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The Best Sushi Mats of 2024
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A sushi mat, or makisu, is a traditional Japanese bamboo tool used to roll sushi into its iconic cylindrical shape. The flexibility of the bamboo allows for precise control over the pressure applied during the rolling process, ensuring that the sushi holds its shape without squishing the filling. Sushi chefs often rely on the makisu to create perfectly formed rolls, whether they're making classic maki rolls or more intricate variations like inside-out rolls or dragon rolls. We've compiled a list of the best sushi mats, and the Delamu Sushi Making Kit is our favorite because of its high-quality bamboo, long length, and additional sushi-making tools included in the kit!
Our Top Picks For Sushi Mats
View all ContentsThe Best Sushi Mats
Best Overall
The Delamu Sushi Making Kit features two bamboo mats large enough to make restaurant-style sushi rolls for a whole family making this our top overall pick. What’s more, the bamboo sticks are connected with thick and durable cotton threads that maintain the mats’ structure and flexibility. On top of this, the kit comes with a nine-inch rice spreader for easily spreading the sticky rice across the mat evenly. Plus, thanks to the included wooden rice paddle, you can effortlessly mix the rice with vinegar.
What’s more, this kit comes with five pairs of chopsticks, making your sushi-making experience party-ready. Each chopstick features engraved rings for easily gripping the sushi pieces. They also feature a unique fish print that makes all them aesthetically pleasing.
Pros
- Made from long-lasting bamboo
- Large mats make restaurant-sized rolls
- Comes with stylish chopsticks
Cons
- More expensive than other options
Best Value
Helen’s Asian Kitchen Sushi Mat is an affordable, high-quality bamboo mat for those working within a budget. As a sustainable alternative to wood, bamboo won’t scratch or damage your countertop and is ideal for rolling sushi due to its non-stick properties. Easy to clean and maintain, simply wash this mat with soap and water to clean and air dry it thoroughly. Plus, with this simple mat, you can make any type of sushi from traditional sushi rolls to hosomaki rolls with little to no effort. What’s more, this sushi mat is multipurpose and can also be used as a bamboo place mat. To store, simply roll the mat up and stow it in a kitchen cabinet or drawer when not in use. Lastly, thanks to its lightweight bamboo construction, this sushi mat is easy to carry from place to place, making it highly portable.
Pros
- Made from highly durable, sustainable bamboo
- Effortlessly rolls all types of sushi rolls
Cons
- Does not come as part of a kit
Most Stylish
The BambooMN’s Sushi Making Kit includes two sushi making mats that come in two stylish colors, green and natural, plus a spreader, and a paddle. Each component is made from bamboo without any chemical or varnish coating their surfaces. Therefore, you can rest assured that this sushi making kit won’t contaminate your food. What’s more, both the sushi mats feature matchstick bamboo sticks that are hand-tied using cotton threads. The 8-inch bamboo paddle is perfect for easily mixing rice with vinegar and the 7.5-inch spreader will help you spread the sticky rice over the mat evenly for perfect sushi rolls every time.
Pros
- Made from natural, non-toxic bamboo
- Lightweight for easy portability
- Comes in two stylish colors
Cons
- Does not come with chopsticks
Best Design
This Premium Sushi Making Kit comes with nine elements — two sushi mats, a rice spreader, a rice paddle, and five sets of chopsticks, all elegantly designed with attractive prints in blue and white. Both mats are made from bamboo with a smooth finish that prevents the rice from sticking to their surfaces. Plus, they’re hand-tied with cotton threads without the use of glue, so you can rest assured your sushi won’t become contaminated by toxins. This high-quality, long-lasting kit is perfect for rolling sushi: Simply use the included wooden rice spreader to evenly spread the sticky rice over the mat. What’s more, the paddle will help you effortlessly mix the rice with vinegar or any other sauce before you start rolling.
Pros
- Multipurpose kit can be used for making kimbap
- Hand-tied mats are free of toxins
Cons
- Rice may stick to the paddle or spreader
Most Durable Materials
FUNGYAND’s Bamboo Sushi Rolling Mat is a top-tier sushi mat made out of high-quality carbonized bamboo and hand-tied cotton threads, making this our top pick for best material. This sushi rolling mat kit includes two large-sized rolling mats which can make differently sized sushi rolls using ingredients of your choosing.
What’s more, these mats are toxin-free, glue-free, and highly flexible so rolling sushi is effortless and easy. Plus, their lightweight construction makes bringing them to a friend’s house for sushi night a breeze. As an added bonus, the mats come with two pairs of wooden chopsticks so that you can enjoy Japanese sushi rolls with a friend.
Pros
- Made from high-quality, long-lasting bamboo
- Effortlessly rolls sushi of varying thicknesses
Cons
- Requires sticky rice to roll sushi
The Best Sushi Mat Buying Guide
A top sushi rolling mat will help you make flawless sushi rolls with all the ingredients intact. However, choosing the right mat is difficult. We’ve prepared a complete buyer’s guide to help you make your decision. Considering factors such as size, material, and price, we’ll help you narrow in on your perfect sushi rolling mat for your next party. Before you know it, you’ll be mastering the art of making perfect sushi rolls for friends and family!
