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The Best Sushi Kits for Making Maki, Nigiri, and More

Sushi-making kits we recommend on a purple background

The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley

You don’t always need to make a reservation at your favorite restaurant to satisfy a craving. And let's be honest: For some of us, that craving strikes a lot. While perfecting sushi-making skills at home may take some practice, sushi-making kits provide a pretty foolproof way for crafting tasty rolls in the comfort of your own kitchen.

What We Like
  • Comprehensive kit

  • Inexpensive

  • Most tools are dishwasher-safe

  • You get a bamboo mat and a bazooka

What We Don't Like
  • Storage is not included

This sushi kit contains everything you need to make delicious sushi at home (except the ingredients, which you'll need to get fresh from the store). It comes with not one, but two methods for forming rolls—a bamboo mat and sturdy plastic rice bazooka—as well as a sushi knife, avocado slicer, rice paddles, cucumber slicer, brush, and nigiri maker. It's everything you'd need in a beginner's sushi set, plus a few helpful extras, including a dipping plate, several sets of chopsticks, and adorable maneki-neko (Japanese good luck cat) chopstick holders. You can even sharpen your skills or discover new recipes with the free e-cookbook. For $25, this is a great value.

Includes: 2 rice paddles, sushi brush, 2 bamboo sushi mats, 4 pairs of chopsticks with a storage bag, dipping plate, Japanese sushi knife, rice bazooka, nigiri maker, cucumber slicer, avocado slicer, 4 maneki-neko holders, e-book

What We Like
  • Easy to use and clean

  • Comes in multiple colors

What We Don't Like
  • Plastic is a little flimsy


If you’re craving homemade sushi but don’t want to invest in a big production, this sushi bazooka is $6. Just place rice into both sides of the mold, add your stuffing ingredients, and push the plunge to pipe your sushi roll onto a seaweed wrapper. After that, just roll up the seaweed and you’ve got yourself a sushi roll. Slice and serve. This pick is easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to love. 

Includes: Sushi tube mold, push rod

What We Like
  • Fresh raw ingredients

  • Rice comes precooked, veggies come pre-sliced (except avocado)

  • Everything you need is included

  • Lots of options for toppings

What We Don't Like
  • Ingredients must be used within 3 days

If you truly want to take out all the stops and make a spectacular sushi dinner, then you need to check out the Blue Ribbon Special Sushi DIY Kit, from the legendary New York City sushi destination Blue Ribbon. The base kit includes a bamboo sushi mat, six kinds of fresh seafood, two types of rice (including crispy!), 10 sheets of nori, two sauces, wasabi, ginger, scallions, serrano pepper slices, and an avocado.

Goldbelly sent us the base kit to test. The box arrived unscathed and insulated with ice packs, and after one day in the refrigerator (you can store the perishable items for up to three!), we first assembled the sticky rice. This was super easy because you get two pre-cooked rice sheets that you just need to quickly pan fry. While the instructions say to do this on medium-high, we should have started on medium to avoid a burnt bottom and smoke-filled kitchen. (This, of course, will be different for different stovetops; you can choose to use the air fryer or oven instead.) Thankfully, they still came out great, and once topped with the premade spicy tuna, sliced serrano peppers, sliced avocado, and tamari (we decided against the recommended eel sauce drizzle), this was easily our favorite part of the meal.

Next, we started on the sushi rolls, for which you don't even need a rice cooker: The rice comes pre-cooked and just needs a quick nuke in the microwave. Now, if you've never rolled sushi using a mat before: Expect some trial and error. While the instructions feature pictures to guide you through the steps, you may want to scan the QR code for the video (which we regretfully did not do). We had rolled sushi using nori before (with big sheets of nori using a plastic, half-pipe-shaped mold), but the sheets you get with this kit are on the small side, so you can't pack in too much rice or fish because the ends of the nori won't meet to seal properly. Out of the three (messy) rolls we attempted using various fish (there's a great variety of options here, by the way), sauces, and toppings, we stuffed them all to the brim and got just one to seal properly. That said, we cheated a little and MacGyvered it by wetting an additional nori sheet and sticking it on to cover the roll's opening. With more practice, we would have gotten the hang of it, but it was a fun experience, and everything was edible in the end.

If you want more than the basics, you can choose from some pretty cool add-ons, including ceramic dinnerware and bamboo chopsticks, a cookbook, a Japanese chef's knife, or additional sushi ingredients. This is a great option for celebrating any special occasion or even just for a fun date night.

Includes: Bamboo sushi mat, 1/4 pound (8 pieces) grade "A" tuna, 1/4 pound (8 pieces) Norwegian salmon, 1/4 pound (8 pieces) Japanese hamachi, 4 pieces ebi shrimp, 1/2 pound chopped spicy grade "A" tuna, 1/2 pound spicy scallop, 2 sheets crispy rice, 1 pound cooked rice, 10 nori sheets, 2 ounces Blue Ribbon Reserve soy sauce, 2 ounces eel sauce, 2 ounces fresh wasabi, 4 ounces pickled ginger, 2 ounces chopped scallions, 1 sliced serrano pepper, 1 avocado

What We Like
  • Handmade

  • Solid bamboo and oak wood

  • Includes serving pieces

What We Don't Like
  • Returns and exchanges not accepted

Traditional sushi-making kits include two main items: the rolling mat and rice paddle. This beautiful handmade set from UR Happy Place includes both, plus a solid oak mold for making maki, two sets of chopsticks and holders, two sauce dishes, and a solid bamboo plate decorated with Japanese cherry blossoms. It's a beautiful set that works well and a thoughtful option for gifting.

