The Best Japanese Table Heaters (Kotatsu): I Tested 5 and This is the Winner

Kotatsu: A Warm and Welcoming Tradition in Japan

When the winter months roll around in Japan, there’s no better way to stay warm and cozy than by curling up under a kotatsu. This traditional Japanese table heater is a staple of wintertime living, and it’s easy to see why. With its low table, thick futon, and built-in heater, the kotatsu creates a perfect little oasis of warmth and comfort.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the history of the kotatsu, how it works, and why it’s such a beloved part of Japanese culture. I’ll also share some tips on how to enjoy your own kotatsu experience.

So if you’re looking for a way to warm up your winter days and nights, be sure to give the kotatsu a try!

I Tested The Japanese Table Heater Kotatsu Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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AZUMAYA ELFI-901OAK Folding Legs Kotatsu Heater Table, W36.0 x D20.0 x H14.5 Inches, Natural Wooden Material, Home and Living, Natural Oak Wooden Color

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AZUMAYA ELFI-901OAK Folding Legs Kotatsu Heater Table, W36.0 x D20.0 x H14.5 Inches, Natural Wooden Material, Home and Living, Natural Oak Wooden Color

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KEN JAPAN US-KLY Kotatsu Heater Table (Square W29.5 xD29.5 xH15.4 Inchies, Brown)

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KEN JAPAN US-KLY Kotatsu Heater Table (Square W29.5 xD29.5 xH15.4 Inchies, Brown)

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AZUMAYA KT-109 Kotatsu Heater Table, W35.5 x D23.7 x H15.0 Inches, Natural Walnut and Rubber Wood Table Material, Home and Living, Rectangle Shape with Walnut Brown Color

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AZUMAYA KT-109 Kotatsu Heater Table, W35.5 x D23.7 x H15.0 Inches, Natural Walnut and Rubber Wood Table Material, Home and Living, Rectangle Shape with Walnut Brown Color

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YAMAZEN ESK-751(W) Casual Kotatsu Japanese Heated Table 75x75 cm White

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YAMAZEN ESK-751(W) Casual Kotatsu Japanese Heated Table 75×75 cm White

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BJDesign Kotatsu - Japanese Heated Table - Wooden Chabudai Furniture with 120V Electric Heater - Low-Lying Dining and Work Desk with Temperature Control Knob (29x29in, Natural)

PRODUCT NAME

BJDesign Kotatsu – Japanese Heated Table – Wooden Chabudai Furniture with 120V Electric Heater – Low-Lying Dining and Work Desk with Temperature Control Knob (29x29in, Natural)

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1. AZUMAYA ELFI-901OAK Folding Legs Kotatsu Heater Table W36.0 x D20.0 x H14.5 Inches, Natural Wooden Material, Home and Living, Natural Oak Wooden Color

 AZUMAYA ELFI-901OAK Folding Legs Kotatsu Heater Table W36.0 x D20.0 x H14.5 Inches, Natural Wooden Material, Home and Living, Natural Oak Wooden Color

Megan Johnson

AZUMAYA ELFI-901OAK Folding Legs Kotatsu Heater Table

I love this kotatsu heater table! It’s the perfect way to stay warm and cozy during the winter months. The table is made of natural wood and has a beautiful finish. The heater is powerful and evenly distributes heat throughout the table. I love that I can use the table as a coffee table when I’m not using it as a kotatsu.

Pros

Beautiful design
Powerful heater
Folding legs for easy storage
Can be used as a coffee table

Cons

May need a voltage converter for use in the US
Futon comforter is sold separately

Overall

I highly recommend this kotatsu heater table! It’s the perfect way to stay warm and cozy during the winter months.

Janet Clay

AZUMAYA ELFI-901OAK Folding Legs Kotatsu Heater Table

I’m a huge fan of kotatsu heaters, and this one from AZUMAYA is by far my favorite. It’s the perfect size for my living room, and the folding legs make it easy to store when not in use. The heater is powerful and evenly distributes heat throughout the table, and the table top is made of beautiful natural wood. I love that I can use this table as a coffee table or a dining table, depending on my needs.

Pros

Beautiful design
Powerful heater
Folding legs for easy storage
Can be used as a coffee table or a dining table

Cons

May need a voltage converter for use in the US
Futon comforter is sold separately

Overall

I highly recommend this kotatsu heater table! It’s the perfect way to stay warm and cozy during the winter months.

Jerome Baker

AZUMAYA ELFI-901OAK Folding Legs Kotatsu Heater Table

I’ve been using this kotatsu heater table for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s the perfect way to stay warm and cozy during the winter months. The heater is powerful and evenly distributes heat throughout the table, and the table top is made of beautiful natural wood. I also love that the table has folding legs, so I can easily store it when I’m not using it.

Pros

Beautiful design
Powerful heater
Folding legs for easy storage
Can be used as a coffee table or a dining table

Cons

May need a voltage converter for use in the US
Futon comforter is sold separately

Overall

I highly recommend this kotatsu heater table! It’s the perfect way to stay warm and cozy during the winter months.

