It’s fair to say that, for the Japanese, sushi making is an art form. Chefs practice for years to master the technique and speed to produce the highest quality rolls possible. However, that’s not to say that it can’t also be fun and accessible to us home cooks, especially with sushi making kits, which include the equipment you need to prep and roll with. Some even come with ingredients!
These sets will have you whipping up your favourite maki, nigiri or even a temaki or two if you have the skills, or, if you're looking for a gift, they're great for that too. From traditional kits to sushi bazookas and moulds in quirky shapes, this guide is here to help you choose. Don't forget to check out our recommendations from Amazon, eBay and Japan Centre too.
Quick List - Top Sushi Making Kits
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To help you identify what type of set is best for your sushi-eating habits, we’ve created a buying guide looking at the different styles available and what sort of equipment you can expect to get with it. Let's get rolling!
The first thing to identify is whether you would like to go the traditional or non-traditional route. If you're wondering what the difference between the two is, keep reading.
Traditional sets use a sushi-rolling mat; therefore, they require a little more patience and skill. These sets are generally made of bamboo, which is mould-resistant and environmentally sustainable. They do, however, require washing and drying by hand after use. These sets also do not usually come with any additional accessories (more on those later!).
Non-traditional sets, on the other hand, will not require you to roll your sushi. Instead, you will place your ingredients inside a mould, making the process much simpler. These kits are usually made of plastic and can often be put in the dishwasher, so they clean up easier too.
Although the inclusion of either a bamboo mat or a plastic mould will come down to the type of kit you go for, it's still a good idea to get clued up on the different sizes and types before you buy. Below, we'll also introduce a few other common additions so you can make sure you get a kit you'll use time and time again.
If you’re opting for a traditional set, then the star of the show is the rolling mat. After all, this is where all the magic is going to happen. As we know, these will be made of bamboo, but they can vary in size. A good size to go for is 24 x 24 cm, which will allow you to make one long roll of around 8 to 12 pieces, depending on how thick you cut them, of course.
Some kits come with two rolling mats, which could be a good idea for bigger households or those who like to entertain. Not only will you be able to make the sushi-creating experience more inclusive, but you’ll have more sushi to eat when you’ve finished, and what’s not to like about that?
If you opt for a non-traditional set, then the making of your rolls will use moulds. These are super straightforward to use – simply arrange your nori, place your rice and ingredients on top, tuck and seal the nori, then use a press lid to compress the contents together.
Moreover, you can get moulds in various shapes and sizes as well as circular styles, such as triangle, square and even heart shapes. These are great fun for kids or anyone who wants to get creative, but it's best to check the size to find out how many pieces you'll get from each one. The slits in the side where you cut are often a good indication of this!
There are also sushi 'bazooka' moulds to consider. These devices work in pretty much the same way only they streamline the process even more, which is perfect for those who want to make their own sushi but don't have as much time to do so.
Another piece of equipment to look for regardless of the set you choose is a spatula or paddle. These will play a key part in the successful mixing and fluffing up of your rice, as well as getting an even spread when placing it on the nori sheets. Some kits come with two, one for each task.
Of course, depending on the type of set you pick up, the material of these will change, but you’ll usually have a choice of either a plastic or bamboo one. Plastic does not stain as easily, but bamboo is the more traditional option.
While a paddle, too, is more traditional in Japanese cooking, unless you’re making rice every day, the chances are that a spatula will be a more useful everyday tool for your kitchen.
Finally, you’ll want to check whether there are any additional accessories, especially if you're only just starting on your sushi-making journey. Some inclusions that are always worth looking for are chopsticks (the more pairs the better!) as well as chopstick holders.
Also, you may get a special sushi knife for cutting your rolls. While these are unlikely to be made from the highly sought-after Japanese steel, they’re still a welcome addition. After all, the more you get for your money, the better, right?
Others sets may even come with sushi plates and dipping plates to add to your dining experience. While these aren’t as common as the other accessories we’ve mentioned, they can give your sushi nights a more authentic feel, and if you're giving a kit as a gift, they could make it just that little bit more special.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | AYA Bamboo Sushi Making Kit | ![]() | Learn From a Professional Sushi Chef | |
2 | MLRYH Premium Sushi Maker Set | ![]() | An Incredible Selection of Shaping Options | |
3 | BambooWorx Sushi Making Kit | ![]() | The Perfect Gift For a Sushi-Loving Friend | |
4 | Exzact 10 Piece Sushi Set | ![]() | Replicate Date Night at Your Favourite Japanese Restaurant | |
5 | Whoho Sushi Making Kit for Beginners | ![]() | One for the Beginners | |
6 | BlauKe Store Sushi Making Kit | ![]() | About as Classic as It Gets | |
7 | AYA Original Sushi Maker Deluxe | ![]() | This Kit Comes With a Side of Online Instructional Videos Too | |
8 | Japan Centre Essentials Kit | ![]() | A Different Take On the Classic Set | |
9 | Sushezi Sushi Bazooka | ![]() | The Quick and Easy Travelling Sushi Maker | |
10 | Otsumami Tokyo Japanese Sushi Making Kit With Rice Scoop | ![]() | Surprisingly Versatile For Its Small Number of Pieces |
Taking our top spot is another kit from AYA, only this time, it's their take on a traditional set. Included are two rolling mats (24 x 24 cm), a paddle, chopsticks and a knife. The chopsticks and blade have both seen an upgrade since previous generations, which is a nice touch.
