This is what you need to know about the pancake pan
A pancake pan differs from an ordinary frying pan by its low, often slightly sloped edge and its completely flat base. That low edge makes flipping or tossing a pancake much easier, while the flat base ensures even contact with the heat source, without hot spots or a raw piece in the middle. For classic Dutch pancakes, you usually choose a diameter of around 24 to 28 cm; for paper-thin crepes, a larger, shallow pan of 28 to 30 cm works best.
Buying a pancake pan — what to look for?
When choosing a pancake pan, four things are decisive: your stove, the material, the size, and the edge height. Always check first whether the pan is suitable for your cooktop. For induction, you need a pan with a flat, magnetic base; for this, specifically view the category induction pancake pans. A low edge makes flipping easier, and a sturdy handle that does not heat up too quickly ensures safe and comfortable cooking. The compatibility is listed for every product, so you won't be faced with surprises. Still don't know which type of pan you are looking for? In the blog which pan do I need? we list the types.
Which pancake pan is right for you? The materials listed
Carbon steel is the choice of the true baking enthusiast. The material is light, strong, and heats up extremely quickly and evenly. Just like cast iron, a carbon steel pan must be seasoned first, but once properly seasoned, it develops a natural non-stick layer that only gets better with use. Think of the De Buyer 'Carbone Plus', the classic De Buyer 'Mineral B', the Skottsberg Carbon Steel or the BK 'Black Steel' with a cast iron handle. Great if you like traditional baking and are looking for a pan that will last for decades. Never seasoned before? Then read how to season a carbon steel pan.
Ceramic non-stick coating is modern and completely PFAS-free. The coating contains no PTFE, PFOA, or other fluorinated compounds, offers an excellent smooth cooking surface, and ensures that pancakes release effortlessly with minimal fat. Easy to clean and great for everyday family use. For example, check out the Greenpan 'Barcelona Pro' or the lightweight Demeyere 'Alu Pro 5 Ceraforce', or browse all PFAS-free pancake pans. Do keep in mind the weak point of ceramic: the layer is more sensitive to scratches and high peak temperatures. Therefore, use silicone or wooden kitchen utensils and cook on low to medium heat.
Enameled cast iron gives you the heat retention and even distribution of cast iron, but with an enameled layer that makes seasoning unnecessary. The pan does not rust and is easy to keep clean. It is quite heavy, though. If you are okay with that, you will cook evenly browned pancakes that release effortlessly. The Le Creuset cast iron pancake pan is the textbook example of this; you can find the full range in the cast iron pancake pans.
Stainless steel is the most wear-resistant and has no coating at all that can wear off. Stainless steel is scratch-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and hygienic, but it does require a bit more technique: proper preheating and enough fat are essential. The range is deliberately small, with the Demeyere 'Specialties 5' as an example. Once you get to know the pan, you will appreciate the consistent results and the very long lifespan. How to cook in stainless steel without sticking can be found in the blog cooking without sticking in a stainless steel pan.