Have you ever stared in wonder and amazement at sushi chefs slicing seafood with military precision? Their immaculate rolls and sashimi slices are always perfect.
With the right tools, you can make your own sushi. And, they can look and taste like those that come from your favorite Japanese restaurant.
So if you’re in the mood for some sushi and you don’t want to spend the money, or you just want to try making it yourself, it’s time to invest in a sushi making kit. It can help you create sushi that you never thought you could.
What is Sushi?
Sushi is generally a combination of raw seafood such as fish, prawns, flavored vegetables, and vinegared Japanese rice.
People have the mistaken notion that it is the raw seafood that makes it sushi. It is actually the rice, or its preparation, that distinguishes it from other Japanese dishes. In fact, you will never see sushi without rice but fish isn’t a necessary component of sushi.
These are paired with some soy sauce, wasabi, and pink ginger. While the first thing that might come to your mind are those little rice rolls wrapped in nori (seaweed), sushi is a generic name for its different forms.
| Sushi Making Kits | Why We Like It | |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Easy Sushi | Good beginner kit |
 | 2. Camp Chef Sushezi | Perfectionist kit |
 | 3. AYA Sushi Maker 2 | Lots of tutorials |
 | 4. Sushi Making Kit Deluxe with Chopsticks | beautiful and budget choice |
 | 5. Dheera 10 Pcs DIY | great for kids |
 | 6. Sushi Chef | includes food ingredients |
 | 7. Delamu 21 in 1 Sushi Maker Bazooker Roller Kit | has a bazooka roller |
 | 8. Sushi Magic | crank out high quantities of sushi |
 | 9. BambooMN Deluxe | versatile |
 | 10. SushiQuik | our best pick |
Urukami
Urakami is the type of sushi that has the rice outside and the seaweed inside. Thus, it is also known as “inside-out” sushi.
This type of sushi is actually an American innovation. It was the result of a Japanese chef wanting to please his customers who did not like seaweed in their sushi back in the 1960s.
He did this by putting rice outside to sort of hide the seaweed inside. This is also the birth of the very popular California roll. However, its success has not been replicated in Japan.
Sashimi
Sashimi is one of the most well-known dishes in Japanese cuisine that is basically thinly sliced raw food. Seafood like yellowfin or bluefin tuna, salmon, octopus, sea urchin, and mackerel is typically made into sashimi but other types of meat can also be used. These include beef, pork, chicken, even horse, and deer.
Sashimi is usually served atop a bed of shredded white radish (daikon) and garnished with shiso, a mint-like herb.
Nigiri
Combine sushi and sashimi and you will get nigiri. It features a slice of raw fish (sashimi) laid over a pressed sweet and salty vinegar rice (sushi). The topping is always a kind of seafood but never meat.
Popular nigiri toppings are salmon, tuna, yellowtail, octopus, squid, and halibut.
These toppings are typically raw although some are cooked. It is often served with pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce.
Temaki
This type of sushi is a conical shape. It incorporates rice, nori, and a variety of fillings such as fresh fish, fried or fresh vegetables, grilled fish, grilled tofu, eggs.
It is served with a variety of dipping sauces and condiments like soy sauce, pickled ginger, ponzu sauce, and wasabi.
Temaki is considered a casual food in Japan and rarely found in formal restaurants. It can be considered entry level in sushi eating to Westerners.
Making sushi is an art which can even take years to perfect. However, you can use sushi making kits as training wheels to help you make sushi at home.
Home Sushi Kits
1. Best Sushi Making Kit for Beginners : Easy Sushi 8507 3.5 cm Roller, 1.4″, Black
This sushi making kit is everything that a beginner needs to whip up professional looking sushi in no time. It has an ingenious patented design so you will not find anything like it anywhere else.
The kit is made from food-grade plastic. It is not only safe but durable, hygienic, and easy to use. It has two components inside, a roller and a traction sheet that can be reused countless times.
