There are a few things you need to make perfect pancakes: a great recipe, a reliable spatula, and the right pan. But how do you know what the best pan for pancakes is when there are so many to choose from? What material should you look for? What shape and size? There are a lot of different pans out there but, don’t worry! We’re here to help you figure it out.
We researched 37 different pancake pans and narrowed it down to our top ten picks. Our Editor’s Choice is the Circulon 82894. This pan has an amazing non-stick surface so it’s easy to make the perfect pancake. You can use any utensil you want – even metal – and it’s oven and dishwasher safe. Not what you’re looking for? We also found some great options for griddles and silver dollar pancakes, too.
To decide what products to include in our review, we kept some important features in mind. First, the diameter of the pan. In most cases, the wider and flatter the pan, the easier it is to make pancakes. We also considered the material and weight of the pans because this is the best way to determine how long the pan will last and how well it conducts heat. Warranty information is important, too, especially since some of these pans have special coatings that should last a long time. The first thing you’ll see is a table where you can easily compare all of our picks for best pan for pancakes, side by side. Next, you’ll find in-depth reviews of each product followed by a buying guide to help you make sure you pick the right one for you.
More features: oven-safe at 400°F, dishwasher safe, non-stick, induction stovetop compatible, silicone wrapped handles
Our Editor’s Choice is the Circulon 82894. One of the reasons it’s perfect for pancakes is its superior non-stick surface. The concentric raised circle texture and triple-layer coating release food easily and, best of all, it resists staining, chipping, and abrasions. You can even use metal utensils without worrying about damaging the surface.
You can use this pan on just about any cooktop, including gas, electric, and induction. It’s also oven safe up to 400 degrees F and dishwasher safe. As for the handle, it’s made out of cast stainless steel with a rubber grip that’s easy to hold on to. It gives the pan sleek, contemporary feel that looks great in any kitchen.
This pan was built to last. It’s made of heavy-duty anodized aluminum and, according to the brand, the non-stick surface lasts up to 10 times longer than competitors. The 11-inch diameter is perfect for pancakes, though this pan is versatile enough to be used to cook all kinds of things. Best of all, it’s covered by a hassle-free lifetime guarantee.
There aren’t a lot of complaints about this pan though a few people had issues with food sticking and build-up accumulating in the small circular grooves on the surface of the pan. There are also rivets where the handle is attached to the pan where food collects, especially when you’re cooking eggs and cheese.
More features: PFOA-free, 2-inch thick, induction cooktop compatible, non-stick, hand-wash
If you’re looking for a great molded pancake pan, look no further than the Gourmia GPA9515 Blini Pan. It’s the perfect design for making silver dollar pancakes and makes up to seven at a time. Each mold is three inches in diameter, just the right size for cooking eggs, blinis, mini blintzes, and more.
This pan is made of die-cast aluminum and features a non-stick surface that makes it easy to flip the pancakes without having to use too much oil or butter to coat the pan. You can use nylon, coated, or wooden utensils and it works on halogen, ceramic, gas, electric, and induction stovetops.
Although this pan is not dishwasher safe, the non-stick surface makes it really easy to clean.
Some downsides are that you can’t put this pan in the oven and it’s not compatible with metal utensils.
In general, this pan got great reviews from users but there were a few complaints. While the molds are the perfect size for pancakes, they aren’t quite large enough to hold a large egg which can get kind of messy. A few people also mentioned that the pan didn’t heat evenly on an induction stovetop and the edges were a little underdone.
More features: non-stick, PFOA-free, scratch-proof coating, dishwasher safe, cool-touch handles
The Gotham Steel Double Pan is a good choice if you want something a little different without spending a lot of money. What makes it so special? For one thing, it uses an award-winning coating that’s super durable and has immediate release so nothing sticks.
You can use any utensil with this pan, even metal, and has a lightweight design that’s easy to use. If you don’t have a lot of luck when it comes to flipping pancakes, this might be the pan for you. The double-pan design all but eliminates the need to use a spatula. Simply add your batter, close the handle, and flip the pan over to the other side. Not only is this method less messy but it also makes lighter and fluffier pancakes, omelets, French toast, and more.
To make it even easier for you, the handles have a cool-touch, ergonomic design that makes flipping the pan easy. It’s also dishwasher safe although it’s very easy to wipe clean by hand.
One thing that some people mentioned is that it’s very easy for this one to tip over when the top pan is raised. They also recommend cooking pancakes five minutes on one side and two on the other, which can be a little time consuming if you’re feeding a big family.
More features: dishwasher safe, no-stick, stainless steel handle, oven-safe at 450°F, PFOA free
The Calphalon Contemporary Griddle Pan is the best pan for making pancakes if you prefer a griddle to a frying pan. It’s made of heavy-gauge aluminum that’s been anodized for added durability. A long brushed stainless steel handle stays cool while you cook plus the pan is oven safe up to 450 degrees F.
