Hi! I’m Philip, and i’ve tested and reviewed pancake makers from all over the market this year on the following factors: build quality, performance, value for money, design, and features to help you decide.
By Siem
Pancake makers are a great addition to the home cook’s kitchen appliance entourage. They are great for breakfasts, especially crepes, and of course, pancakes, and are easily operated. Since pancakes have become indispensable at breakfast, so should pancake makers.
Those who use frying pans have to deal with the messy cleanup of spilled mixture, burned bits, oil drainage, and the list goes on. With a pancake maker, you don’t have to deal with any of that. If you have kids who must have pancakes before school every morning, then you’ll appreciate how stressful it can be to make pancakes, and do the cleanup. Pancake pans make the perfect pancake every time.
What is the best pancake maker for you?
When choosing an electric pancake maker, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, your budget. Most pancake makers range between £15-£45, so its a good idea to gauge how much you’re willing to spend before jumping in, in case you accidentally make a bad purchase. We’ve all been there! After your budget, then you can decide what you’ll mostly be making: pancakes, crepes, or waffles? Deciding that will help narrow your options to a few that specialise in your desired breakfast treat. Finally, you can look at the features that you may want.
If you’re not sure, then don’t worry. After the list of the best electric pancake makers, we will be going through a buying guide in more detail. So, there’s plenty of time to decide on how you want your new appliance to perform. Without further ado, then, lets jump in:
The best pancake maker overall
Duronic PM131
Our choice for the best overall, this large, 13″ flattop electric crepe maker is able to make pancakes or crepes quickly, making it a viable option for anyone who loves to mix it up in the morning. The pan heats up quickly, and it features a great temperature control dial, and comes with a measuring ladle, while the cooking surface is a good non-stick pan, meaning that cleanup is incredibly easy after using this pan. It even comes with a batter spreader and wooden spatula!
- Large surface
- Versatile
- Great temp. control
- Utensils included
- Easy to clean
- Difficult to store
- Not very safe for children
The best cheap pancake maker
Progress by WW EK5312NWW
If you’re looking for a mini pancake maker which comes at a great price, then this is a perfect option for you. The plate size is 11.5cm, making your pancakes compact and flavourful, and the maker machine features a closable lid for a fast cooking process. It can only cook one pancake at a time, but if you’re like me and can’t stop eating pancakes, then that is a good thing! Your breakfast doesn’t have to be limited to just pancakes though, as this appliance can also cook eggs.
- Budget option
- Easy to store
- Nonstick pans
- Versatile
- Small surface area
- Cheap material
The best pancake maker for crepes
Schallen Black 1000W
Another great crepe maker, this one enjoys a 12″ non-stick flattop and is perfect for making crepes. Although you can use it to make pancakes, this is an appliance for those who want crepes every day. Despite its price, it a durable product that only needs a small amount of oil to work. It also features a crepe folder, making it easy to gather your completed crepes, and fold them to your desired amount.
- Large surface area
- Versatile
- Good value for money
- Adjustable temperature
- Difficult to store
- Surface gets hot
The best pancake maker for pancakes
Quest 35540
Another versatile appliance, this is a great option for those who love to eat pancakes every day. Not only does it feature a large, 12″ non-stick flattop, it also comes with a raised rim for minimal spillage – ideal if you’re in a rush. This model comes in two sizes, the full sized, and the mini, 8″ alternative that is easier to store, and makes smaller portion sizes for healthier eating. A great option for children, so they can enjoy their next pancake day in style.
- Comes in two sizes
- Powerful and durable
- Non-stick surface
- Raised edge
- Not easy to store
- Hot surface for children
The best pancake maker for sweet treats
Giles & Posner EK4943GSPP
This compact maker offers maximum versatility when creating delicious sweet treats from batter. It features three griddles with different alcoves, including a waffle maker, doughnut maker, and a poffertje maker that are all attachable and detachable, and dishwasher safe. Perfect for parties, this Belgian waffle maker is versatile and safe for children, as it is cool to touch, and comes in bright, unique, and interesting colours. Although it is not a pancake and waffle maker, it specialises in waffles and other great alternatives.
- Very versatile
- Easy to store
- Dishwasher safe
- Safe for children
- No pancake griddle
- Quite costly
The best pancake maker with interchangeable baking trays
Giles & Posner EK5535GSGR
This is a great option for small families and households who enjoy the versatility of a pancake maker that comes with a variety of electric griddles that are interchangeable. Also able to make doughnuts and waffles, this appliance is also a pancake making machine. Although it is small, it is able to make mini waffles, and there is no need to flip your pancake within, as the closable lid ensures fast cooking on both sides. The non-slip feet also make this safe for children, as is the heat, which is cool to touch.
- Great versatility
- Child-safe
- Mini and compact
- Waffles and pancakes
- Small surface area
- Expensive for size
Our Top 6, at a glance:
- The best overall: Duronic PM131
- The best cheap option: Progress by WW EK5312NWW
- The best for crepes: Schallen Black 1000W
- The best for American pancakes: Quest 35540
- The best for sweet treats: Giles & Posner EK4943GSPP
- The best with interchangeable plates: Giles & Posner EK5535GSGR
Buying guide: What to look out for when buying a pancake maker
So, that was our top six list. Did you find something that you would purchase? If so, then we’re happy to have helped. And, if not, then don’t worry. Here we will be going through what to look out for when buying a pancake maker in more detail:
What is your budget? As mentioned at the beginning of the article, pancake makers range from £15-£45, and although they aren’t expensive, you should only choose to spend a reasonable amount that runs in accordance with how much you’ll be using the product. It’s a great rule for life!
What kind of pancakes do you want to make? After you’ve decided your budget range, you can move on to narrowing down your options, starting with asking yourself what your most favourite breakfast treat is. We recommend using an appliance that is primary suited to that choice, because although many pancake makers are versatile and can make many foods, the most ideal option will suit your needs best: Crepe and pancake makers, waffle makers, and anything else.
Any other features? Now that you know what your budget is, and what type of food you’ll be making, you can consider any other features that you might want: indicator light, child-safety features, dishwasher safe pans, ceramic material, etc.,
You should now be more informed on how to find the right pancake maker for you. If you’re still unsure, however, then consider one of the six on the list, as they all performed well on the test and are excellent options in their own right!
Conclusion: The best pancake maker?
Overall, the best pancake maker will be the one that suits you best. However, the Duronic PM131 was the best in our test overall. It has a great large surface, and can make pancakes or crepes very well. The best cheap option was the Progress by WW EK5312NWW for its compact design and value for money.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this article, then check out kitchenarylab.com to discover new, amazing kitchen appliances that have been properly, professionally tested and reviewed to determine the best on the market. You’ll find some great deals there, so happy hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Smooth pans with a non-stick coating makes the best pancakes without a doubt. Most people who use frying pans often find their pancakes are messy, burned, and uneven. This is because there is less control with a frying pan as opposed to a pancake and crepe maker surface.
We think that the Duronic PM131 is the best pancake maker on the market in 2024 for its temperature control, large surface, and performance.