🎌 4 Brilliant Japanese Kitchen Gadgets We Didn't Know We Needed – Tested by Sorted Food
If there’s one place where kitchen gadgets are both clever and charming, it’s Japan. From rice shapers to ice machines that feel like toys, Japanese kitchen tools are all about smart design and pure fun. And who better to test them out than the guys over at Sorted Food?
In one of their recent episodes, the team dives into a selection of quirky and brilliant Japanese kitchen gadgets—half guessing what they do, half geeking out when they find out. Here’s a breakdown of the gadgets they tried, how they work, and whether they’re actually worth the hype.
🥄 1. The Miso Muddler – Small Tool, Big Brain
At first glance: It looks like a double-ended whisk. Maybe a tool for matcha? Nope. It's a Miso Muddler.
What it does:
This tiny tool is made specifically to scoop and dissolve miso paste. One end measures 1 tablespoon, the other 2 tablespoons. You dip, scoop, and stir the paste directly into your soup or stock—no spoon, no extra whisk, no mess.
Why it rocks:
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Precise measurements built-in
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Hygienic—no need to contaminate the jar
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Dissolves paste effortlessly
Price: 2,544 yen (~£13)
Sorted's verdict:
They called it “an ergonomic double-ended delight.” Perfect for frequent miso lovers, and even useful for other thick condiments like mustard or Nutella.
Pun of the day: “Me so impressed.” (Classic.)
🔥 2. Yakiniku Tabletop Grill – Social, Satisfying, and Seriously Tasty
First impression: "Now this is a vibe."
What it is:
A compact electric tabletop grill, perfect for replicating the Yakiniku experience at home. Think Japanese-style BBQ with thin meats, dipping sauces, and a cozy, interactive vibe.
Features:
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Electric heating element
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Removable griddle
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Bamboo base for style points
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Built-in drip tray for easy cleanup
What they cooked:
Angus steak, Iberico pork, mushrooms—then dipped everything in sweet-savory Yakiniku sauce (soy, sesame, mirin, sugar). Absolute win.
Price: 5,266 yen (~£28)
Sorted's verdict:
They were blown away by the performance and fun factor.
“Grilly, grilly good.”
They’d even pay double for a larger version.
🍙 3. Ultimate Onigiri Machine – Shake Your Rice Game Up
At first: It looked like some kind of gear-based shaker. Turns out, it's a rice ball-making machine for Onigiri, Japan’s classic handheld snack.
How it works:
Add hot rice and a filling (like salmon or crayfish), close the lid, and flip the switch. The machine shakes and compacts everything into a perfect triangle.
Bonus feature:
It comes with an egg separator too, which they loved for cleanly separating yolks.
Why it’s genius:
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No sticky hands
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Consistent shape
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Fast and fun
Price: 2,906 yen (~£15)
Sorted's verdict:
Massively impressed. It nailed the shape and saved them from messy hands.
“Turns your rice game on its head.”
A must-have if you're packing lunches or batch-making Onigiri.
❄️ 4. Kakigori Machine – Dessert Meets Nostalgia
First guess: Maybe a spiralizer? Nope—it’s a hand-cranked machine for making Kakigori, Japan’s famous shaved ice dessert.
How it works:
Freeze water in a custom mold, pop it into the machine, and crank away. The ice comes out in soft, snowy flakes—perfect for drizzling with bright, fruity syrups.
Sorted's reaction:
“Feels like I’m six again!”
They described it as ‘real snow in a bowl’, and were pretty much transported to a summer festival in Tokyo.
Fun fact:
Kakigori dates back to 1794 and used to be made with mountain ice.
Final thoughts:
A nostalgic, super fun dessert tool that's ideal for hot days or parties.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Are Japanese Kitchen Gadgets Worth It?
Absolutely. Every single one of these tools had:
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Thoughtful design
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Specific use cases
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That little bit of joy we all want in the kitchen
The Sorted Food crew gave high marks across the board, and honestly, it’s hard not to agree. Whether you’re deep into Japanese cooking or just love functional kitchen toys, these gadgets prove that Japan still leads the way in kitchen innovation—with style, precision, and a pinch of fun.
Which one would you try first?
Let me know in the comments below—or if you’ve got a favorite Japanese gadget of your own, I’d love to hear about it!
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