Best Pans For Pancakes On Pancake Day

This Pancake Day, make your sweet treats in style.

Breakfast or brunch, favourite morning meal. Homemade berry pancakes in cast iron skillet, fresh summer dessert with strawberries viewed from above

by Piper Huxley |
Updated on

The best pans for pancakes are getting their annual airing. Pancake Day is slowly crepe-ing up on us… Preceding Ash Wednesday (or 'Lent'), Shrove Tuesday arrives on 13 February this year and marks the start of our 40-day countdown to Easter. With Shrove Tuesday fast approaching, there comes the responsibility of making delicious pancakes for everyone. The trouble is, these pan-fried flat 'cakes' can be a little tricky to handle. Luckily, we are experts in cookware, namely pans and pots, so we're here to find you the best pan for pancakes to show off your flipping skills.

No matter how you serve your pancakes or crepes, you’ll need to be equipped with a pan that’ll handle your pancakes with no problem. A regular frying pan may not cut it. After all, you want to ensure that your pancakes can be easily flipped over. Look for pans with a durable non-stick coating. Plus, we advise avoiding the dishwasher for your pancake pan to keep the non-stick going for longer. Remember to arm yourself with a suitable silicone spatula, too.

Best Pan For Pancakes At A Glance

Best premium pancake pan: Le Creuset, Toughened Non-Stick Crepe Pan – View at Le Creuset
Best budget pan for pancakes: Tefal Simplicity Pancake Pan – View on Amazon UK
Best artisanal pancake pan: SENSARTE Non-Stick Crepe Pan – View on Amazon UK

You're going to be flipping your masterpieces often. So, you need a pan that's easy to pick up, handle and manoeuvre. We've included weight specifications below to help. In this instance, a cast iron skillet isn't going to be ideal – opt for lightweight aluminium cookware instead. The pan's heat is vital when making pancakes; it needs to be hot. So, pancake pans are often thinner than regular frying pans – to conduct heat quickly and efficiently.

Investing in a pancake pan may feel unnecessary – especially if we're only typically making them once a year. Aside from pancakes potentially becoming a staple breakfast food in your home, you can use these pans for things like omelettes, too. Look out for pans that'll take on other uses – and that suit all hob types. We're looking at you, induction. Fortunately, you can find pans made for induction hobs.

Best Pan For Pancakes

Best premium pancake pan

Le Creuset has thrown their hat into the ring with a toughened, non-stick crepe pan. Featuring Le Creuset's impressive non-stick coating, this reinforced cookware is durable and resistant. Designed to withstand metal utensils, dishwashers and ovens up to 260 degrees, this versatile pan is tough, easy to clean and extremely versatile. Why not invest in a Le Creuset pan for a lifetime guarantee?

Customer review: “Loved the crepe pan. Feels very good quality and ergonomically lovely to use.”

Pros

  • Impressive non-stick coating
  • Sturdy and secure handle fixture
  • Oven and dishwasher-safe
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • It requires a lot of care and maintenance

Best budget pan for pancakes

Tefal Simplicity B5821002 25cm Pancake Pan
Price: $48.39

If you're feeling the crunch, then we couldn't recommend this Simplicity pan enough from the well-known brand, Tefal. It promises "fluffy, golden-brown pancakes with perfect texture and flavour". This is thanks to its many innovative features, such as the PFOA-free non-stick, Thermo-Singla to help with the starting temperature and the diffusion base, which allows heat to be distributed evenly. Though this pan is only around £15, you won't be compromising on quality.

Customer review: "We bought this for Shrove Tuesday as our other one was a bit tatty! It was good value for money and chose it as it's Tefal and as we only really use it once a year, we didn't want to spend a huge amount of money. Pancake Day came and we even managed to toss a few without mishap. We were able to make very thin ones, more like crepes."

Pros

  • Easy to clean and use
  • Great value and budget-friendly
  • Safe non-stick coating

Cons

  • Suitable for all hobs except Induction

Best artisanal pancake pan

This Scandi-inspired pancake pan from Amazon comes with safe, PFOA-free non-stick - so it's easy to clean (with no rivets) and cook with little oil for a healthy meal. Plus, this popular pan is suitable for all stoves, including induction. As the core is made from die-cast aluminium, the pan is durable and heats up in a flash. Suited to larger appetites, this 26cm pan will have you flipping pancakes in no time with its safe and lightweight design.

