10 Best Takoyaki Pans in 2022 (Iwatani, Norpro, and More)
If you've ever traveled to Osaka, a large port city and famous tourist destination in Japan, you've probably seen numerous octopus themed snacks and dishes. The most popular snack is takoyaki, also known as octopus balls! A scrumptious appetizer made of wheat flour batter filled with diced octopus and other ingredients, takoyaki is cooked on a special molded pan.
We want you to experience this tasty snack in the comfort of your home without the stress of searching for the best takoyaki pan. After thorough research, we've come up with this top 10 list and buying guide for the best takoyaki pans on the market. A non-stick pan by Iwatani took first place for its easy use and clean up. Read on to see the other products on our list and tips on choosing the perfect pan!
Quick List - Top Takoyaki Pans
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How to Choose Takoyaki Pans
Now that you have an idea of the selection of takoyaki pans you can choose from, picking the best one for you doesn't seem that hard anymore! To further guide you, we've made this buying guide that breaks down the steps for picking the best takoyaki pan.
Choose Between Stovetop or Standalone Pans
When on the lookout for the best takoyaki pan, consider how and where you plan to cook your takoyaki. There are two types of takoyaki pans you can choose from: a stovetop pan and a standalone pan.
Stovetop Pans are Ideal for Small Batches
Stovetop takoyaki pans usually come with a handle and look like regular pans with built-in takoyaki ball molds. This type of takoyaki pan is generally cheaper than standalone pans, so if you’re looking to save some cash, a stovetop model is perfect. These work just like a regular pan and are suitable for a gas or induction range.
If you’re looking to cook some delicious takoyaki only for yourself and your family, a stovetop pan is better than a standalone pan. Stovetop pans have fewer takoyaki molds and are perfect for small-batch cooking - there won't be any wasted batter with this one.
Plus, the simple design makes them easy to clean and store. Before purchasing this kind of pan, make sure it’s compatible with your specific cooktop!
Standalone Pans are Great for Parties and Commercial Use
Standalone takoyaki pans are either electric or gas-operated. This type of takoyaki pan is perfect for large gatherings, parties, or commercial use. Both models are portable, but gas-operated models can be used at outdoor events even when a power source is not available.
Standalone pans are great for commercial use, like a food stall or mini takoyaki stand - some models can make up to 50 octopus balls a batch!
Depending on the size you get, storing the pans isn't too difficult since the majority of the products aren't bulky. Standalone takoyaki pans are a great way to cook a lot of octopus balls in one sitting! Just be mindful of any electrical components during cleaning.
Consider the Batch Quantity Produced
No one wants to make the mistake of purchasing a 24-mold takoyaki pan for a household of one. (Unless you really love takoyaki - we hear you!) It won’t be efficient to heat the entire pan only to use a few molds at a time.
This is why it is essential to check how many takoyaki balls the pan yields per batch. Most pans anywhere range from 7 to 24 molds. As mentioned above, stovetop takoyaki pans are great for smaller households, and a standalone pan is perfect for larger families or commercial use.
Pick a Pan Material That Works For You
When it comes to a takoyaki pan material, you can either choose a cast-iron pan or an aluminum or steel pan with a non-stick coating. Read on to see the main differences between the two.
Cast-Iron Pans are Durable
Any cast-iron pan, in general, is quite durable. These high-quality pans do not scratch easily and will last you a lifetime. If your family is big on takoyaki and you’re looking for a pan that will do the job well for years to come, a cast-iron takoyaki pan should be on your shopping list.
A good tip to remember is to make sure to heat the pan nicely before cooking your takoyaki. This lessens the chances of the batter sticking to the surface.
A significant handicap of a cast-iron pan is the cleaning process. It is quite difficult to clean, especially if you’re dealing with hardened batter stuck to the pan surface. Other than that, these sturdy pans are a gem.
