Perfect Pancake Pans: Size And Style

Pancake pans typically range from 10 to 16 inches in width, with the perfect size depending on the desired size of your pancakes. Smaller pans (around 24cm) are ideal for making crêpes and pancakes, while larger pans can be used for frying other foods in addition to pancakes.

Pancake pans are usually made from materials such as aluminium, cast iron, or stainless steel, and feature a non-stick coating to ensure the pancakes don't stick to the pan. Some pans also have curved edges to aid in flipping the pancakes, while others have a shallow lip for easier flipping with a spatula.

When choosing a pancake pan, it is important to consider the heat distribution, weight, and ease of handling. A good pancake pan should distribute heat evenly, be lightweight, and have a comfortable handle that stays cool during cooking.

Non-stick coating

A non-stick coating is a synthetic chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), often used as a brand called Teflon. The non-stick coating is applied to the pan's surface, allowing food to brown without sticking to the pan. PTFE is the only true non-stick coating, with a surface that lets food slide right off.

However, if heated above 500°F (260°C), PTFE molecules can start to break down and release harmful gases that cause polymer fume fever. Metal utensils can also scratch the coating, causing it to flake into food. Therefore, it is recommended to use wood, plastic, or silicone utensils with PTFE pans.

In recent years, concerns have been raised over the possible negative health effects of PTFE-coated pans, particularly older models manufactured with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other diseases, as well as affecting growth and development and injuring the liver. As a result, there is now a federal ban on the use of PFOA in non-stick cookware in the US and Europe.

To address these concerns, some companies are now using ceramic coatings for non-stick pans. Ceramic non-stick pans use a finish of silica (silicon dioxide) applied using a sol-gel process without the use of PFAS. While ceramic coatings are generally considered safer, they are prone to losing their non-stick properties more quickly than PTFE coatings.

Other non-stick coatings that do not use PTFE or ceramic include a mixture of titanium and ceramic, sandblasted onto the pan's surface and fired at high temperatures.

Even heat distribution

Material:

• Aluminum: Aluminum is an excellent heat conductor and is commonly used in pancake pans. It heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly. However, it is essential to use non-stick cookware with aluminum pans to prevent food from sticking.
• Cast Iron: Cast iron pans are known for their superior heat distribution and retention. They are durable and long-lasting. Cast iron pans require seasoning and proper care to maintain their non-stick properties.
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel, particularly when combined with aluminum or copper, provides even heat distribution. It is durable and easy to clean.
• Carbon Steel: Carbon steel is another option that offers exceptional heat distribution, ideal for achieving a perfect sear and browning.

Design and Size:

• Size and Shape: A round pan with a wide and shallow design is ideal for cooking pancakes. It allows for even heat distribution and makes flipping pancakes easier.
• Thickness: Opt for a pan with a thick, durable material and a thick bottom to ensure a flat cooking surface. This helps prevent warping and promotes even heat distribution.
• Compatibility: Ensure that the size of your pan matches the size of your burner for optimal heat distribution. A pan that is too large or too small in comparison to the burner may result in uneven heating.

Recommendations:

• Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle: This electric griddle offers even heating and a thick, non-stick ceramic cooking surface for perfect pancakes.
• Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle: This stovetop griddle has a smooth side for pancakes and a grill side for meats. It fits over two stovetop burners and comes pre-seasoned.
• Le Creuset 9.5-inch Cast Iron Square Griddle: This enameled cast iron griddle provides superior heat distribution and retention. It is durable, stovetop- and oven-safe, and compatible with induction cooktops.
• Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Crepe Pan: This pan has a hard anodized aluminum body for effective heat distribution. It features a non-stick interior and a long stainless steel handle.
• Scanpan Classic 10-Inch Crepe & Pancake Pan: The Scanpan has a hard cast aluminum body that heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly. It features a non-stick ceramic and titanium-enforced surface.

Circular shape

Circular pans are the conventional shape for making pancakes. The curved edges of circular pans give the ultimate toss to your pancakes. The round shape of the pan also complements the round shape of most burners, resulting in better-cooked pancakes compared to other shapes.

The Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Crepe Pan is a circular pan with a long stainless steel handle that is held in place by two rivets. The pan's body is made of hard anodized aluminum, which makes it wear and scratch-resistant. The cooking surface is also non-stick, and the pan's depth makes it perfect for making crepes and pancakes. The tapered rim at the top edge prevents batter runoff when pouring. The stainless steel handle stays cool to the touch and is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This pan supports gas, electric, and ceramic stoves.

