[ad_1]
It is said that the kotatsu first appeared in the world during the Muromachi era (1333 – 1573) in Japan. At that time, of course, there was no electricity, so the original kotatsu design was simply intended to cover a sunken fire pit and use cloth to contain the heat. In the old days, since kotatsu’s heat source was fire, it was possible for them to catch fire or cause injury from physical contact.
The current style of electric kotatsu was developed after the war, and the heat source was updated to prevent direct contact with the skin, in order to prevent fires and injuries.
Points To Consider When Choosing A Kotatsu
A kotatsu is an indispensable piece of winter furniture, with its fluffy blanket to keep you warm and maintain the heat even when it’s freezing outside. That said, even though it is just a kotatsu, there are many different types available.
However, you may be wondering which one is better. Here we will introduce four points to pay attention to when choosing a kotatsu, so let’s check them out together!
1. Desk Height
The first point is the height of the desk. There are two types of kotatsu: the tall type with long legs, and the low type with short legs.
The low type is likely the most familiar to Japanese people, who have a long-running culture of sitting directly on the floor such as on tatami mats. The low type has a smaller contained space to keep warm, which facilitates efficient heating. Depending on the number of people, you can find various table sizes to suit your needs!
Also Read: Ultimate Guide To Christmas In Japan
The tall type, on the other hand, allows you to comfortably stretch your legs, which puts less strain on your body. However, since the space that can be heated is large, it tends to take more time to heat up. Both types have their pros and cons, but it is best to choose the type that suits your lifestyle.
2. Top Plate Shape and Color
The second point is to choose based on the shape and color of the top plate. Generally, there are the following types of tabletop shapes:
- Round Type
- Square Type
- Rectangular Type
First of all, the round shape has no corners, so it is safe for use even in homes with small children as there is no risk of bumping into sharp corners. In addition, round shapes are said to make a room appear larger because they are not angular. A round shape is recommended to create a soft atmosphere.
Next, a key point of the square style is that the top plate size is smaller. It is easy to use with a small number of people, such as playing games together while keeping warm. Square is also recommended for those who live alone but want a kotatsu.
Also Read: Oshogatsu – Ultimate Guide To New Year’s In Japan
Finally, the rectangular top has the advantage of giving you more space to stretch out your legs. You can also place things on the large top plate, so it can be used in a variety of situations, such as having a meal or or doing hobbies. Many of them are large in size, so it’s a good idea when choosing one to think about how it would fit your room.
The color of the top plate varies depending on the manufacturer, from brown to beige. By choosing a kotatsu in a color that matches your room, you can create a sense of unity and cohesiveness throughout the room. There are also options with reversible top plates, so be sure to check that out as well.
3. Heater Type
The third point is the type of heater. The types of heaters include:
- Carbon Flat Heater
- Halogen Heater
- Quartz Tube Heater
Carbon flat heaters are attractive because they are thin. It’s only 2cm thick and doesn’t protrude much, so it maximises the spaciousness of the kotatsu’s interior. The heating speed is slow, so if you are looking for a faster heating speed, please consider other heaters.
Second, halogen heaters heat up quickly when you turn them on, and they have very high thermal efficiency. On the other hand, they can increase your electricity bills, so if you want to reduce power consumption, consider other heaters.
Finally, the quartz tube heater is a heater that uses traditional heating wires. Although it has high thermal efficiency and heats up quickly, it is typically the largest type, taking up more space under the kotatsu surface. Each heater has its own characteristics, so choose the one you think is the most suitable.
4. Other Features
The fourth point to consider when choosing a kotatsu is to choose based on its other features.
In recent years, kotatsu have also come on the market with USB ports on the side, which is recommended for people who work from home or who want to use the kotatsu while charging.
Also, if you have a kotatsu that can store the cord, you can use it as a regular table even during the off-season in the summer, so it can be used effectively all year round.
Top 4 Recommended Kotatsu Made In Japan
There are many types of Japanese kotatsu available from various vendors. Not only do they come in different sizes and designs, but each product also has different features, so be sure to check carefully to find the one that suits you.
Now, we will introduce our top-four recommended kotatsu; we have also highlighted important points for each kotatsu, so please compare them carefully.
[4th Place] Nitori Living Kotatsu Plump N
In fourth place, this recommended kotatsu is the Nitori Living Kotatsu Plump N.
Nitori, which has stylish furniture at low prices and high quality, has a kotatsu with an oval top on the list! Since it is a quartz tube heater, it starts to warm up in about 2 to 3 minutes, so the thermal performance is also good. The design is not too big, so it goes well with any room, so we recommend it.
[3rd Place] Takiguchi Wood Furniture Style kotatsu
The third-place recommended kotatsu is the Takiguchi Mokuzai Furniture Style Kotatsu.
This kotatsu has a rectangular top, but the rounded corners are highly praised. The soft form of the kotatsu is safe even if a small child bumps into it. In addition, the height of the legs is just right, and the design is very well-balanced.
[2nd Place] KOIZUMI Furniture Style kotatsu
Our second most recommended kotatsu is the KOIZUMI Furniture Style Kotatsu.
This kotatsu has a rectangular top and an angular design, but the edges are rounded for peace of mind. In addition, the quartz tube heater, which warms up in about 5 minutes, also functions excellently as a kotatsu. Since it uses far infrared rays, the key point is that the warmth lasts for a long time.
[1st Place] Yuasa Primus Kotatsu With USB
This kotatsu is a type that is heated with a halogen heater. It has excellent heating power, and I love that it instantly warms up as soon as it’s turned on, even when it’s cold. It also has a USB port on the side of the top plate, making it perfect for working on your computer at home.
Summary
For people growing up in Japan, the kotatsu has been a familiar winter friend since childhood, but it has evolved along with technology and a wide variety of types have appeared. They come in a variety of sizes, looks, and functionality, so you’re sure to find one to suit your needs.
This time, we have carefully selected and introduced recommended Japanese kotatsu, and we hope you enjoy them. Get the latest, easy-to-use, high-quality kotatsu and stay warm even in the cold winter!
Also Read: 5 Tips To Stay Warm In Japan
[ad_2]
Source link