The Best Pancake Maker

Buying Guide

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.