With the best Takoyaki pan brand, making this delicious dish at home just got easier.
When you travel to Japan, it is not strange to witness lines of people waiting to buy and eat this richly flavored and delicious street cuisine.
The Top-Rated Takoyaki Pan Brands (Recommendation)
#1. IWATANI GRILL PAN– TOP PICK
#2. IWATANI CASSETTE GAS TAKOYAKI DEVICE – BEST HOME DEVICE
#3. NORPRO NONSTICK STUFFED PANCAKE PAN– BEST CAST ALUMINUM BRAND
#4. YAMAZEN ELECTRIC JAPANESE TAKOYAKI PAN – COMPETITIVE OPTION
#5. STARBLUE TAKOYAKI MAKER MACHINE – ELECTRIC BEST TAKOYAKI PAN BRAND
$6. HEALTH AND HOME MULTIFUNCTION NONSTICK BAKING MAKER
#7. BABYCAKES MINI CAKE POP MAKER
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What Is Takoyaki?
Takoyaki is a Japanese food that looks like a ball and is created with a batter of flour and baked in a special pan.
The most common ingredients in this dish are diced or cooked octopus, green opinion, garlic, ginger, and tempura.
In addition, the Takoyaki masters coat the delicacy in a delicious sauce with a variety of toppings.
People say this dish’s flavor is savory or umami.
Because of the octopus’s seafood tastes, the flavor is salty and rich.
While this dish is classified as a snack, it is satisfying enough to be eaten as a meal.
In addition, traditionally, Japanese people use a special sauce and Japanese mayonnaise in the dish.
It is important to note that this food comes with a variety of toppings, including mentaiko, bonito flakes, soy sauce, etc.
The Origin
The well-known Japanese food has humble origins, started from Kansai in western Japan.
The first version of this meal is considered to appear from the early 1930s, and it immediately became popular on the streets of Osaka and neighboring cities.
Nowadays, you may find takoyaki businesses in almost every town in Japan, with some regional versions of the cuisine.
Additional Accessories
If you want to prepare the perfect snack with your best Takoyaki pan brand, you should invest in some accessories that will make the process go quickly and easily.
The must-have accessories are listed below:
1. Japanese Oil Brush:
To make octopus balls, you may need an aburabiki, or oil brush.
Experts use it to grease the pan.
Use this brush to evenly coat the pan for the best results.
The brush has a large cotton brush with many strands and a solid wooden handle.
It helps in the browning and crisping of the cake.
2. Batter Dispenser:
The cooking of this meal will be easier if you have a strong steel batter dispenser.
It is a funnel with a little handle on a stand. Small amounts of batter are released into the pan.
This multi-purpose dispenser may be used for sauces, batters of all kinds, and even biscuits.
Simply pour the batter mix into the funnel and press the handle to release the batter into the pan.
This tool is great since it gives you exactly the quantity of batter you need for each ball, so you do not waste any.
3. The Picks:
Takoyaki picks are used to handle the balls as they are taken out from the pan and flipped throughout the cooking process.
The pan is protected from scratches if you flip and handle the Takoyaki with pics.
Plus, with these long and thin picks, moving the food is very easy.
How To Make Homemade Takoyaki?
Ingredients:
– ¾ cup all-purpose flour
– Baking powder
– Kosher salt
– 1 egg
– Soy sauce
– 2/3 cup dashi stock
– Octopus, precooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
– Tempura scraps
– Finely chopped pickled red ginger
– Thinly sliced scallions
– Oil for greasing pan
– Japanese mayonnaise and Takoyaki sauce
– Katsuobushi and aonori for garnishing
Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt to make the batter.
Whisk together the eggs, soy sauce, and dashi until well combined.
Set aside.
Step 2:
Heat the pan over medium heat. Coat the wells completely with oil.
Step 3:
Fill the wells with batter once the oil has started to smoke a little and the pan is thoroughly hot.
On the top of the pan, they will overflow and bleed together.
Cook until the bottoms of the balls are beginning to crisp, then top with a piece or two of octopus, tempura, ginger, and scallions.
Step 4:
Separate the batter layer on top with chopsticks or wooden skewers.
To make a spherical shape, rotate each Takoyaki as it cooks: While half flipping each dumpling, insert the top layer of filling and batter into the well using the other chopstick.
