Best Tamagoyaki Pan

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Japanese food is famous all over the world for its presentation, balance of flavor and color. The most famous example of Japanese cuisine might be sushi, a tasty dish made of raw fish and vinegared rice. Yet when it comes to Japanese food, the egg dish, tamagoyaki is my children’s favorite. 

The famous Japanese omelet is a regular breakfast item in our home. Unlike the Spanish or Italian omelets, this is a rolled omelet, which makes for an interesting texture. It’s also a neat way to cook eggs and pack them in a lunch box. 

Of course, if you want to cook a delicious tamagoyaki omelet you need the best tamagoyaki pan to do it with. I’ve reviewed the five best tamagoyaki pans on the market to help you make a choice.

I recommend the TeChef Tamagoyaki Pan as the best all-round Japanese omelette pan. On the other hand, if you are looking for an authentic as possible Tamagoyaki pan, then consider the Iwachu Iron Tamagoyaki Omelette Pan.

If you’re still not sure about which tamagoyaki pan is best, read on to find some excellent alternatives.

Japanese Rectangular Frying Pan or Tamagoyaki Frying Pan? 

Japanese food is becoming ever more well known worldwide. It’s easy to find recipes like tamagoyaki on the Internet. And it’s perfectly possible to prepare Tamagoyaki with a regular round skillet. Yet, it’s such a joy to be able to cook authentic Japanese tamagoyaki with a traditional tamagoyaki pan.

All about Tamagoyaki

Traditional Japanese rolled omelette Tamagoyaki and sliced cucumber on a black slate board with chopsticks, top view

Tamagoyaki is so easy to make with the right pan. You simply cook the eggs in (thin) layers. 

  1. Cook the first layer
  2. Put it to the side of the pan
  3. Pour more egg mixture for the next layer
  4. Roll the first layer so it “picks up” the second one
  5. Rinse and repeat several times

Here’s a visual guide:

As you can see, you don’t actually need a rectangular tamagoyaki pan. But I can tell you that for me it’s much easier with a square or rectangular pan, and the omelets come out a lot neater. When I’ve tried with a round pan, they come out all raggedy and just don’t look the same.

But that’s me – there’s nothing stopping you trying with a round pan before spending money on a square one. If you get it to work – let me know!

The Original Japanese Square Egg Pan

During my research I’ve noticed that the tamagoyaki pan has quite a few different names, both in English and in Japanese. Here’s some of them:

  • Japanese square egg pan
  • Square omelette pan
  • Japanese rectangular pan
  • Japanese omelette pan
  • Japanese square pan
  • Tamagoyaki frying pan
  • Makiyakinabe (Japanese)

As you can see by those names, some versions of the tamagoyaki pan may have a rectangular shape. Others may be square. None are round.

Use Authentic Cookware

As I’ve mentioned, a good cook can still prepare a fine example of Japanese tamagoyaki without a dedicated pan. 

But, if you don’t have an authentic tamagoyaki pan, you might feel that something is missing. If you look at the shape of a genuine tamagoyaki omelet, you will see that it has straight sides. It’s not so easy to achieve that when the pan is round. (You could just cut the ragged edges though.)

Tamago Japanese omelet on a wooden serving board and chopsticks hold a piece of omelet, close-up

Does using authentic Japanese cookware help make the tamagoyaki omelet more authentic? Maybe not. But cooking with a tamagoyaki pan is just a bit more fun for me.

Procuring Authentic Japanese Cookware

These days it’s easy to order authentic Japanese cookware online. 

Yet, there’s one thing you should bear in mind. Some Japanese cooks will tell you that you would be better off going to Japan for your cookware. 

That’s because, in Japan, you are more likely to find cheaper tamagoyaki pans and a better selection. 

Japanese flag with Made in Japan and some tamagoyaki icons

Clearly you aren’t going to be saving money once you factor in the cost of a ticket to Japan! But … if you are going to Japan soon anyway, maybe wait until you get there? You can practise your Tamagoyaki in a regular skillet meanwhile.

As for those who aren’t lucky enough to be visting Japan anytime soon; hopefully this guide will help.

Best Tamago Pan – Non-stick Or Cast Iron?

