What is a crepe maker?

A crepe maker is a kitchen electrical appliance with a flat surface that cooks delicious crepes. You aren't just limited to crepes; these machines can make so much more, but their primary function is to cook crepes, time after time. Most are pretty simple and easy to use; plug them in, turn them off and add the mixture on top.

What to look out for in a crepe maker?

If you're unsure how to use your new crepe maker, find one with clear instructions – plus all the extras you need! Some come with spatulas and spreaders, which are excellent and make creating crepes even easier. Opt for a simple batter pouring machine if you're more of an experienced cook who has the time and energy to mix things up yourself. If you'd rather not have to run the batter yourself but aren't a pro either, get one with a mixing function.

What is your budget?

Crepe makers range widely when it comes to price. If you want one on the cheaper side, go under £30. For around £50, you can get something more heavy-duty. And if you're going to be the crepe maker champ, go for the top of the line, but you'll need to be spending about £100.

Crepes Vs Pancakes

In the UK, what we usually call a "pancake" is a crepe. Crepes are light and thin, whereas pancakes (the traditional American way) are thicker and traditionally come stacked and coated in maple syrup or other fillings.

Four tips for great Crepes

Greasing your pan with butter

While butter can act to stop your crepes from sticking, it has a lower burn point so that it can burn easier. Use clarified butter or neutral oil.

Using processed crepe mix

The ingredients for crepes are so simple and so much tastier than premade alternatives. Always use fresh ingredients, it's simple.

Flipping too soon or too often

When bubbles start to form on the surface of the crepe, this is when it's time to flip and not a moment before. Only flip once.

Cooking pancakes at the wrong temp

If the pan doesn't sizzle when adding a little butter. Turn the heat up and find a consistent temperature for perfect crepes.

How to cook crepes?

There are three ways to cook crepes;

You can also find gas crepe makers, but these are generally mainly for commercial use. There's also a cordless electric crepe maker or two on the market.

Regular pan

Use any frying pan to whip up delicious crepes in minutes. You might want some butter to the pan to help make the perfect crepes.

Special crepe pan

These pans are thin and wide. You're limited to what you can create in them, but if you're dedicated and looking for a specific pan for cooking crepe, go for it.

Electric crepe makers

You can also find gas crepe makers, but these are generally very expensive and are designed for commercial crepe makers.

How much room is on your kitchen counter?

Suppose you're limited with space or storage where you live; using a pan to make crepes might be more accessible. Whilst not large, crepe machines take up a lot of kitchen counter space.

What are your most common ingredients?

If you're planning to make mostly sweet crepes, your best bet would be a non-stick model that's easy to clean. Non-stick is excellent for savoury crepes as well, though!

Crepe Recipe Ingredients

These are the ingredients that most crepe recipes use;

• Flour: Go for all-purpose flour for the best results
• Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together
• Milk: Use any milk
• Sugar: Adds some sweetness (can be added to mix and after the crepe is served).
• Butter: Helps avoid crepes sticking to the pan and adds flavour
• Salt: A pinch of salt helps to bring out the flavours.

 We've found our favorite crepe mix is: 

ONE EGG

ONE CUP OF FLOUR

ONE CUP OF MILK

TEASPOON OF SUGAR

PINCH OF SALT

BUTTER TO STOP ANY STICKING

Crepe Maker FAQs

Can you use an ordinary pan for cooking crepes?

Yes, you can use any pan to make crepes. If it's well seasoned and non-stick, it will be easier to have a hassle-free crepe making experience.

How long does a crepe maker take to heat up?

This varies significantly on what crepe maker you have but expects around 5 minutes for most of them. A standard error that is frequently made by people when using a crepe pan is incorrectly heating the pan and then giving up because they feel they can't cook a crepe. An excellent way to test if it's hot enough is to throw a little bit of butter onto the pan. If it sizzles and melts instantly, you're probably good to go, but also, please be aware that sometimes the first crepe is terrible; it's just a thing.

What can you cook other than crepes?

You can cook so many things with a crepe maker, from tortillas and pancakes to fried eggs and bacon. Anything thin enough to fit in one will work.

Don't overuse your crepe maker.

Crepe makers designed for home use aren't made to be used all the time. If you're looking for something to use in a commercial setting, you'll need to buy a commercial-grade crepe maker.

The most common crepe making mistakes

If you're finding that whatever you do, you can't cook crepes, or you can, but they aren't turning out as you want them, then what are you doing wrong? We've been making crepes all week, and it's simple; it's a few simple ingredients that combine to create a lip-licking creation.

Use fresh ingredients

You don't need to go too fancy; basic Eggs, Milk, and Flour (all things we've got in the cupboard and fridge) get the job done every time.

Are you overmixing?

We all want that silky smooth batter, but it's simple to over it. When mixing, if you mix too much, the gluten becomes more apparent, which means the crepes will be more challenging and chewier.

Wrong measurements

When cooking crepes, you must get the measurements correct. While there are variations upon the classic crepe mix, adding too much flour or milk can easily affect the result.

Let the batter rest for five minutes.

While you shouldn't leave your batter out for an hour before cooking, setting the bowl aside for about five minutes is a good idea. Giving the batter a few minutes to rest allows the gluten in the mixture to relax just enough to avoid chewy pancakes.

Using a small frying pan

The flat, roomy surface makes it easy to transfer your batter and flip your pancakes. Using a regular pan with sloped sides doesn't leave you enough room to cook multiple pancakes comfortably. You could try using a wide pan with a heavy bottom short of a griddle. The latter quality promotes even cooking.

Measure, then pour the batter in

Straight from bowl to pan may save some time and a little cleaning, but this won't allow you to make consistent crepes. Use a measuring cup to use trial and error to see the perfect volume for you.

Tips for blending crepe mix to get the best consistency

Crepe batter is easy to make at home, but nothing beats a blended blend that's perfectly consistent. Blend crepe mixes by putting all dry ingredients and eggs and milk into one bowl before mixing both (preferably with a blender).

Wherever you're going to cook your crepes, make sure it's flat and preheat for at least 5 minutes before cooking. When blending the two, start slow and then increase speed until all lumps are gone. You can also sift in any extra things like baking powder or spices beforehand to help dissolve them better.

What are some safety tips?

Don't try taking apart any electrical or battery-powered brands for obvious reasons. Some models may come with overload protection which is always a plus. You also want to remember to unplug all electrical and battery-powered ones once they're not in use, so you don't risk anything shorting out or catching fire.

Remember, though: if using an electric one, you'll need access to outlets, so it's probably best stored somewhere near one and consider where the power cable will be.

Electric vs Pan: Which is better?

It depends on how much you like to cook (or not) and how much space you have. Electric ones are great because they're all done for you, but you need access to nearby outlets.

Some are battery-powered, though, which is nice if you want something quick without setting up a bunch of appliances just before your guests arrive.

Non-electric crepe makers are better for the seasoned chef who likes doing things themselves without too many bells and whistles or someone with limited space who doesn't want yet another appliance taking up valuable countertop real estate.

What sizes do crepe pans come in?

Most will accommodate an 11-inch crepe, and however, some of the smaller models only do about 7 inches. If you're cooking for multiple people or have big taste buds and want to create larger crepes, go for larger sizes.

How important is the ease of cleaning?

Now, if cooking isn't your thing and the idea of washing out oils and other messy items all over your kitchen gives you anxiety, go ahead and pick something dishwasher safe! There are plenty of options if you're looking for a crepe pan, and most electric ones are simple to clean.