazard, and high heat stresses the uncoated steel, leading to deformation and burning.
Do not store food in the pot. Stainless steel resists rust but is not immune. Leaving food in the pot, particularly salty soups or sauces, can cause pitting, corrosion or staining.
Use on Gas Cooktops
- Make sure the pot sits securely on the trivet.
- Match the flame to the pot size. The flame should not extend beyond the base.
- Keep the flame off the sides. Flames licking up the pot can make the handle dangerously hot, or damage it.
Use on Induction (IH)
- Check your cooktop's manual for its cookware settings.
- Place the pot in the centre of the heating zone. If it wobbles, discontinue use.
- Use medium heat or lower. High power can warp the base instantly.
- Wipe the base dry before placing it on the cooktop, so it makes proper contact.
A buzzing or humming sound is normal. It is caused by resonance vibration, not a defect. Adjusting the pot's position or lowering the heat slightly often reduces it.
Cleaning & Care
- Wash with warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely straight after washing.
- Surface scratches are cosmetic and do not affect cooking performance or safety.
- Store it in a dry, well-ventilated place.
Glass Lid Care
For models supplied with a glass lid:
- Avoid sudden temperature changes, and never rinse a hot lid with cold water.
- Keep it away from direct flame, and avoid knocks and impacts.
Troubleshooting
Find your symptom below — none of these mean the pot is faulty.
"The wooden handle feels loose."
Tighten the screw at the base of the handle until there is no movement, and it is good for years more. If the screw no longer holds, or the wood itself has split or worn where it meets the fitting, fit a new one — we stock the Yoshikawa replacement wood handle. Do not cook with the pot until the handle sits firm.
"A new sponge comes away black."
This is harmless polishing residue left from manufacture. It is not dirt, and it disappears gradually with normal washing and use.
"There are rust spots."
Stainless steel resists rust but can still rust if it is exposed to salt or left wet. Scrub the spots gently with a soft sponge and a cream cleanser, then dry thoroughly.
"There are white spots on the inside."
Pitting, caused by salt or mineral deposits. To prevent it, make sure salt is fully dissolved in the liquid before heating, and wash the pot promptly after use.
"The surface has gone rainbow or brown."
A normal reaction of stainless steel to heat and to minerals in the water, and not harmful. If the appearance bothers you, cleaning with a diluted vinegar or citric acid solution may restore the shine.
"Food has burnt onto the base."
Do not scrape it with metal tools. Soak the pot in hot water with baking soda to soften the residue, then wash gently.
Using the Detachable Handle
This section applies only to Yukihira pots supplied with a removable handle, such as the Induction Saucepan Set with Detachable Handle. These have no screw — the lock button does the work instead.
Can the handle stay on during cooking? Yes. It hooks onto the metal bracket on the pot wall from above and clamps in place. Once locked, it is designed to bear the weight of the pot on both gas and induction. Do not shake, swing or apply sudden force to the pot while the handle is attached.
Attaching the handle
- Slide and hold the lock button on the handle.
- Hook the metal tip onto the bracket on the pot wall from above, so it sits flush against the pot.
- Release the lock button to clamp the handle in place.
- Check it is firm and secure before lifting the pot.
Removing the handle
- Slide and hold the lock button.
- Lift the handle up and away from the bracket.
Handle care and safety
- Do not wash the handle mechanism with water. Wipe it with a dry or damp cloth — water inside the mechanism causes rust and malfunction.
- Keep gas flames away from the handle while cooking.
- A small amount of movement is normal even when the handle is secured.
- Do not use the handle if the locking mechanism feels loose or damaged.