Aluminum or Steel Pans Usually Come With a Non-Stick Coating
An aluminum or steel takoyaki pan usually comes with a non-stick coating. Non-stick pans allow you to cook without the hassle of everything sticking to the surface. This type of pan heats up quickly, so there is the possibility of uneven heat distribution while cooking. Be sure not to leave the takoyaki balls in the molds for a long time, or they will burn.
All you need to clean a non-stick pan is a non-abrasive sponge and some detergent - even a towel will do at times. The non-stick coating is great for lazy cleaners.
One drawback of a non-stick coating is the potential scratching of the surface if the proper utensils or cleaning materials are not used. Stay away from metal forks and spatulas that will scrape off the coating of off the hot plate.
Go For One That is Easy to Clean
After devouring the delicious octopus balls, you’re now faced with the cleanup. The best pan materials for easy cleanup are non-stick. The majority of the non-stick stovetop pans are even dishwasher safe!
Sadly, electric takoyaki pans are not dishwasher friendly due to their bulkiness and electrical cords. This also makes them a lot tougher to clean. However, there are brands with a detachable hot plate that makes cleaning significantly easier.
Look For Extra Features
You might be thinking, “Can I cook anything else other than takoyaki with this pan?” Luckily, there are takoyaki pans available online that allow you to cook other foods apart from octopus balls.
For example, some takoyaki pans come with flat cooking plates for frying eggs or cooking steak, and others even allow you to make all kinds of desserts! If you’re looking to get your money’s worth, a takoyaki pan with extra features is the one for you.
Even if you’re only interested in cooking only takoyaki, there are also pans that come with prongs or turning tools to make the experience easier.
Some pans even have grid-like grooves in the surface between the molds that allow you to easily divide the batter with a chopstick or skewer. This divides the batter evenly between the molds and reduces the chance of differently-sized takoyaki.
10 Best Takoyaki Pans Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Iwatani Takoyaki Grill Pan | | The Perfect Takoyaki Pan for Beginners | |
2 | Iwatani Cassette Gas Takoyaki Device | | A Portable Takoyaki Pan Great for Outdoor Events | |
3 | CucinaPro Multi-Baker Deluxe | | A Deluxe 3-in-1 Baker Perfect for Takoyaki | |
4 | StarBlue Takoyaki Maker | | Easy-to-Store Electric Takoyaki Pan With Free Picks | |
5 | CucinaPro Electric Non-Stick Baker | | The Best Takoyaki Maker for One | |
6 | Kasian House Store Cast Iron Griddle | | A Durable Takoyaki Pan That Will Last a Lifetime | |
7 | Norpro Nonstick Stuffed Pancake Pan | | A Takoyaki Pan With an Ergonomic Handle | |
8 | Babycakes Store Mini Cake Pop Maker | | A Versatile Cake Pop Maker Great for Takoyaki | |
9 | Health and Home Multi-Function Nonstick Baking Maker | | Make More Than Takoyaki With This Baking Device | |
10 | Yamazen Electric Takoyaki Pan | | A Takoyaki Pan With a Removable Hot Plate |
The Perfect Takoyaki Pan for Beginners
If it's your first time making takoyaki, this aluminum pan with a non-stick coating should be your go-to purchase. It's durable, easy to use, and easy to clean. It's perfect for portable butane stoves, as well as a gas or electric range. Talk about the ideal pan to start with!
A common complaint buyers had was about the size of the ball molds. The holes are a bit smaller compared to other takoyaki pans, but it still does the job well. If you prefer bigger octopus balls, you might want to skip this pan.
The majority of reviewers loved the durable and sturdy material of the pan. The fact that it can be used on different stovetops thrilled consumers as well. Of course, many buyers loved the easy cleanup that made them stress-free, happy takoyaki fans.
A Portable Takoyaki Pan Great for Outdoor Events
With this standalone takoyaki pan powered by gas, you can whip up some delicious octopus balls at a picnic or any outdoor excursion. Like other Iwatani products, the pan's surface has non-stick properties to ensure easy cleaning and hassle-free cooking!
