With the best mochi maker machine, you do not need to fly to Japan or to dine in a Japanese restaurant to try this tasty treat.
Now you can make your rice cake balls right at home.
This is a Japanese dessert that is becoming popular, especially among those with a sweet tooth.
It is soft, sweet, and chewy that both children and adults enjoy it.
There are so many different brands of mochi makers on the market.
Thus, choosing the right one for you may be difficult.
In this article, we gave you some recommendations and reviews so that can help this task easier.
The Top-Rated Mochi Maker Machine (Recommendation)
#1. TIGER CORPORATION 10-CUP RICE CAKE MOCHI MAKER – TOP PICK
#2. KBS LARGE 17-IN-1 BREAD MACHINE – POWERFUL MACHINE
#3. TIGER SMG A360 MOCHI MAKING MACHINES – HOME ALTERNATIVE
#4. ZOJIRUSHI RICE CAKE MACHINE– AUTOMATIC OPTION
#5. KITCHENARM SMART BREAD MACHINE– SMART OPTION
#7. KBS 17-IN-1 PREMIUM BREAD MACHINE
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What Is Mochi?
Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made from mochigome (糯米), a kind of glutinous rice with short grain.
It is naturally white, sticky, elastic, and chewy.
Besides, it has no filling or coating and tastes like plain rice.
But it is all about the texture.
There is no other food that has the same unique texture as this dessert.
In foreign countries, they seem to be considered as sweets such as mochi ice cream, and some are filled with sweet fillings.
However, when the Japanese hear the term “mochi”, they normally think of plain ones.
It can be used for both savory and sweet dishes.
Consider this: if steamed rice is one type of rice, mochi is a different type of rice.
Daifuku aisu are small, colorful balls filled with ice cream.
There is a lot to choose from in terms of taste, and it is also extremely simple to prepare at home.
Mochi ice cream must be eaten fast or it may melt.
Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream are the classic flavors.
Other varieties, such as coffee, plum wine, green tea, and red beans, are also becoming more and more popular.
Some popular types of this dessert:
Source: GURUNAVI Japan Restaurant Guide
What About Their Nutrition?
A bowl of rice provides about the same number of calories as a matchbox size mochi.
Farmers in Japan used to eat rice cakes to boost their stamina, or their ability to work hard, especially in winter.
Of course, you can control the amount of sugar in handmade ones.
However, you should pay particular attention to the sugar content of the Asian supermarket’s variants.
The emphasis is on the cake if it is rice cakes.
Gluten-free and vegan-friendly ones are also a delicious treat.
How To Make Mochi?
Firstly, glutinous rice is traditionally steamed, then moved to a Usu, which is a massive Japanese stamp mill.
Secondly, people pound with a pestle known as Kine.
Glutinous rice is regularly pounded until it becomes smooth, sticky, and elastic.
However, can you make mochi in a bread machine? Yes.
Some people have a bread machine with a “rice cake making” feature, which helps them to cook and pound automatically.
Thirdly, after the dough is pounded, it is transferred to a working station.
This is where people shape it into round balls or big round pieces for a Japanese New Year decoration, known as Kagami mochi.
Making mochi is an important tradition of Japanese New Year preparation.
However, today we can make fresh mochi without Usu and Kine.
Just a rice cooker and stand mixer are enough.
What Is A Mochi Maker?
If you have a bread maker or a bread machine at home, it works similarly.
However, only with a much more powerful engine. At the bottom is a small contraption that spins and kneads the rice.
Back in the day, people used to make mochi by pounding rice with wooden mallets in a big mortar-like device.
This device is simply a new take on the same technology.
Nowadays, you can shop for a quality best mochi maker machine on many online sites.
One little reminder: We suggest you use the stand mixer to knead the dough.
You should not make it with a hand mixer since it is not strong enough to handle.
Before You Start
Keep the following in mind before you start.
- Accept the fact that mochi is a very sticky food.
- Do not handle it with your bare hands or utensils. Always moisten hands and utensils before kneading and pounding. Make sure your hands are dry and lightly coated with starch before shaping.
- Soak the dishes and tools in water as soon as possible. By the time you clean up, it will be easier to come off.