Continue to cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, flipping the balls intermittently to ensure an even, golden brown exterior.
Step 5:
Drizzle with Japanese mayonnaise, sauce, and the toppings you want.
MasterClass best takoyaki recipe:
Tips On Making Truly Delicious Octopus Balls
It takes practice to make a nice batch of Takoyaki, but with enough experience, you will find a technique that works for you:
1. Use the right pan:
A good pan can help in the making of perfectly round octopus balls.
If you do not have a cast-iron Takoyaki pan, a cake pop maker or a pan used for Danish Aebleskiver are good as well.
Electric makers are also popular nowadays, similar to waffle irons.
2. Use a sufficient amount of oil:
A golden, crispy crust requires a sufficient amount of fat.
Coat all of the wells in the pan with oil, leaving a tiny pool at the bottom of each well.
When the batter reaches the heated pan, the oil will push up the sides of the well, ensuring an even fry.
3. Use pre-cooked octopus:
For a batch of Takoyaki, you can either prepare and boil fresh octopus or save time by purchasing pre-cooked octopus from most Asian grocery stores.
4. Use the right sauce:
Premade sauce is available at most Asian grocery stores or online, just as okonomiyaki sauce.
If you can find it, you can still use salty-sweet tonkatsu sauce or a homemade Worcestershire sauce and ketchup combo.
The idea is to make a sauce with a rich umami flavor that complements the octopus and dashi in the dumplings while yet being bright enough to cut through all of the fried dough.
Best Takoyaki Pan Brand Shortlist (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.
Best Takoyaki Pan Brand: A-List To Choose
#1. IWATANI GRILL PAN– TOP PICK
See Latest Price
Key features:
- Material: Aluminium
- Item diameter: 10.2 inches
- Weight: 730 g
- Case quantity: 16
Iwatani Grill Pan is our top pick for those of you who cook on portable butane stoves.
This pan’s base has grooves that allow it to be locked into place on butane stoves.
This ensures even cooking and secures your appetizers in case of nudges and bumps.
The nonstick surface of the aluminum alloy pan is ideal for making Takoyaki without the risk of broken appetizers or deformed balls.
It is so simple that the whole family can enjoy the culinary experience.
The pan itself is easy to clean and may be placed on the dishwasher’s bottom rack.
Overall, this is an amazing pan for people who cook with a butane or gas stovetop.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Non-stick coating
- Can be used in the dishwasher machine
Cons:
- The pan size is too small for some households
- Arrived with scratches over the top
- Does not get heat uniformly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh9oFrTvB10
#2. IWATANI CASSETTE GAS TAKOYAKI DEVICE – BEST HOME DEVICE
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Key features:
- Item weight: 4.85 pounds
- Power source type: Gas
- Item dimensions: 9.09 x 13.7 x 5.47 inches
- Material: Aluminum die-cast
- Case quantity: 20
You have picked the right best Takoyaki pan brand if you require a bit extra heat when cooking.
This is one of the most powerful gas-powered pans on the market.
This product becomes very hot in all the areas you need for even cooking, thanks to butane cartridges.
With room for up to 20 takoyaki balls, you can quickly and efficiently mass create your favorite Japanese dish.
The aluminum dies case pan’s nonstick coating also makes it simple to cook and remove the balls without breaking them.
However, the handbook is only available in the Japanese language.
Moreover, the machine is simple to operate and uses normal butane cartridges that may be purchased separately.
Overall, this is an ideal high-powered Takoyaki device that is suitable for use at home or even in a commercial kitchen.
Pros:
- Cast iron pan distributes heat properly
- Easy to clean
- Long life span
- Cooks faster than the traditional makers
Cons:
- The plate is coated with Teflon thus users have to be careful to avoid scratches
- Unstable gas supply
#3. NORPRO NONSTICK STUFFED PANCAKE PAN– BEST CAST ALUMINUM BRAND
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Key features:
- Material: Cast aluminum
- Item dimensions: 9 x 1.25 x 9 inches
- Case quantity: 7
If you are living alone but still have a craving for some tasty octopus balls?
This product is exactly the pan you are looking for.
Now you can make the exact serving size in the comfort of your own home.
This durable cast aluminum pan makes 7 delicious balls at one time.
The 7 ½ inches handle is one of the nicest features of this pan.
The ergonomic plastic handle stays cold to the touch, reducing the risk of accidental burns when handling.
