kikkake Original
Otama's Bench

When you need to set down a ladle or chopsticks
while cooking.

When dissolving miso for miso soup, stir-frying in a pan, simmering curry while stirring... there are many situations where you want to temporarily set down cooking utensils you've just used, such as ladles, cooking chopsticks, tongs, spatulas, or spoons and stirrers used for tasting.
In such cases, you might hesitate to place them directly on the kitchen counter, and it feels like overkill to get out a small plate. So, one day, I tried placing them on a raw-edged wooden board, and it was just right. From there, I repeatedly prototyped different types of wood, sizes, thicknesses, and usability to create this "Ladle Bench."
Since it's something to be used casually, I chose lightweight acacia wood to make it easy to grab, and made it just the necessary and sufficient size to support only the contact points of the cooking utensils. I eliminated any further embellishments. Please try using it as a temporary "bench" for your cooking utensils.

"Otama" for standard size and
"Saibashi" for compact use.

We created two sizes for the "Ladle Bench." The standard size is "otama," measuring 12.5 cm wide by 9 cm long. This size is easy to use for larger items like ladles, rubber spatulas, whisks, or when you want to place several cooking utensils. It's neither too big nor too small, and has a stable appearance, making it the basic size in this series.
On the other hand, for times when something smaller will suffice, there's "saibashi." At 4.5 cm long, it's exactly half the size of the otama, and serves its minimal purpose perfectly if you only need to place cooking chopsticks or measuring spoons. We recommend using both sizes as needed.

Two types of wood available.
Please choose based on your preference, characteristics, price, etc.

Just like the sizes, there are also two types of wood. This might make it difficult to choose, but we've prepared two types because we thought people would have different preferences.
Both are made from acacia wood, which has moderate lightness and hardness, and less distinct grain patterns. However, the basic type uses "laminated wood," which is made by joining rod-shaped pieces of wood. Laminated wood is resistant to "warping" and its reasonable price is attractive. You can easily use it by gathering several pieces, or using them as small pot holders for each family member.
The other type is "solid wood," made by cutting a single piece of acacia. The grain pattern varies considerably from piece to piece, and there may be differences in color depending on the arrival time, but the charm lies in the individuality and beauty unique to a single piece of wood. On the other hand, because it is a single piece, the wood is slightly more prone to warping due to the absorption of moisture and oil. If you are concerned about wobbling due to warping, turning it over to use it may alleviate it somewhat.
For both the basic laminated wood and solid wood, if food or liquid gets on it, it's best to wash and dry it promptly, but I also think it's fine to use it without too much concern.

Can also be used as a pot holder, coaster,
cutlery rest, etc.
Not just in the kitchen, but at the dining table too.

Although the "Ladle Bench" was created for use in the kitchen while cooking, it can also be used at the dining table, for example, to line up cutlery and butter knives, as a pot holder under gratin dishes or pots, or as a place to rest serving chopsticks or spoons. Because it's a simple wooden board and not overly elaborate, it can be easily brought out and put away, so please feel free to use it.

Product Characteristics and Important Notes

• As this product uses natural wood, the wood grain will vary from piece to piece. Please note that it may also differ from the images of the wood.
• Continuous use on only one side may cause the wood to warp due to moisture, etc. In such cases, please try using the other side, and the warping should gradually subside.
• If you notice the wood drying out, we recommend applying a thin layer of plain edible oil, such as unroasted sesame oil or rice oil, as part of your maintenance routine.