Are you a fan of Japanese street pancakes and finding your homemade best taiyaki pan?
You can often see these fish cakes on the streets and they normally cook them in commercial-grade cast iron pans.
The big machines are for a whole day cooking without cracking. However, in households, things are a bit different. You may need tools that are best suited for home use.
In this article, we would go through some of the best Japanese taiyaki pan available that are ideal for you to use at home.
The Top-Rated Taiyaki Pan (Recommendation)
#1. D-STYLIST TAIYAKI MAKER KK-00310 – TOP PICK
#2. HAPPY SALES TAIYAKI PAN FISH SHAPE – AMAZON’S CHOICE
#3. COOKKING TAIYAKI JAPANESE FISH-SHAPED PANCAKE DOUBLE PAN – TRADITIONAL CHOICE
#4. YAEGOO DOUBLE PAN HOT CAKE MAKER – SAFE TO USE
#5. ALDKITCHEN FISH SHAPED WAFFLE MACHINE – BEST TAIYAKI MINI PAN MACHINE
#6. GERALD DUVALLSDF PAN BREAD WAFFLE MAKER
#7. COMMERCIAL USE JAM OR ICE CREAM WAFFLE MAKER
#8. ALDKITCHEN TAIYAKI WAFFLE MAKER
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What Is A Taiyaki?
Taiyaki is a Japanese fish-shaped cake. The ‘tai’ refers to the red seabream fish from which the cake gets its form, and ‘yaki’ refers to baked.
Despite the fact that certain references refer to it as a cake, we believe it is more comparable to a waffle.
Sweet red bean paste, also known as anko, is the traditional filling for taiyaki. It is still the most common filling today.
But you can also find stores selling taiyaki with custard, matcha cream, and chocolate fillings.
Recently, some people have begun to market taiyaki with savory filling such as cheese.
Ice cream is another common filling for taiyaki.
If you ever wonder how much does a taiyaki cost, some will be regular size, while others will be mini, but they both cost between 100 and 200 yen ($1 – 2).
A taiyaki fish ice cream dessert in New York costs about $7.
How Many Types Of Pan?
There are three different types of the pan on the market today: Electronic cast iron and aluminum with nonstick coating.
Each type has its own pros and cons.
Firstly, the cast iron is the most traditional. They are strong, long-lasting, and almost indestructible.
It will create a nonstick coating that will improve over time. If you try to remove the coating, though, it can rust.
Additionally, it is not too complicated to reapplying the seasoning.
Simply apply a small amount of light oil and heat it up.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that the cast iron one is a bad heat conductor.
To get around this, you can slowly heat up the pan.
It should be even and a decent shade of golden brown until it has reached room temperature.
Secondly, the aluminum nonstick coating ones are the most easiest.
Nothing would bind to it, because there is no risk of it tearing.
The only disadvantage is that it is not as long-lasting.
When the coating is gone, the pan is gone as well.
This is good if you only make taiyaki once in a while.
Lastly, the electric taiyaki ironworks similarly to any other electric waffle iron.
They are non-stick as well, and normally made from a cast aluminum mold.
When the iron is hot enough, it can light up and warm you when it is time to flip it and apply the filling.
This is a decent alternative for using the stovetop.
Basic aluminum non-stick pan (Source: yumofchina)
What Do You Need To Know Before Buying Your Best Taiyaki Pan?
If you want to make fish pancakes from scratch, you may need a specific pan.
There is no way to bake taiyaki without mold.
However, there are several types of makers on the market, as well as factors to weigh before making an order.
First of all, do you prefer thin and crispy cakes to thick and fluffy ones?
What number of cakes do you like to make at once?
You will need a bigger one that can cook at least two at a time if you have more than 2 persons in your family.
How big of the space available in your kitchen would also influence your choice.
There is a slim pan on the market nowadays, as well as big machines that can take up a lot of your kitchen’s valuable space.
Electrical taiyaki pans that beep and glow when preheating and then again when the waffles are finished are more convenient.
It helps you not to miss the ready light and overburn when you are busing cooking other foods.
