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Learn & WatchSubmitThe Best Crepe Pans for Delicious Flop-free Crepes
Published: 13 Jan 2023Some call them pancakes, some call them crepes, and we call them delicious! Essentially crepes are a thinner and a little more delicate version of pancakes. Yet, to every cook’s frustration, the first crepe in the batch is always a fail. Whether it breaks, tears, burns, or sticks, something always goes wrong with crepe number one. Sometimes the next few crepes fare no better, or you just can’t cook the ideal ones consistently. That’s where having a pan specifically designed for crepes will serve you well.
While an entirely flop-proof crepe pan most likely doesn’t exist there are certain features to look for if you want consistently gorgeous golden treats. We’ve compared pan construction, durability, and materials to find the top crepe pans in 2023. Let’s take a look.
Show contentsThe Great Crepe Pan You Can Buy in 2023Finding Your Next Crepe Pan: A Buyer's Guide
Whether you prefer your crepes stuffed, folded, or rolled, we bet you don’t like them broken, crumpled, or burnt. Since there are a variety of crepe pans on the market, it’s important to know what to look for before getting excited about flipping pancakes. If you’re not quite sure what makes a good crepe pan great, here’s a complete guide to choosing a quality crepe pan for your family kitchen.
Crepe Pan vs Frying Pan
With a good recipe, you could make crepes in any regular frying pan, but if it’s something you cook often (and want to perfect), you’ll want to add a crepe pan to your cookware collection. The main differentiating factor between a crepe pan and a regular frying pan is the height of the side rims.
Regular pans have higher slanted sides to accommodate sauces, stir-fries, pasta, and eggs without spilling. Crepe pans have very low to no rims. This makes getting your spatula under the crepe for flipping much easier.
When buying a crepe pan, or any cookware for that matter, spending a little more on something of good quality is worth it. Quality pans can last you a lifetime while cheaply manufactured items can be unsafe to use, peel, crack, or chip.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a good quality crepe pan.
Construction Material
Crepe pans are available in a range of different materials. Some include a non-stick coating, while others require a little oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. The material the pan is made of will affect its heat conduction and retention capability, weight, durability, and whether or not it’s dishwasher friendly.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel pans are made by blending chromium and nickel with steel. These pans are anti-corrosive, durable, and don’t react with acidic or alkaline foods. This means that they won’t discolor foods or impart a metallic flavor during cooking. Stainless steel also does not scratch easily and its dishwasher, oven, and broiler friendly. However, you will need to check what material the handle is made from before trying to use it in the oven.
One downside to stainless steel is that it is a poor conductor of heat. This is remedied by bonding copper or aluminum (which are both highly conductive) to form clad stainless steel cookware.
Carbon steel
Carbon steel is inexpensive and durable. It is widely used for enameled cookware and is non-reactive. Raw carbon steel needs to be oiled to prevent rust. However, if this is done properly it will develop a natural non-stick interior over time.
It can achieve a high temperature and holds heat well but takes longer than other materials to heat. If you choose a carbon steel pan, opt for a slightly thicker model as very thin pans can develop hot spots.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a great wallet-friendly option with good heat conduction properties. Since natural aluminum may react with certain foods, it is usually clad with stainless steel, lined with a non-stick coating, or anodized. This hardens the surface and generally gives the cookware a dark gray color.
Anodized crepe pans also come in non-stick versions. The suitability of different cooktops, ovens, and dishwasher cleaning will vary from brand to brand. Check the manufacturer guidelines to ensure it’s compatible with the cooktop you have.
Cast iron
There are both pros and cons to using cast iron cookware. One reason it is loved by many is its extreme durability. If you have cast iron pans and take good care of them they can last you a lifetime. Although it is slow to heat up, it is self-regulating, durable, and warp resistant. Natural cast iron is less expensive than enameled cast iron, however, it needs to be seasoned to prevent rust. Seasoning will give your cast iron cookware a non-stick interior. Some manufacturers now apply a seasoned layer to prevent rust so the user doesn’t have to do it themselves.
Although more pricey, enameled cast iron is maintenance-free, non-reactive, and easy to clean. Regardless of the type of cast iron design, these pans are very heavy and may not be the best choice if you like flipping your crepes.
Other Factors to Consider
Pan Size
Crepe pans should ideally be no smaller than 20cm (7.9 inches) in diameter and no larger than 26cm (10.2 inches). This will ensure even heating and make flipping a lot easier (and more successful).
Hob Compatibility
Make sure the pan construction is suitable for where you want to use it. If you’re hoping to cook crepes over a fire while camping or put the pan in the oven to melt toppings, check that the construction material is safe for these uses.