This pan conducts heat well for even cooking temperatures and has three layers of the non-stick coating so your pancakes get an even color and are really easy to flip. The first two layers make the coating strong and durable while the third provides easy release, no matter what you’re cooking.
The square-shaped surface gives you a little extra room so you can make more than one pancake at a time and the thin lip around the edge prevents messes. Cleanup is easy, too. The surface easily wipes clean and its dishwasher safe.
Obviously, this is a great pan for pancakes but some people mentioned that it was not so good at cooking meat. The lip around the edge is too small to contain the grease. A few people also mentioned that it warped with hot but returned to normal once the temperature cooled.
More features: 3-inch cavities, hand-wash
Another great option for silver dollar pancakes is the Nordic Ware Scandinavian Silver Dollar Pancake Pan. This pan is great for large families or those times when you have to cook a lot of pancakes fast. Each mold is three-inches in diameter and there are seven molds in all.
This pan has a non-stick surface for easy cooking and cleaning. The core is made of heavy cast aluminum that heats evenly and doesn’t warp so your pancakes cook consistently to a gorgeous golden brown. Hand washing wild mild soap is recommended to maintain the surface integrity of the pan but, don’t worry, cleanup is really easy.
As a bonus, this pan includes traditional recipes, including Scandinavian platta panna and Russian blini. This is the perfect pan for experimenting with different types of batter. It’s compatible with gas and electric stovetops and has a notch in the handle for easy hanging for storage.
Most people were pretty happy with this pan though a few said the molds are a little shallow and it takes some practice to avoid overflowing. Some users also mentioned that the molds made it a little hard to flip the pancakes neatly.
More features: non-stick coating, animal shapes, hand-wash, PFOA free, cool-touch silicone wrapped handle
The best pan for cooking pancakes for kids is the WISETON Pancake Maker. Not only does it feature seven molds for silver dollar pancakes but each mold also has a cute animal shape to make your pancakes extra special. The molds feature an owl, cat, lion, hippo, elephant, dinosaur, and alpaca. This is a great pan for weekend breakfasts with the kids and perfect for the morning after a sleepover.
This pan is made of die-cast aluminum and transfers heat evenly and the cool-touch silicone wrapped handle is safe and easy to use. The non-stick surface makes it easy to flip the pancakes to keep the animal shapes intact without adding a lot of extra oil or butter. You can use wood, nylon, or any coated utensils and the pan is compatible with halogen, gas, ceramic, and electric stovetops but not induction.
To make sure this pan lasts as long as possible, it’s handwash only. Putting it in the dishwasher can ruin the non-stick finish. Another thing to note is that some users found it difficult to flip the pancakes. The non-stick surface is effective but the molds are so close together that it’s difficult to get a spatula under them.
More features: 7.5-inch long cool-touch handle, 2.25-inch mold diameter
The Norpro Nonstick Stuffed Pancake Pan is the perfect pancake pan when you want to make something extra special. There are so many options for stuffed pancakes. Fill them with fruit, cream cheese, jam, or chocolate for something sweet or make a savory treat with sausage, cheese, bacon, or ham. This pan does it all.
With seven deep molds, each 2.5 inches in diameter, this stuffed pancake pan lets you feed a lot of people at once. The cast-aluminum construction heats up quickly and evenly to deliver consistent results and recipes and instructions are included if you need a little inspiration. The non-stick surface makes it easy to remove the finished product and the long cool-touch handle keeps your hands away from the heat while you cook.
This pan works on a gas or electric stovetop. Some users were disappointed that the bottom of the pan is open rather than solid and doesn’t heat as evenly as they would have liked but, for the most part, people were very happy with the end result. Also, it can be difficult to find a turning tool that works well, particularly since it’s not compatible with metal utensils.
More features: oven safe up to 350°F, dishwasher safe, ceramic non-stick, color variation, cool-touch bakelite handle, PFOA-free
The GreenLife Soft Grip CW000524-002 pancake skillet is not only one of the best pans for pancakes, but it’s also one of the most stylish options we found. This huge 12-inch is available in eight different colors: black, turquoise, burgundy, lavender, pink, red, and blue. Choose something that matches your kitchen or a contrasting color that will pop on your stovetop.
A bakelite handle with a soft-touch grip stays cool to the touch while you’re using the stovetop plus it’s oven safe up to 350 degrees F. The surface wipes clean with a soft sponge and the pan is dishwasher safe in case you end up with any big messes.
To maintain the integrity of the ceramic non-stick coating, use only wooden or coated utensils. You can add some oil or butter if needed but avoid sprays. As for the core of the pan, it’s made of aluminum so it heats evenly to help get consistent results.
