Emilie Meyer
Pancakes are a breakfast staple, but getting the temperature right can be tricky. The ideal temperature for cooking pancakes is 375°F on a griddle or medium to medium-high heat on a stove. Electric griddles and stoves have temperature settings, but if you're cooking on gas, you'll need to heat your pan without oil or butter first and then grease it. Thicker batters require slightly lower heat, while thinner batters need more heat to cook properly.
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What You'll Learn
Electric griddle or stove?
Whether you use an electric griddle or a stove, the right temperature is essential for cooking perfect pancakes. Electric griddles are a budget-friendly, at-home version of the flat-top cooking surfaces used by short-order diner cooks. They are great for batch cooking and can cook several pancakes at once. They are easy to clean and have a solid, non-stick surface. You can set the desired temperature via a control dial that regulates the heat. However, they can take up a lot of space in your kitchen and require additional investment.
On the other hand, a stove or stovetop griddle keeps things simple and uses hardware you already have on hand. You can cook pancakes in a large skillet or non-stick pan on the stove, but you can only cook one pancake at a time, and the temperature control is less exact. Stovetop griddles come in a wide variety of materials, including cast iron and carbon steel, and require less storage space.
The ideal temperature for cooking pancakes is 375°F on a griddle or medium to medium-high heat on the stove. A lower temperature is not recommended because pancakes rely on baking powder to rise, and if the heat is not high enough from the start, the pancakes won't rise. However, if the temperature is too high, the leavening will activate too quickly, and the middles won't cook. The thickness of the batter is also a factor, with thicker batters requiring slightly lower heat and thinner batters needing more heat.
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Thickness of batter
The thickness of your batter is a key factor in determining the temperature at which you should cook your pancakes. The thicker the batter, the lower the heat should be. Thicker batters require a medium or medium-low heat setting, whereas thinner batters require a medium-high heat.
Thicker batters are usually created by using more flour, which can lead to a heavier pancake. Substituting some of the flour and milk with thick whipped egg whites and sour cream can result in a thick batter that yields a lighter pancake. However, thick batters can be challenging to work with, as they may require a longer cooking time and a lower heat to prevent the exterior from browning too quickly, leaving the interior undercooked.
If you find that your batter is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a couple of tablespoons of milk at a time until you achieve the desired consistency. Thicker batters may also benefit from using a ladle or measuring cup to portion out the batter and gently spread it into a round shape in the pan.
On the other hand, thinner batters are more fluid and spread easily in the pan, creating thin pancakes similar to French crêpes. When cooking with a thinner batter, it is important to ensure that your pan is not too hot, as this can lead to uneven cooking or burning.
Ultimately, the ideal thickness of your batter depends on your personal preference for pancake thickness and texture. Adjusting the heat accordingly will help ensure that your pancakes are cooked through and have the desired level of browning.
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Type of frypan
When it comes to choosing the right type of frypan for making pancakes, there are several factors to consider, such as size, material, and special features. Here are some recommendations for frypans that will help you make perfect pancakes:
Non-stick Frypans
Non-stick frypans are a popular choice for pancake-making due to their convenience and ease of use. They allow you to cook with less oil and make cleaning a breeze. Here are some recommended non-stick frypans:
- Tramontina Professional 10-Inch Restaurant Fry Pan: This frypan offers excellent value for money with good heat distribution and manoeuvrability.
- OXO Obsidian Carbon Steel Frypan: A lightweight and comfortable-handled option that performs well and is long-lasting.
- Demeyere AluPro Aluminum Non-Stick Fry Pan: This frypan features superior heat distribution, eliminating hot spots for consistent cooking. It has advanced layers of non-stick coating for easy food release and hassle-free cleanup.
- Zwilling Clad CFX Ceramic Non-Stick Fry Pan: This frypan combines a sturdy aluminium core with a scratch-resistant ceramic non-stick coating, providing durability and consistent cooking performance.
- GreenPan Reserve Ceramic 10” and 12” Fry Pan Set: This elegant set features a diamond-infused ceramic non-stick coating, offering top-notch durability and versatility. They are oven-safe and compatible with most stovetops.