Now the most authentic and traditional tamagoyaki pans are made from cast iron. Once you get used to it, it offers amazing cooking performance.

Or you can get a non stick tamagoyaki pan. Actually, I think nonstick is great for beginners as it makes it easier to learn and cook with. But nonstick isn’t for everyone, some people are concerned with the health aspects.

I’ll take a look at pans made from both materials – it’s up to you which you prefer!

Best Tamagoyaki Pan – Reviews

I’ve reviewed five great tamagoyaki pans. You could make a decent omelet with any of them. But read the reviews to find the best tamagoyaki pan for you.

TeChef – Tamagoyaki Japanese Omelette Pan/Egg Pan

Accessibly price this TeChef Tamagoyaki Japanese Omelette Pan looks like a very good buy. Made in Korea, the tamagoyaki pan has a pleasing appearance and an attractive aubergine color. The best thing about it is that it works for a lot of different dishes besides tamagoyaki. 

TECHEF - Tamagoyaki Japanese Omelette Pan/Egg Pan Skillet, PFOA-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Induction-Ready, Made in Korea (Purple/Medium)

It has a slight incline, ideal for tamagoyaki cooking, and resulting in stellar performance. 

It is made from Teflon if that concerns you. I think Teflon non stick is probably the right choice for cooking eggs, but not everyone will agree.

The biggest downside to this tamagoyaki pan is that the outside is prone to scratching.

That isn’t a showstopper, though. This is a decent tamagoyaki pan, at a good price and is easy to use.

Pros:

  • Great performance
  • Attractive appearance
  • Affordable price
  • Induction compatible thanks to stainless steel base

Cons:

  • Teflon non-stick if that bothers you
  • Reports of the exterior scratching easily

Iwachu Iron Japanese Omelette Pan

This Iwachu tamagoyaki pan is certainly quite a pricey product. But it’s high quality and decent size still make it value for money. 

If you’re looking for a strong model to last for a few decades or even lifetimes, this is could be your first choice. 

Iwachu Iron Tamagoyaki Omelette Pan, Black

It’s made of durable cast iron that lasts long and holds heat. It also has a smart, pleasing appearance. I wouldn’t feel ashamed to bring out this cookware in front of guests.

The wooden handle is completely removable, giving you a replaceable cool to touch handle. The tamagoyaki pan arrives pre-seasoned which will save you work. 

This pan is also a decent size at 7.5 inches (19cm) by 6 inches (15cm) wide.

So this product is definitely worth the price. But I wouldn’t recommend it for Tamagoyaki newbies.

If you are prepared to put in a little bit of extra work to look after it, and have experience cooking Tamagoyaki this could be the pan for you.

Pros:

  • High Quality Product
  • Excellent performance
  • Cooks with no oil
  • The food doesn’t stick, with no need of a non-stick chemical
  • A decent size for cooking Tamagoyaki

Cons:

MyLifeUNIT Non-Stick Japanese Omelette Pan

This is one of the most affordable pans. Unfortunately the low price is reflective of a small size and low quality.

It’s one of the smallest pans and there are reports of the nonstick wearing off after a while.

It does give a credible performance though. Its rectangular shape is perfect for making tamagoyaki. It has a slope to help with rolling the omelet as well as for flipping pancakes. 

It is suitable for all stove types, including induction.

MyLifeUNIT Tamagoyaki Pan, Japanese Omelette Pan Nonstick with Silicone Spatula, Square Egg Pan 7 x 5 inches, Black

If you are occasionally going to make a small amount of Tamagoyaki and don’t want to spend a lot of money, this tamagoyaki pan might work. But if you use it a lot, it will wear out quickly.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Suitable for both gas and induction cookers (stainless steel base)

Cons:

  • The non-stick coating doesn’t last long
  • Smaller than a typical pan
  • Non stick is likely Teflon or similar

Lodge L5WS3 Cast Iron Wonder Skillet – Best Small Cast Iron Tamagoyaki Pan

You know those really small egg pans you sometimes get in a cookware set? The ones that are only big enough to fry a breakfast for one (if that)? Well this tamagoyaki panis the cast iron, square version of that. It’s just so small!