It may be great for creating standard-sized tight sushi rolls in minutes but Easy Sushi can be used to prepare other food like wraps, crepes, tortillas, and rice paper. This is why it is a must-have not only for new Japanese food enthusiasts but for expert cooks as well.
PROS:
- Perfect for beginners and experts
- Easy to use
- Patented design makes it unique
- Reusable traction sheet
CONS:
- Doesn’t work as well when rice is on the outside (Urakami style)
- No room for variation of shape of the sushi
2. Best Sushi Making Kit for Perfectionists : Camp Chef Sushezi
Sushezi combines the words sushi and easy which is what it actually does! It creates perfectly formed sushi rolls that look like they came right out of an expensive Japanese restaurant.
It is so easy to use. Simply put the rice and other ingredients inside the sushi tube and close it. Then use its plunger to push the ingredient into a nori sheet. Wrap the rolls with the nori and serve.
No more trial and error when trying to create the perfect sushi. The Camp Chef Sushezi roller will make you an expert making them in no time.
When you’re done, you can throw the tool in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
It is made from food-grade plastic that is also durable. Aside from sushi, you can also use it to make delicious desserts like cake rolls, walnut rolls, biscuit cookies, and a lot more.
PROS:
- Creates perfectly formed sushi
- Easy to use
- Dishwasher safe
- Can be used to make delicious desserts
CONS:
- Creates larger rolls
- Nori has to hold more rice that makes rolls crumbly
3. Best Sushi Making Kit with Tutorials : Sushi Making Kit – AYA Sushi Maker 2 – 12 Piece Sushi Set
The best thing about the AYA sushi making kit is that it comes with exclusive step-by-step video tutorials that provide professional tips. With a 12-piece set, it certainly gives you the best value for your money.
Unlike other sushi making kits, the AYA sushi making kit can vary the shapes of your sushi rolls. They can be the usual round, square, and even heart-shaped. And, the set includes a professional-grade sushi knife that you can use to make uniformly cut sushi.
Except for the bamboo mat that must be hand-washed, all the other pieces are dishwasher safe. They are made of durable material and the kit comes with a lifetime warranty.
PROS:
- Comes with exclusive step-by-step video tutorials
- Includes 12-piece set
- Includes a professional grade sushi knife
- Dishwasher-safe (except for bamboo mat)
CONS:
- Does not come with a manual
- Does not roll sushi very tightly
4. Best Sushi Making Kit for a Budget : Bambooworx Sushi Making Kit Deluxe with Chopsticks – 100% Bamboo
If you want to try sushi making at home for the first time, you might want a kit that is right for the budget. At the same time, you need something that will capture the authentic way of Japanese sushi making.
Bambooworx pieces are made from top-grade natural bamboo to give it a natural feel. The kit has a beautiful finish but is durable at the same time. You will not have to worry about the pieces having splinters or sharp edges that can harm your hands.
The kit comes with a rice spreader, five pairs of chopsticks, one rice paddle, and two sushi rolling mats that are held up firmly by sturdy cotton stitches. You can be sure that the rolling mats won’t come apart.
To clean, use warm water and soap. Wipe dry and rub a food-grade oil so it won’t lose its natural and beautiful finish.
PROS:
- Budget-friendly
- Made from top-grade bamboo
- Mats held firmly by sturdy stitches
- Smooth and beautiful finish
CONS:
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Rolling mats require some maintenance of rubbing oil
5. Best Sushi Making Kit for Use with Children : Dheera 10 Pcs DIY Sushi Maker, Fun Sushi Rolls Heart Shape for Adult Child Kitchen
Sushi making can be fun for children too. That is if they won’t be creating more than the usual mess and wasting so many ingredients in the process. You will be needing the best sushi making kit to use for children which would be the one from Dheera.
It provides everything that you will need for a great sushi making experience for both adults and children alike. Packed together in a color box are 8 differently shaped roller molds, 1 fork, and 1 spatula blade.
