The 10 Best Tamagoyaki Pans
Special Honors
Aux Ameiro COS8001 Crafted from copper, the Aux Ameiro COS8001 offers excellent thermal conductivity, so it will heat up quickly and evenly. It doesn't have a tin lining, which some may appreciate, and comes with a beautiful, handmade leather handle cover. japanesetaste.com
Editor's Notes
June 07, 2020:
Tamagoyaki is a special kind of Japanese omelet that is rolled, rather than folded over. Though recipes vary, it is generally made with soy sauce, dashi, mirin, and a bit of sugar, which gives it a savory and slightly sweet taste that, along with the unusual shape, really make it distinct from your average American or French omelet. While many might like to try their hand a cooking one in their home, you can't just use any old non-stick pan. To truly make a beautiful tamagoyaki that rivals those found in your favorite sushi restaurant, you'll need one of the small, purpose-made, square- or rectangle-shaped pans found on this list.
Traditionally, they are made in either iron pans, such as the Li-Gelisi LI-15-18, Lodge L5WS3 Wonder Skillet, and Kotobuki 410-541, or copper, like the Asahi CNE117. Of the former, the Li-Gelisi LI-15-18 is our favorite because of its solid wood handle, heavily sloped front, and large hanging loop. If cared for properly, it, along with the Lodge L5WS3 Wonder Skillet, should last for decades, if not longer. If you went into the kitchen of many sushi restaurants in Japan, you would probably find something like the Asahi CNE117 being used to prepare your tamagoyaki. While it does offer a bit of a steep learning curve for amateur cooks, professional chefs who are experienced with such pans will find it to be one of the best options.
The average home cook who is looking for something easy and low maintenance may want to opt for something made from aluminum or steel pan with a non-stick coating. The TeChef Colour Collection EPIHM, Rockurwok Honcook Japanese Omelet, TeChef CeraTerra Ceramic, GreenPan CW001360-015, Nordic Ware 16230, and IBBM Mini Frying all fit within this category. If you want pan that you can also toss in the over for some baking, you'll want to check out the TeChef CeraTerra Ceramic, which is can handle temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, or the TeChef Colour Collection EPIHM and GreenPan CW001360-015, both of which are safe for use up to 350 degrees. The Nordic Ware 16230 is interesting because of its divided design, which makes it great for whipping up a quick breakfast of multiple items in a single pan. While it does come with detailed usage instructions that explain how to roll your tamagoyaki over the center divider, some can find this difficult, so it too, has a bit of a learning curve,