Yet it’s the perfect shape for delicious tamagoyaki!

And of course the small size also translates into an affordable price from this reputable manufacturer.

Lodge L5WS3 Cast Iron Wonder Skillet, Pre-Seasoned, 5.5 -inch

A cast iron skillet made in the USA, you can use this tamagoyaki pan for preparing many types of food, tamagoyaki being one of them. This pan reaches you pre-seasoned and ready to work. It’s always a good idea to add a couple of seasoning layers of your own though.

This cookware works just as well over a campfire as on a stove. If you are looking for a cast iron Tamagoyaki pan, don’t have much budget and are just cooking for yourself this pan might do the trick. It’s not really ideal for cooking family meals.

Pros:

  • Very Affordably priced
  • High quality, reputable manufacturer
  • Durable – should last lifetimes
  • Cook anything, anywhere
  • Doesn’t take much space

Cons:

  • Although seasoned, it needs a light coating of vegetable oil before initial use
  • One Tamagoyaki serving at a time
  • Cast Iron is more work

Tamagoyaki Japanese Omelette Pan/Egg Pan

Affordably priced, this tamagoyaki pan comes in a range of colors, pink, blue or grey. It’s strong and easy to use. 

You can use it on virtually any stove. 

IBBM I WILL BE YOUR BEST MEMORY Tamagoyaki Japanese Omelette Pan/Egg Pan - Non-stick Coating - Rectangle Frying Pan Mini Frying Pan – Blue

Its slope shape makes cooking easier, for flipping and rolling Japanese omelets. You can cook other foods with it too. Take care of this tamagoyaki pan and it will look as good as new for a long time. 

Tamagoyaki Japanese Omelette Pan / Egg Pan - Non-stick Coating - Rectangle Frying Pan Mini Frying Pan – Pink

Since the manufacturer doesn’t say if it is PTFE free, I’d assume it contains PTFE. This means that it is basically the same type of product as Teflon.

Pros:

  • Affordable price.
  • Ease of cleaning, ease of use
  • Versatile in terms of stoves and food
  • Nice range of color options
  • Stainless steel base–induction compatible

Cons:

  • The handle is wood-painted plastic
  • Handle can melt if you don’t take care
  • Likely contains PTFE (i.e. Teflon)
  • A little on the small size

Asahi Cne117 Egg Pan – Best Lid

If there is one thing I love about this Asahi Tamagoyaki Pan, it’s the wooden lid! It just makes the look that much more authentic.

The copper exterior also looks amazing, and since copper distributes heat well, it offers some functionality as well. (The stainless steel lining helps make it food safe).

Asahi Cne117 Egg Pan Tamagoyaki Professinal Model, Wooden Lid 18cm Copper

This copper Tamagoyaki pan appears to be aimed at professionals (though they misspell the word professional in the description). This might be why it is so pricey!

If you like how this copper tamagoyaki pan looks, and can afford it, by all means get it. But, apart from the beautiful wooden lid, it doesn’t offer anything special over other pans.

Pros:

  • Beautiful Wooden Lid
  • Attractive and functional copper exterior

Cons

  • Not Induction compatible
  • Pricey

GreenPan Mini Ceramic 5″ Egg Pan (Best Single Egg Pan)

Ever seen or heard of those pans that can only fry one egg? Well, this is one. You could conceivably squeeze in two eggs.  But the problem with two is, depending on the size of your eggs, they will reach the rivets and stick.

The nonstick frying pan features a Thermolon healthy ceramic nonstick coating and is PTFE (Teflon) free.

Despite its small size, it performs excellently, although there are a few reports of sticking. If this happens to you, try cleaning the pan with baking soda, or Bar Keeper’s friend.

I would be careful with the handle, though. Since it isn’t entirely covered, there is a risk of your fingers sliding down to the hot bare part.

GreenPan Mini Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 5" Square Egg Pan, PFAS-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Stay Cool Handle, Black

Thermolon, the ceramic nonstick coating, is supposed to be scratch resistant. I would advise being careful though; avoid metal utensils and consider hand washing.