Includes: Rice paddle, bamboo mat, bamboo sushi plate, oak maki mold, 2 pairs of chopsticks, 2 chopstick holders, 2 sauce dishes, cloth storage bag

What We Like
  • Makes a lot of sushi

  • Strong, durable nori

  • Includes info on sushi culture and etiquette

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn’t include filling ingredients

  • Few tools

With this kit, you'll only need to go to the store for the ingredients you want inside your sushi roll. It includes all the dry ingredients and tools you need, including a bamboo rolling mat, sushi rice, rice vinegar powder, nori, sesame seeds, wasabi powder, and a recipe booklet. You'll need to provide water, sugar, salt, and whatever you want in your roll: fish, vegetables, etc. The supplies here can get you started with up to eight full sushi rolls that you can cut into six pieces for 48 pieces of sushi total.

Includes: Bamboo rolling mat, sushi rice, rice vinegar powder, nori, sesame seeds, wasabi powder, recipe booklet

What We Like
  • Multiple sushi shapes

  • Dishwasher-safe (except the bamboo mat)

  • Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like
  • All instructions are in the form of online videos

If you want to make your rolls into different shapes, this versatile set includes four options: classic round, square, triangle, and heart. They even feature evenly spaced slats for stable cutting and consistent sizing. Each tool is a vibrant red color and can fit into a provided storage bag. It’s a fun twist that can help you create a one-of-a-kind sushi dinner.

Includes: Heart mold, round mold, triangle mold, square mold, bamboo rolling mat, spreader, spreader, sushi knife, storage pouch

What We Like
  • Includes serving pieces

  • Chip- and scratch-resistant

What We Don't Like
  • Only serves two

If you like the aesthetic of wood, this sushi set is for you. It contains bamboo rolling mats, two sets of reusable chopsticks, a rice paddle, spreader, and a beautiful 12 x 8-inch serving tray. The only non-wood items are the two ceramic sauce dishes. All pieces are chip- and scratch-resistant. It’s a lovely set for one to two people who love sushi. 

Includes: 2 bamboo mats, rice paddle, spreader, 2 sets of chopsticks, 12 x 8-inch serving tray, 2 ceramic sauce dishes

What We Like
  • Simple to use

  • Dishwasher-safe

  • Includes step-by-step recipe videos

What We Don't Like
  • Tray can be a little unsteady

If you're feeling a little intimidated by making your own sushi at home, this set makes the process simpler than ever: Place a sheet of nori on the mat, spread the rice out evenly, add your ingredients, roll the mat, place the roll in the cutter guide, cut, and serve. You get nonstick rice paddles and two sauce cups along with the rolling mat and sushi cutter. Each piece is made of durable plastic and is dishwasher-safe for fast cleanup. 

Includes: Base, training frame, rolling mat, non-stick rice paddle, sauce cups, roll cutter guide, recipe book

Takedento DIY Sushi Making Kit
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
  • 4 sets of chopsticks, holders, and sauce dishes

  • Several sushi-making methods included

  • 28 sushi recipes

What We Don't Like
  • Tricky to access the e-recipe book

For chefs young and old looking to team up in the kitchen on sushi night, this kit comes with several sushi-making tools, including bamboo rolling mats, a sushi bazooka, and nigiri molds. There is also a knife, an avocado slicer, a rice paddle, and a rice spreader. When it comes time to serve, there are four sets of chopsticks, four ceramic rests, and four sauce bowls, so everyone can enjoy the fruits (or fish) of their labors. It’s a great way to introduce kids to both sushi and using chopsticks. 

Includes: Rice spreader, rice paddle, sushi knife with protective cover, sushi bazooka, avocado tool, nigiri sushi mold, 2 bamboo mats, 4 sets of chopsticks, 4 sauce dishes, 4 chopsticks rests, chopstick bag, link to e-book of recipes

What We Like
  • All tools are made from bamboo

  • Includes cloth storage bag

  • 4 sets of color-coded chopsticks

What We Don't Like
  • Sauce dishes not included

  • Must wash by hand

This sushi-making kit is entirely made of sturdy bamboo, and with proper care and gentle cleaning, it can be used again and again. It comes with five pairs of chopsticks (each with a different colored handle), a rice paddle, a spreader, and two rolling mats, so you can employ a sous chef to help you get dinner on the table fast. You even get a little cloth bag for storage or if you want to take it on the go.