Best Mochi Maker Machine Shortlist (Updated List)
| Product images | Product names | Editor's rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | TIGER CORPORATION 10-CUP RICE CAKE MOCHI MAKER | 4.5 | Check Price |
  | KBS LARGE 17-IN-1 BREAD MACHINE | 4.7 | Check Price |
  | TIGER SMG A360 MOCHI MAKING MACHINES | 4.4 | Check Price |
  | ZOJIRUSHI RICE CAKE MACHINE | 4.3 | Check Price |
  | KITCHENARM SMART BREAD MACHINE | 4.7 | Check Price |
  | CUSIMAX STAND MIXER | 4.5 | Check Price |
  | KBS 17-IN-1 PREMIUM BREAD MACHINE | 4.4 | Check Price |
*Please notice that the reviews and ratings of the following products were recorded on the writing date by the editor. Ratings can be changed over time.
Best Mochi Maker Machine: Pick Your Right Choice
#1. TIGER CORPORATION 10-CUP RICE CAKE MOCHI MAKER – TOP PICK
See Latest Price
Key features:
- Non-stick inner container included
- 2 impeller modes
- 6 oz measuring cup, wooden rod, and steam plate included
The Tiger Mochi Maker Machine is our top recommendation as the best mochi making machine.
It comes with a 6oz measuring cup and a steam plate, making it ideal for all Japanese food fans.
For mochi or rice cakes, it has a short impeller and a longer one for miso.
You will not have to worry about cleaning it up because it features a non-stick inner container.
Use a wooden rod to flatter the mochi after pounding for that traditional flavor.
Pros:
- Great for making sticky rice cakes
- Specified for making rice cakes
- Ideal for home purposes
Cons:
- The customer service is not really supportive
- Easy to get defective
#2. KBS LARGE 17-IN-1 BREAD MACHINE – POWERFUL MACHINE
Key features:
- 13-in-1 menu
- Keep warm and memory keeping feature
- Easy cleaning
- Removable and non-sticking pan and kneading blade
- Capacity: 2 Pounds
This is a multi-purpose best mochi maker machine.
It offers 13 different cooking programs to choose from, as well as many different automatic heat modes.
It implies that although it is a bread maker, you can still make mochi with it.
The machine features a timer that can be set up to 13 hours of delay.
The bread maker has a large LCD display with a clear view.
Thus, you can easily monitor the cooked dough.
Hadineeon has a button control for simple operation.
The cooking pan is removable and nonstick for easy clean-up of any fat or flour residue.
Still do not know how to make rice cakes by a bread maker?
Follow this video:
Pros:
- Multi-purpose cooker
- Power interruption protection
- Clear viewing window and LCD display
- Easy to clean up
Cons:
- Some issues with making bread loaf
#3. TIGER SMG A360 MOCHI MAKING MACHINES – HOME ALTERNATIVE
Key features:
- Capacity: 1.8 to 3.6 liters
- Accessories: Measuring cup, rice cake winder
- Weight: 12 kg
Despite the fact that this product comes with a Japanese manual, Tiger SMG A360 can help you prepare a delicious mochi dessert.
It includes a nonstick container, so you will not have to worry about the rice cake sticking to its wall.
Even though every instruction is in Japanese, it is simple to operate and clean.
The product comes with both short and long impeller.
Also, your rice cake can be steamed for 15 minutes.
Pros:
- Make mochi quick and well
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Do not have a warm function
- Expensive
- Need a socket converter to use in the USA because it comes from Japan
- No English instruction included
#4. ZOJIRUSHI RICE CAKE MACHINE– AUTOMATIC OPTION
Key features:
- Weight: 7.5 kg
- Capacity: 0.9 – 1.8 litres
- Accessories: Mishohane, sticks, measuring cups, powdered plate
Because Zojirushi is a well-known brand, you will not be disappointed with their best mochi maker machine.
It has a nonstick container that makes it simple to use and clean up.
You have the option of operating it manually or using the automatic mode.
Up to 5 cups of glutinous rice can be made with this machine.
Make sure you soak your rice for at least 8 hours before draining it and filling the machine steamer with water.
Like other machine makers, a short impeller for mochi and a large impeller for miso are included.
