Lunch Revolution for High Prices and Health Consciousness: “Shin 2-tier Bento Box Rice Cooker” Launched, Cooking Rice and Side Dishes Simultaneously in as Little as 14 Minutes

Kitchen App

Background: Evolution of the 2-Tier System Based on 260,000 Units Sold

The “Personal Rice Cooker Series” by Sanko has achieved cumulative sales of 260,000 units, supporting numerous individuals in their daily meals and lunch breaks. While previous 2-tier bento box models that allowed simultaneous cooking of rice and side dishes were well-received, the renewed demand for packed lunches and home cooking due to prolonged price increases, coupled with a growing interest in healthy eating like brown and mixed grain rice, prompted a significant update and the revival of this popular design.

Setting up a compact electric cooker with colorful vegetables and meat

Key Product Features

1. 2-Tier Structure for Simultaneous Cooking of Rice and Side Dishes

A standout feature is the 2-tier structure, which includes an approximately 300ml capacity side dish tray above the rice cooking pot. This design enables simultaneous cooking: rice is cooked in the lower section, while steam from the rice cooker warms retort pouches or prepares steamed dishes in the upper tray. This not only saves time for busy morning meal prep but also allows users to enjoy freshly cooked rice and hot side dishes at the office without waiting for a microwave.

A set of THANKO's portable bento box rice cooker, including the main unit, measuring cup, and power cord.

2. Unique Vacuum Structure Utilizing Natural Decompression

The appliance incorporates a proprietary “vacuum structure” that leverages physical principles without mechanical pumps. After heating during the cooking process, as the sealed pot’s temperature slightly drops, the internal steam condenses back into water, creating a natural decompression (vacuum state). This reduced pressure extracts air from the core of the rice grains, and then air is suddenly released, allowing flavorful moisture to rapidly penetrate the core. This technology ensures fluffy, authentic rice while maintaining the compact size of a bento box.

Diagram explaining the vacuum structure of a rice cooker

3. Newly Added Reservation Function for Delicious Brown Rice

A new reservation cooking function is included, offering 60, 120, or 180-minute settings. This provides convenience for setting the cooker upon arrival at work or before sleep. Its primary advantage is ensuring ample soaking time before cooking. This, combined with the aforementioned “vacuum structure,” allows traditionally dry and difficult-to-cook brown rice and mixed grain rice to be cooked thoroughly, resulting in soft and flavorful grains.

The rice cooker's various cooking modes and time settings

4. Fastest Cooking in 14 Minutes and Convenient Compact Design

The cooker supports 0.5 to 1 cup of rice, with a fast-cook mode for white rice completing in as little as 14 minutes. For storage, it features a compact design that allows for a lower height, making it easy to carry in a bag or store in a desk drawer. All parts are washable with water, and the side dish tray and inner lid are dishwasher-safe.

A man and woman enjoying warm packed lunches at the office

Product Specifications

  • Size: Main unit: W235 x D126 x H139 (mm)

  • Weight: Approximately 910g

  • Power: 100V 50Hz/60Hz

  • Rated Power Consumption: 250W

  • Maximum Cooking Capacity: 0.18L (1 cup)

  • Modes: Rice cooking (vacuum cooking/fast cooking), Warming (keep warm), Reservation (60min/120min/180min)

  • Cord Length: Approximately 900mm

  • Materials: Body: PP (polypropylene), silicone, aluminum / Top lid: PP (polypropylene), silicone / Inner lid: aluminum / Side dish tray: aluminum / Storage lid: PP / Measuring cup: PP

  • Set Contents: Main unit, top lid, inner lid, side dish tray, storage lid, measuring cup, power cord, Japanese instruction manual

  • Warranty Period: 12 months from the date of purchase

  • Release Date: August 17, 2026

  • Model/JAN: SNBT25HWH / 4580060600960

The THANKO 2-tier bento box rice cooker packaging

The “Shin 2-tier Bento Box Rice Cooker” with vacuum structure for delicious cooking is available at a selling price of 8,980 yen (tax included).

For more details on the product, please visit:
https://www.thanko.jp/view/item/000000004898

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