Some low-cost devices need to you keep an eye on the escaping steam to determine whether your cakes are ready to eat.
This is inconvenient and can quickly result in burnt fishes.
Last but not least, a lot of people like the cakes’ crispy nooks and crannies.
They will, however, lose their crunch, heat and become cold after a few minutes.
They should be served hot from the iron or kept warm in the oven on a sheet tray.
Best Taiyaki Pan For Your Home (Updated List)
*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.
Choose Your Best Taiyaki Pan
#1. D-STYLIST TAIYAKI MAKER KK-00310 – TOP PICK
Key features:
- Dimensions: 9.65 x 9.06 x 3.54 inches
- Weight: 2.86 pounds
- Power source: Electricity
D-Stylist Taiyaki Maker is the product for you if you are finding a good way to make tasty taiyaki at home.
This electrical product does it all without the need for additional parts.
Moreover, it is very easy to use, not too big, and also lightweight.
The plates are made of light aluminum that has been treated with fluoro resin.
Temperatures can reach up to 230 oC, which is ideal for making a fish cake.
Moreover, the phenolic resin used in the body of the pan makes the taiyaki mold easy to clean so all you have to do is wash away the scrapes and oil.
Overall, you will feel surprised by what this electric taiyaki maker will do as a home kitchen appliance.
This product comes highly recommended by us for first-time cake makers.
Pros:
- Electricity mold
- Easy to clean off
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not too deep molds
- Came with no English instructions
#2. HAPPY SALES TAIYAKI PAN FISH SHAPE – AMAZON’S CHOICE
Key features:
- Item dimensions: 12 x 8 x 2 inches
- Weight: 0.5 kgs
- Material: Aluminum (pan) – non-stick and plastic (handle)
Happy Sales is one of the best sellers on Amazon.
One of its biggest advantages is the handle.
With a long handle, it is simpler to move it from the stove to the work surface.
Its long handle not only resists fire, but it also protects your hands away from the flames while you are tossing.
You can use this item on a variety of stovetops, including glass tops.
It will not, however, function on your induction surface.
Despite the fact that it is made of aluminum, it is a lightweight device that is simple to use.
For small families or even people who live alone, the small design is the best taiyaki pan.
It fits almost all kitchens and makes cooking a breeze.
Moreover, the Happy Sales pan has a sleek style and a non-stick surface that makes it simple to clean.
Pros:
- Non-stick
- Beautiful fish shape
Cons:
- A little bit expensive
- Can not use with an induction stovetop
#3. COOKKING TAIYAKI JAPANESE FISH-SHAPED PANCAKE DOUBLE PAN – TRADITIONAL CHOICE
Key features:
- Item dimensions: 14.8 x 1.8 x 6.1 inches
- Weight: 0.23 kgs
- Material: Aluminum
Cooking Double Pan is not a brand new name, but still, gains high-quality ratings on the market.
Despite the non-stick coating, it is clean and simple to use.
It is made of cast aluminum with a plastic handle.
That long handle makes flipping fast.
However, some users say that its fish cake is slightly small.
With its two tray-style, you can make a lot of taiyaki pancakes very quickly.
You should store it vertically for convenience.
It can be used on most stovetops, even electric ones are big pros.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Non-stick pan
- Can be separated for cleaning
- Can be used on electric stovetops
Cons:
- Smaller than expected
- Has some durability issues
#4. YAEGOO DOUBLE PAN HOT CAKE MAKER – SAFE TO USE
Key features:
- Item dimensions: 15.4 x 8.6 x 1.6 inches
- Weight: 0.8 kgs
- Material: Aluminum (pan) – non-stick and plastic (handle)
Here comes your taiyaki iron, which you can use on an open flame but not on an induction cooktop.
YaeGoo Double Pan is made of cast aluminum and has a robust build.
Thus, the item is durable and safe to use.
Most people worry about non-stick coatings these days, but you do not have to think about that with YaeGoo products.
The FDA and other international bodies have certified that this product meets the necessary safety requirements.
It is non-stick and non-toxic as well.
