Best pans for pancakes
Counting on a perfect pancake? Then you'd better get the pan right. We round-up the best pans on the market for Shrove Tuesday and beyond
A good recipe only goes half way to making a good pancake... a decent pan is equally important. Without one you may never produce a thin, lacy, perfect pancake.
What you're looking for is a pan that doesn’t have any hot spots, is non-stick and is a reasonable size. We have tested a selection of pancake pans to bring you the best to suit your pancake needs, from classic crepe pans to pans imprinted with fun quirky templates.
Your Pancake Day game will be seriously improved! Once you've got your pan, discover our 22 easy pancake recipes to make with your new pan, and invites friends over for a pancake party! You can also discover the latest pancakes trends and learn how different countries celebrate Shrove Tuesday with our pancakes from around the world.
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Best pancake pans to buy at a glance
- Best mini frying pan: GreenPan mini frying pan, £14.99
- Best classic pancake pan: Eaziglide 25cm non-stick frying pan, £35
- Best fun pancake pan: Tefal sausage dog pancake pan, £57.77
- Best pancake pan for induction hobs: MasterClass Eco Induction Pan, £10.99
- Best budget pancake pan: Colourworks non-stick crêpe pan, £9.99
- Best French pancake pan: De Buyer blue steel crêpe pan, £22.99
- Best investment pancake pan: Scanpan’s Titanium Classic Omelette/Crêpe pan, £94
- Best stylish pancake pan: Staub Pancake Pan, £79.96
Best pancake pans to buy 2024
GreenPan Mini Frying Pan
Best mini frying pan
The GreenPan frying pan has a Thermalon ceramic coating that is non-stick and can be heated to very high temperatures. It conducts heat well (so no hot spots) and, if you like to flip your pancakes, the sloped edge will help do just that (20cm, 24cm and 28cm sizes are available).
Eaziglide 25cm Non-Stick Pancake Pan
Best classic pancake pan
The Eaziglide pan comes with a lifetime guarantee and is a very versatile option, being dishwasher- and oven-safe up to 260C and suitable for all stove tops.
The combination of its damage-resistant, non-stick and shallow lip features means this pan is made for flipping pancakes.
Tefal sausage dog pancake pan
- Available from On Buy (£57.77)
Best fun pancake pan
How cool is this illustrated Tefal pan? It's called 'pancake art', and we're totally behind it.
Just wait until the pan is at cooking temperature (indicated by the Thermospot turning bold red), draw the outline in batter so it has time to brown, then fill in the gaps with the rest of your pancake mixture. There's also an enamel, glossy illustration of your sausage dog on the pan's base, so it looks cute, too.
Available from:
MasterClass Eco Induction Pan
Best pancake pan for induction hobs
For the eco-conscious, this MasterClass pan is chemical-free, coated with a ceramic non-stick designed to release pancakes without them needing persuasion with a spatula. Suitable for all stove tops, it also comes with a 15-year guarantee.
Colourworks non-stick crêpe pan
Best budget pancake pan
Cheap and cheerful, this crêpe pan by Colourworks comes in a variety of colours and a two-year non-stick lifespan. Not a fan of washing up? Just pop it in the dishwasher when you're finished.
De Buyer blue steel crêpe pan
Best French pancake pan
If you want a pan that looks the part, and is very reasonably priced, then a De Buyer blue steel crêpe pan is the one for you. It’s French and they know a thing or two about crêpes.
Heavy duty, it will work on all hobs and happily go into the oven. Iron retains heat well, so it won’t behave like a lighter non-stick pan, meaning you’ll have to keep an eye on the crêpe. Plus you’ll have to season it and look after it, but it should last you a lifetime.
Be warned though, if you choose a 20cm pan the actual base measurement is smaller, so you’ll end up with neat, petite pancakes. Choose a 24cm pan for bigger crêpes.
Scanpan’s Titanium Classic Crêpe pan
Best investment pancake pan
This pan has a low edge and slight slope to the sides, making it very easy to handle. And at 25cm across it’s perfectly sized for big pancakes.
It’s dishwasher-safe, works on most types of hob (though not induction) and you can even put it in the oven. It isn’t cheap but you’ll use it all the time.
Staub Pancake Pan
Best stylish pancake pan
Staub's enamelled cast-iron pancake pan is specifically designed for flipping thin pancakes and crêpes, distributing heat evenly across its 28cm diameter by sitting flat and low across the heat source.
It's also suitable for any type of cooker, including induction hobs.
How to make the best pancakes
Generally speaking, a heavy, non-stick frying pan about 16cm across is best. Heat the pan over a medium heat then, just before you add the batter, brush lightly with melted butter - use a pastry brush or a piece of kitchen paper dipped in the butter.
Pour just enough batter into the pan and tilt so that it coats the base. Leave the pancake to cook until you start to see tiny bubbles appearing on the top.
Top tips for making the perfect pancake every time
- Preheat the pan to maximise its non-stick properties
- Lightly grease the pan before use
- Using a folded paper towel, wipe the pan clean of any left-over residue and lightly grease again before adding more batter
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