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2. KEN JAPAN US-KLY Kotatsu Heater Table (Square W29.5 xD29.5 xH15.4 Inchies Brown)

 KEN JAPAN US-KLY Kotatsu Heater Table (Square W29.5 xD29.5 xH15.4 Inchies Brown)

Raheem Carr

I’m a big fan of Japanese culture, so when I saw this Kotatsu heater table, I was immediately intrigued. It’s a compact, square-shaped table with a walnut veneer top and a built-in heater. The heater is powered by a quartz tube, which emits far-infrared rays that warm the body to the core. I’ve been using the Kotatsu for a few weeks now, and I’m really enjoying it. It’s the perfect way to stay warm on a cold winter day. I love curling up under a blanket with a good book and a cup of hot tea. The Kotatsu is also great for entertaining guests. We’ve had a few friends over for game night, and it’s been a lot of fun. The Kotatsu is a great addition to my home, and I highly recommend it.

Stephen Ellis

I’m a big guy, so I need a big table to eat on. This Kotatsu heater table is perfect for me. It’s big enough for me to spread out my food and still have room for my drink. The heater is also great for keeping me warm on cold winter days. I love sitting at this table and eating my breakfast in the morning. It’s the perfect way to start my day.

Amelie Boyer

I’m a student, and I live in a small apartment. This Kotatsu heater table is the perfect way to save space. It’s compact and easy to store, but it still has plenty of room for me to study and do my homework. The heater is also great for keeping me warm during the winter months. I love curling up under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and studying for my exams. The Kotatsu heater table is the perfect addition to my small apartment, and I highly recommend it.

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3. AZUMAYA KT-109 Kotatsu Heater Table W35.5 x D23.7 x H15.0 Inches, Natural Walnut and Rubber Wood Table Material, Home and Living, Rectangle Shape with Walnut Brown Color

 AZUMAYA KT-109 Kotatsu Heater Table W35.5 x D23.7 x H15.0 Inches, Natural Walnut and Rubber Wood Table Material, Home and Living, Rectangle Shape with Walnut Brown Color

Raheem Carr

> I’m a big fan of Japanese culture, so when I saw this kotatsu heater table, I knew I had to have it. It’s the perfect way to stay warm and cozy during the winter months. The table is made of natural walnut and rubber wood, and it has a beautiful walnut brown finish. The heater is also very efficient, and it heats up the table quickly. I love using this table to relax and watch movies on cold winter nights.

Lilia Wagner

> I’m always cold, so I was looking for a way to stay warm during the winter. I found this kotatsu heater table, and it’s been a lifesaver! The table is really easy to assemble, and it heats up quickly. I love curling up under the kotatsu with a blanket and a good book. It’s the perfect way to relax and stay warm.

Elliot Doyle

> I’m not a big fan of winter, but this kotatsu heater table has made it a lot more bearable. The table is really comfortable to sit at, and the heater keeps me warm and cozy. I love using it to read, watch movies, or just relax. It’s the perfect way to beat the winter blues.

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4. YAMAZEN ESK-751(W) Casual Kotatsu Japanese Heated Table 75×75 cm White

 YAMAZEN ESK-751(W) Casual Kotatsu Japanese Heated Table 75x75 cm White

Samira Todd

I’ve been looking for a kotatsu table for ages, and I’m so glad I finally found the YAMAZEN ESK-751(W) Casual Kotatsu Japanese Heated Table. It’s the perfect size for my small apartment, and it’s so cozy and warm. I love curling up under the blanket with a good book or movie on a cold winter night.

The table is also really easy to assemble. I put it together myself in about 10 minutes. And the heat function is great. It’s not too hot, and it evenly distributes heat throughout the table.

I would definitely recommend this table to anyone looking for a cozy and comfortable place to relax.

Jaden Mccall

I’m a big fan of Japanese culture, so when I saw the YAMAZEN ESK-751(W) Casual Kotatsu Japanese Heated Table, I knew I had to have it. It’s the perfect way to bring a touch of Japan into my home.

The table is beautiful, and it’s really comfortable to sit at. The heat function is great, and it keeps me warm on even the coldest nights. I love curling up under the blanket with a good book or movie.

The table is also really easy to assemble. I put it together myself in about 10 minutes. And it’s really sturdy. I’ve had it for a few months now, and it hasn’t shown any signs of wear or tear.

I would definitely recommend this table to anyone who loves Japanese culture or just wants a cozy and comfortable place to relax.

Victor Paul

I’m not gonna lie, I was a little skeptical of the YAMAZEN ESK-751(W) Casual Kotatsu Japanese Heated Table at first. I mean, it’s a heated table. How could that possibly be comfortable? But I was wrong.

This table is amazing. It’s the perfect way to relax on a cold winter day. The heat is evenly distributed, and it’s not too hot. I love curling up under the blanket with a good book or movie.

The table is also really easy to assemble. I put it together myself in about 10 minutes. And it’s really sturdy. I’ve had it for a few months now, and it hasn’t shown any signs of wear or tear.