Customer review: "I had a new hob installed recently, and decided to fit an induction hob despite liking my old gas hob. I thought my pancake-making days were over when I had a disastrous first attempt on my new hob, despite using an induction-based pan. I stuck with it though! I invested in this new pan - a combination of this pan and a suitable setting on the hob now produces what my husband has called “the best pancakes you’ve ever made”. The pan heats quickly, and the heat distribution is very even, producing lovely, evenly brown pancakes. I haven’t tried flipping them through! So - brilliant crepe/pancake pan, love it, and absolutely recommend it!"

Pros

  • Suitable for all stoves, including induction
  • Lightweight and safe to use
  • Easy to clean with non-stick

Cons

  • The handle is not real wood but is plastic

Best heavyweight pancake pan

Tested

Smeg Frying Pan
Price: $205.19

Smeg’s cookware is packed with plenty of quality design features optimised for all cooking styles and needs. More importantly, it is ideal for frying your pancake on the hob. The Smeg frying pan features an essential non-stick primer coating, allowing food to brown without the nuisance of sticking or having to use extra oil in your cooking. The range works on all hob types, including induction. 

Our review: "First thing I noticed is this pan is heavy, so when it comes to flipping the pancake you need to have some strong arm muscles to get your pancake to get enough height so that it turns over. If you're not much of a pancake tosser fear not, the non-stick coating gives you the ideal crispy coating without burning your pancakes and barely any oil is needed as long as you get the pan hot enough. When I wasn't using this pan to make pancakes it was great for making a big batch of mac and cheese and then because there are no plastic parts I could pop it straight in the oven to crisp up the topping without any fuss."

Pros

  • Even cooking
  • Minimal oil needed
  • Cleans easily

Cons

  • 30cm size was too large for a small hob to use other pans

Best pancake pan for children

Or, perhaps, you’d prefer a smaller, lightweight pancake pan for the kitchen? We love this Percy Pig cookware from Marks & Spencer. Who doesn’t love Percy Pig? With 24 centimetres in diameter, this pan is perfect for making Percy Pig-shaped pancakes. Handy, it pops in the dishwasher when you’re all 'pancaked out'. Plus, a squeezy bottle is included to help you out.

Customer review: “Fabulous product, very pleased with the item. Funky and different.”

Pros

  • Comes with a squeezy batter dispenser
  • Perfect for cooking with the kids
  • Dishwasher-friendly for an easy clean

Cons

  • Not induction-compatible

Best crepe pan for pancakes

Procook Professional Anodised Crepe Pan
Price: £37 (was £42)

www.procook.co.uk

Rustle up cheese-filled crepe pockets with ease in the Procook Professional Anodised Crepe Pan. It has 5 Star ProCook Ultra Plus non-stick coating, so even cheese is a breeze to cook in this premium pan. Create perfectly cooked thin crepes through even heat distribution, thanks to its forged, anodised aluminium body.

Customer review: “Excellent non stick surface. This pan feels heavy and good quality. I like that the handle is longer and higher than a frying pan. Pancakes so far have cooked evenly and didn’t stick to the pan."

Pros

  • Excellent non-stick
  • Premium quality materials
  • Excellent non-stick coating

Cons

  • Can be scratched, avoid using metal utensils

Best pan for mini pancakes

Have a hankering for mini pancakes? This Non-Stick Frying Pan for Mini Pancakes has a heavy-duty, stainless steel magnetic bottom which heats up quickly and evenly. It boasts x8 more efficient heat conduction, and temperature changes are passed directly on to food. Each mould is 7.5cm diameter, and there's seven moulds in the pan. It's recommended to cook on a low heat as food will cook quickly. It's great for fried eggs too.

Customer review: "This is fantastic. Non stick is great and cleans so easy. Makes seven small pancakes🥞."

Pros

  • Easy to clean
  • Robust non-stick
  • Make batches of mini pancakes

Cons

  • Some customers felt that the holes were too small

Best 28cm pancake pan

Next, we have GreenPan - with its ultra-durable, non-stick and toughened pancake pan. Even though it's non-stick, you can use metal utensils thanks to its Thermolon Infinity Pro coating - providing rock-hard protection for the pan. Not only that, but it provides delicious food with excellent use. To keep it in its best condition, the recommendation is to handwash it. This hard-anodised pan heats up quickly, is easy to maintain, and the handles are comfortable.