This ceramic nonstick fry pan is ideal for people who like one fried egg at a time, perhaps for a sandwich or light breakfast.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Perfect for one egg/omelet
  • Healthy ceramic nonstick coating
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Teflon free

Cons:

  • Not induction compatible
  • Some reports of sticking
  • The bare handle gets hot
  • Silicone handle unsuitable for high oven temperatures

If you like this little egg pan, Green Pan actually offer a wide range of cookware products and lines.

Best Tamagoyaki Pans

Best Tamagoyaki Pan. A rectangular Pan in the background with eggs in it

Best All Round Tamagoyaki Pan 

If in doubt I would suggest the TeChef Tamagoyaki Pan. It’s a decent size and easy to use for beginners. Not everyone likes nonstick, but it is easier and this is essential if learning how to do Tamagoyaki.

Even seasoned chefs could use this affordably priced Tamagoyaki pan to make excellent Tamagoyaki.

It’s a shame that the outside is prone to getting scratched. But this isn’t the end of the world. If you’re not sure what to get, the TeChef Tamagoyaki Pan is the one for you.

Best Cast Iron Tamagoyaki Pan 

If you want to produce as authentic Tamagoyaki as possible then a good cast iron pan, like the Iwachu Iron Tamagoyaki Omelette Pan, is ideal. Yes it’s more work, but it’s worth it. Plus your kids might end up cooking Japanese omelets in the exact same pan you taught them with!

If you are a beginner and like this cast iron tamagoyaki pan, don’t let that stop you. Just be aware it will take a bit longer to get the knack of it!

Other Egg Pans

Tamagoyaki is just one of many types of omelets. If you are interested in preparing other egg dishes, check out my guide to the best egg pan.

Japanese Cooking

If you are are looking to get into Japanese cooking then check out my sushi rice cookers roundup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a special pan to make Tamagoyaki?

You can make the Japanese omelette, Tamagoyaki, in an ordinary pan. However with a dedicated, square Japanese Omelette Tamagoyaki pan, it’s easier to get the right shape omelet.

If you are making Tamagoyaki from time to time – just use your normal pan.

Yet if you want to make this Japanese omelette regularly, or want it to look perfect, consider getting a Tamagoyaki pan.

What else can you use a Tamagoyaki pan for?

You can use a Tamagoyaki pan for anything you would a normal pan. The only difference is the shape. So if you let your omelette or pancake reach the side of the square pan, you will end up with square or rectangle-shaped food.

Square pancakes? Sounds like a great idea to me.

You can take this further … A small Tamagoyaki pan can be ideal for frying sandwich ingredients. They come out square and ready for the sandwich.

What’s the difference between a Tamagoyaki Pan and a Tamago Pan?

A Tamago pan is just another way of saying a Tamagoyaki Pan. It’s the same thing.

Technically, Tamago means egg in Japanese and Tamagoyaki means fried egg. So a Tamago pan is an egg pan, and a Tamagoyaki pan is an egg frying pan.

Like I said: It’s the same thing.

Can you make Tamagoyaki in cast iron?

You can make delicious Tamagoyaki in cast iron, and this is the traditional way. Yet it’s harder. Eggs are more sticky than other food, so you need to cook them carefully.

Here’s how you do it:

  • Gently warm the pan first
  • Add plenty of oil, ideally extra virgin olive oil
  • When there are small bubbles in the oil, the pan is ready
  • Tilt the square pan back and forth to get the oil spread over it
  • Now add the food

Doing it this way, will reduce sticking by eggs. If you can’t get it to work, then consider non-stick.

How do you clean a Tamagoyaki pan?

You clean a Tamagoyaki the same way you clean any other pan of the same material. If it’s non-stick, you can even stick it in the dishwasher (assuming it’s dishwasher-safe). On the other hand, cast iron must be immediately hand washed, dried, and coated in oil.

The main difference is that a Tamagoyaki pan has “sharp” corners. It’s a bit easier for food to get stuck in a square pan, so pay special attention to the corners.

What other types of exotic omelettes are there?

Omelets, or Omelettes are one of the most varied types of food out there. From Italian Frittata to Spanish Tortilla, the possibilities are endless.

If you fancy trying some different omelettes then check out my guide to the omelet.