Pearl Metal Launches Innovative 'Defrosting Grill Plate' – One Plate for Fast Thawing and Direct Grilling of Frozen Foods

Pearl Metal Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture; President: Hisanori Takanami), a company specializing in the planning, development, and sales of kitchen and living goods, has launched the 'Aluminum Cast Defrosting Grill Plate' on June 25, 2026. This innovative product leverages the high thermal conductivity of aluminum casting to rapidly defrost frozen ingredients and enables direct cooking in a fish grill without transferring.

The product will be rolled out gradually at home centers, kitchenware specialty stores, and GMS (General Merchandise Stores) nationwide.

Aluminum Cast Defrosting Grill Plate

The key strength of this product lies in its remarkable 'defrosting function,' made possible by the superior thermal conductivity unique to aluminum die-casting (casting) technology. By shaping both sides of the plate into deep wave patterns, the surface area is significantly increased, enhancing heat absorption and dissipation efficiency.

In comparative tests using ice, the plate defrosted ingredients approximately four times faster than a standard plastic cutting board※. This demonstrates that using the product can significantly reduce cooking preparation time.

Defrosts Frozen Foods Up to 4x Faster Than Plastic Cutting Boards in 10 Minutes

※Based on a 10-minute comparative test at room temperature (24°C). Using 32g of ice, the defrosting grill plate melted the entire amount, while the plastic cutting board melted only 8g—resulting in an approximate 4x higher melt ratio. Survey conducted by the company. Results may vary depending on usage environment.

After defrosting frozen ingredients directly on the plate, users can place the entire plate into the fish grill without transferring the food to another cooking tool. Cooking food directly on the plate reduces soiling inside the grill chamber, meaning cleanup is complete with just washing the plate. This makes using the fish grill easier and more accessible, reducing concerns about mess and effort.

Additionally, the plate’s uniquely sloped arched shape—designed to channel away drippings and excess fat during defrosting—was difficult to achieve with conventional press-forming methods. By adopting a casting method that pours molten aluminum into molds and using more aluminum than press methods, the product achieves both an ideal shape and faster defrosting.

About the Steeply Sloped Arched Shape

This carefully designed shape effectively channels drippings and fat toward the edges, preventing food from sitting in moisture or grease. This reduces stickiness and delivers a crisp, delicious finish.

As a result, the plate is not only ideal for grilling fish but also excellent for reheating tempura and fried foods.

Ideal for Reheating Fried Foods and Tempura

Moreover, the textured grooves allow chopsticks to slide in easily, enabling users to lift and flip ingredients effortlessly from underneath. A uniquely recessed handle on the longer side minimizes burn risks and allows smooth insertion and removal from the grill.

Easy to Flip Fish—Chopsticks Follow the Grooves

A Product Born from a Fish-Lover Developer’s Quest for 'Easier and More Delicious' Cooking

The product originated from a developer’s passion: 'I want to enjoy my favorite fish more deliciously and more easily.'

The developer was dissatisfied with existing grill plates, noting that while they reduced grill cleaning, fat tended to pool during cooking, lowering satisfaction with the final result. Most existing products use press-forming, which results in shallow slopes that hinder fat drainage.

Initially developed as a 'dedicated defrosting plate,' the team realized aluminum die-casting’s properties—excellent heat conduction and flexible shape design—were also ideal for grill cooking. Focusing on both 'defrosting functionality and enhanced cooking experience,' they perfected a product that maximizes usability.

Pearl Metal believes it is their responsibility to continuously raise the 'standard baseline' for everyday kitchen tools. This new product responds to modern kitchen trends—increased use of frozen foods—and addresses minor but frequent consumer pain points like 'defrosting hassle' and 'grill cleaning.' Moving forward, the company will continue introducing innovative kitchen tools grounded in real-life usage and consumer needs.

Key Product Features

- Rapid defrosting via aluminum cast thermal conductivity

Both sides feature deep wave patterns, increasing surface area (top) and (bottom)

The dual-wave structure improves thermal efficiency, quickly defrosting ingredients from frozen to cook-ready.

- Complete defrosting and cooking in one single plate

Use the same plate from defrosting to cooking

Eliminates transfer steps and minimizes grill chamber soiling, reducing post-cooking cleanup.

- Unique fat-draining shape

Even when placed flat, fat visibly flows into the edge grooves

The arched shape from center to edge and deep grooves allow easy drainage of drippings and fat, reducing stickiness and enhancing flavor. (Design patent pending)

- User-friendly design details

Shape optimized for easy insertion and removal from grill

Dimensions maximize grill space, handle avoids contact with grill edges, textured grooves allow easy chopstick access and smooth ingredient flipping—every detail is thoughtfully designed.

- Non-stick fluororesin coating for easy cleaning

Fully washable and easy to clean

The plate’s surface features a fluororesin coating that prevents sticking and staining, enabling effortless maintenance.

Product Details & Specifications

Aluminum Cast Defrosting Grill Plate (Main Unit) and Packaging

- Product Name: Aluminum Cast Defrosting Grill Plate

- Suggested Retail Price: 3,800 JPY (excluding tax)

- Release Date: June 25, 2026 (Thursday)

- Dimensions (approx.): 250mm (W) × 200mm (D) × 20mm (H)

- Material: Aluminum alloy (base), fluororesin coating (surface)

Company & Brand Information

About Pearl Metal Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, Pearl Metal is a household goods manufacturer.

Guided by the slogan 'Daring Challenge,' the company draws on local craftsmanship to continuously deliver products that meet consumers’ subtle needs. From planning and development to manufacturing and logistics, Pearl Metal offers a wide range of kitchen and living products that enhance everyday life.