Pledge of a convivial moment, the electric crepe maker knows how to make everyone agree: the love of good pancakes. The brands compete in imagination to satisfy all tastes, and in this market, we find both big names like Kampouz and Tefal as well as lesser known brands.
But how do you Choose Crepe Maker? This guide guides you on the criteria to consider in order not to regret your purchase.
Choose Crepe Maker: Wattage
The classic XXL crepe maker
This type of machine has only one plate, the diameter of which is between 30 and 40 cm. We then obtain maxi pancakes as in tea rooms, funfairs, etc. To cook a maximum of pancakes in a short period of time, there are professional models equipped with a double plate (the dual pancake makers), perfect when running a business or for entertaining guests at large-scale events.
The crepe maker for mini-pancakes
This is a multi-pancake crêpe maker with a plate with 4-6 pancake pans. Typically, the indentations are 12 cm in diameter. The advantage of its use lies in the quantity produced, i.e. 4 to 6 small pancakes in each cooking cycle.
Another advantage, this device emphasizes the user-friendly side. The whole family can gather around and everyone bakes their pancakes as they wish. It’s also great fun for a snack with friends or why not with colleagues. Its inability to cook large pancakes is offset by its practicality.
The multifunction crepe maker
All-in-one devices continue to be very successful. The crepe maker also knows how to adapt to all desires and all constraints when it is multifunctional. In practice, these devices are equipped with at least two plates: a large plate for an XXL crepe and another for making mini-pancakes (with 6 molds).
Just interchange according to your needs. Some machines also have a grill option, which allows them to be used as a plancha, to cook vegetables or meat for example, like a barbecue.
The professional crepe maker
This is the type of device used in creperies. It differs from its colleagues by its ability to function for more than ten hours without showing any signs of weakness or dysfunction.
The professional crepe maker must be able to operate in a humid atmosphere and hardly wear out from oxidation. It therefore finds its place in the kitchen of a restaurant for example.
Side dimensions, it is imposing and heavy. Some models also have 2 pancake plates which further increase their weight. It takes technique to master the efficient use of professional crepe makers: know-how for evenly spreading the dough on the baking sheet and handling the pancake during cooking. So reserve it for pancake professionals to really benefit from its strengths. Beginners will certainly do without it.
Choose Crepe Maker: Material
What do crepe makers have in common? Their non-stick coating which prevents the dough from sticking and which facilitates the handling of the pancake. On the other hand, the choice of the material of manufacture of the plate can vary from one brand to another, and from one model to another.
Full microgrooved cast iron plate
10 to 12 mm thick, the microgroove plate offers an “air cushion” effect between it and the pancake batter. This prevents you from having pancakes stuck on the baking sheet while cooking.
This material has other advantages: energy saving while maintaining the temperature, homogeneous heat transmission over the entire plate … However, seasoning is required to ensure optimal cooking of the pancakes, that is, that is to say grease the surface of the plate beforehand to make it very smooth.
Enamelled cast iron plate
It does not need seasoning since the surface of its plate is already smooth. On the other hand, it remains sensitive to cleaning, in particular to abrasion which risks removing its enameling over the years. It should therefore be cleaned delicately and not use aggressive products or steel utensils which could scratch it.
Carbon rectified steel plate
This type of crepe maker also does not need seasoning, as its plate is already smooth. The temperature rises faster than with a cast iron plate. The material provides heat transmission very well, but does not surpass the efficiency of cast iron plates in this area.
Compared to enamel plate crepe makers, those with rectified carbon steel plate are more robust since they remain insensitive to thermal shocks. They also consume less energy than cast iron plates.
Choose Crepe Maker: Power
Wattage varies depending on the type and model of pancake maker. Household appliances display an average of 1000 to 1200 W. Certain more economical models do not hesitate to go down to 750 W. This obviously affects the temperature of the appliance.
The higher the power, the more efficient and faster the appliance is for cooking pancakes. Professional models go beyond 1500W and can even reach over 2000W.
The choice therefore depends on how often you will use your appliance, the quantity of pancakes planned and the context of use (family or professional). If you make pancakes only on Sundays and in small quantities for example, you can limit yourself to 1000 W or even less. If you are a big fan of party pancakes, it will be 1000W at least. More is even better.
The price
The price of crepe makers vary from one model to another and from one brand to another. This criterion also depends largely on the power of the device. The higher it is, the more expensive it is.
Multiple pancake makers that allow you to make multiple mini pancakes at the same time (4, 6 or even 7) are generally the cheapest on the market. These machines are intended for domestic or family use only.
Then come the classic pancake makers which have a single large plate. Finally, you will have to increase your budget a little more to have a multifunction crepe maker that can make both mini-pancakes and XXL pancakes.
Professional machines are obviously the most expensive, because they combine all the advantages: speed of cooking, well-thought-out materials, large pancakes, etc.
The accessories of a crepe maker
The more accessories there are, the better, at least if you like practicality. Here are some accessories that are commonly shipped with the device:
- The spatulas used to turn the pancakes and handle them during cooking. Usually made of wood, they are also available in flexible plastic.
- The dough distributors on the plate . Also made of wood, they are used to spread the pancake batter well over the entire baking sheet. They are mainly found in classic crepe makers (large format).
- The accessory organizer under the appliance is generally present on party crepe makers (those intended for making mini-pancakes). This is a storage space under the machine that allows you to group accessories with the machine. There is therefore no risk of losing a spatula!
See more: Best Crepe Makers Reviews in 2021