Each piece in the set is made from quality food-grade material that is safe and odorless. They have a smooth surface to prevent sticking and are easy to clean. You will surely have an enjoyable sushi party at home without having to worry about anything else.
PROS:
- Comes with a step-by-step instructions
- Makes sushi making enjoyable for adults and children
- Creates sushi in different shapes and sizes
- Made of durable and non-toxic plastic
CONS:
- Makes overly large sushi
- Does not include a knife
6. Best Kit with Premium Ingredients Included : Sushi Chef Sushi Making Kit
This kit is packed with everything that you’ll need for sushi making. Not just the tools but also the basic ingredients to make restaurant-quality sushi at home.
Included in the package are premium Japanese short-grain rice, nori, rice vinegar, Japanese dark soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi. All of these ingredients are pre-measured to make 125 pieces of sushi that are enough to feed 12 people and then some.
For the tools, you will have a bamboo rolling mat and rice paddle that are very important in forming and mixing the rice. All you really need to buy separately are the fresh ingredients.
Sushi Chef even went a step further by providing a detailed recipe book that contains step-by-step instructions and recipes of various sushi.
PROS:
- Includes premium ingredients enough to make 125 sushi rolls
- Comes with a detailed recipe book
- Comes with a bamboo rolling mat and rice paddle
- Great for beginners
CONS:
- 10 pieces of nori in the package not enough
- Does not include a knife
7. Best Kit with Bazooka : Delamu Sushi Making Kit
This 20 in 1 sushi making kit will, without a doubt, make your first time making sushi truly easy and delightful. Imagine having five sushi makers in a set! It includes a bazooka roller, 2 bamboo, and 1 triangle/nigiri/gunkan sushi makers.
Don’t worry about using all of these tools since it comes with helpful instructions on how to use them. Delamu made them simple and ergonomic so that even beginners will have an easy time exploring sushi making. There is even a basic guide for ingredients.
The bazooka roller is reinforced with thick hinges. The natural bamboo mats will not unravel since they are held together by cotton strings. And, the set comes with a chef’s knife with a nonstick coating to make cutting sushi smooth.
PROS:
- 20-in-1 set
- Reinforced bazooka roller
- Secured natural bamboo mats
- Well written instructions
CONS:
- Knife included is not sharp enough
- Difficult to remove rice from the bamboo rolling mats
8. Best Sushi Kit for Making Sushi Quickly : Food Adventures Sushi Magic Sushi Making Kit
This kit includes a sushi roller and a nigiri press. It uses the simple mold and press method to help you make sushi quickly. Also included are a guide and a recipe handbook.
The sushi roll will produce really tight rolls and may take some getting used to. But, with a few tries, you will be turning up with professional quality sushi in no time.
Since it can also roll with the rice outside as well, it is great for making California roll. You don’t have to worry about food safety either as it is chemical-free and safe to come in contact with food.
PROS:
- Mold and press method makes sushi quickly
- Produces tight rolls
- Great for making California roll
- Chemical-free
CONS:
- Produces shorter roll
- Smaller nigiri mold
9. Best Sushi Kit for Versatility : BambooMN Deluxe Sushi Making Kit
The company specializes in high quality bamboo-based dinnerware. It is no wonder then that it has come up with a deluxe but updated version of a sushi making kit. The pieces included in the set are two rolling mats, a rice paddle, a rice spreader, and a sauce dish.
The pieces are not only exquisite to look at but are safe and durable. The rolling mats are expertly woven with cotton strings and are not expected to fall apart anytime soon.
Since there are two rolling mats, you can roll sushi simultaneously. You can produce more sushi in less time.
This kit also includes a sauce dish that is also made from high quality bamboo material. It has two compartments to hold two sauces at the same time. You can put wasabi in one and Japanese soy sauce in the other.
