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The Best Pancake Maker

Last updated on March 8, 2024

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Few things are better than a stack of light, fluffy pancakes, especially if you can enjoy them in your own home. Although you can cook pancakes in a pan or griddle, a pancake maker eases the process more than a little. Similar to a waffle maker, a pancake maker lets you insert dough, close the lid, and enjoy a perfectly-cooked pancake.

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

As you’re shopping around, though, it’s important to recognize the different types of pancake makers available. You can find electric griddles if you need to shop for larger groups, but those work like standard griddles. That means you’ll be pouring the dough, waiting and flipping it when it’s time. For the true convenience you get with a Belgian waffle maker, you’ll need to look for a dedicated pancake maker.

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

One inconvenience of a pancake maker, though, is you can only make one at a time. If you’re cooking for a group, that can become a problem. Although each pancake cooks in a matter of minutes, it will still take a while to make a minimum stack of two to three pancakes for two or more people.

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

One of the handiest pancake makers is a combination waffle and pancake maker. These units come with plates for either waffles or pancakes. Simply switch out the plates when you want something different for breakfast. This doubles the usefulness of your appliance.

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

If you’ve ever used a waffle maker, you know batter tends to be on the messy side. The good news is most of these devices have nonstick surfaces. To further ease cleanup, though, look for a pancake maker with plates you can either submerge in water or wash on the top shelf of your dishwasher. A nonstick surface also usually keeps you from needing oils, butter or cooking spray — something that can help out if you’re on a special diet or just trying to cut calories.

Our Picks For The Top Pancake Makers

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Health and Home Easy Clean Adjustable Temperature Pancake Maker

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Health and Home

Easy Clean Adjustable Temperature Pancake Maker

Preparing a homemade breakfast for the family has never been easier than with this pancake maker. It features a flat surface with raised edges to keep your oil from dripping. The temperature is fully adjustable, allowing for cooking everything from pancakes to crepes to fried eggs. The handles on this 13-inch aluminum device are even designed to re...

Overall Take

Complimentary ToolsIn addition to this pancake maker, you'll also receive an oil brush, spatula and wood crepe spreader.

 Runner Up

Holstein Housewares Space Saving Safety Locking Pancake Maker

Holstein Housewares

Space Saving Safety Locking Pancake Maker

Instead of one large pancake, this pancake maker produces six mini cakes. The unit cooks quickly and features a non-stick surface for easy removal of your breakfast. In addition to pancakes, you can also use this device to whip up eggs, muffins and tortillas.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this pancake maker comes in a choice of metallic red or matte black.

 We Also Like

Dash Mini Maker Electric Round Griddle

Dash

Mini Maker Electric Round Griddle

This pancake maker is only 5 x 2.8 x 6 inches, making it perfect if you're limited on space. It's also a great grill for taking on-the-go. It's very easy to use; simply plug it in and wait for the light to go off, letting you know it's time to heat up.

Overall Take

Ideal for Small SpacesThose who live in dorm rooms or apartments will love the compact size of this pancake maker.

 Strong Contender

BELLA 14606 Copper Eco-Friendly Pancake Maker

BELLA

Copper Eco-Friendly Pancake Maker

This pancake maker uses a ceramic non-stick coating that is eight times more durable than other models. It's also able to cook up to 30% faster, which is important if you have hungry little ones at home. The griddle is electric, so you'll need to place it on the counter near an outlet.

Overall Take

Versatile UsesYou won't find any harmful chemicals on this griddle, as it's made using a titanium non-stick coating.

What to Look For

  • If you’re going to buy a pancake maker, you may want to invest in one that’s as easy to use as possible. As with waffle makers, some pancake makers have alerts that let you know when it’s time to pour the batter and remove the pancake. This will keep you from burning your pancakes. Although lights are useful for this, an audible alert will give you the freedom to walk away from your pancake maker while it’s cooking.
  • With many pancake makers, you’ll at least get a notification when the surface is hot enough for you to start pouring the batter.
  • Some pancake makers also double as waffle makers. Just switch out the plates for the type of breakfast food you’re craving.
  • If you want a pancake maker that will last, look for one made from durable materials like stainless steel.
  • Cleanup is much easier when you can remove the plates. Some plates are even dishwasher safe, so look for that feature if you want fuss-free cleaning.
  • Nonstick plates aren’t just great for making cleanup easier. They also eliminate the need to use oils or butter, saving you money and calories.
  • If you regularly cook for groups, or you have a large family, an electric griddle may work better for you than a pancake maker. Rather than having to cook one pancake at a time, you can pour several on the surface, even combining it with items like bacon or sausage, and have a full breakfast in minutes.
  • Texture is everything when it comes to delicious pancakes. For waffles, you’ll likely want a crispy outside and spongy interior, but pancakes are best when they’re light and fluffy. The build of your pancake maker will have an impact on that. Make sure you choose a pancake maker that cooks evenly, with each pancake cooking up consistently delicious all the way through.
  • Pay close attention to the length of the power cord on your chosen pancake maker. If you have a place in mind to set it up while using it, a short power cord could put a damper on those plans.
  • Any time you’re dealing with something that puts out such intense heat, it’s important to keep safety in mind. On some pancake makers, the outer shell gets extremely hot during cooking. These units have handles that you can use for flipping your pancake. Be very careful to touch only in the cool area to avoid a burn.
  • There are some compact pancake makers, ideal for taking on the go with you. If you live in a dorm room or you like to make pancakes at the office, this feature will come in handy. A large electric griddle, on the other hand, has plenty of space for cooking but is tough to transport and store.
  • Most pancake makers are designed to only make one pancake at a time. Be aware of that and make sure you’re okay with it before you buy. While Belgian waffle makers are also designed to make one at a time, typically people don’t eat a stack of large-size waffles so it doesn’t become as big an issue.

More to Explore

The secret to light, fluffy pancakes actually comes down to an ingredient that has become not-so-popular in recent years: gluten. The gluten molecules in flour activate when water is applied. Once wet, these molecules become spring-like, which enables them to move around. As you mix, gluten proteins begin to form tighter and tighter bonds, which traps air bubbles. When combined with baking powder, this process allows the pancake to rise and create that desired fluffy texture. It’s important to avoid overmixing the batter so that you can give gluten proteins space to do their thing. Overmixing causes the gluten to overdevelop, which creates tighter protein bonds that don’t generate the air pockets necessary to cause that fluffy texture.

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