The lightweight cast aluminum structure heats up quickly as well.
As an extra bonus, the pan comes with some basic cooking recipes.
In summary, this is the best Japanese Takoyaki pan for people who are living alone.
It is ideal if you are going to cook only a small amount or just want to make a fast snack.
Pros:
- Multi-purpose: Can make a lot of pancake deserts, not only Japanese balls
- Strong and durable cast aluminum construction heats quickly
- Nonstick surface
- The ergonomic handle stays cool to the touch
- Includes recipes and instructions
Cons:
- Small quantity
- The holes are too big for some users
- Has plastic smell when cooking
#4. YAMAZEN ELECTRIC JAPANESE TAKOYAKI PAN – COMPETITIVE OPTION
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Key features:
- Item dimensions: 9.06 x 3.15 x 9.06 inches
- Power supply: Electric, 650 watts, 100 volts
- Case quantity: 18
Much the best Takoyaki pan brand on the market but does not have a removable hot plate, making cleaning up time-consuming.
Yamazen’s pan, on the other hand, is different.
This product’s removable hot plate makes cleaning up easy, there is no need to worry about the water going inside the machine.
The nonstick quality of the coating is similar to Teflon.
However, some users face issues with the cold spots on the hot plate.
The lack of a temperature control button makes it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.
Moreover, electric grills are typically not as efficient as gas-powered pans when it comes to heating up (your making process might take a bit longer).
Aside from the above tiny disadvantages, many buyers still feel satisfied with the quality of their buy.
Pros:
- Great to make lots of ball at once
- The cooking plate is removable for easy cleaning
- Worth the value
Cons:
- No temperature control
- Uneven heating sometimes
- Slower cooking time than gas-powered products
#5. STARBLUE TAKOYAKI MAKER MACHINE – ELECTRIC BEST TAKOYAKI PAN BRAND
See Latest Price
Key features:
- Item dimensions: 9 x 3.5 x 9 inches
- Weight: 700 grams
- Material: Aluminum
- Case quantity: 18
- Power supply: Electric
This machine makes you are in for a treat if you want to make a large quantity of Takoyaki appetizers at once.
This electric pan is capable of cooking up to 24 delicious balls at the same time, thanks to its 650 watts of power.
That implies you can eat twice as much in half the time.
Making Takoyaki is easy with the electric pan’s non-stick surface made of fluorine resin, which is food grade and safe.
This pan is the finest for 120V in the US.
However, we noticed that the outer four holes did not cook as quickly as the center ones during our testing, so give them a little more time.
You can clean the pan by wiping it clean with a moist cloth.
Overall, for the price and functionality, this an excellent Takoyaki pan.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Sturdy and durable with thick aluminum with HDPE body
- Includes ebook recipe
- Exceptional and even heating
Cons:
- The light sometimes does not turn off when heated
- No temperature control
- Hard to clean because you have to be careful not to allow water to touch the electricals
$6. HEALTH AND HOME MULTIFUNCTION NONSTICK BAKING MAKER
See Latest Price
Key features:
- 3-in-1 multi-function
- Easy installations
- Item dimensions: 13.58 x 9 x 2.75 inches
- Case quantity: 24
If you are planning to have a party or gathering and want to spice things up a little, this is the pan for you.
With this all-in-one pan kit, you can not only make Takoyaki but also other dishes with 3 different baking plates.
For cooking takoyaki and other circular pastries, the set comprises a silicone brush, 2 sticks, and 24 holes.
Because the machine runs on 100 volts, it is suitable for inhabitants of the United States.
The machine is fairly strong and does not easily move about in the event of an inadvertent nudge.
The non stick grill pan is simple to clean with a moist towel.
We’re confident that you will adore this takoyaki pan.
It includes everything you need to prepare your favorite Japanese appetizer at home.
Pros:
- Affordable with 3 cooking options
- Easy to install and plug
- Easy to clean
- Good for small parties at home
Cons:
- Baking trays seem cheap and have sharp edges
- No temperature control button
- Need to work quickly, can burn batter easily
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yv8O70TcNXc
#7. BABYCAKES MINI CAKE POP MAKER
See Latest Price
Key features:
- Item dimensions: 8.75 x 6 x 6.13 inches
- Nonstick coating
- Case quantity: 9
- Power supply: Electric
The lovely appearance of this cake pop maker is hard to resist.