PROS:
- 2 bamboo rolling mats
- Deluxe and beautiful finish
- Sauce dish with two compartments
- Food safe and durable bamboo material
CONS:
- Not dishwasher safe
- You may need to use plastic wrap on rolling mats to prevent the rice from sticking
10. Best Overall : SushiQuik – Easy at Home DIY Sushi Maker for Beginners
This may be the best sushi making kit for beginners but it is also preferred by expert sushi makers due to its utmost convenience. The package comes with a rolling mat, a roll cutter, a non-stick rice paddle, a horizontal stand, a roll cutter, two end caps, and a pre-measured rice frame.
The rice frame accurately measures the amount of rice needed to make a sushi roll. This takes away the guesswork out in making the sushi that won’t fall apart and has the perfect rice to nori ratio.
The nonstick paddle will help you spread the rice evenly in the rice frame. You don’t need to use your hands anymore. Another welcome accessory is the roll cutter that you can use to cut the sushi roll in even slices.
Once your sushi making ends, you can simply detach the rolling mat apart and toss it into the dishwasher together with the other pieces of the sushi making kit. The pieces are BPA-free and are thus safe to use.
PROS:
- Best for beginners and preferred by experts because of its convenience
- Detachable pieces for easy cleaning
- Dishwasher-safe
- Rice frame accurately measures how much rice to use
CONS:
- Rolling mat is awkward to use at first
- Slats are too big to make a tight roll
Buying Guide — Find the Best Sushi Making Kit for You and Your Family
Looking for the sushi making kit will be made easy if you know what you want. Here is a buying guide that can help you in choosing one that would be best for you and your family.
Materials
Although the more traditional material used in a rolling mat is bamboo, most kits now are made from plastic. If you want to go traditional and use bamboo, make sure that it is 100% natural. It should not contain toxic chemicals like paint or oils to make it look natural.
A plastic sushi maker is easier to clean and does not need any maintenance. If you prefer this, make sure that is made of BPA-free and food-grade plastic.
Rolling Mats
Rolling mats are the most intimidating tool in sushi making. Why not, since it is probably the thing that separates the newbies from the masters. However, having the right tool will make it easier when you are just starting in making sushi at home.
Look for one that is made in bamboo, does not have an odor, and is mold resistant. There are also rolling mats made in plastic and should you prefer one, be sure that it is dishwasher safe.
Ease of Use
Admittedly, making sushi is a lot harder than it looks. Sushi making kits are designed to make the entire process easier especially for beginners.
There is a kit that is just right for your level of experience in sushi making. Choose one that has molds or a bazooka roller for your initial foray in making sushi.
There is usually an instructional manual or an Ebook on tutorials that go with the kit that would be very helpful. These should also go handy when you want to become serious with sushi making and decide to buy a more advanced kit.
Ease of Cleaning
Sushi making kits are generally easy to clean. Given that bamboo cannot go into the dishwasher and must be hand washed, all it takes is warm soapy water. Extra care should be given to the rolling mat since food can get into between the slats.
Most plastic molds and mats are dishwasher safe for easier cleanup.
Shapes
There is no longer one shape that defines sushi. Sushi making kits are available with molds in different shapes. When choosing a sushi making kit, look for one that comes with different shapes of molds like squares, circles, hearts, etc. You won’t be limited to just one shape and you can have unlimited shape combinations with your sushi.
Rice-Shaping Tools
Molds that come in a sushi making kit come in a variety of shapes like rectangular, circular, heart shape among others. Bazookas are molds that make sushi rolling so much easier. Simply put the rice and other sushi ingredients in the mold and squeeze on the tube to push out the perfectly shaped sushi rolls.
Extras
Sushi making kits come with extra pieces designed to make sushi making easier. The usual accessories are the rice spreader, molds, and rice paddle. Kits with more pieces come with sushi knives, sauce holders, chopsticks, and rice frames in addition to the usual extras.