It features sturdy plastic handles and a tray-style that makes pouring and tossing batter easy.
Pros:
- Cheap price
- Non-toxic certified
- Sturdy design
Cons:
- No directions included
- The metal clip holding the handles together breaks pretty easily
- Lost the non-stick ability quickly
#5. ALDKITCHEN FISH SHAPED WAFFLE MACHINE – BEST TAIYAKI MINI PAN MACHINE
Key features:
- High-grade materials: Made of 201-grade stainless steel with comfort bakelite handle
- Durable construction: The baking pan is separated from the machine’s rim. This prevents interior components from heating up.
- Non-stick coating
- Commercial use: Crispy waffles in the form of small fish are ideal for a café, wedding, or some kind of gathering at home.
- 100% money-back quality guarantee
If you want to start a taiyaki business, ALDKitchen Waffle Machine is perfect for you.
It runs on a low 110 volts and consumes 1500 watts of power.
It makes relatively regular fish cakes and 3 cakes at once thanks to the big baking pan.
Thus, it is also a time-saving product.
For improved non-stick properties, the plate surface is made of safe 201-grade stainless steel.
This means you can make a big batch of pancakes that is either safe and nutritious.
When you choose to flip or hold the tools, the bakelite handle is perfect for heat resistance.
Pros:
- Made of high-quality stainless steel
- Suitable for commercial use
- Time-saving product with 3 molds
Cons:
- The fish size is kind of small
#6. GERALD DUVALLSDF PAN BREAD WAFFLE MAKER
Key features:
- Item dimensions: 15.04 x 10.16 x 1.85 inches
- Weight: 0.8 kgs
- Material: Aluminum (pan) – non-stick and plastic (handle)
Gerald DuvallSDF Pan is one of the most durable products since it is made of strong cast aluminum.
With this design, it is the easiest mold to prepare your best cakes.
Simply flip it until it has heated up.
This fish form is well defined.
Moreover, this product is one of the most cost-effective options as well.
Pros:
- Well shaped fish
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Non-stick coating is not really last long
#7. COMMERCIAL USE JAM OR ICE CREAM WAFFLE MAKER
Key features:
- Item dimensions: 73 x 64 x 25 cm
- Fish size: 12.5 x 7.5 cm
- Weight: 35 kg
- Electric source: 110 V
- Plates: 2 plates, every 6 fishes at a time
COMMERCIAL USE JAM OR ICE CREAM WAFFLE MAKER is the machine to use if time is of your essence.
With this machine, you can cook even 5 or 6 fishes at a time, that saves you a lot of waiting time.
When baking taiyaki, fast heat up and recovery ensure that there is minimal downtime.
The electric system helps you to choose each waffle’s crispiness and interior texture by adjusting the baking time and temperature independently.
Pros:
- Large baking capacity at once
- Durable electric system
- Adjustment baking time and temperature
Cons:
- Heavy
- Does not have NSF certificate, only CE
#8. ALDKITCHEN TAIYAKI WAFFLE MAKER
Key features:
- Item dimensions: 17 x 15 x 11 inches
- Weight: 18.6 Pounds
- Electric source: 110 V
- Plates: 1 plate, 3 fishes at a time
ALDKITCHEN adds muscle and brawn to your store’s table.
Different from the traditional type, this machine is specified for ice cream taiyaki with an open mouth fish shape.
It is designed to last with a heavy-duty die cast commercial construction.
This product is coated with non-stick plates that are not only easy to clean but also have integrated heating components.
That ensures consistent temperature and heat delivery.
This machine has an LED light signal.
Furthermore, the vertical arrangement saves room while also allowing you to cook three waffles concurrently but separately.
Pros:
- Open mouth fish shape for ice cream cone
- Durable electric system
- Adjustment baking time and temperature
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only makes 3 pcs each time
Best Taiyaki Pan: Buying Guide
We have done our part with opinions and suggestions.
Nonetheless, it is always important that you do your own investigation before purchasing any taiyaki press.
The following are some of your possible considerations:
Material:
The majority of taiyaki pans are made of cast aluminum or stainless steel.
