The Best Sushi-Making Kit

Buying Guide

If you’re a fan of sushi, you know that always eating it at restaurants or getting takeout can get pricey. The good thing is, making sushi at home has become a lot more feasible thanks to easy-to-use sushi-making kits. These are helpful kitchen sets designed for sushi novices, enabling them to shape and form the delectable rolls all by themselves.

Why get a sushi-making kit instead of just a rolling mat? The kit includes all of the necessary accessories you’ll need all in one place. When shopping for sushi-making accessories separately, you may not be able to find everything you’re looking for or may end up paying more than you would if you bought the items together in a kit. Plus, most sushi-making kits come with instructions, so you have a step-by-step plan of how to make the meal you’re craving.

When shopping for a sushi-making kit, first consider the type of equipment you will need versus what you already have at home. Most kits will include mats, knives and molds, while some will also come with chopsticks and small dishes. You’ll also need to decide whether you want to go with a traditional or modern kit. A traditional sushi-making kit has a mat that is made from pure bamboo. This is what helps to give the sushi its authentic shape. The bamboo mats require special care and must be hand washed and fully dried before storing. In a modern sushi-making kit, the mat is made from a durable food-grade plastic. Sometimes, these are dishwasher safe, making cleaning incredibly quick and easy. Some modern sushi-making kits also come with rice molds in different shapes and sizes.

• If you’re not a fan of doing dishes, then it’s important to check whether the items in the sushi-making kit are dishwasher safe. Typically, any materials made from bamboo will need to be hand washed. If the accessories are made from high-quality plastic, however, they can usually go in the dishwasher.
• One of the most important tools you’ll need when making sushi is a sharp knife. Without the right one, the rolls you make can end up getting smashed during the cutting process. Some sushi-making kits will come with a sushi knife while with others you’ll need to purchase it separately.
• Flattening the rice onto the mat can be challenging if you’re a beginner. While some people prefer to use their hands for this process, a great tool to have is a rice paddle. It’s has a wide, flat surface, which is ideal for smoothing out the rice into an even layer onto the mat.
• Want to make cleanup even easier? Try putting a piece of plastic wrap onto the sushi mat so it is in between the mat and the food. This way, the food won’t stick to the mat and you will just need to wipe it down after you’re done using it.
• While most sushi-making kits help you make maki rolls, you can also find other accessories that form the rice in different shapes. For example, some kits include rectangular or circular rice molds. You can also find ovals, hearts and other different shapes. These are particularly attractive for children who want to help in the kitchen and make their own dinner.