Panasonic Corporation (hereinafter 'Panasonic') will launch the SR-C306E, a compact 3.5-go capacity variable pressure IH rice cooker featuring the proprietary 'Odoori Cooking' technology, in early September 2026 (*).
Residential space in Japan has been decreasing since 2013 (※1), and the proportion of 'small households'—such as single-person or couples-only households—continues to rise (※2). As consumer expectations for home appliances shift from 'size' and 'multifunctionality' toward 'ease of daily use,' 'simplicity,' and 'fit with personal lifestyles,' Panasonic is responding with appliances that are both compact and high-quality, designed to seamlessly integrate into the lives of small households.
Despite its compact 3.5-go design, this rice cooker features Panasonic's proprietary 'Odoori Cooking' technology. It fits easily into limited kitchen spaces and is designed for easy maintenance, making it ideal for small households.
'Odoori Cooking,' which uses variable pressure technology, aims to replicate the deliciousness of rice cooked in a traditional clay pot by thoroughly heating each grain of rice. Panasonic's proprietary 'rapid depressurization valve' instantly reduces pressure from a pressurized state inside the pot, creating explosive boiling that draws out natural sweetness and produces fluffy, perfectly cooked rice.
Because rice cookers are used daily, ease of cleaning has also been carefully considered. The pot frame, which is prone to dirt, is made of easy-to-wipe stainless steel. Only two parts require cleaning after use—the lid heating plate and the inner pot—and the lid heating plate is dishwasher-safe.
Panasonic aims to support users who value space efficiency and small households by offering a lifestyle that is simple yet allows them to enjoy delicious rice every day.
Product Website
https://panasonic.jp/suihan/products/SR-C306E.html
<Features>
1. Fluffy, sweet rice with 'Odoori Cooking'
https://panasonic.jp/suihan/products/SR-C306E.html#point1
2. Compact design: 24.6 cm wide × 31.7 cm deep, 3.5-go small-capacity model
https://panasonic.jp/suihan/products/SR-C306E.html#design
[Product Name] Variable Pressure IH Rice Cooker
[Model Number] SR-C306E (3.5-go capacity)
[Color] -K: Black
[Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price] Open price
[Release Date] Early September 2026 (*)
※1 Source: '2023 Housing and Land Survey Results' (Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)
https://www.stat.go.jp/data/jyutaku/2023/pdf/kihon_gaiyou.pdf
※2 Source: '2024 National Livelihood Survey' (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/toukei/saikin/hw/k-tyosa/k-tyosa24/dl/02.pdf
* Release may be delayed or supply disrupted due to social circumstances. The confirmed release date will be posted on Panasonic's website.
<Related Information>
Compact, high-quality appliances ideal for 1–2 person households
https://panasonic.jp/life/special_12.html
[Inquiries]
Panasonic Cooking Products Consultation Desk
・For smartphone and mobile phone users
Navi Dial: 0570-087-694 (paid)
・For landline users
Toll-free: 0120-878-694
Hours: 9:00–18:00, Monday to Saturday (excluding holidays and New Year's holidays)
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: New Product