Some kits even include pre-measured ingredients like rice, nori, vinegar, etc. All you really need to buy separately are the fresh seafood ingredients.
Price
Most sushi making kits fall in the price range of $12 to $30. Of course, the more accessories that come with the kit, the more expensive it becomes. It will cost you less to buy the traditional kits but they can be difficult to use by an inexperienced user. Bottom line, even buying the most expensive kit will still save you a lot more than having sushi in a restaurant.
Conclusion
You don’t need to spend a lot of money just to have good quality sushi. You can make them at home with the help of the best sushi making kit. It doesn’t matter that you lack the skills and knowledge since any of the kits we recommended will help you develop them.
Have a look at our list of these different types of cheap fish to eat and you’ll find ways to make your sushi times much more affordable and frequent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sushi making kit?
SushiQuik is our top choice for the best sushi making kit. It comes with extras that you will really use and will make sushi making easy. It is the perfect kit for beginners but even those who regularly make sushi find it convenient to use.
A rice frame is included in the package that accurately measures the rice that is needed to make sushi. It also smoothens out the edges to give it a more professional look.
Another great thing about it is that the parts are detachable. When you’re done making sushi, you can simply detach them apart and toss them in the dishwasher.
What do you need to make sushi at home?
You will need a sushi rolling mat and three other important ingredients to make sushi at home. These are nori, sushi rice, and filling ingredients.
You will need a sushi rolling mat and three other important ingredients to make sushi at home. These are nori, sushi rice, and filling ingredients.
- Nori is a type of seaweed that is used as a wrap of the sushi roll. It is usually on the outside but it can also be rolled inside the roll like in the case of California roll.
- Sushi rice is seasoned with vinegar rice. You can make it from scratch or buy the pre-made variety from Japanese stores or specialty shops.
- Common filling ingredients are raw fish (usually salmon or tuna), crab, mango, avocado, cucumber, and a lot more. Actually, the list of what you can put in is without limit.
What equipment do you need to make sushi?
There are three pieces of equipment that you cannot do without in making sushi. The first is the rice paddle that you use to mix vinegar with rice. It disperses the vinegar throughout the rice. You can also use it to spread the rice on the rolling mat.
Sushi rolling mats roll the sushi into the desired shape. Then, after making the sushi, you need a sharp knife to slice the sushi roll into clean and exact cuts.
What is the best sushi bazooka?
The Camp Sushezi creates perfectly formed sushi that looks like it was bought from a restaurant. It is so easy to use. Simply load the rice and other ingredients inside the bazooka tube and close it. Use the plunger to push the ingredient out into a nori sheet. Then, wrap the roll with the nori and you’re done.
Another good feature? It is dishwasher safe so you can simply throw it in the washer after you’re done. This way, you’ll have more time to enjoy the delicious sushi you effortlessly created.
Why does my sushi fall apart when I cut it?
Use only sharp knives when cutting sushi rolls. Otherwise, they will really fall apart since you need to use a sawing motion to cut through it. With a very sharp knife, it will only take one slicing motion to cut through a sushi roll.
To slice, cut cleanly through the center of the roll. Then slice into thirds or quarters. Make sure to moisten the knife with water after each cut. You will only need to wet the blade and not the entire knife.
A wet blade will prevent the knife from crushing the sushi roll. It will also prevent the nori and rice from sticking to the blade.
Additional Resources
A Short History of Sushi https://www.sushifaq.com/basic-sushi-experience-information/the-history-of-sushi/
How to Roll Sushi
Rhonda grew up with parents who gardened, hunted, fished, canned, and preserved food. Her mother was a professional cook and Rhonda credits her teaching everything from how to make homemade biscuits and gravy to what kind of meals to serve for different occasions. In the kitchen, Rhonda uses a mix of old-fashioned country cooking and up-to-date fads in the kitchen, often experimenting with replacing higher-calorie or fat ingredients with healthier options that still retain the delicious flavors of the originals.