Customer Review: "You know how some cooking equipment comes as 'non-stick' but things stick? Not this baby! Completely non-stick and despite it being a pancake pan I have used it with many things! Love it. Nice weight. Sleek design."

Pros

  • Oven and dishwasher-safe
  • Induction compatible
  • Metal utensils safe with tough non-stick

Cons

  • Metal handles get hot – handle with care

Best novelty pancake pan

Save time in the morning rush with this seven-mould pancake pan, sure to give your family some smiles. The pan itself heats evenly, is made from PFOA-free non-stick marble coating and is very durable. Although it's only compatible with gas, ceramic and electric stoves, it promises a child-friendly use with a Bakelite handle to avoid scolding. Unfortunately, it's not oven or dishwasher-safe. But, it's great value, lightweight and will lift everyone's spirits this Shrove Tuesday.

Customer review: "This is an excellent easy-to-use frying pan that makes cooking pancakes a cinch. The smiley faces are a little creepy but my kids seem to enjoy them. The utensils that are provided are good quality as well. Furthermore, it is easy to clean and great value for money."

Pros

  • Bring convenience for breakfast
  • High-quality, non-stick
  • Safe, comfortable handle

Cons

  • Has strict cleaning recommendations

Best pancake maker

No flipping is required with this plug-in, non-stick crepe maker from Giles & Posner. Perfect for Shrove Tuesday and beyond, this budget-friendly crepe maker will help you make perfectly thin creps within minutes. Coming with adjustable temperature controls and a cool-touch base, this is a safe accessory to help you make some sweet treats. Plus, it's compact, easy to clean and promises authentic crepes. And - it comes with a spreader and spatula to help.

Customer review: "Brought this as a Christmas gift for my son’s girlfriend. She said “Best Pressie Ever” Easy to use and easy to clean. They come out just like the ones you buy from the shopping centres! Much cheaper as well."

Pros

  • Compact for easy storage
  • Easy to clean non-stick coating

Cons

  • Takes practice to use

Best Pancake Making Accessories

Let's not forget the accessories that'll help you knock Shrove Tuesday out of the park...

Best pancake serving platter

This stunning ceramic Flipping Platter from Our Place is designed for pancakes and so much more. It's inspired by food flipping in global cuisine and celebrates Persian, Korean and Arabic hospitality with beautifully typography painted on the platter. It's 32cm in diameter so it can accommodate crepes, tortillas and so much more. It's a wonderful centrepiece to a feast with friends. This Flipping Platter is available in two colours: Blue Salt or Spice. Plus, there are three artistic embellishments to choose from. Also, it's compatible with the Always Pan and Perfect Pot.

Customer review: "Absolutely love my flipper platter, so great for tortillas and omelettes, also looks great on the table to serve things on. I love the inscription too, it’s a great design and a lovely feature as always a talking point."

Pros

  • Beautifully decorative
  • Different styles and colours available
  • Oven and microwave-safe

Cons

  • Take care not to drop it as it's ceramic

Best crepe spreader

KitchenCraft Crepe Spreader
Price: $19.81

Use this KitchenCraft Crepe Spreader for perfectly smooth and circular pancakes. The crepe spreader is a classic pancake tool, made of beechwood, it facilitates easy thin crepe preparation. Versatile for use in a range of pans, it promises the lightest crepes. Also, there's a 12-month quality guarantee if it's anything less than eggcellent.

Customer review: "I bought this for my new crepe pan as the batter mix sets much quicker than in the average frying pan. This spreader allows me to get a nice, even distribution of batter very quickly. But remember to follow the instructions and dampen the blade before use, or batter will stick to it."

Pros

  • Make authentic French crepes
  • Make extra thin pancakes

Cons

  • Large, so use in conjunction with a large crepe pan

Best spatulas to flip pancakes

Get flipping with this set of Tenta Flexible Spatulas. This spatula set, with 100 per cent food-safe silicone blades and handles, ensures heat resistance up to 315°C. The durable construction, combining silicone and stainless steel, is perfect for non-stick cookware. The set includes large and medium spatulas with a stylish, high-end design. Satisfaction is guaranteed with a full refund policy.