Some buyers said that the non-stick coating flaked easily. To avoid this, be sure to use non-abrasive utensils when cooking.
Other than that, users were more than satisfied with their purchase. Many loved the even heat distribution that cooked the takoyaki perfectly. The non-stick coating, which many reviewers also loved, made clean up a breeze. There was no need for heavy scrubbing!
A Deluxe 3-in-1 Baker Perfect for Takoyaki
Are you in the mood for some takoyaki? No? Maybe some cake pops and brownies? If not, how about homemade pizza and grilled sandwiches? With this 3-in-1 multipurpose baker, you can grill and bake in the comfort of your own home.
The product comes with three interchangeable skillets and a temperature control button. Expand your culinary skills with this versatile baker!
One issue reviewers had with this takoyaki maker is the length of the electrical cord. It was a tad too short for multiple buyers.
Many commenters left positive feedback about this multi-baker's easy use - some parents even let their teens cook with it. Another feature buyers loved was the non-stick coating that made cleanup a piece of cake. The skillets are also dishwasher-friendly.
Easy-to-Store Electric Takoyaki Pan With Free Picks
We've all bought kitchen appliances that end up collecting dust in our kitchen cabinets. If that's you, check out this compact electric takoyaki maker that doesn't take up a lot of space!
It's lightweight and designed for easy storage. All you need is an electrical outlet to make one batch of 18 takoyaki balls.
A downside of an electric takoyaki pan is the uneven heating, as claimed by multiple buyers. Sadly, this device does not come with a temperature control button. But overall, reviewers loved that it's easy to use, durable, and lightweight. The non-stick coating was also a plus for a lot of buyers! They note that it's easy to clean, as well.
The Best Takoyaki Maker for One
CucinaPro's Electric Non-Stick Baker is perfect for small households of one or two people. This product has a non-stick coating and seven molds. With a push of a button, you're ready to get cooking - it's simple and easy!
A couple of reviewers were not that satisfied with the waiting time, noting that it took a while to finish cooking. However, most liked the versatility of the product. Apart from takoyaki, you can also make cake pops and mini doughnuts. The cleanup is also effortless and easy! Merely wipe off the batter, and you're all done.
A Durable Takoyaki Pan That Will Last a Lifetime
When it comes to durability and high-quality material, any cast-iron product is sure to win. This cast-iron skillet comes pre-seasoned and is perfect for making takoyaki and other delicacies and pastries. There's no need to worry about uneven heat distribution with this pan!
It's worth mentioning that the negative reviews on Amazon for the product were based on a pastry called poffertjes (Dutch mini pancakes) and not on takoyaki. The overall rating of the pan dropped because of this. The main downside that takoyaki makers mentioned was the small molds.
The majority of the buyers loved how sturdy the pan is. They also had no problems with uneven cooking. Another feature reviewers also liked was that batter doesn't stick on the surface of the pan!
A Takoyaki Pan With an Ergonomic Handle
This is another perfect product for small households looking to make some tasty takoyaki! Made out of sturdy cast-aluminum with a non-stick finish, this pan can make seven octopus balls in one batch.
It's easy to use and clean, and it even comes with an ergonomic handle. Although it requires a stovetop to cook on, this product is perfect for making takoyaki and other pastries.
Because this pan is not designed explicitly for takoyaki, the hole molds are a bit larger compared to your average takoyaki pan. Some reviewers were not happy with this.
If bigger octopus balls are no problem for you, then definitely consider this pan. The majority of reviewers loved the variety of dishes they could make with it. The non-stick coating made clean up effortless, and the pan is dishwasher-friendly.
A Versatile Cake Pop Maker Great for Takoyaki
It's hard to resist the cute design of this cake pop maker - it looks more like a kid's toy than a kitchen appliance! Although this device is made explicitly for cake pops, the mold sizes are perfect for tiny takoyaki balls.
The baking plate is non-stick and comes with nine molds. This is perfect for switching between octopus balls, sugary cake pops, and other desserts!
