Wooden Hot Pot for Roti: Why Choose Sheesham with Brass Inlay?
A guide to the handmade 12 inch sheesham wooden hot pot with brass inlay: what it's for, how to use it at the dastarkhwan, how to care for it, and bulk orders.
Short answer: a wooden hot pot is a lidded serving bowl used to keep rotis, naan or rice covered at the table. Sillanwali's version is handmade from sheesham wood, 12 inches across, with fine brass inlay in two designs, priced at PKR 2,300. It suits family meals and guests, and lasts for years if you keep it dry and wipe it clean.
What is a wooden hot pot?
In many Pakistani homes, a hot pot sits in the middle of the dastarkhwan or dining table with a stack of fresh rotis inside. The lid keeps them covered between helpings, so the whole family can eat without someone running back to the kitchen.
The Wooden Hot Pot 12 Inch with Brass Inlay is made from sheesham, a hardwood long used for furniture and kitchenware in the region. Brass is set into the wood in a decorative pattern, and it comes in two designs at one price.
Wooden Hot Pot 12 Inch with Brass Inlay
Why choose wood over steel or plastic?
Steel and plastic hot pots are common and practical. A wooden one is chosen for different reasons:
- Look. Sheesham grain and brass inlay make it a serving piece you're happy to put in front of guests.
- Feel. Wood is pleasant to touch and doesn't get as hot in the hand as metal.
- Handmade character. Each piece is made by hand, so small differences in grain and pattern are normal.
- A matching table. It pairs well with other wooden serving pieces, such as our tiered fruit basket.
If you mainly want a pot for daily, heavy use where looks don't matter, steel may suit you better. If you want a piece for family meals and hosting that also looks good on the table, wood is a lovely choice.
How do you use it at the dastarkhwan?
A few simple habits get the best from a wooden hot pot:
- Line it with a cloth. Wrap rotis in a clean cotton cloth inside the pot. It keeps the inside of the wood dry and makes cleaning easy.
- Use it for dry foods. It works best for roti, naan, paratha and puri. Avoid pouring in curries or anything wet.
- Keep the lid on between helpings.
- Place it on a mat or tray, away from the edge of the table.
For a full table, see our guide to handmade wooden tea time pieces and the handmade wooden kitchen set for a new home.
handmade wooden tea time pieces
the handmade wooden kitchen set for a new home
How do you care for it?
Wood and brass last a long time with gentle care:
- Wipe, don't soak. Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dry straight away. Never leave it in water or put it in a dishwasher.
- Dry fully before closing the lid and putting it away.
- Keep it away from direct flame and stove tops.
- Oil occasionally. A light coat of food-safe oil now and then helps keep the wood from drying out. Wipe off any extra.
- Polish the brass gently with a dry cloth if it dulls.
To learn more about the metal work, read our guide to brass inlay in wooden handicrafts.
brass inlay in wooden handicrafts
Is it a good gift?
Yes. A wooden hot pot is a practical gift that gets used at every family meal, which makes it a good choice for:
- A new bride's or couple's kitchen, as part of a jahez or wedding gift.
- A housewarming, paired with other serving pieces.
- Parents and elders, who host family meals.
Can shops and caterers order in bulk?
Yes. Hot pots suit home decor shops, gift retailers, restaurants with traditional table service, caterers, and wedding gift planners. Sillanwali accepts wholesale and bulk orders with a minimum order of 20 pieces. Rates, timelines and delivery depend on the quantity and destination, so tell us what you need and we'll confirm.
Start a bulk or custom order on our custom orders page.
How do you choose between the two designs?
Both designs share the same size, wood and price, so the choice comes down to your table. The two designs differ in the layout of the brass inlay on the lid and body. If you're buying as a gift and aren't sure of the family's taste, look at the photos of both on the product page and choose the one that matches the rest of their kitchen or dining room.
Order your wooden hot pot
See both designs and order on the Wooden Hot Pot 12 Inch with Brass Inlay page.
Frequently asked questions
- What size is the hot pot?
- It's 12 inches, suitable for a family stack of rotis.
- Can I wash it in water?
- Wipe it with a slightly damp cloth and dry it straight away. Don't soak it or put it in a dishwasher.
- Are both designs the same price?
- Yes. The hot pot comes in two brass inlay designs at PKR 2,300.
- How is delivery charged?
- Delivery depends on your order's weight and size and the destination. Details show at checkout, and cash on delivery is available in Pakistan.
- Can I order 20 or more for a restaurant or event?
- Yes. Use the custom orders page with your quantity, design and date.