Editor's Note (December 25, 2020): NITORI Corporation has issued an apology and voluntary recall of NITORI diatomaceous earth products. Please refer to the " Important Notice " of NITORI Corporation for details.


Diatomaceous earth coasters" have high water absorbency and absorb water droplets from glasses. This excellent item has recently become the talk of the town, even available at 100-yen stores.

So this time, we compared diatomaceous earth coasters purchased from NITORI (199 yen) and Candu (108 yen)! If there is no difference in water absorbency between the two, it is more economical to buy from Candu. Let's give it a try.

Diatomaceous Earth Coaster

Diatomaceous earth is a sedimentary rock made from fossilized shells of diatoms, a type of algae. The countless microscopic holes absorb water instantly, and when the amount exceeds a certain level, the water is released through autonomous respiration. This allows the surface to remain dry at all times.



It is used like a regular coaster, placed under a glass.

Diatomaceous earth coaster NITORI and Kandu Compare water absorbency

NITORI purchased round and square coasters, and Candu purchased round and hexagonal coasters. We prepared 4 coasters in total.



The size and thickness are almost the same. NITORI's design is a little more elaborate with lines along the edge.


First, a comparison is made with round coasters. Spill water on both coasters.



Oh...?


Oh, well...?


To my surprise, the water dried up faster on the Kandu coaster. The NITORI coaster had water pooling in the crevices, and I can't deny the feeling that the stylish design had become a bad thing.

I measured the drying time to be sure, but it took 4 minutes for the Kandu coaster and about 12 minutes for the NITORI coaster until the stain was completely gone.

I still don't believe it for a second (sorry Candu), so I'll compare the square NITORI coaster with the hexagonal coaster from Candu as well.




Hmm? This one dried almost at the same time! Perhaps because the Kandu coaster was white in color, the water stain was more noticeable than the NITORI coaster (green) and remained for about an hour.


Although individual differences were strangely apparent, the results of this experiment were as follows: Candu's circles (blue) ] NITORI's squares (green) ] NITORI's circles (yellow) ] Candu's hexagons (white). So, from me, "Buy the blue, round diatomaceous earth coasters from Candu!" This is the conclusion.

Care of Diatomaceous Earth Coasters

To use diatomaceous earth coasters for a long time, dry them in the shade in a well-ventilated place from time to time. The standard is once every two weeks in summer and once a week in winter. Be careful not to soak the coaster in hot water for a long time or to pour a large amount of water on it.


If the holes on the surface become clogged and lose water absorbency, sandpaper can be used to remove a thin layer of water to restore it.

Incidentally, if it absorbs coffee or other colored substances, it may become stained. Considering that you can replace the stain when it gradually increases and becomes dirty, it may be wise to buy a cheaper one at a 100-yen store. If you choose quick-drying and cost-effectiveness, we recommend buying from Candu, and if design is important, we recommend buying from NITORI!