Includes: 2 bamboo rolling mats, 5 pairs of chopsticks, rice paddle, rice spreader, cloth storage bag

What We Like
  • Multiple sushi-making methods

  • Includes serving pieces

  • Well-rounded kit

What We Don't Like
  • Not dishwasher-safe

  • Wooden spoons may splinter

This well-rounded kit provides the tools you need to make sushi four different ways: a traditional bamboo roll mat, sushi bazooka, temaki rollers, and rice molds to make gunkan or nigiri. The set also includes a handy sushi knife, rice paddle, and spreader. For serving, you get two leaf-shaped sauce dishes, five sets of chopsticks, and two whale-shaped chopstick holders. 

Includes: 2 bamboo mats, bazooka roller, 2 temaki rollers, rice mold, sushi knife, sushi cut mold, 2 sauce dishes, 2 chopstick holders, 5 pairs of chopsticks, rice paddle, rice spreader, guide book

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for an all-in-one sushi-making kit, look no further than the Alas Complete Sushi-Making Kit. It has bamboo rolling mats, rice paddles, a sushi knife, chopsticks, and a whole lot more. The URED Sushi Bazooka is our recommendation for sushi on a budget. It’s easy to use and can produce sushi rolls quickly.

What to Look for in a Sushi-Making Kit

Quality Tools

As with any tool, it’s well worth it to look for high-quality and durable items. Most sushi-making equipment is made of bamboo or other woods. Look for carbonized bamboo, especially as tools made of this material won’t easily splinter and are very durable. Modernized sushi-making tools may also be made of plastic. Most will be fairly sturdy and dishwasher-safe. Avoid tools that seem too flimsy. You’ll want your sushi-making kit to last for years to come. 

Accessories 

A basic sushi-making kit might include a bamboo mat, bazooka, or some molds, but what can really make a set are the accessories. These can include sauce dishes, chopsticks, serving boards, chopstick holders, and storage bags or boxes for your kit. 

Instructions and Recipes 

If you’re a newcomer to the world of making sushi, it’s important to have good instructions. Most kits will come with a booklet explaining how to use the various tools and tips for rolling good sushi. Some booklets even include recipe guides so you can explore different flavors and styles of sushi. 

FAQs

Why should you make sushi at home?

“Making sushi at home is more than just cooking dinner—it's a whole experience. Put on some music, unpack your sushi kit, pull up the recipe, and enjoy the process,” says Bryan Sekine, a sushi chef, teacher, and Secrets of Sushi website creator. “Sushi night is perfect for a stay-in date with your partner or as a family night; younger kids will love helping you peel vegetables."

What tools do you need to make sushi?

Though sushi is an artform that can take some practice to master, the tools to make sushi are relatively simple. To make a traditional maki roll, you need little more than a flexible bamboo mat. There are also wooden or plastic molds you can use to shape your sushi. A popular modern method is the sushi tube (sometimes called a sushi bazooka), which involves loading up ingredients into a tube, closing it, and pushing out the ingredients onto a sheet of nori. 

In terms of serving sushi, you’ll need plates or a board, chopsticks, and sauce dishes. 

What are the different types of sushi?

“Sushi” is often used as an umbrella term to refer to a number of different Japanese vinegar rice dishes. Here are some of the most common types of sushi:

  • Nigiri: Thinly sliced raw fish atop sushi rice
  • Maki: Ingredients rolled in rice and nori 
  • Sashimi: Thinly sliced raw fish commonly served on daikon radish (but without rice)
  • Uramaki: “Inside out” maki, with rice on the outside and nori on the inside
  • Temaki: A nori cone filled with rice and ingredients (also called a hand roll)
  • Gunkan: Oval-shaped bundle of rice wrapped in nori and topped with ingredients

There are over 100 different types of sushi in Japan alone. New types of sushi have been invented around the world as it continues to grow in popularity. 

How do you properly eat sushi?

Bryan Sekine, founder of Secrets of Sushi, has a few pieces of advice for eating sushi. 

Sushi etiquette entirely depends on the type of sushi being eaten. For example, while it’s ok to eat nigiri with your hands, you’re meant to use chopsticks with sashimi. Here are a few more helpful sushi-eating tips:

  • Nigiri is meant to be eaten in one bite
  • If dipping sushi in soy sauce, dip the fish side and avoid soaking the rice
  • Use soy sauce sparingly
  • Cleanse your palate with ginger between sushi
  • Don’t rub your chopsticks together
  • Don't put wasabi in your soy sauce, put it on your piece of sushi and then dip your sushi into the soy sauce instead

Why Trust the Spruce Eats?

Allison Wignall is a writer who focuses on food and travel. During her globetrotting she's enjoyed various seafood dishes, including swordfish on the Amalfi coast, fresh-caught pink snapper in Hawaii, and pacu on the Amazon River. Her work has been featured in publications such as Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living. 

Commerce Editor Taylor Rock also contributed to this story. She loves sushi so much that she would eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if she could, and she personally tested the Goldbelly Blue Ribbon Special Sushi DIY Kit.

Sources

Bryan Sekine is a sushi chef, teacher, and Secrets of Sushi website creator.

Additional reporting by
Taylor Rock
taylor rock the spruce eats
Taylor is an editor on the commerce team, where she creates and edits copy for The Spruce Eats. She joined Dotdash Meredith in November 2020, but her admiration for food and drink is lifelong.
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