One thing that some users mentioned is that the pan is not as non-stick as they are used to and you may need to add some oil or butter. The brand has some specific care recommendations to keep the non-stick coating intact as long as possible – while this can be a bit time consuming, in the end, it definitely helps the coating last longer.
More features: oven safe up to 500°F, cool touch handle, drip-free pouring, non-stick Quantanium® surface
The Cuisinart 622-36H Chef’s Classic is perfect for pancakes but is also one of the most versatile pans we found in our research. It features an anodized stainless steel construction that’s resistant to wear and tear. It’s also covered by a lifetime warranty so it’s a safe bet that this pan will last a long time.
A solid stainless-steel stay-cool handle is useful on the stovetop and the pan is also oven safe up to 500 degrees F. It has a tapered rim and a wide, flat cooking surface that’s perfect for pancakes as well as pan-frying fish or sauteing veggies. Another thing that makes it so versatile is the even heat distribution – because there are no hot spots, everything cooks evenly.
This pan also has a special Quantanium non-stick finish that’s reinforced with titanium so you don’t have to use any extra oils or fats – food slides right off the surface and cleanup is easy.
Some people thought that the pan was a little off-balanced and the handle was a little heavy but, for the most part, there weren’t many complaints about this pan. A few people also mentioned that the coating didn’t seem like it would last but, with proper care and a lifetime warranty, it’s still a safe bet.
More features: pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, open fire and oven safe, 0.5 inches deep
Finally, we recommend the Lodge L9OG3 as the best frying pan for pancakes if you’re a fan of cast iron. The lower side-walls and wide 10.5-inch cooking surface make this a great choice for pancakes as well as grilling sandwiches, cooking meat, or sauteing veg. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware since 1896 so you can trust the quality of this product.
This pan maintains temperature well, doesn’t warp, and heats evenly with no hot spots for reliable results. You can use this pan on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over a campfire. One of the great things about this cast iron skillet is that it’s already seasoned – Lodge uses 100% vegetable oil and the more you use it, the better it will get. The seasoning helps create a non-stick surface over time and, unlike non-stick coatings, metal utensils won’t damage it.
Some people mentioned that, although the cooking surface was seasoned, the edges of the pan were not. Others felt it wasn’t seasoned well enough. All this means is that you might have a little seasoning work of your own to do but that’s not uncommon with cast iron.
There’s nothing better than a big pancake breakfast but we know it’s not always the easiest thing to pull off. Even if you have the perfect recipe, it’s still tricky to get the process just right without the batter sticking, burning, or making a mess when it’s time to flip them. One way to set yourself up for success is by using the right pan.
Pancakes aren’t necessarily difficult to make but there is some technique involved. The pan has to be just the right temperature with no hot spots to prevent burning. You have to make sure that the batter won’t stick to the surface or flipping them is going to a disaster. While it’s okay to use the same pan, you use to cook other things, if you make pancakes often, a dedicated pancake pan is a good investment.
Some people use griddles to make pancakes, primarily because their large cooking surface can make it easier to cook more than one pancake at a time. A lot of people don’t realize that whether you use a griddle or pan changes the texture of the pancakes. Those cooked on a griddle tend to have crispier edges while those cooked on a pan tend to be fluffy and moist. We prefer the texture of pancakes made on a pan, you just can’t get it anywhere else.
These pans aren’t very expensive. They range from about $15 to $45. Even the high-end options are generally affordable and worth the investment if you plan to make pancake breakfasts every Sunday morning.
There are a few things to consider when shopping for the perfect pancake pan. Here are the main features to look for.
Thick bottoms tend to heat more evenly and hold the heat longer. They’re also more durable and won’t warp when exposed to heat. Obviously, this is important when making pancakes. You can make a nice, flat, evenly-cooked pancake on a warped pan.
A non-stick surface is very important when it comes to making pancakes. Have you ever tried making pancakes on a pan where the batter stuck? It’s almost impossible to flip them without losing half the pancake in the process. Using a pan with a non-stick surface is one of the best ways to avoid this problem.
When it comes to non-stick surfaces, there are a few things to keep in mind. A lot of these pans, like the Circulon 82894, have a layered non-stick surface that promises the pancake will slip right off. Others, like the Lodge L9OG3, are made of cast iron, which works in a completely different way. Cast iron pans need to be seasoned, a process where they’re treated with oil in a hot oven. You’re not actually supposed to wash cast iron pans and, over time, they develop a natural non-stick surface.
Before you choose a pan, pay attention to the type of non-stick surface it has. Some have very specific instructions when it comes to care and not doing it right can void any warranty. You also need to be careful you’re using the right kind of utensils as most non-stick surfaces are not compatible with metal spatulas.
The handle is more important than some people might think. First of all, make sure you choose one that stays cool. A lot of the products we chose have stay-cool handles with comfortable silicone covers so they’re easy to move around while you’re working on your next batch of pancakes.