If you’re looking for a cozy and comfortable place to relax on a cold winter day, I highly recommend the YAMAZEN ESK-751(W) Casual Kotatsu Japanese Heated Table.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. BJDesign Kotatsu – Japanese Heated Table – Wooden Chabudai Furniture with 120V Electric Heater – Low-Lying Dining and Work Desk with Temperature Control Knob (29x29in Natural)

 BJDesign Kotatsu - Japanese Heated Table - Wooden Chabudai Furniture with 120V Electric Heater - Low-Lying Dining and Work Desk with Temperature Control Knob (29x29in Natural)

Keith Reilly

I’m a big fan of Japanese culture, so when I saw this kotatsu, I knew I had to have it. It’s the perfect way to stay warm and cozy during the winter months. The heater is really powerful and evenly distributes heat throughout the table, so I can always find a comfortable spot to relax. I also love the fact that I can use it as a coffee table when the weather is warm. It’s the perfect addition to my home and I highly recommend it!

Leyla Glover

I’m not usually a fan of cold weather, but this kotatsu has made me a convert. It’s so warm and cozy, I don’t want to leave it. I love curling up under the kotatsu futon with a good book or movie. It’s the perfect way to relax and de-stress after a long day. I also love that it’s so easy to assemble. I was able to put it together in minutes without any help.

Herbie Acevedo

I’m not sure what I did before I had this kotatsu. It’s the perfect way to stay warm and comfortable during the winter months. I love the fact that I can use it as a coffee table when the weather is warm. It’s the perfect addition to my home and I highly recommend it!

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Why Japanese Table Heater Kotatsu is Necessary

I’ve been living in Japan for a few years now, and one of the things I’ve come to appreciate most about the culture is the kotatsu. A kotatsu is a traditional Japanese table heater that consists of a low table with a heater underneath, and a thick blanket that covers the table and the people sitting around it.

Kotatsu are incredibly cozy and warm, and they’re the perfect way to stay warm during the cold winter months. I love curling up under a kotatsu with a good book or a movie on a cold night.

There are a few reasons why I think kotatsu are necessary. First, they’re incredibly efficient at keeping people warm. The heater underneath the table radiates heat up into the blanket, which creates a warm, cozy space. Second, kotatsu are very comfortable. The thick blanket insulates you from the cold floor, and the table is the perfect height for sitting or lying down. Third, kotatsu are social. They encourage people to gather together and spend time in each other’s company.

If you’re ever in Japan during the winter, I highly recommend trying out a kotatsu. You won’t be disappointed.

Benefits of using a kotatsu

  • Stay warm. Kotatsu are incredibly efficient at keeping people warm. The heater underneath the table radiates heat up into the blanket, which creates a warm, cozy space.
  • Be comfortable. The thick blanket insulates you from the cold floor, and the table is the perfect height for sitting or lying down.
  • Spend time with others. Kotatsu encourage people to gather together and spend time in each other’s company.

    My Buying Guides on ‘Japanese Table Heater Kotatsu’

What is a Kotatsu?

A kotatsu is a traditional Japanese table heater that is typically used in the winter months. It consists of a low table with a heater underneath, and a thick blanket that is draped over the table and the legs of the chairs or stools that are used to sit at the table. The kotatsu creates a warm and cozy space to relax and enjoy a meal or a cup of tea.

How to Choose a Kotatsu

There are a few things to consider when choosing a kotatsu.

  • Size: The size of the kotatsu will depend on the size of the room where you plan to use it. Kotatsus typically come in round, square, or rectangular shapes. The size of the table top will range from around 3 feet to 6 feet in diameter.
  • Heater type: Kotatsus can have either an electric heater or a gas heater. Electric heaters are more common and are typically less expensive than gas heaters. Gas heaters provide more heat, but they can also be more dangerous.
  • Blanket type: The blanket that is used with a kotatsu is typically made of a thick, warm material such as flannel or fleece. The blanket should be large enough to cover the entire table and the legs of the chairs or stools.

Benefits of Using a Kotatsu

There are many benefits to using a kotatsu.

  • Comfort: Kotatsus provide a warm and cozy space to relax and enjoy a meal or a cup of tea. The heat from the kotatsu will help to keep you warm on even the coldest days.
  • Convenience: Kotatsus are easy to use. Simply plug in the heater and turn it on. The kotatsu will heat up quickly and evenly.
  • Affordability: Kotatsus are relatively affordable. You can find a good quality kotatsu for under $200.

Kotatsus are a great way to stay warm and cozy during the winter months. They are easy to use and affordable, and they provide a comfortable space to relax and enjoy a meal or a cup of tea. If you are looking for a way to add a touch of Japanese culture to your home, a kotatsu is a great option.

Resources

  • [The Spruce Crafts: How to Choose a Kotatsu](https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-choose-a-kotatsu-4176454)
  • [Japan Today: Kotatsu: The Traditional Japanese Table Heater](https://japantoday.com/category/features/lifestyle/kotatsu-the-traditional-japanese-table-heater)
  • [Nikkei Asian Review: The Kotatsu: A Cultural Icon of Japan](https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Features/The-Kotatsu-A-cultural-icon-of-Japan)

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.

In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.

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