It seems more like a kid’s toy than a kitchen appliance.
Despite the fact that this device was designed specifically for cake pops, the mold sizes are ideal for little Takoyaki balls.
The nonstick backing plate comes with nine wells.
Switching between octopus balls, sugary cake pops, and some other treats is a breeze with this.
As several reviewers have commented, the device gets quite hot during cooking, so keep an eye on your children if you plan to let them cook.
Because the hot plate is not detachable, cleaning it can be a challenge.
However, overall, given its size, the majority of buyers prefer how sturdy it is.
Moreover, many were interested to be able to prepare so many different snacks and desserts with it.
They also state that this machine is good for creating Takoyaki as well.
Pros:
- Can be used as a waffle maker
- Power light
- Latching handle and non skid rubber feet
- Convenient cord wrap
Cons:
- Uneven heat
- Need to open the lid and manually fill the batter for Takoyaki balls
- Hard to clean
Cleaning My Best Takoyaki Pan Properly
The type of pan you have will determine how you clean it.
Nevertheless, you can clean most makers with a nonabrasive sponge or towel.
1. Electric pan:
Clean your best electric Takoyaki pan with a small nonabrasive sponge.
Scrub gently with a sponge dipped in dishwashing liquid detergent.
Cleanse with water after that
2. Cast iron pan:
Cast iron ones should never be cleaned with detergent or an abrasive sponge.
To remove the oil and batter leftovers, simply use a towel or paper towel.
You can use a small plastic knife to gently scrape off cooked batter.
You do not want to scratch the pan’s coating.
Because they are electrical devices, many Takoyaki cooking pans are not dishwasher safe.
However, they are quite easy to clean.
Therefore, if you make Takoyaki frequently, they are a smart investment.
Important Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Takoyaki Pan Brand
If you have the right pan and ingredients, making Takoyaki at home is very easy.
You will also require various kinds of stuff to help you in the preparation of this snack.
As a result, you will need to invest in a high-quality pan to make things easier.
When buying your best, we have listed some factors for you to keep in mind:
1. Function:
Do you know how does your pan work?
The pans come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
There are pans that have their own heat sources, such as electric pans, for example.
Other pan designs require to place on stoves.
As a result, before buying a Takoyaki maker, think about the type of heat you will be using.
2. Size:
What is its size? You do not want to get a pan that will bring you a lot of trouble in terms of storage.
Thus, you must select a product that will fit inside your existing kitchen cabinet.
Furthermore, you must evaluate the pan’s size, like the one you choose to have to be large enough to make enough Takoyaki balls for the entire family.
3. Purpose of use:
Will you use it for home or commercial purposes?
This should be determined by the number of balls you need to make in one batch.
The output of different pans varies.
This, however, depends on how you plan to use it.
If you plan to use the pan at home, you should get a standard size one.
If you wish to use it for business purposes, you may have to buy a larger one.
4. Material:
Steel or cast iron are the most common materials utilized in this field.
On the other hand, some of these pans, are non-stick.
These pans are preferable because they are easier to clean.
When purchasing a product with the nonstick feature, be sure it does not contain any harmful chemicals.
5. Price:
How much do you want to spend on the best Takoyaki pan brand?
A nice pan can cost anywhere from $15 to $100.
If you are planning to buy a large one, you should expect to pay extra.
How To Choose The Best Takoyaki Pan Brand: Buying Guideline
1. Stovetop or Standable Pans?
Consider how and when you plan to cook it while looking for the best Takoyaki machine.
A stovetop pan and a freestanding pan are two common types.
Small batches work best with stovetop ones:
Stovetop pans usually have a handle and look like normal pans with built-in Takoyaki ball molds.
This type is often less expensive than standalone ones.
Thus, if you want to save money, this is the way to go.
These work in the same way as a standard pan and may be used on a gas or induction stove.
If you only want to make this snack for yourself and your small family, a stovetop pan is preferable to the other one.
There will be no wasted batter with this one because it contains fewer molds are ideal for small-batch cooking.
They are also simple to clean and store thanks to the straightforward design.
Make sure this type of pan is compatible with your specific cooktop before you buy it.
Standalone type is ideal for parties and commercial use:
This type is available in both electric or gas-powered.
It is ideal for large gatherings, celebrations, or commercial purposes.
