Best Budget-Friendly: Cuisinart 623-24 Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 10-Inch Crepe Pan
Let’s talk crepes!
There are two basic ways to make crepes: with a crepe maker or a crepe pan. Both are equally effective.
Crepe makers are electric griddles that can either be dipped in batter or have the battered poured on the surface.
By contrast, crepe pans are just . . . well, pans. They don’t plug in—you’ll need a cook surface to heat them.
FYI: even though crepe makers and crepe pans are distinct, we realize sometimes folks use these terms interchangeably. Thus, in this article, we’ll recommend both crepe pans and a crepe maker, in case you prefer the latter solution.
As for crepe pans, the best bets are those that are non-stick and can distribute heat evenly. And yes, sometime these pans can get very pricey. But there is good news: we found one option that came highly recommended by our readers, yet is easy on the wallet: Cuisinart’s 623-24 crepe pan.
This model hits all the right notes on what we looked for in a quality pan. Here’s more:
What We Liked
• Heats evenly.
• Not too heavy.
• Non-stick surface does its job well!
• Makes 10″ crepes—perfect size.
• Handle stays cool.
• Affordable.
• Versatile pan can also be used to griddle pancakes, eggs, etc.
What Needs Work
• Too small for larger size crepes.
• Surface is non-stock but not non-scratch—silicone utensils can scratch!
Best For Induction: ESLITE LIFE 11” Nonstick Crepe Pan with Spreader Induction Compatible
We loved this pan, which is designed for low to medium heat—and works with induction-type stoves. Nnot every crepe pan can work with induction stoves (the Cuisinart reviewed above is not compatible, for example).
Here’s more:
What We Liked
• Sturdy.
• Also makes great pancakes and grilled cheese.
• Includes tool.
• Also great for dosa.
• Heats evenly.
• Easy to clean.
What Needs Work
• A bit pricey.
Best Electric Pan: Moos & Stone Electric Crepe Maker
Crepe makers come in two styles: dippers and griddles.
As the name implies, a dipper maker is dipped into batter. Yes, the whole unit is flipped over and the heated surface is dipped into a plate of batter
For griddles, the batter is poured in a small circle, where it is spread by a wooden tool (rateau).
After consulting with the crepe enthusiasts among our parent readers and doing eight hours of research to compare options (including interviewing a crepe maker at a local fair), we picked Moos & Stone as the best electric crepe pan.
What We Liked
• Heats up quickly.
• Plate is right depth for dipping.
• Takes about 20 seconds for each crepe.
• Auto temp control.
• Easy to clean (with exception noted below).
• Cooks fast.
• 8″ surface great for smaller crepes (for one or two people).
What Needs Work
• Sometimes batter won’t release.
• Learning curve.
• Short cord.
• Batter can run off sides and onto counter—or get stuck in seam on side of unit, which is hard to clean.
Best Tried & True Brand: Le Crueset Toughened PRO Crepe Pan with Rateau 11”
Yes, there are a lot of crepe pans out there . . . but what if you want to give a pan as a gift and prefer a tried and true brand? We’d go for Le Crueset’s crepe pan. Excellent quality and oven safe up to 500 degrees. This reader favorite is also great for crepes from other cultures, like dosa and roti.
What We Liked
• Easy to clean.
• Excellent quality with textured interior.
• Ergonomic handle stays cool.
• Also great for dosa and roti.
• Magnetic stainless steel base.
• Includes wood spreader tool (rateau).
What Needs Work
• Pricey.
Best Cast Iron Crepe Pan: Lodge Cast Iron Griddle, Round 10.5”
Cast iron crepe pans have several key advantages over other materials—this heavy pan is very durable, so it’s great to use both at home, on the grill or for camping. This pan is also versatile—it makes a great grilled cheese sandwich!
Here’s more:
What We Liked
• Fast to cook!
• Easy to clean.
• Heavy duty at 4.5 lbs.
• Also great for camping.
• Can work on a grill or campfire.
• Pre-seasoned.
What Needs Work
• Like all cast iron pans, you need to take care to avoid rusting—dry with paper towel or cloth immediately after use). Then rub oil onto the surface to keep it seasoned.
• Handle gets hot.
• Too heavy for some folks.
• Cast iron finish on pan can scratch glass or other surfaces.
About the Authors
Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.
The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.
As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.
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