All you have to do is putting the rice in the container, twist it, and lock it.
The rice takes 15 minutes to steam, and you will be notified when it is done by a beeping sound.
Pros:
- Various use of making not only mochi
- Microcomputer fully automatic
Cons:
- Need a socket converter to use in the USA because it comes from Japan
- No English instruction included
#5. KITCHENARM SMART BREAD MACHINE– SMART OPTION
Key features:
- 29-in-1 smart machine
- 1-click operation
- Accessories: Recipes, 2 paddles, metal hook, US three-prong plug, non-stick bread pan, 2 cup spoon sets
- Weight: 11.60 lbs
- Capacity: 2 pounds
You can now make your favorite dessert at home with the Kitchenarm Smart Bread Machine.
This machine may also be used to make different pastries.
It includes large operating buttons that are easy to press and operate.
The display screen has a wide liquid crystal panel with a backlight that allows you to use it even in the dark and is scratch-resistant.
You may bake and cook a variety of dishes, including fresh bread, chewy mochi, etc.
It is also simple to maintain and can be used outside.
Pros:
- Automatic operating
- Quality build
- Fully customizable cycle level
Cons:
- One reported having the blade came off
- The heating system works unstable
#6. CUSIMAX STAND MIXER
Key features:
- Number of speeds: 6
- 4 attachments
- Capacity: 6.5 qt stainless steel bowl
- Powerful motor
This Cusimax Stand Mixer is an ideal choice for both new bakers and the pros.
Even though its price is quite lower than the others, its quality and power are not a joke.
It also has a comparable tilt-back motor head design.
This mixer is made of metal, features 500 watts motors, and can be set to 6 speeds.
It comes with 4 attachments as well as a 6.5 qt stainless steel bowl with plenty of space for the dough.
Pros:
- Durable
- Modern design
- 6 speeds control
- Pouring shield cover helps prevent splash outs
Cons:
- Only for kneading the mochi dough
- The buttons and knob are made of a cheap plastic material
- The bowl is not contoured to the attachments so users have to scrape often
#7. KBS 17-IN-1 PREMIUM BREAD MACHINE
Key features:
- 17-in-1 premium machine
- Capacity: 2 pounds
- 710 watts high-speed motor
- Lower noise
KBS is a quick baking machine that is very easy to operate and control.
It offers up to 17 programmed menu selections, including the type of crust you want on the bread setting.
It also has a 13-hour delay setting, allowing you to customize the dough to your preference.
A glass touch screen lets you see inside and keep track of your mochi’s progress.
A measuring cup, spoon, hook, stirring rod, glove, etc. are the items included.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Sleek stainless steel design
- Ceramic container
- The superior construction and practical accessories
- A nut dispenser included
Cons:
- Dough reported not mix properly and did not rise
- Hard to use the manual mode
How To Make Mochi With Machine
The steps below will show you how to use your best mochi maker machine to make a plain dish.
Step 1: Rinse and cook the glutinous rice as normal.
Step 2: Prepare about 4 to 5 cups of boiling water when the rice is almost done.
Pour 1/3 of the hot water into your stand mixer bowl to keep it warm, 1/3 into a mixing bowl large enough to soak a dough hook and a flat beater.
The rest will be put into a measuring cup large enough to soak a silicone spatula.
Ensure there is enough water to cover the tools.
Step 3: In the stand mixer, discard the hot water. Fill the mixer with cooked sticky rice.
Step 4: Knead the dough with the mixer’s dough hook
- In your stand mixer, attach the dough hook attachment. Begin kneading the rice with Number 2 speed. Set a 3-minute timer (1). The hook will begin to pull the grains in.
- [Optional] You can detach the rice from the stand mixer’s wall with a moist silicone spatula while kneading.
- When the first 3-minute timer beeps, remove the dough hook from the mixer but leave the bowl in place. Flip the glutinous rice using the moist silicone spatula. To keep the spatula from becoming sticky, dip it in the water a few times.
- Return the bowl to the mixer and continue to knead on Number 2 speed. Set the timer for 3 minutes again. Repeat these steps about 3 times until the rice gets stickier and elastic like below.
