Why Choose a Stovetop Pan Over a Creme Making Machine for Pancakes
Ever wondered whether preparing and cleaning pancakes is easier on a regular stovetop pan or a crepe making machine? Let's delve into the world of pancakes and crepes, exploring which option is more efficient and why.
Understanding the Crepe Making Machine
Before we dive into the comparison, it's essential to clarify the role of a crepe making machine. Contrary to popular belief, a crepe making machine is not a necessity for every household. These devices are marketed as convenient tools for commercial or special event setups, such as a wedding brunch buffet, not for everyday household use. Real crepe pans, on the other hand, have curved sides designed to swirl the batter for a thin, even distribution, achieving that delicate crepe texture.
The machines I've explored are essentially round electric griddles. While they may look convenient, their spherical shape is not ideal for creating pancakes, which require a flat surface and controlled cooking temperatures. Cleaning such machines can be a daunting task, involving multiple components to disassemble and clean. Stovetop pans, however, are straightforward and easy to clean, making them a more practical choice for everyday use.
The Unique Pancake and Waffle Recipes
For those who enjoy experimenting with pancake recipes, I have my own line of heirloom pancake and waffle batter recipes. These include regular and whole wheat flours, as well as corn flour, showcasing a variety of textures and flavors. However, the question at hand revolves around the choice between a stovetop pan and a crepe making machine for making pancakes.
Temperature Control and Pancake Cooking
The answer to whether a crepe making machine can be used for pancakes is "maybe," but it depends on the specific machine and its temperature adjustment capabilities. Many crepe makers have a fixed temperature setting that is too high for making pancakes, leading to overheated, burnt on the outside and undercooked on the inside results. To make thick, fluffy pancakes as they should be, a medium-low heat around 275-300°F (135-150°C) is required. However, if a crepe maker can lower its temperature to this range, it is suitable for pancakes.
Key to making great pancakes is the proper mixture of ingredients. Use buttermilk, real butter, fresh farm eggs, unbleached cane sugar, and a combination of baking powder and baking soda. The batter should be thick, not runny, and should take effort to dip a wooden spoon into. If the batter is too thin, add more flour.
The Ideal Cooking Surface
The cooking surface is equally important. I prefer using peanut oil as it does not alter the flavor of the pancakes and should be generously applied. When a drop of water sizzles slightly and takes a few seconds to boil off, the temperature is just right. Aim for a batter thickness of about 5/16 inches (8 mm) and a spread no thinner than this. When most of the bubbles pop, it's time to flip the pancake, which should be golden brown on the bottom.
Checking the second side is crucial. Start at one minute and check every 30 seconds to ensure the pancake is cooked perfectly. Once the timing is known for that batch and cooking temperature, the rest of the batter can be cooked using a timer. This method ensures consistent, high-quality pancakes every time.
Conclusion
For straightforward, easy-to-clean, and consistent results, a stovetop pan is generally the better choice for making pancakes. Pancake pans are specifically designed for the thick, fluffy consistency required for pancakes, whereas crepe makers are better suited for their intended use, such as creating thin, delicate crepes. While there are ways to adapt a crepe maker for pancakes, the stovetop pan remains the optimal choice for everyday pancake making. Happy cooking!