The device gets relatively hot during cooking, as mentioned by multiple reviewers, so you should supervise your kids if you plan on letting them cook. The cleaning can be a bit difficult as well since the hot plate is not detachable.
Satisfied customers loved their new "kitchen toy," as some referred to it. The majority of buyers noted how durable it is given its size, and many customers were thrilled to be able to make so many different kinds of snacks and desserts with it. They also confirm that it's perfect for making takoyaki!
Health and HomeMulti-Function Nonstick Baking Maker
Make More Than Takoyaki With This Baking Device
With this multi-functional baking device, you're sure to be satisfied! The variety of food you can make with this, takoyaki included, is endless. You can use the 6-hole baking tray for eggs and pancakes and the cake pop baking tray for takoyaki, meatballs, and cake pops. Enjoy delicious dishes with a push of a button!
Similar to the complaints with other electric takoyaki makers, reviewers wished that the temperature could be controlled for even cooking - some molds got hotter than others. This didn't stop the majority of buyers from leaving positive feedback, though.
Some commented on the excellent, sleek design of the machine that looked nice on their kitchen counter, while others loved the easy cleanup. It's also straightforward to use since there are no complicated buttons needed to make it work.
A Takoyaki Pan With a Removable Hot Plate
A lot of the takoyaki pans on the market don't come with a removable hot plate, which makes cleanup tedious. However, Yamazen's takoyaki pans are different!
The removable hot plate on this product makes cleanup easy as pie - there's no need to worry about getting water in the machine. The coating of the hot plate also comes with non-stick properties similar to Teflon.
Reviewers had issues with cold spots on the hot plate. The absence of a temperature control button made it challenging to regulate the temperature.
Aside from the uneven cooking, the majority of the reviewers were quite pleased with their buy. The removable hot plate was a hit for buyers - they loved the easy cleanup. Many also liked the variety of dishes they could make with the pan.
How to Make Takoyaki
We don't know about you, but all of this takoyaki talk has got us craving for some crispy golden octopus balls. You have your pan, now let's make some takoyaki!
A Step-by-Step Guide for Making Takoyaki
This takoyaki recipe that we found on Tsunagu Japan is a great way to start your takoyaki journey if you're not already familiar with how to make it. All you really need to master is the batter (flour, eggs, milk, and either water or dashi broth), and the fillings are up to you. The video below shows you how to make it the traditional way:
- Start with making the takoyaki batter. Mix the flour, eggs, water or dashi, and milk into a bowl. Stop mixing until no more clumps are present in the batter.
- Set the batter aside and turn on the takoyaki pan.
- Brush oil on the hot plate.
- When the pan is hot enough, pour in half of the batter.
- Next, add your fillings. You can make them the traditional way, or you can even substitude in some sweet fillings!
8. Let the takoyaki sit and cook on one side before flipping. The balls will be ready once they turn light brown.
9. Remove the balls from the pan and transfer to a serving plate.10. Top them with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and seaweed. Enjoy!
Other Dishes You Can Make with a Takoyaki Pan
The great thing about a takoyaki pan is the variety of dishes you can make with it. If you're not in the mood for some octopus balls, why not try making a sugary dessert? Some of the sweets you can make with a takoyaki pan are cake pops, Danish pancakes (mini pancakes), and hush puppies.
Not in the mood for sweets? You can also make pizza bites, cheddar biscuits, wonton cups, and mini meatballs with a takoyaki pan. The next time you have some free time on your hands, why not try out these recipes?
Doughn't Know What to Do With the Extra Flour?
If you have some flour to spare after making takoyaki, you can use it for whipping up some waffles or crepes. Check out these handy kitchen appliances below!
Top 5 Takoyaki Pans
No. 1: Iwatani｜Takoyaki Grill Pan
No. 2: Iwatani｜Cassette Gas Takoyaki Device
No. 3: CucinaPro｜Multi-Baker Deluxe
No. 4: StarBlue｜Takoyaki Maker
No. 5: CucinaPro｜Electric Non-Stick Baker
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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