A crepe is a delicious dish, similar to pancakes loved by many people. With so many toppings, fillings and sauces, you can cook a thick, tall, or thin crepe with unique flavors. But even the most perfectionist cook isn’t sure whether the crepes will prepare well.
For experimenting with this sweet dish, you should have the right crepe pan, with or without non-stick coating. Your crepes are not likely to stick or burn to a pan like this.
Selection between crepe pans or pancake pans may put you in confusion, so you should pay attention to the shape and material used in the manufacturing of crepe pans. For years, crepes were ideally prepared in non-stick crepe pans, but today’s wide array of models provides good quality crepe pans.
Before seeking the huge options, you have to understand what your actual choice is? As each cookware has its advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we are going to discuss what a crepe pan is, features, uses and benefits of having such cookware.
Definition
Crepe pans are very similar to frying pans or egg pans, but they have flat edges instead of lined sides. The lower the height of the lip of the pan, the easier it is to flip the crepe with a spatula. This cookware often comes with and without non-stick coating; however, for beginners, it is good to go with the latter one as they are easier to handle. This piece of equipment makes everyday cooking tasks a pleasure.
Types of Crepe Pans
Exterior design and shape do not affect the quality of this cookware, but material matters the most. It plays a vital role to prepare a burn-free dish. Technically, there are two types of crepe pans available in the market: With non-stick coating & without non-stick coating.
- Non-Stick Coating Crepe Pans
Everybody knows that the non-stick coating serves the best cooking experience. Crepe pans with non-stick coating allow you to use them conveniently. Apart from that, they are lightweight and look attractive at the same time. But there are some major drawbacks of this type include limited lifespan depending on the type of coating. Along with that, there is an essential rule of caring for the non-stick coating.
In coating type, you’ll find a ceramic or titanium coating in a crepe pan. A ceramic coating is so thin that it can work only for 5-6 years. Also, depending on the usage, the life can extend up to a maximum of 10 years. Using ceramic coating means being prepared for mechanical damage as metal utensils are not ideal for them. Scraper and cleaning products are also highly restricted to use over it.
On the other hand, a crepe pan made from titanium coating can last up to 25-26 years through proper care and maintenance. These coatings are neither so expensive nor too cheap.
More than that, this coating is varying from others, comes in a variety of options with different colors, is environment-friendly and tolerates mechanical damage. The coating is best for making crepes, pancakes, fish, etc. Before buying, ensure the material sustains the different temperatures.
- Crepe Pans without non-stick coating
In this category, you may have steel, cast iron and aluminum crepe pan. Talking about steel, it is affordable, durable, lightweight, and even resistant to deformation. The most quality cookware is pans made of stainless steel that will last as long as you want. When it comes to making crepes or pancakes, it is not ideal as it is too difficult to prepare the crepe without burning or stickiness. To avoid these issues, you should heat it with salt and butter several times. If you are using it for other cooking purposes then the effect will be gone.
Coming to the aluminum crepe pans, they are lighter and cheaper. But this type of material is slightly softer than others, therefore it gets easily damaged. For making crepes, you should have an aluminum pan with thick walls and high bottom. These two features ensure the long span of your cookware.
Another material you can consider is cast iron which is considered to be the best out of all. They are often made of high-quality material which can stay long. Its only con is its heavyweight and budget-unfriendly. But the material is perfect for both domestic and commercial use. If you have decided to buy a cast iron for crepes, there isn’t a better option than that.
Considering different varieties is good but it is important to depend on your own choice since everyone has their priority.
- Other Option
An interesting option for people who want to save their time and is an electric crepe, pan maker. Crepes that are baked in the electric unit do not burn. Most models feature temperature setting buttons & removable surfaces which can alter the size and shape of crepes, making them textured with a pattern.
Features of Crepe Pans
A round or flat-bottom shaped pan to effectively make a thin crepe, pancakes, fish, omelettes, etc. In general, individual crepe pans are around 8 to 10 inches in diameter with short sidewalls. Some other key features of crepe pans are as follow:
- The material used for making crepe is varied, sizes and shapes are also different but all types have common features. The most common shape in crepes pans are round that has a rounded surface ranging upward that enables it to be immersed into the batter once it is heated.
- The round bottom surface of the pan allows you to prepare as a thin layer that covers the pan as it cooks and heats the crepe.
- The next feature of a crepe pan is a well-seasoned surface or non-stick surface. This makes the pan durable and enough sturdy. Thanks to its heavy base and thick sides, the crepe is easier to adjust the temperature excesses. The heat is evenly diffused across the base of the pan. The pan should be preheated and the cold dough is poured onto a pan, so the heat alteration should be perfect.
- All crepe pans have low walls that will enable the crepe to be easily flipped and cooked to a golden brown color with a moist and tender texture.
- Every crepe pan has a hard-anodized exterior that is nonporous, dense, and highly wear-resistant for long durability and professional usage.
- The material used to produce its handle is long and stays cool on the stovetop, which enables you to cook more comfortably. If you are not interested in classic style, you can choose a square crepe pan, but all other aspects may differ.
- The hard-anodized construction provides even and quick heating for perfect results without the wait.
Uses of Crepe Pans
A stovetop crepe pan is extremely versatile, used for making crepes or pancakes. Besides this, you can use it to make eggs, grilled sandwiches, flat breads, fish, and a variety of frying dishes.
Benefits of Crepe Pans
There are a lot of advantages and benefits to using the right crepe pan. Pans are usually made of steel, aluminum; cast-iron is ideal for easier crepe recipes. They can pre-heat evenly and quicker than non-stick or regular pans. This allows for safer preparation than other cooking methods. Here is a list of some benefits of using a crepe pan:
- Lightweight and Convenient
If you know the recipe, it’s easy to make a crepe with a variety of methods and fillings. But the fact is that making a crepe is very easy, and you may want to take them anywhere whether you are planning a vacation, adventure or party with your family or friends. That is only possible if you have a crepe maker. Some models are heavy but with a lightweight & portable option, you can make crepes for brunch, breakfast, parties, holidays and dessert. In the fact, the light and portable feature of this unit is contributing aspect to why crepes are popular around the world.
- Ease of Cleaning
Several Crepe pans models that are available in the market ensure ease of cleaning as they are made of the non-stick coating. However, it provides lasting food release and easy cleaning without taking extra time.
- Defined edges
Every crepe has defined edges that enable the user to spread the batter without any worry. On the other hand, electric makers without defined edges may create a mess. The crepe maker is perfect for beginners who are making them for the very first time.
- Affordable
As compared to crepe machines or electric makers, crepe pans are an affordable option. You will still be able to save a lot of money and will be able to crepes recipes.
- Easy Flipping
Since a crepe pan has short edges with smooth walls allow you to flip the crepe without spoiling the recipe.
- Versatility
Along with crepe, you can prepare tortillas, injera, blintzes, pitas, naan, dosas by using a non-stick crepe pan.
Final Words
Get your crepe pan to cook varieties of frying dishes, especially sweet or savory crepes at your restaurant or home-based kitchen.
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Hi, my name is Ashley Robinson. I’m a food blogger and a part time chef in Food & Drink Junction, Denver. With my blog I’m sharing information & tutorials about different kinds of cooking pans.