Customer review: "These were a replacement for a well worn similar to the narrower utensil. Old problem was lifting fish unbroken but the broad one lets me take a full piece in one go. Which also helps for those straggly items like overlong rashers of bacon."

Pros

  • Wide
  • Effective
  • Versatile

Cons

  • This silicone is not overly flexible

Best ladle for pancake portions

This ladle from KitchenCraft is perfect for pancake mix portions. It's an enhanced kitchen ladle by Colour Works, designed for effortless scooping, straining and serving. It boasts a vibrant colour, dual-purpose features and a comfortable rubber-coated handle. This utensil is made of hygienic, stain-resistant silicone. Dishwasher-safe, heat-resistant, and backed by a 5-year guarantee.

Customer review: "Great ladle very strong and very smooth. Ideal to use with my new Ninja 15-1. Does not scratch the bowl. Very good sturdy quality highly recommend."

Pros

  • Colourful
  • Ergonomic
  • Pouring lip

Cons

  • Quite small

Best batter bowl for pancakes

Create flawless pancakes and delightful Yorkshire puddings with the Mason Cash Batter Bowl. Crafted from durable, chip-resistant earthenware, this robust design features a convenient handle and spout for effortless pouring. Adorned with Mason Cash's timeless pattern, this bowl complements any kitchen.

Customer review: "Bought to replace a Le Creuset jug. It is virtually the same and much cheaper. Love a bargain."

Pros

  • For perfect pancakes and yummy Yorkshires
  • Made from tough and chip-resistant earthenware
  • With handle and spout for great pouring

Cons

  • May not be everyone's taste

Our Verdict: Best Pan For Pancakes

Get cracking with the Le Creuset, Toughened Non-Stick Crepe Pan. This is an investment piece, and it guarantees a lifetime of perfect pancakes. Its build and performance are exceptional, as you would expect from Le Creuset. Choose from 24cm and 28cm diameter crepe pans and grab the Nutella!

FAQs: Best Pan For Pancakes

Should pancake batter be thick or thin?

Generally, pancake batter is slightly lumpy - but not too thick. It should be able to drip onto your pan readily. If your batter is way too thick, add some milk gradually until you achieve the correct consistency.

How do I grease my pan for pancakes?

Recommendations vary between resources. However, the general advice is to avoid oil - as a thicker layer of fat can overload the pan. Instead, melt a spoonful of butter (or spread) on the pan to grease it. Cooking spray is good, also.

How to best cook pancakes

We've listed some of our top tips on how to make the best pancakes.

1. Use fresh ingredients - as this will make everything taste better.

2. Cook on a hot pan - as it'll cook them quickly and evenly.

3. Don't stir the batter too much - as this may make your pancakes chewy.

4. Be on top of flipping - as this will make your pancakes taste great; look out for bubbles and dry edges.

5. Serve warm - because this makes them taste all the better.

Should pancake batter be made in advance?

Definitely not. Make your pancake batter and cook with it right away, as the ingredients will begin to separate.

Need a good pancake recipe?

We have a gorgeous pancake recipe to share with you, thanks to Lyle's Golden Syrup:

Ingredients (for 15 pancakes)

110g (4oz) plain flour

1 large egg

275ml (10floz) full fat milk

1 large egg yolk

1 tbsp vegetable oil, plus butter for frying

Lyle's Golden Syrup, to serve

1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges, optional

A quick step-by-step method to make some Lyle-style pancakes:

1. Sift the flour in a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Then, pour the vegetable oil, egg yolk, milk and egg into a jug and lightly beat together.

2. Gradually add this to the well in the flour whilst whisking and slowly drawing in the flour until you have a smooth batter. Then pour the mixture back into the jug.

3. Cook the pancakes with a non-stick frying pan on medium-high heat until it produces a slight haze. Melt a small amount of butter in the pan and pour in about 2 tablespoons of batter. Then, swirl in a circle to make sure the batter evenly coats the pan.

4. Fry for about 20-30 seconds – until the batter is set, giving a golden-brown pancake. Loosen the edges, then give the pan a little shake. Now flip the pancake and cook for a further 20 seconds.

5. Fold the pancakes loosely onto a plate and drizzle with Lyle’s Golden Syrup - serve with lemon wedges for a citrus kick.

PiperHuxley is a Homes, Gardens and Wellness Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in cookware. When she’s not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, Piper is re-watching a TV show or listening to a podcast.

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