The Perfect Pancake Pan Temperature

Cooking pancakes is a delicate process that requires the right temperature and cook time to avoid raw or overcooked results. The ideal temperature for cooking pancakes is 375°F on a griddle or medium to medium-high heat on a stove. If you're using a non-electric skillet or stainless steel pan, a good indicator that it's ready is when a splash of water dances across the surface or sizzles and dances when dropped on the pan. It's important to heat the pan slowly and avoid high temperatures, as this can lead to scorched pancakes and an unevenly heated cooking surface.

Electric griddle vs stove

Temperature Control

One of the most important factors when making pancakes is the temperature of the pan. Electric griddles offer better temperature control than stovetops, allowing you to easily adjust the heat to your desired setting. Stovetops, on the other hand, require more fiddling and can be inconsistent. Electric griddles also tend to have hot spots that cook faster than the rest of the surface, but these remain the same so you can learn to work with them over time.

Ease of Use

Electric griddles are generally easier to use than stovetops, especially for those with less cooking experience. They are more portable and consistent, and you don't need to worry about knowing your stove inside out or when to turn the heat down. However, cast iron stovetops are a good option for more experienced cooks who want more control over the cooking process and are happy to put in the extra effort.

Space

Electric griddles tend to take up more space than stovetops, which can be a consideration if you have limited kitchen space. However, they do free up space on your stovetop, which can be useful if you're cooking multiple dishes at once.

Cost

Both electric griddles and stovetops come in a range of prices, but electric griddles can be more affordable, with some good options available for less than $100.

Clean-up

Clean-up is an important consideration when it comes to cooking, and it can be easier to clean an electric griddle as some have removable cooktops and drip trays. However, it's important to note that you should never submerge an electric griddle in water as this can damage the electrical components. Stovetops, on the other hand, can often be submerged and washed like regular pans, although this depends on the material.

Final Thoughts

Both electric griddles and stovetops have their pros and cons, and the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for something easy to use, with good temperature control and the ability to cook multiple pancakes at once, an electric griddle is a great choice. If you're an experienced cook who wants more control over the cooking process and doesn't mind the extra fiddling, a stovetop might be the way to go. Ultimately, the most important factor when making pancakes is the temperature of the pan, so choose the option that you feel gives you the most control in this regard.

How to grease the pan

Greasing the pan is an important step in the pancake-making process. While some people prefer to use nothing at all, grease is necessary to create that delicate, buttery crisp around the edges. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grease your pan for the perfect pancakes:

Firstly, choose your grease. You can use oil, butter, or cooking spray. Regular butter is not recommended as it burns easily, so if you want that buttery flavour, opt for clarified butter instead. Alternatively, vegetable oil or cooking spray are good choices as they have higher smoke points.

Once you have selected your grease, heat your pan over medium heat. You want the pan to be hot, but not too hot—the grease should be very hot but not smoking. A good way to test if your pan is ready is to flick a couple of drops of water onto the surface. If the water sizzles, your pan is hot enough.

Now it's time to add the grease. If using oil or butter, only a small amount is needed—too much grease will result in greasy pancakes. Use a paper towel to lightly coat the entire surface of the pan evenly with oil, or add a small knob of butter and use a spatula or spoon to melt and spread it around the pan. If using cooking spray, simply spray the surface of the pan until evenly coated.

Finally, you are ready to start cooking your pancakes. Remember to leave enough room between pancakes for comfortable flipping and to adjust the temperature as needed. Enjoy your fluffy, golden pancakes!

When to flip the pancakes

Knowing when to flip your pancakes is crucial to achieving the perfect result. You'll know your pancake is ready to be flipped when you see small bubbles forming in the centre of the pancake and the edges start to firm up and appear more rounded. The pancake batter will also have risen, and the surface will no longer be runny. The underside of the pancake should be a nice golden brown.

It's important to be patient and not flip too soon, but also not to leave it too long. If the pancake is too floppy, it's not ready to be flipped. If the pancake is browning too much before it's ready to flip, turn down the heat.

If you're unsure, it's always worth doing a test pancake first. The first pancake is often the worst anyway, so you can use this as a chance to gauge the heat of your pan and perfect your technique.

Once you've flipped your pancake, it should take a further 2-3 minutes to cook on the second side.

How to know when the pan is ready

Knowing when your pan is ready is crucial to making perfect pancakes. The ideal temperature for cooking pancakes is 375°F on a griddle or medium to medium-high heat on the stove. If you're using a pancake griddle or electric skillet, simply turn the dial to 375° and wait for the indicator to turn green.

If you're using a non-stick skillet or stainless steel pan, splash a few drops of water on the pan. If the droplets of water sizzle and dance around the pan, it is ready! You can also try the "water test" by splashing a little water on the pan and checking if it runs or dances across the surface. If the water slides across the surface, your pan is ready to go. If it sizzles, it's too hot.

It's important to heat the pan slowly and evenly to achieve the perfect temperature. Start by heating the pan at a low temperature, then move to medium heat. This process should take around 15 to 25 minutes. If you're using a cast iron griddle pan, be extra cautious as they can be tricky to get right.

Additionally, make sure to grease your pan with a thin layer of oil or butter before adding the pancake batter. This will prevent sticking and give your pancakes a nice golden colour.

How to avoid overcooking or undercooking

To avoid overcooking or undercooking your pancakes, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to heat your pan evenly over medium heat for several minutes before adding the batter. You can test if your pan is hot enough by flicking a couple of drops of water onto the surface; if it sizzles, it's ready. While it's heating up, you can prepare your batter. It's important not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough and chewy pancakes. Instead, mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine them, mixing just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. The batter will likely be lumpy, and that's okay. Let the batter rest for 5-30 minutes, depending on the recipe. This allows the gluten to relax and the starch molecules to absorb the liquid, resulting in a thicker consistency.

Once your pan is hot, add a small amount of butter or oil. You want it to be very hot but not smoking. If you're unsure, make a small test pancake first. Then, add about 1/4 cup of batter to the pan. Cook the pancake until small bubbles form and burst on the surface, and the edges start to look dry. This is the ideal time to flip your pancake, and it should only be flipped once to prevent deflating and losing that fluffy texture. Cook the other side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.

If you find that your pancakes are overcooked or burnt, the heat is likely too high. On the other hand, if your pancakes are undercooked, it could be due to the pan not being hot enough, or not letting the batter rest before cooking. Undercooked pancakes can be salvaged by coating them with a little butter and cooking them again until done.

Frequently asked questions