Nail the Perfect Breakfast With the Best Pancake Turner in 2023

Buying a pancake turner, spatula, or any kitchen utensil for that matter requires careful consideration. Certain factors should be considered when you select any product that goes into your kitchen, such as the material, design, how easy it is to clean, and more. Our detailed guide takes you step-by-step through purchasing the perfect flapjack flipper. We considered everything from the make, build, whether the turner is dishwasher safe, and the size to accommodate every unique kitchen and cook’s needs. Below we outline exactly what you need when it comes to choosing your favorite pancake turner. Let’s take a look!

What Type of Flipper Should You Consider?

The material of the turner is the most important factor to take into consideration when buying a pancake flipper. Certain materials work best on non-stick pans, while other materials are easier to clean. Here are the most common materials you’ll find on the market:

Silicone

Silicone has a high melting point and is used in many kitchen utensils. It is heat resistant up to 600˚F. Silicone flippers are often flexible and bend easily, but they are not ideal at turning over very heavy food items or scraping pans.

Wood

Wood turners are less common but are often used for their rigid flipper design that easily slides under pancakes and other foods. Wood does not damage non-stick pans and is safe to use in most cases it can be difficult to wash and dry, however.

Metal

Metal flippers are less common, as most pans are now made with a non-stick coating. The thin metal edges push under food easily but heat up and make the food stick to them. If you use this type of flipper, we recommend oiling the flipper slightly before use.

Nylon

Nylon is another common material for pancake flippers due to its high melting point and flexibility. These flippers can easily turn pancakes and pose little- to- no damage to non-stick pans. Because they’re non-stick, food doesn’t stick to them, and they’re even known to make the best pancake shapes.

What To Look For in the Perfect Handle

The handle is an important part of the pancake turner; it determines how easy it is for a user to flip over pancakes. Handle material affects how comfortable the handle feels in someone’s hand and if it is safe to keep near the pan or hot stove surface. Some popular materials are:

Wood

Wooden handles are sturdy and fit well into the palm of your hand. While they’re not easily damaged, even when they come into contact with the edge of a hot pan, wooden handles can burn if the surface is quite hot. Wooden handles also absorb moisture and have a tendency to crack when washed by hand or in the dishwasher.

Plastic

Plastic handles, such as bauxite, are sturdy, rigid, and often maintain their shape. Plus, they do not melt easily unless exposed to heat for long periods of time. Softer plastics such as Santoprene give plastic handles a better grip while still retaining their heat resistance and shape.

Rubber

Rubber handles are soft, easy to hold, flexible, and easy to adjust to the user’s grip. They are not very safe to use, however, around heat sources, as they may melt.

Why a Handle’s Design Matters

The handle design needs to be ergonomic and should fit nicely into a cook’s palm. Some handles have flat surfaces that align with the flipper, which makes it easy to pick up pancakes but it does not offer the user much protection from hot oil and heat.

Handles that are slightly raised above the level of the flipper make it easy to maneuver the food and give the user’s hands protection from any accidental oil splatters. Rounded handles are more comfortable to hold compared to handles that have sharp edges. An uncomfortable handle greatly impacts the user’s hand fatigue.

How to Choose the Correct Flipper Size

Flipper size determines the size of the pancake the turner can easily manage. Large flippers are very versatile and can flip both large and small pancakes. A large turner also helps make sure the pancake maintains its structure when lifted from the pan.

However, before choosing the right flapjack turner size, we recommend checking the size of your pan. Keep in mind that very large flippers will not work in smaller pans with high edges. Therefore, the flipper size must be compatible with the pans you use most often in your kitchen.

What About Temperature Resistance?

Temperature resistance ensures that the flipper and pancake turner handle do not melt when they come in contact with hot surfaces. Because the flipper makes contact with the pan often it needs to be able to withstand the heat during that impact and not melt. The most common ranges of temperature resistance are from 410˚F to 600˚F. Temperature can also be a defining factor in whether or not a pancake-turner is dishwasher safe.

The Importance of a Non-Stick Turner

Being non-stick is very important for pancake turners, as they are supposed to turn food over with as little effort as possible. It is essential that food doesn’t stick to the material of the flipper or else it can cause your pancakes, eggs, or omelets to break into a complete mess. Non-stick flippers are also safe to use on Teflon-coated pots and pans.