A List Of The Top 9 Best Takoyaki Pans: Reviews And Buying Guide

What is a Takoyaki Pan?

A Takoyaki Pan is a round-shaped cooking utensil that allows you to make small, spherical pancakes with thinly sliced pieces of octopus in the middle. The name takoyaki actually means fried or grilled balls; they are made by pouring batter into the mold and then added with chopped veggies like green onions, ginger, carrots, and whatever you want to put into it before flipping them for even cooking.

There are some differences between how it’s made in Osaka and Tokyo but overall the round-shaped Takoyaki Pan has similar features where octopus is placed in the center surrounded by veggies while covering almost half of it while pouring on some batter at the same time. This is then covered with a lid where the molds are cooked over a grill top where they are constantly rotated to evenly cook all sides of each takoyaki.

Takoyaki is usually consumed with takoyaki sauce, which is a sweet and savory brown sauce. It also comes with mayonnaise or seaweed flakes on top of it for extra flavors. But takoyaki can be eaten as is if you prefer your takoyaki to be plain but an important tip to remember is that the takoyaki pan must be brushed with oil before putting the batter inside so the pancakes come out easily once cooked.

List of 9 Best Takoyaki Pans Reviews

1. IRIS OHYAMA Takoyaki Pan2WAY plate Red ITY-20WA-R

• IRIS OHYAMA Takoyaki Pan2WAY plate Red ITY-20WA-R IRIS OHYAMATakoyaki Pan 2 WAY plate, a great size for cooking this Japanese street favorite or personal-sized portions. 
• With an oval shape and slightly raised sides, it’s perfect to whip up your very own takoyaki party – the 2 way means that both types of ingredients go in: a mixture of wheat flour and water (Hoshino ）for yakisoba and finely ground fish cake (Abura age) which is typically grilled first before adding other vegetables. Looks like you’re ready to take your creativity on the road, traveling made easy with this convenient dishware set.

2. Happy Sales , Cast Iron Takoyaki Pan, 8″ L x 7-3/8 D x 1-1/8 H, Black

• Help serve up the irresistible taste of Japan’s sought-after street food, Takoyaki. The IRIS TAKOYAKI PAN features a single-handle design that lets you flip the dough balls easily without getting your hands too dirty or having to worry about burning yourself during cooking.
• When not making these savory bits of octopus inside rice flour dumplings, the pan can also be used for various types of pancakes including round versions which are usually thinner than traditional American-style pancakes. 
• Made from solid cast iron so it heats evenly and well without any hotspots, this is an excellent tool for small meals indoors as well as outdoor campfires or backyard barbecues were gas.

3. Electric Japanese Takoyaki Pan Op-S18(R) by YAMAZEN

• For those of us that live outside of Japan and looking for a way to recreate one of our favorite dishes, we present this electric takoyaki pan by Yamazen. 
• Frying up this nostalgic gourmet dish is as simple as using your stovetop and adding raw proteins such as octopus cubes, chopped cabbage, squid jerky, green onion, or shallots. Insert the handy fill line cup option into the batter-filled shot glass insert and pour it into the removable bore steel tray formed pan over medium heat. 
• Fill with more batter before popping them out on a dinner plate to serve warm. This gem comes with an easy-clean design that includes an integrated pouring spout for quick clean-up.

4. Zojirushi EA-YBC01 Takoyaki Pan, Black

• The Zojirushi Takoyaki Plate is a new innovative cooking plate from Japan. It makes 26 large takoyaki balls at a time and is made of 100% refined stainless steel. The fully immiscible cooking surface is nonstick ceramic-coated for easy cleaning.
•  In order to use it, you need the Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle EA-BDC10, not included in the package. Recipes include takoyaki (octopus balls), petit gateau style chocolate cakes, pancake balls, and miniature “chocolate burger” cakes. 
• Box comes with pictures and descriptions in both English and French, and the instruction manual is available in English, French, or Japanese only.

5. DESIGNSCAPE3D Cast Iron Takoyaki Pan

• Takoyaki is a Japanese snack that can be enjoyed at home. It’s made from small octopus balls, which get their chewy texture and squishy inside because of the batter containing wheat flour or cornstarch as well as eggs. You may think this sounds difficult but don’t give up. Once you learn how to turn the dough into rings for frying in hot oil it becomes much easier. Plus there are lots more ways to enjoy them besides eating plain with soy sauce on top.
• The Takoyaki Maker is a one-of-a-kind machine that can make 15 different types of takoyaki at once, so you and your family don’t have to wait for food. The diameter of each ball in this grill pan/maker combo goes up about 1 inch with an average size being just under 2 inches across.
• Takoyaki or Japanese octopus dumplings are made of high-quality cast iron. They come in the form of tiki grills (pan) with a handle for safe transport and easy handling on stovetops as well. These pans have textured surfaces that don’t contain any coatings to prevent food residue before cooking so you can cook without worrying about burning yourself. Even if your diet prohibits certain ingredients like gluten or soy sauce.
• Takoyaki enthusiasts will love the nonstick coating on Tako Ball Pan. This pan can be heated directly over an electric oven or gas stove, making cooking easier and quicker. It’s completely submerged in water for cleaning so you don’t have to worry about any treacherous scrubbing jobs-they’re as easy as pie with this urchin treat.

6. AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC JAPANESE TAKOYAKI PAN

• Sugiyama’s Automatic Electric Takoyaki Grill Pan is perfect for making your favorite Japanese street food at home and features a non-stick interior with high-quality, durable aluminum construction. It comes in 12 precisely measured holes with an accurate 100-watt heating element. 
• Its unique octopus design helps to evenly distribute heat and cook the savory takoyaki balls two times faster than conventional pans, while its easy-read digital thermostat preset temperatures (to 180 degrees Celsius) make this pan one of Sugiyama’s most sophisticated models available on the market.

7. Tiger Takoyaki Pan Three Plate Cqd-b300-th Cqd-b300-th

• The durability and flavor of the material are enhanced by using a clay pot coating. This deep 1.6 gal (5 L) capacity cooker can be enjoyed by large groups, even when cooked over direct fire.
• A deep-fryer that can be used all year round, the new Oil Catchall Structure features three plates of different sizes to fit your needs. It’s perfect for making tasty treats like takoyaki or perforated oil in addition to eating healthier meals on their own.
• The “glass lid” allows you to easily see your food and bake over without getting into a messy situation. It’s easy to care, so just wash Body Guard with soap when it needs attention! The magnetic plug will never move or spill anything from the main unit because these locks keep everything in place securely.

8. StarBlue Store Takoyaki Pan Maker by StarBlue

• Takoyaki is a Japanese dish that’s made in the form of small balls. The Takoyaki Maker, weighing only 700 grams and measuring 9 x 9 inches (LxW), makes it easy for you to make these delicious treats at home.
• Measures 9 x 9 x 3.5 inches (L by W) and weighs 700 grams. This Takoyaki maker can be stored anywhere because of its lightweight, compact design that will not take up much space in your home or office kitchen cabinet.
• What’s more delicious than a plate of traditional Japanese Takoyakis? Not only will the entire family enjoy them, but you won’t have to wait long. The electric takoyaki machine can make 18 balls at once so that everyone gets their fill without getting too full before they start eating.
• Takoyaki is a Japanese dish that’s made from octopus and batter. The surface of this pan has a non-stick coating so you can cook without worrying about sticking, making your meal more enjoyable.
• Takoyaki is a Japanese street food that has the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The takoyaki can be easily cleaned by using an abrasive cleaning sponge, but it will damage or remove their non-stick coating which may cause some problems later on down the line.

9. Iwatani Takoyaki Pan, Medium, Black

• The new Iwatani Takoyaki Pan, Medium, Black is a must-have for any professional chef or home cook looking to explore different tastes and styles of cooking. The non-stick pan easily produces delicious results while protecting your delicate food from sticking to the surface. 
• Cooks love that this pan has thick walls that store heat well, making their creations taste amazing to each person’s liking. Perfect for use on cassette-feu butane stoves by iwatani, order one today.

Tips and guide to buying the best Takoyaki Pan

Takoyaki is a Japanese snack that’s made out of balls and fried octopus. If you want to prepare this dish at home, there are some things that need consideration before buying your Takoyaki Pan:

Material

Choose the Takoyaki Pan which is made out of aluminum and cast iron. It’s not only durable and easy to maintain but it will also ensure even distribution of heat throughout the surface of the pan. Also, make sure that you buy a higher-quality brand because some pans priced cheaply are actually poor in quality and you might end up buying another one soon after. If your budget is very low, try looking for used ones online.

Size

Takoyaki is usually cut into eight pieces so when buying a Takoyaki Pan, be sure to choose one with 8 molds. A lot of people think that bigger means better when in terms of pan size but in reality, it would simply cause more cooking time, and eating them all in one go may not be practically possible especially if you’re serving more than three to four people.

Ease of use

When it comes to cleaning, choose one with detachable or non-stick properties so the food sticks less on the mold and is easier to wash. Also, consider Takoyaki Pans that can be used in both electric and gas stovetops so you won’t have any problems transferring from one type of cooking appliance to another.

Function

There are two types of takoyaki pans – one with triangles and another with round molds. While the triangular ones will give you an option to pour more batter (they need less oil for cooking), pans with round molds distribute the batter evenly. Takoyaki pans usually come in smaller sizes but if you’re looking into buying bigger buns, then choose a pan that has removable plates so you can easily transfer them from the kitchen top to the dinner table.

Purpose

Is your reason for buying a takoyaki pan for commercial use or just to prepare them at home? If it is the former, then choose a higher quality brand so you can get more value for your money. If it’s meant to be used only in homes, go for smaller pans that are easy to store.

Care and Maintenance

After using your takoyaki pan, remember to clean it right away with warm water and soap before storing it upright (for round-shaped) or laying flat (for triangular-shaped). Always make sure to dry it first before putting it inside the cabinet as moisture will cause rusting which is not good for health especially if you’re cooking other kinds of food aside from takoyaki inside.