Source: Just One Cook Book
Step 5: Pound the dough with the flat beater attachment
- Replace the dough hook attachment with a flat beater attachment from the stand mixer.
- Start beating the dough with Number 3 speed. Set a 30-second timer.
- After the timer beeps, you will not need to remove the bowl this time. Using the wet silicone spatula, scrape as much as possible from the bowl’s side.
- Repeat beating with a 30-second timer for 4 times until the dough is formed like below.
Step 6: Shape the mochi balls
- Cover two rimmed baking pans with potato starch and set aside. Place all of the mochi on a baking sheet. The other is used to store the balls.
- On top of the dough, sprinkle some potato starch. Make sure your hands are completely dry before coating. Keep some extra starch on hand so you can dust your hands whenever you need to.
- Pick up a corner and begin tucking the corners underneath. Make a “C” with your left pointing finger and thumb over the edge of the mochi as it creates a mound of a thick layer.
- Use your right hand, tuck in and press up the dough underneath the “C” fingers to form a ball shape.
- Pinch underneath the ball with the “C” fingers to chop off the balls. You can use the right hand to help to twist. Do not pull it because it will result in a sticky surface.
- Transfer the balls to the other rimmed baking sheet once they have been made. Dust the starch with a pastry brush or your dry hands when ready to use.
Top Tips For Using Your Best Mochi Maker Machine
Here are some tips for making the ideal dessert if you have never used a machine to make it before:
Making mochi by machine is an exact science.
Therefore, measure carefully and follow the maker’s directions.
For bread makers or mixers, please prepare the ingredients precisely before putting them in the machine.
Because each model is electronically calibrated, adding too much or too little of the ingredient can totally throw off the recipe.
Use the rice specified in the recipe.
Do not use the regular flour to make mochi because it will not work out.
Because machine homemade cakes do not contain chemicals, stabilizers, or the additives used in commercial production, it does not last as long as store-bought ones.
To keep the mochi fresh if you do not use it right after making it, place it in a plastic wrap, squeeze out the air and seal tightly.
It can last for a few days when being freeze.
Soak the tools and containers into the water right after using them and wash them immediately if possible.
Because the glutinous rice is quite sticky, it is very hard to clean up if you let it sticks too long in the tools.
Best mochi maker machine: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Will Happen If I Eat Too Much Mochi?
Although it is made of starch, which is good for digestion, it can sometimes cause an obstruction.
With people who are dealing with severe symptoms that may indicate a strangulated obstruction.
2. It Is Necessary To Keep Mochi Refrigerated?
You should not keep fresh ones in the refrigerator because they can dry out and become hard.
Furthermore, the moisture in the refrigerator can cause condensation, affecting the texture of the mochi.
Instead, freezing fresh ones is the best choice for long-term storage.
3. What Does Mochi Taste Like?
Plain mochi has a flavor that is somewhere between a gummy candy and a marshmallow, with a starchy aftertaste.
They are typically flavored with green tea and filled with a sweetened bean.
However, nowadays you can easily find a lot of different types of them with different flavors and fillings.
4. What Can I Do If My Mochi Is Too Sticky?
You can mix the corn starch and powdered sugar in a flat dish.
The corn starch and powdered sugar mixture are important because it will keep the rice dough from sticking together.
Continue to dust your hands with the mixture as you go along until you feel okay.
How to make mochi at home with 4 simple ingredients? Check out this video:
5. What Are The Differences Between Mochi And Dango?
The main difference between mochi and dango is that the first one is made from rice, while the second is made from rice flour.
However, both are usually white and lack a strong flavor.
A sauce is often poured over the dango, as well as anko spread on top.
Conclusion
Also, especially if you are a newbie, read the instruction carefully to understand how to operate the machine with ease.
The best Japanese mochi maker machine we recommend to you is TIGER CORPORATION 10-CUP RICE CAKE MOCHI MAKER.
This product comes from a famous brand in Japan, so you do not need to worry about its quality.
If you want a multi-purpose machine that not only can make mochi but also other pastries, try KBS LARGE 17-IN-1 BREAD MACHINE.
It provides a lot of programs that fit almost all homemade bread you want to make.
We hope you can pick your best mochi maker machine from our suggestion list above.
Further Reading:
