Pancakes are a breakfast favorite, and there’s nothing like serving a stack of delicious pancakes to your loved ones. The art of cooking pancakes, particularly achieving those perfectly browned pancakes, often depends on your choice of griddle.
Griddles can come in various materials, including cast iron, non-stick, or stainless steel. Each material offers its unique benefits and potential drawbacks, such as heat retention, ease of cleaning, and durability. Choosing the right material for your pancake griddle will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Cooking pancakes can sometimes be a challenge, especially when using standard pans. A pancake griddle is a flat cooking surface area, often featuring a nonstick surface or a seasoned cast iron finish, specifically designed for cooking pancakes evenly and efficiently. Electric griddles come equipped with a temperature control dial, ensuring perfectly browned pancakes, while stovetop griddles can be used over two burners for larger batches.
You will want a griddle that heats evenly, cooks evenly and makes flipping pancakes easier. This guide introduces the best pancake griddles available, with insights into electric griddles and stovetop griddles, and helpful tips for getting the delicious, fluffy pancakes every time.
The Top Pancake Griddle Picks
Our top pics are below in summary – check out the full reviews of them later in the article.
Best Griddles for Pancakes
We’ve put together a list of the top griddles for making perfect pancakes every time. Check out my carefully selected picks below to enhance your pancake-making experience.
DASH Mini Maker Electric Round Griddle
I would recommend the DASH Mini Maker Electric Round Griddle for those looking for a compact and convenient cooking appliance for individual servings of pancakes, eggs, and other quick dishes.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Fast and easy to use
- Non-stick surface for consistent results
Cons
- May not be suitable for larger batch cooking
- Limited to single servings
- No temperature control
Upon using the DASH Mini Maker Electric Round Griddle, I found it extremely simple to operate. The small size meant it took up little counter space, making it ideal for small kitchens or for those with limited space. I simply plugged it in, waited for the indicator light to turn off, and it heated up within minutes.
The non-stick surface provided a consistent cook every time, ensuring my pancakes were perfectly browned and cooked through. It also made it easy for me to whip up dishes like grilled cheese and single-serving eggs without having to juggle multiple pots and pans.
One issue I encountered was the inability to control the temperature. The appliance operates at a single heat setting, which may not suit everyone’s preferences or cooking requirements. However, for quick and easy breakfasts or snacks, the DASH Mini Maker griddle served its purpose exceptionally well.
Overall, the DASH Mini Maker Electric Round Griddle is a handy addition to any kitchen, particularly for those with limited space or who prefer single-serving meals. Its compact design, ease of use, and non-stick surface make for a great cooking experience that is perfect for both adults and kids. With a little practice and creativity, it can be used for a variety of dishes beyond pancakes.
BELLA Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle
This griddle is perfect for those who want fast, efficient, and hassle-free cooking with a durable non-stick surface.
Pros
- Highly durable and efficient titanium ceramic non-stick coating
- 1500 watt heating system with precise temperature control
- BPA free and easy to clean
Cons
- Slick cooking surface may cause food to slide
- Temperature adjustment can be tricky
- Inconsistent heat distribution
When I first used the BELLA Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle, I was impressed by the durable and efficient titanium ceramic non-stick coating. It allowed me to cook food faster and with less oil, making my meals healthier. The large cooking surface also made it easy to whip up pancakes and eggs for the whole family. Not having to worry about harmful chemicals like lead and cadmium in the coating was an added bonus.
The 1500 watt heating system and the cool touch handles made it safe and easy to cook various dishes. The removable probe with a dial gave me precise control over the temperature, but adjusting the temperature took some getting used to. While cooking, I found that I had to be mindful of my movements to avoid accidentally changing the heat setting too much or too little.
One issue I noticed during my cooking sessions was the slickness of the griddle’s surface. Although it allowed for easy food release, the slickness also caused some food items to slide around while cooking. It took a bit of practice to maneuver my utensils to prevent this. Additionally, I observed some inconsistent heat distribution on the cooking surface, which led to uneven cooking in some instances.
Overall, the BELLA Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle offers a great combination of durability, efficiency, and safety. While it has some minor drawbacks, I believe that its benefits outweigh these issues, making it a worthwhile investment for efficient and healthy cooking.
Nordic Ware Two Burner Griddle
This griddle is perfect for versatile cooking, but it may wobble a bit and warp over time.
Pros
- Spans two burners with ease
- Transitions well to camp stoves, grills, and more
- Convenient nonstick surface
Cons
- May warp over time
- Can be a bit wobbly
- Limited to using non-sharp utensils
I recently tested the Nordic Ware Two Burner Griddle, and its size impressively accommodated various dishes from pancakes and eggs to French toast and bacon. It easily spanned two burners, which was great for cooking larger quantities or multiple items. Moreover, the griddle transitioned smoothly to camp stoves, grills, and even campfires, which makes it an excellent choice for those who love cooking in different settings.
However, there were a few downsides I noticed during my testing. Firstly, the griddle seemed a bit wobbly, which was concerning, but it did not significantly affect the cooking process. Over time, I noticed that the griddle also warped slightly, which may be something users will need to be cautious about. Additionally, although the nonstick surface made cleaning a breeze, it limited the types of utensils I could use, as sharp ones would scratch the surface.
Despite these drawbacks, I found that the Nordic Ware Two Burner Griddle was an overall solid choice for cooking with ease and versatility. For those looking to purchase a griddle that can transition between different cooking surfaces and accommodate various recipes, it is worth considering. Just be prepared to handle it with care to avoid warping and scratching the nonstick surface.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best griddle for pancakes, there are certain features and factors I consider important to make the right decision.
The Electric Griddle vs. Stovetop Griddle Debate
Electric griddles like DASH or BELLA are typically equipped with a temperature dial for heat control, making it easier to cook pancakes to your preferred doneness. The best electric griddle models also come with a nonstick cooking surface and a removable drip tray, ideal for catching grease from cooking bacon or grilled cheese.
Stovetop griddles, on the other hand, like the Nordic Ware, offer flexibility. They can be used on various cooking surfaces, from your stovetop to an outdoor grill. A cast iron reversible grill or lodge cast iron reversible griddle provides seasoned cast iron’s benefits, ensuring evenly browned pancakes and solid cooking performance. They can also add those coveted grill marks to your sandwiches.
Size and Cooking Surface
The first aspect I look at is the size and cooking surface of the griddle. For pancakes, I prefer a griddle with a large, flat surface to allow for even cooking. This also lets me cook multiple pancakes at once, saving time and effort. When considering the size of the griddle, also make sure it fits your kitchen space and storage.
Heat Distribution and Temperature Control
Even heat distribution is crucial for perfectly cooked pancakes. I look for a griddle with a heating element that covers its entire surface area. Additionally, having precise temperature control is essential to achieve the desired level of browning and cooking. A griddle with adjustable temperature settings lets me cook my pancakes just the way I like them.
Material and Non-stick Coating
The material of the griddle plays an important role in its durability, heat distribution, and ease of cleaning. Popular materials are cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel. I prefer griddles with a non-stick coating as they require less oil and prevent pancakes from sticking, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience.
Easy to Clean
Cleaning up after cooking can sometimes be a tedious task. I look for a griddle with a removable or easy-to-clean cooking surface, preferably dishwasher-safe, to make the process more convenient.
Extra Features
Consider features like a grease trap, a sturdy stainless steel handle for safety, or a temperature knob for easy heat adjustments.
In summary, choosing the best griddle for pancakes involves considering the size, cooking surface, heat distribution, temperature control, material, non-stick properties, and ease of cleaning.