One product that’s a little different is the Gotham Steel Double Pan which features a double-pan design. They’re attached with a hinge. So, you fill the pan with batter and close the lid. When it’s time to turn the pancake, you hold onto the handle and physically flip the entire pan over. In this case, it’s super important to have a comfortable handle. If not, it would be way too hard to actually use this pan effectively.
Most of these pans are made of die-cast aluminum. This material is lightweight, really smooth, and heats up evenly, all very important things to look for in a pancake pan. Aluminum is also very durable so these pans should last a long time.
The Cuisinart 622-36H Chef’s Classic is made out of anodized stainless steel. This means it’s been treated and has a protective coating that protects it from wear and tear as well as corrosion. This material is really tough and made to last.
As we mentioned, we also included a cast iron pan. While the seasoning process can be a little time consuming, cast iron is known for lasting practically forever.
Pay attention to the material of the handle, too. We mentioned that it should be comfortable and stay cool but you also want something that’s tough enough to last as long as the pan. Most of these handles are made of stainless steel wrapped in silicone or soft plastic.
This is one of the most important factors when choosing a pancake pan. Good heat distribution means that the pan heats up evenly, eliminating hot spots. You do not want hot spots when you’re cooking pancakes because they won’t cook evenly. Part of the surface will burn while other parts won’t be cooked enough.
Some of these pans come with a lifetime warranty. These are usually the more expensive models put, again, even the most expensive pans aren’t insanely pricey. If you cook pancakes at least once a week, a high-end pan is worth it.
Other pans don’t have the same warranty but do have decent coverage. The Nordic Ware Scandinavian Silver Dollar Pancake Pan is covered for 10 years, the GreenLife Soft Grip CW000524-002 for two, and the Gourmia GPA9515 Blini Pan is only covered for one.
It’s really important to read the warranty information once you get your pan. Remember, some of these pans have specific care instructions and things like metal spatulas can destroy the surface and void the warranty.
You could argue that flipping the pancake is the most important part of the whole process. Having a pan that’s good for flipping is key. We already talked about the importance of a non-stick surface. You can’t flip your pancakes effectively if part of them is still stuck on the pan. You should also think about the lip of the pan. Some people prefer a curved lip around the edge to help slide the pancake onto the spatula while others like something with a smaller lip and more space to work with.
There are a few options when it comes to size and shape with these pans – in fact, there may be more options than you think!
The most common shape is circular, though the edges vary a bit from one pan to the next. Diameters range from eight to 12 inches and the bigger the cooking surface, the more pancakes you can cook at once.
If you prefer a griddle pan, we recommend the Calphalon Contemporary Griddle Pan. As we mentioned, griddle pans are a little different. They have more cooking area but they tend to produce a crispier, dryer pancake than the thick and fluffy kind you can get with a pan. But, if you prefer your pancakes that way, go for it.
Finally, we included a few silver dollar pans, like the Gourmia GPA9515 Blini Pan, as well as a stuffed pancake pan, the Norpro Nonstick Stuffed Pancake Pan. These pans are perfect for making a lot of small pancakes at home time. They’re good for kids and give you a chance to get a little creative. The WISETON Pancake Maker is particularly good for kids as it adds fun, whimsical animal outlines.
Most of these pans are pretty easy to clean since they have non-stick surfaces. Read the instructions carefully, some pans can be put in the dishwasher but most cannot. Handwashing is usually best to prevent damaging the non-stick surface.
Weight isn’t terribly important other than it is a good indicator of quality. Aluminum and stainless steel are generally lightweight metals so don’t expect these pans to be too heavy. That said, they shouldn’t be too flimsy, either. On average, these pans weight between 1.5 and three pounds.
One of the best things about pancakes is that you can take a very simple recipe and customize it to your own preferences. Add strawberries or blueberries, stir in some chocolate chips, mix in a little oatmeal to add a bit of fiber, or includes cinnamon and nutmeg in the batter for a stronger taste. If you’re looking for a great recipe to get you started, check out this video:
Our Editor’s Pick is the Circulon 82894. This pan is ideal for pancakes thanks to its superior non-stick surface. It resists abrasions, chips, and stain and is so durable, you can even use metal utensils. It’s compatible with any cooktop, including induction, and is oven-safe up to 400 degrees F.
If you’re looking for a pan to make blini, blintzes, or silver dollar pancakes, look no further than the Gourmia GPA9515 Blini Pan. You can make seven at a time and the non-stick surface makes flipping easy. It’s compatible with any cooktop, heats evenly, and cleanup is quick and easy.
Finally, we recommend the Gotham Steel Double Pan. This best pan for pancakes has an award-winning coating with immediate release so nothing sticks. You can use any utensils and the double-pan design is the easiest way to flip pancakes. Cool-touch handles and an ergonomic design make the whole process quick and easy.