All of these materials are of excellent consistency and are long-lasting as well.
You are free to choose whichever choice appeals to you the most.
Although most of the pans we listed have non-stick sides, you also need to double-check that yours does as well.
However, the non-stick surface and its covering should be FDA approved for protection and healthy.
Keep in mind that certain non-stick products are not suitable to use due to the chemicals applied in their manufacture.
Look for products that satisfy the required safety requirements.
Handle material:
Unfortunately, the majority of the handles are plastic.
They will not get sticky, which is a pro.
The downside is that they are not either convenient or long-lasting.
Some Japanese manufacturers make their products’ handles entirely of metal or wood.
Overall, they are stronger and more resilient.
However, there are some commercial ones with a wooden handle that is very pricey.
Heat source:
There are devices that are powered by electricity or can be used on certain stovetops.
We can not draw a clear line here as to which heat source is the strongest.
Many of the variables to remember are dependent on the kind of heat source you use or prefer.
Personally, we prefer the electrical ones.
It is much more convenient and even safer.
Nevertheless, for people who have gas stovetops at home, a traditional one is good enough.
Size:
You should consider whether you want to use the taiyaki maker for commercial or personal purposes.
Fish cakes are made in big batches by certain machines.
When you just have a three-person household, it is not perfect.
In this situation, purchasing small pans is better for sure.
Storage:
Because not everybody has a lot of storage space, it is better for you to choose things that you can store vertically.
It should be simple to use, too.
You have to think of the weight of your taiyaki maker because if it is too big, you will not be able to take it with you when you do outdoor activities.
As a result, the question arises: is your best taiyaki pantransportable?
Best Taiyaki Pan: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do You Use Taiyaki Pan?
Heat the pan and use a brush to cover it with vegetable oil.
Over medium-low heat, fill the taiyaki pan mold to about 60% size.
Place an anko in the center of each mold and cover it with batter.
Close the cover and flip it right up.
2. How To Make Taiyaki Fish?
The batter for the cake starts off as regular pancake or waffle batter.
This is then poured into a hot fish-shaped mold, similar to a waffle pan, with filling on one side and each side poured separately.
The taiyaki mold Is closed and all sides of the taiyaki are stuck together until the batter is cooked in.
It is then cooked until golden brown.
Watch this tutorial video for a basic recipe: (33) How to Make Taiyaki (Recipe) 鯛焼きの作り方（レシピ）
3. Can I Freeze Takoyaki?
Yes. You can pre-made them then save them for the next meals.
You have to wrap them individually with cling wrap then put them in a ziplock bag.
They can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for up to two months.
When you want to eat, heat up this frozen taiyaki in the microwave.
Try putting it in the microwave or toaster oven for 7 to 10 minutes for the best results.
And make sure you do not fire to the outside.
4. How Do I Grease A Pan Without Butter?
Since vegetable oil is the main ingredient of most commercial baking sprays, it is no doubt when it comes to using it to grease your pans.
Simply add some of the cooking oil into a paper towel and brush it down the edges of the pan.
Ensure that it is fully covered.
5. Why Does Taiyaki Have Fish Shape?
The origin of the fish shape is unclear.
However, the most popular theory is that it was shaped in such a way to make the eater feel as though they were dining luxuriously.
Since sea bream was very costly in the past.
Conclusion
You will notice that the taiyaki maker and the panini press have a similar appearance, so do not get them mixed up.
Moreover, when using the pan, make sure you do not overfill the fish cakehole because this will make it difficult to cook.
Most of the products on the above list are of the highest quality. However, our first pick goes to the D-STYLIST TAIYAKI MAKER.
The biggest advantage is that it is an electrical taiyaki maker, therefore you do not have to worry about the overburn.
The HAPPY SALES TAIYAKI PAN is our personal pick. It is simple to use and is made of a solid, nonstick, and long-lasting material.
When cooking Japanese style, choosing the best taiyaki pan is a must-have item. When you have the right tool on hand, you will have the best crispy and moist cakes ever.
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