- Tefal Simplicity Pan: This affordable option promises fluffy, golden-brown pancakes with its PFOA-free non-stick coating, Thermo-Singla temperature control, and diffusion base for even heat distribution.
- Smeg Frying Pan: The Smeg frying pan features a non-stick primer coating, allowing food to brown evenly without sticking. However, it is on the heavier side, so you'll need some muscle power for flipping pancakes.
Stainless Steel and Cast Iron Skillets
While non-stick pans are popular, you can also use stainless steel and cast iron skillets for making pancakes. These options may require more fat or oil to prevent sticking, but they can still produce excellent results:
- Made In's Enameled Cast Iron Skillet: This skillet is perfect for a variety of pancake styles, from flapjacks to crepes and Dutch babies. With proper care, it will last for years.
- Made In's Carbon Steel Griddle: This griddle offers a large, naturally non-stick cooking surface, allowing you to make a big batch of pancakes or even cook multiple items at once.
- Nordic Ware Silver Dollar Pancake Pan: This pan is ideal for making perfectly portioned mini pancakes, loved by both kids and adults.
In summary, when choosing a frypan for pancakes, consider your specific needs, such as the number of pancakes you want to cook at once, your cooking style, and your budget. Non-stick pans offer convenience and easy cleanup, while stainless steel and cast iron skillets provide durability and versatility.
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Temperature control
For thicker batters, a slightly lower heat setting, such as medium to medium-low, is recommended. This ensures that the pancakes cook evenly throughout, resulting in a fluffy texture. On the other hand, thinner batters require higher heat for the pancakes to cook properly.
When using a stove, it is recommended to heat the pan without oil or butter first. Once the pan is hot, add grease or melt the butter before pouring in the batter. This helps prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan.
The size of the pan and burner also play a role in temperature control. When cooking multiple pancakes in a skillet, it is important to leave enough space between them and keep them away from the pan's edges, where the temperature is typically lower. Covering the pan for a minute or two after adding the batter can help accelerate cooking and ensure even cooking.
Additionally, visual cues such as defined edges and bubbles forming on the surface indicate that it is time to flip the pancakes. This technique helps achieve an even golden-brown surface on both sides.
An electric griddle with temperature control is considered the best tool for cooking pancakes. It allows for precise temperature settings and cooking multiple pancakes simultaneously. However, a stove with a large skillet or non-stick pan is also a viable option, although temperature control may be less exact.
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Visual cues to flip
The most popular visual cue to flip your pancake is when bubbles have formed on the surface of the pancake batter and they pop but don't fill in. At this point, the edges of the pancake should also be defined and slightly dry. The colour of the bottom side of the pancake is not a good indicator of when to flip as it can vary depending on whether you use butter, oil, or spray.
Some people also recommend lifting the pancake with a spatula to check the colour of the side that is cooking. If it looks cooked, you can flip it. You can also check the progress of the pancake by lifting it slightly with a spatula and looking at the bottom. Once the edges start to brown, it's time to flip.
If you are making a large batch of pancakes, you may need to practice your timing on the first few before getting a perfect pancake.
When you are ready to flip, tip the pancake to the edge of the pan and use a confident flick of the wrist to turn it over. Avoid pressing down on the pancake with the spatula after flipping, as this will cause the batter to ooze out and the pancake to be undercooked.
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Frequently asked questions
The best temperature for cooking pancakes is 375°F on a griddle or medium to medium-high heat on the stove.
An electric griddle is the best way to cook multiple pancakes as it allows you to cook multiple pancakes at once at the same temperature.
You will know when to flip a pancake when you see small bubbles forming in the centre and the edges start to firm up. The surface of the first side should be golden brown.
To prevent burning, cook your pancakes on a medium setting. You can also throw a tablespoon of water into the pan and let it sizzle for a count of three before wiping it out and then adding your batter.
Heat your pan, then grease it or melt butter in it. Immediately pour your pancake batter into the pan.