Tips for using your Takoyaki Pan

• When using your Takoyaki Pan, try not to pour all the batter at once or you’ll end up with unevenly cooked takoyaki. For best results (for both beginners and veterans), following the recipe properly is a must then add more ingredients if you want to experiment with your own preferred combination of ingredients. Takoyaki can be served either freshly cooked or cold but it’s advisable to consume them right away while they’re still hot for better flavor.
• In case you have leftover takoyaki from the previous cooking session, put them in a freezer bag and keep them inside the freezer until needed. Make sure that they’ve cooled down first before putting them in a freezer so bacteria won’t grow inside when. When being prepared again, you can microwave, fry, or steam them again.
• Take note that your pan might look like it’s clean but try not to neglect the small bits of batter that got stuck on the surface because they will burn when you’re cooking the next round. It is also beneficial to oil your pan with a little bit of olive oil each time before putting in more batter so it won’t stick on the mold.
• Takoyaki may be served plain or with several kinds of sauce depending on individual preference. Try mixing a combination of mayonnaise and ketchup then add some extra ingredients such as chopped green onion, dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi), and aonori (green seaweed powder). Other popular choices are mentaiko sauce, okonomiyaki sauce, and takoyaki sauce.
• You can also top your takoyaki with cheese, bacon bits, chives, or even chocolate sprinkles. Chopsticks are the usual utensil for eating takoyaki but you can also use forks or spoons if preferred. You may bake some other food on the side to go with your takoyaki such as octopus balls (takoyaki) and squid balls (ika yaki).
• Toppings are usually scattered on their batter just before closing the lid so that they’ll stick inside when flipping them over. For best results, it is good to keep in mind that you should only flip once then only enough until cooked through.

FAQs about a Takoyaki Pan

What is the size of a typical takoyaki pan?

For commercial use, standard-sized pans measure 8 inches in diameter while small home versions are 6.5 inches which perfectly fit on most kitchen top burners. Also, take note that there are two design types available – triangular and round. The latter produces more even-cooked balls while the former is bigger but you’re limited to how much batter can be poured inside at once so it needs less oil while cooking. If you want something easy to store then choose round ones instead.

Do you need oil when using your takoyaki pan?

The answer is no if you don’t want to deep fry them in oil before adding ingredients but it’s recommended for better-tasting results especially if you’re cooking for a crowd. To prevent the batter from sticking on the surface, put some oil before putting it in the batter and add more afterward when needed.

How To Clean Takoyaki Pan?

First off, wash your pan with mild detergent and dry it with a soft-bristled brush (if available). It is advised not to use a dishwasher because excessive moisture will cause rust. Also, take note that some pans are not dishwasher-friendly especially with commercial or non-stick pans unless otherwise indicated in the instruction manual.

Cleanup after cooking can be done easier with oil on its surface so try putting some (olive) oil before using it next time. In case you really want to deep clean, leave a thin layer of oil overnight then add layers of salt and soybean flour the next day. Scrape both sides thoroughly until residues come out from the bottom then wipe off excess salt and flour from other parts until the coating vanishes. Scrub with a steel brush then wipe again with a clean cloth to get rid of any remaining bits and pieces. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, dry, and oil it before putting it away in the cupboard.

How long will a Takoyaki Pan last?

Despite proper maintenance, most pans get rusty and need to be replaced every two or three years. Non-stick surfaces can last longer but once signs of wear start showing then it’s time to get rid of the pan especially if food particles are starting to stick in between grooves that are hard to reach. Re-seasoning is possible after you’ve already cleaned it thoroughly but not recommended unless messed up too badly since new coatings won’t turn out as good compared to the original ones.

How do I season my Takoyaki Pan to prevent rusting?

Right after you’ve used it for the first time, scrub both sides with steel wool dipped in cooking oil to make it smooth and shiny. Repeat if necessary until coating starts turning dark brown (rather than silver) especially on grooves like grill lines on your pan’s surface. Wash thoroughly then dry before putting it away or better yet, leave it overnight on a heated stove before storing.

Conclusion for the Best Takoyaki Pan

Takoyaki is popular street food in Japan so it’s no surprise that takoyaki pans are widely available too. After all, they’re very basic kitchen equipment but it doesn’t mean you can just pick up any product then still end up with great-tasting takoyaki balls like the ones you get at festivals. The important thing to remember after reading this article titled ” Tips and guide to buying the best Takoyaki Pan ” is by purchasing only the best takoyaki pan for sale, you’ll be able to make tasty takoyaki balls like those served in Japanese festival stalls.

If you are looking for the best takoyaki pan, stop right here. This list of 9 pans is perfect to help you find the one that will work best for your needs and budget. The reviews we have included should be helpful in guiding your decision-making process as well. So what are you waiting for? Start cooking up some delicious takoyaki today with a new purchase from this article.

Gemma Jane

Gemma Jane is the content editor for our website. She is a person with extensive knowledge and has many years of research in the field. The knowledge she shares is delicious, nutritious, healthy recipes. Currently she is living in the New York city with her husband and 2 sons.