The Great Crepe Pan You Can Buy in 2023
1Cuisinart Crepe Pan
– Best OverallCheck On AmazonThis gorgeous black crepe pan from Cuisinart is dense, durable, wear-resistant, and non-porous. It made the top of the list because it really features everything you want in a crepe pan. Besides being non-stick, the anodized surface ensures fast and even heating and eliminates hot spots. This means your crepes cook and brown evenly. The cool grip stainless steel handles are stylishly designed and easy to work with. As a bonus, the pan can go in the oven to melt toppings, finish off omelets, or warm your crepes. For these reasons, we had to give this pan the award of being the best overall option.
Pros- Non-stick cooking surface
- Oven safe up to 500°F
- Easy to clean
- Tapered rim prevents spills
Cons- Not compatible with induction cooktops
2Gourmex Crepe Pan
– Induction CompatibleCheck On AmazonWhen choosing a crepe pan, it is important to note that not all pans are induction cooktop compatible. Gourmex offers a pan that is compatible with all heat sources including electric, induction, or gas stoves. This cast aluminum construction is highly durable and it’s dishwasher friendly. It also enhances even heat distribution for uniform cooking. The titanium-based non-stick surface does, however, make it easy to clean by simply wiping off excess grease with a damp cloth. This pan is the perfect gift for anyone that wants to make delicious crepes on their induction stove.
Pros- 100% PFOA free
- Easy-grip handle
- Extremely durable rust resistant
Cons- Purchase does not include a spreader
3Eslite Life Crepe Pan
– Eco-FriendlyCheck On AmazonThis gorgeous mottled gray crepe pan from Eslite is made from heavy-duty cast aluminum. This combines the durable, warp-free, and break-resistant qualities of cast iron with aluminum’s conductive qualities for fast even heating. The pan has a magnetized base making its conduction cooktop compatible as well as suitable for use with electric, halogen, or gas stoves. The pan can also be used for tortillas, omelets, and pancakes and features a wood grain handle that not only looks classically stylish but makes maneuvering the pan a breeze. As an added plus, this pan is a great eco-friendly option for all the nature lovers out there.
Pros- Heat-resistant handle
- Non-stick granite coating
- Free from lead, cadmium, PFOA and PFTEs
Cons- A low rim can spill batter
4Rockurwok Crepe Pan
– Top Multi-Functional PickCheck On AmazonRockurwok offers a pink crepe pan for ultimate cooking fun. The bright pink color will add a great splash of color to your kitchen, and bring a smile to your face whenever you use it. The gauge aluminum construction is highly conductive which ensures fast and even heating. This versatile pan is a great choice not only for crepes but also for making omelets, roti, tortillas, French toast, pancakes, and dosa. It works well on any type of stovetop and the non-stick coating is not only easy to clean but also free of harmful chemicals. The pan comes with a spreader to make sure every crepe is perfectly thin and even.
Pros- PFOA-free coating inside and out
- Rust-resistant design
- Heat-resistant handle
Cons- Smaller diameter than other pans
5De Buyer Crepe Pan
– Traditional French StyleCheck On AmazonThis carbon steel pan from De Buyer features a truly classic French crepe design with a beeswax finish that protects against oxidation. The pan needs to be seasoned before use. Instructions are included and once complete you will have a natural non-stick surface free of synthetic chemicals.
The pans are uniquely designed from 1% carbon steel and 99% iron for great conductive ability and durability. In addition, the handles are extremely secure, so flip and toss to your heart’s content!
Pros- Induction cooktop compatible
- Highly durable construction
- Makes traditional large-size crepes
Cons- Requires seasoning care
People Also Asked
Q: Are PTFE non-stick pans safe to cook with?A: If you are concerned about safety, check whether your PTFE cookware is manufactured using PFOA. Avoid cookware manufactured using PFOA as it can release harmful gasses when exposed to high heat. Non-stick ceramic pans are environmentally friendly and safe.
Q: Do you need to wash a non-stick crepe pan?A: When layers of oil have built up on the pan, the non-stick properties of the pan won’t be as effective. Always clean the pan with a soft, smooth sponge or cloth. For stubborn dirt use a soft plastic brush. Even if the pan looks clean after use, wipe it with a damp cloth to remove any remaining oils.
Q: Why are my crepes sticking to my non-stick pan?A: Once non-stick pans are scratched or exposed to excessive heat, food will start sticking. To prevent scratches only use hard nylon, wood, or silicone utensils. Never cut crepes in the pan or use any metal utensils. When storing the pan do not stack it. If you are short on space, place a soft cloth or paper towel in the pan to prevent other cookware from accidentally scratching the surface when stacking.
The Cuisine Review Team’s in-depth guides and product reviews are designed to help you pick the best products for a beautiful and professional-grade kitchen and dining room. The Cuisine Review Team curates this content, and Cuisine’s editorial staff is not involved. Cuisine at Home is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.