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Most sushi kits are a bamboo mat and a lot of packaging. Here is what is actually worth having, and what you can skip.
Is a sushi making kit worth buying?
For a first attempt, yes, because a kit gets you a mat, a rice paddle and a sharp enough situation in one purchase. Beyond that the value drops fast. The only items you will keep using are the rolling mat, a rice paddle and a long thin knife, and those can be bought separately for less.
What is actually in a kit
- Bamboo rolling mat. The one essential. Worth having two.
- Rice paddle. Useful, and stops you crushing the grains.
- Mixing bowl or hangiri. A wide plastic or wooden bowl for cooling the rice.
- Moulds and press. Usually plastic. Fine for beginners, but you will outgrow them.
- Novelty rollers. Skip these. They make one shape badly.
What to look for
- A mat made of thick, even bamboo strips with tight cotton string
- At least two mats, so one can dry
- A wide, shallow bowl rather than a deep mixing bowl
- Skip kits that include knives, which are usually poor quality
What the kit will not give you
The two things that decide whether sushi works are the rice and the knife. Kits rarely help with either. You need short grain sushi rice, seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar and salt while still warm, and a long thin blade you can wipe between cuts.
- Short grain sushi rice, not long grain or basmati
- Rice vinegar, caster sugar and salt for the seasoning
- Nori sheets, bought fresh and kept sealed
- A long, thin, genuinely sharp knife
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to cover the mat in cling film?
For inside out rolls, yes. It stops rice sticking to the bamboo and makes the mat far easier to clean.
Can I use normal rice?
No. Short grain sushi rice has the starch content that makes it cling. Long grain will fall apart.
How do I clean a bamboo mat?
Rinse in warm water, scrub gently, then dry it standing on its edge. Trapped moisture between the strips is what makes mats go mouldy.
Is raw fish safe to use at home?
Only fish sold as sushi grade or previously frozen to the standard required for raw consumption. If in doubt, use cooked prawns, smoked salmon or vegetables.
Where to buy
Options on Amazon UK that match what is described above. These are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission if you buy through them. Stock and prices change, so check the listing before ordering.
- Sushi making kits. Check it includes a rolling mat, a rice paddle and a spatula rather than novelty moulds.
- Bamboo rolling mat (makisu). The one piece you actually need. Buy this alone if the kits look padded out.