Factors That Make (Or Break) A Sushi Mat
Components
We recommend considering the number of items you would like to have in your sushi making kit. Some sushi making kits come with two mats and chopsticks while others come with sushi mats, a paddle, a spreader, and chopsticks. If you already own a paddle, spreader, and chopsticks, then it would be wise to invest only in the sushi mat. However, if you’re just getting started making sushi and you don’t own these accessories, we recommend choosing a set or kit that includes all of the necessary components.
Size
The size of your sushi rolls will depend on the mat size. Usually, sushi rolling mats are nine inches long and seven inches wide. If you want to make small rolls with a standard thickness, we recommend choosing a smaller-sized mat. However, if you’d like to make thick, restaurant-style sushi rolls with a variety of ingredients, you should invest in a larger sushi mat, which will help you roll the ingredients more easily.
Mat binding
Sushi mats are made from bamboo sticks and tied together using cotton threads. However, there are some cheaper options that might use glue to bind the bamboo. We recommend choosing a thread-bonded mat to ensure your food is free from contaminants and toxins.
Rice spreader
The rice spreader will help you spread sticky rice easily over the mat and maintain an even thickness. Therefore, make sure that your chosen kit has a long spreader made from bamboo, which will allow you to efficiently spread the rice. Plus, if you choose a bamboo spreader (over a plastic spreader, for instance) it will be longer lasting.
Rice paddle
For mixing the sticky rice with vinegar, you will need a rice paddle. We recommend choosing a sushi rolling kit that includes a bamboo paddle with enough length and hardness that will allow you to easily mix a large amount of rice with the vinegar or sauce. Also, be sure to check whether the paddle has any chemical or varnish coating on its surface; this chemical will contaminate the food and could harm your health.
Durability
When choosing the right sushi mat for your kitchen, make sure the product is durable and long-lasting. All the components should be made from a strong, sturdy material (like bamboo) so that you can use them repeatedly for years without having to buy another set.
Why Are Bamboo Sushi Mats Better Than Plastic or Wooden Mats?
Sushi mats are made from a variety of materials, such as bamboo, plastic, and wood. However, bamboo mats are preferred and the most popular and sustainable option by far. Below, we discuss some of the reasons as to why bamboo sushi mats are better than other materials:
- Bamboo is a sustainable alternative to wood. Therefore, the manufacturers can make excellent sushi mats without harming the environment.
- Bamboo is a safe, non-toxic, food-grade material. However, sushi mats made from plastic can be harmful to our health and the environment, particularly when made from a low-grade plastic polymer.
- Bamboo mats are flexible and unlikely to break. However, wooden mats are hard and difficult to roll, making it a struggle to make sushi. While plastic mats may have some flexibility, they can easily become deformed or warped.
What Is the Price of a Sushi Mat?
Sushi mats are generally affordable, ranging in price from $6 to $15. Their price fluctuates depending on the quality, the material, and the accessories that come with the kit. For instance, if you chose a sushi making kit that has two sushi mats, a spreader, and a paddle, it will cost more than a kit with only two sushi mats. Similarly, mats made from organically grown bamboo are priced higher than the mats manufactured using regular bamboo.
How To Roll Sushi With a Sushi Mat?
If it’s your first time making sushi or you want to improve sushi rolling skills, below we’ve included a step-by-step guide on how to roll sushi like a pro in your home kitchen:
- First, spread the sushi mat flat on a tabletop or counter and place the nori on it
- Mx the vinegar with the sticky rice using a rice paddle in a bowl
- Once you’re done mixing, scoop out the rice and spread it evenly on the sushi mat using the rice spreader
- Make sure to leave space on the sides of the mat so that while rolling the ingredients won’t spill out
- Place the ingredients on the rice (such as salmon, tuna, avocado, carrot, etc.)
- Lift the closest edge of the bamboo mat by placing your thumbs underneath it
- Roll it up and wrap the rest of your fingers over the mat
- Gently press along the length of the mat to ensure that all the ingredients take the cylindrical shape of the roll
- Pull the mat towards you and start rolling it away from you until you reach the end of the mat
People Also Asked
Will the rice stick to the sushi mat once I start rolling?
Most sushi mats are made out of bamboo, which has a smooth surface texture. This will prevent the rice from sticking to the mat’s surface so you can finish rolling the sushi easily.
How should I clean the sushi mat?
To clean the sushi mat, simply use a brush, warm water, and soap. The brush (or sponge) will clean the spaces between the bamboo sticks. You can also place the mat under the running tap to clean it.
Can I make anything else other than sushi with the sushi mat?
Yes, some sushi mats are multipurpose and can be used for making rolled omelets, California rolls, and kimbap.