The knife is now longer, sharper and coated in non-stick, while the chopsticks are made from fibreglass and have non-slip handles as well as being dishwasher safe. Furthermore, you're given access to step-by-step videos by a professional sushi chef to make the experience that little bit more fun.
We can imagine that it is difficult to discern between some of the non-traditional sets, as they tend to have a lot of the same characteristics. However, this offering has something the others don't – a fantastic selection of moulds. There are eight in total including triangles, hearts and even bears, with large and small versions too.
On top of all that, there is a paddle and a spatula for cooking as well as two sets of chopsticks, so this really is good value for money. The components are safe plastics that are easy to clean and robust too, so you don't have to worry about them getting bent out of shape any time soon.
It has to be said that this kit from BambooWorx is presented beautifully. Therefore, if you have a friend who is a sushi fanatic or a loved one interested in Japanese culture, this could be the perfect gift. You'll hardly have to do any wrapping at all! It contains two rolling mats, five sets of chopsticks and a rice paddle.
The bamboo is made without the use of chemicals or varnish, as it should be. In fact, one of the best-noted characteristics of this set that buyers talk about is how well-made and professional the utensils are.
Why not bring a little bit of the Japanese dining experience home? This set from Exzact aims to do just that by providing chopsticks and holders, sushi plates, dipping plates and more. Sure, you might not have the beautiful cherry blossoms just outside your window or Mt Fuji standing tall in the background, but you can picture it!
Notably, the plates are porcelain and the wooden elements are all bamboo, which is incredibly impressive when you consider the price of the kit. Another handy aspect is that the plates are dishwasher safe, so there will be less washing up after date night – winner.
With four moulds and no rolling mat, this set from Whoho is clearly aimed at beginner sushi makers. It is all made from durable, BPA-free plastic and comes with a spatula as well as a knife, although the company refer to it as a sushi cutter. So, who knows? Maybe it doesn't work on other items.
With these moulds, you'll be able to make nigiri and other traditional styles, as well as the more modern Californian rolls. We appreciate that there are both large and small square moulds too, as this means you have the option of making the smaller maki style sushi.
The first thing we want to say about this kit from BlauKe is that it is made completely from carbonised bamboo. This material gives a slightly darker finish and a little more character, perfect for displaying in a stylish kitchen. Plus, the type of bamboo (Moso) is one of the world's most renewable resources, so Mother Nature will appreciate you opting for these.
The traditional-style set is compromised of everything you need to get started, other than the food, of course! The mat included measures 24 x 24 cm, too, you can expect to yield a good number of pieces with each roll.
AYA make some excellent sushi kits, and here we have their Deluxe assortment. This set is made up of many parts with both a rolling mat and four moulds, so you can prep your sushi in any way you see fit. There's also a knife and a storage pouch thrown in too.
Furthermore, the company provide you with online instructional videos that you can follow to make your meal, which will be super handy for beginners. Sadly, the videos don't have any recipe recommendations, which would have been a nice touch.
Here, we have a little bit of a different take on the classic sushi kit. Although there is a rolling mat, the focus here is to provide you with the ingredients you need. These include nori, pickled ginger, wasabi and a few other delicacies – all from the best Japanese brands – which will give your sushi that authentic taste.
Equipment-wise, you do only get the rolling mat, which is arguably all you really need to make sushi. However, we think it would have been nice to include at least a pair of chopsticks in there for first timers.
Sushi bazookas are becoming increasingly popular due to their simplicity. The device works like a classic mould but is even easier, consisting of a sushi tube, a plunger and an endcap. All of this has a rather stylish design that is the perfect size for whipping up sushi on the go. Couldn't find time at home? Simply stick this in your bag and do it in the office!
One thing many users have mentioned is that the diameter of the tube is rather big, so you'll likely need more rice or filling than you would initially imagine. That said, at least you and your dining partner (or partners) won't go hungry.
First up on our ranking is this incredibly charming traditional kit from Otsumami Tokyo. It is a little basic, but within the utensils given, you have the option of using a rolling mat or a mould. The set also includes a paddle for making your rice.
All the pieces are made from premium natural materials too – either Japanese Cypress plant or bamboo – so it's an appealing plastic-free option. The only potential downside for some people is that there is only one mould, which means you'll only ever have one shape and only be able to produce a certain amount at a time.
No. 1: AYA|Bamboo Sushi Making Kit
No. 2: MLRYH|Premium Sushi Maker Set
No. 3: BambooWorx|Sushi Making Kit
No. 4: Exzact|10 Piece Sushi Set
No. 5: Whoho|Sushi Making Kit for Beginners
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