The Scanpan Classic 10-Inch Crepe & Pancake Pan is another circular option. This pan features a dark gray color and a dark gray handle. It is 10 inches wide and lightweight, making it easy to toss. The body's core is hard cast aluminum that has been pressed with 200 tons of pressure, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing warping when heated on high heat. The ceramic and titanium-fortified non-stick surface is durable and toxin-free. This pan can be used in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and supports gas, ceramic, and electric stoves.

The Cook N Home Heavy Gauge Pancake Griddle is a circular pan with a depth of 1.8 inches and a weight of only 1.5 pounds. The body is made of heavy-gauge aluminum, and the cooking surface is coated with a toxin-free non-stick material. The long handle has a silicone grip that makes tossing and turning easy, even when cooking for extended periods. This pan is suitable for gas, ceramic, and electric stoves.

The Cuisinart French Classic Try-Ply Pancake & Crepe Pan is a circular pan with a polished silver exterior and a fine-textured interior. The bottom of the pan has shallow circular contours, and the pan is 10 inches wide and 3.25 inches deep. The core material is aluminum with a stainless steel coating. The aluminum body ensures quick heat transfer to all areas of the pan, while the stainless steel non-stick finish enables safe and healthy cooking. The triple-layered construction provides optimal heat distribution. The elegantly shaped stainless steel handle remains cool to the touch, even after prolonged use, and the pan is compatible with gas, electric, and ceramic stoves.

Flip-friendly shape

A successful pancake flipping session requires a pan with a flip-friendly shape. Pans with curved edges are ideal for this purpose. They allow you to slide the pancake towards the edge, making it gently rise up the side, and then flipping it back onto the spatula. Pans with extremely shallow edges or very straight edges make this process difficult.

The Calphalon 2 Piece Classic Nonstick Frypan Set is a great example of a flip-friendly pan. It has curved sides that aid in flipping and also add depth if you want to cook something bulkier. The set includes an 8-inch and a 10-inch frying pan, giving you the option to cook both pancakes and bacon at the same time.

Another option is the Cuisinart French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-inch Non-Stick Crepe Pan. This pan is lightweight, making it easy to flip pancakes with the pan itself. It also has a large, curved, easy-to-wield handle that stays cool during cooking.

The Lakeland forged aluminium crepe pan is another lightweight option that is easy to manoeuvre when flipping pancakes. It has a 25cm size, ideal for making crepes, and a cool-touch handle.

For a more affordable option, the MasterClass pancake frying pan is a good choice. It is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to store. It only requires a small amount of oil due to its light-blue non-stick coating.

Lightweight

If you're looking for a lightweight pancake pan, there are a few options to consider. Here are some recommendations:

• Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Crepe Pan: This pan is only 1 pound, making it convenient and lightweight. It has a stainless steel handle and a non-stick surface, making it easy to cook and clean. It is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and compatible with gas, electric, and ceramic stoves.
• Scanpan Classic 10-Inch Crepe & Pancake Pan: This pan is described as lightweight, making it easy to toss and turn crepes or pancakes. It has a ceramic and titanium-enforced non-stick surface and is compatible with gas, ceramic, and electric stoves. It is also oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cook N Home Heavy Gauge Pancake Griddle: This pan weighs only 1.5 pounds and has a silicone grip handle, making it easy to handle during cooking. It has a non-stick surface and is compatible with gas, ceramic, and electric stoves. However, it is not recommended for use in the oven or broiler.
• Cuisinart French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Inch Non-Stick Crepe Pan: This pan is described as lightweight and sturdy, making it easy to flip pancakes. It has a stainless steel handle and is backed by a lifetime warranty. It is oven-safe and compatible with all types of cooktops.
• Ninja Foodi Zerostick Frying Pan: This frying pan is described as lightweight and easy to carry around. It comes in three different sizes: 20cm, 24cm, and 28cm. It is suitable for all hob types, dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe up to 260 degrees Celsius.
• GreenPan Essentials Ceramic Non-Stick Pancake Pan: This pan is marketed as suitable for "intense use" and is compatible with all types of hobs, including induction. It is oven-safe up to 260 degrees Celsius and has a limited lifetime guarantee. While it is slightly heavier than some other pancake pans, it still allows for easy flipping due to its non-stick coating and shallow lip.

When choosing a lightweight pancake pan, consider the size, compatibility with your stove and oven, ease of handling and flipping, and any additional features like non-stick coatings or oven-safe capabilities.

Frequently asked questions