Both versions are portable, however, gas-powered ones can be used at outdoor events without the need for electricity.
Standalone products are great for businesses, such as a food stall or a little Japanese food stand.
Some models can make up to 50 balls in a single batch.
Nonetheless, you have to think about the storage size and keep an eye on any electrical components while cleaning.
2. Cast Iron, Aluminum, Or Steel Material?
In general, any cast iron product will last longer.
These high-quality pans kitchen appliances are not easily scratched and will last a lifetime.
A cast-iron plate should be on your purchasing list if your family enjoys eating Takoyaki and you want to buy a product that will last for years.
The cleaning process of a cast iron product is a considerable disadvantage.
It is difficult to clean, especially when there is firm batter attached to the surface.
Aside from that, these solid pans are truly gems.
A nonstick coating is commonly applied to an aluminum or steel pan.
Nonstick pans allow you to cook without having to worry about your food sticking to its surface.
Because this sort of appliance heats up fast, there is a possibility that the heat distribution may be uneven while cooking.
Make sure that your octopus balls do not sit in the molds for too long or they will burn.
A nonabrasive sponge and some soap are all you need to clean a nonstick pan.
In some cases, a towel would work well. For lazy people, the nonstick coating products are ideal.
If you do not use the right tools or cleaning materials, a nonstick coating may have the potential to damage its surface.
Metal forks and spatulas should be avoided since they can scrape the coating off the hot plate.
Best Takoyaki Pan Brand: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use A Cake Pop Maker For Takoyaki?
Yes, you can make Takoyaki with a cake pop maker.
However, the balls will be smaller than the normal ones.
Also, because you will not be able to put as much filling in, your result may be small bite-sized.
When you try to flip the Takoyaki, you may run into a problem as well.
You do not need to flip the balls because an electric cake pop maker cooks the batter on all sides.
The middle of the balls, however, will not be as crunchy and crispy.
You have to remove the dough from the cake pop maker and attempt to flip it.
2. Can I Make Takoyaki Balls Without A Pan?
Although it is possible, we do not recommend it.
The balls will lose their round shape and will not resemble authentic Takoyaki.
Make the dough and mix with the contents until the dough is malleable if you do not have a mold.
Next, roll out the dough to about a 2 cm thickness.
Cut it into pieces that are about 3×3 cm.
Place an octopus piece in the middle of each piece.
Wrap the dough around it.
To avoid sticking, roll the dough into a ball shape and dust your hands with flour.
In a pot of heated oil, fry the balls a few at a time.
Check out this video on how to make this meal without a pan:
3. Is The Inside Of Takoyaki Supposed To Be Gooey?
Yes, it is supposed to be somehow runny and gooey on the inside.
It is not quite mushy, rather, it is gooey and melts like melty cheese.
Most vendors strive for gooeyness because the contrast is what makes Takoyaki unique.
If you do not want your dish to be gooey, you can cook it all the way through.
4. Is It Possible To Keep This Food Overnight?
You can keep finished Takoyaki in the refrigerator for one to two days in an airtight container.
If you make more than you need and have leftover batter or toppings, refrigerate them separately for up to two days.
5. What Do You Serve With Takoyaki?
This dish is typically eaten with toothpicks rather than chopsticks.
They are usually topped with aonori seaweed and dried bonito fish flakes, as well as mayonnaise and okonomiyaki sauce, another Osaka specialty.
However, Takoyaki is not the ideal dish to consume if you are trying to stick to a balanced diet because it is high in fats and carbs. Thus, it makes you overeat on your daily calories allowance.
Conclusion
Takoyaki has appeared for nearly 100 years, yet this Japanese food has won over a lot of appetizers.
Luckily, today we can easily cook this delicacy at home with a specialized pan.
Keep in mind where and how you plan to cook the balls when purchasing one product.
The materials should also be taken into account. It is only a click away from finding the ideal pan.
If you still wonder which one to choose, we recommend our top pick IWATANI GRILL PAN.
This is a need for beginners who want to make their own Takoyaki at home with their convenient available stove.
Do you want to impress your friends at a party?
Use HEALTH AND HOME MULTIFUNCTION NONSTICK BAKING MAKER.
With this device, you can make a lot of delicious grill dishes, not only Takoyaki.
We hope with our suggestion list, you can finally choose your best Takoyaki pan brand.
Further Reading:
