A takoyaki pan has 16–24 hemispherical moulds (4 cm diameter), used to produce the spherical takoyaki dumpling. Most home models are electric with a dial thermostat; professional models use butane or gas. The cast-iron base distributes heat evenly to produce uniform browning across all moulds.
Rotation technique
The essential skill: using bamboo picks, turn each half-cooked ball 90° when the outer edge sets and the top is still liquid. Batter flows from the un-set half, wrapping around the already-cooked half to complete the sphere. Two rotations total: 90° at halfway, then 90° to present the final seamless ball.
Household uses beyond takoyaki
The pan also makes: poffertjes (Dutch mini pancakes), æbleskiver, filled pancake balls, and chocolate truffles. The mould size is standard across cuisines for this class of spherical preparation.