Even if you’re a pancake pro, the idea of making crepes can feel a little intimidating. The French pancake (no surprise) is thinner than our stout American version — and more flexible, too. And instead of topping them with syrup a la Americain, crepes are plated, fillings are added, and the crepes are then rolled up and served.
Crepes can either be crammed with sweet (banana and Nutella is a classic) or savory (like ham and cheese) fillings, making them wonderful for elegant and decadent desserts and breakfasts, or for a simple but upscale lunch or dinner. While the thinner batter does throw up a few gauntlets, getting the right crepe maker will make that first initial crepe a snap to make.
A crepe maker may seem like a minor purchase, but there are a number of elements to keep in mind if you want a recipe for baking success.
Size: Do you want giant crepes, like the ones you find on the streets of Paris? Would smaller crepes be better for you and your family? Considering the size of your servings can narrow down the search considerably.
Type: There are two main types: classic stovetop or electric. They both have pros and cons but think of the way you generally like to cook and start there.
Extras: Depending on the age and kitchen-activity level of your family members, you may find that getting a griddle with clear On/Off and heat indicator lights is a safety measure you need. Some of our makers also come with batter spreaders, spatulas, and recipes.
We sought out crepe makers from reputable companies with excellent track records on service. We ultimately reviewed dozens of crepe makers, and also consulted technical and consumer assessments of the products to find the best crepe maker for you and your needs.
This high-powered crepe maker has an average of 4.6 stars from more than 2,100 happy reviewers and is Amazon’s number-one-selling crepe maker.
It’s easy to see why it’s popular: The high-powered heating unit is crepe-ready in seconds, making a delicious meal for the whole family possible in about five minutes. The machine also cooks evenly, giving crepes that are trademark golden brown, with an easy release. You can easily cook meat, eggs, and pancakes on this crepe maker as well.
One reviewer writes that they “love this maker! I also use it to cook dumplings. The edge is well-made with a rim, and it prevents liquid from flowing out.”
This nonporous, wear-resistant crepe maker was designed to be extra durable and perform at a high level, at a wallet-friendly price point. The tapered rim eliminates drips, and the stainless steel handle stays cool during cooking, allowing you to flip the crepe without an oven mitt (awkward!).
Because it’s lightweight and easy to use, it’s also a great option for those not planning to make crepes a part of their weekly routine. Cleanup is easy, but the dishwasher is not recommended.
Reviewers say this pan works well for crepes that “aren’t big like you’d find at a crepe stand, but big enough to fold.” Others say the pan cooks “nice and even.”
The Le Creuset has become a classic around the world for a reason: It performs very well and looks good while doing it (love that iconic bold red exterior!). The smooth, cast-iron crepe maker heats quickly and makes perfect crepes, one after the other, for as long as you need it.
Because the pan is on the heavier side, it may take a little time to perfect the flip. The pan comes with a pastry spreader, which makes it easier to create perfectly flat and even crepes.
Some reviewers say this is “simply the best crepe pan,” “easy to use,” and “worth every penny!” while others say “the handle could have been a bit longer.”
This nonstick plug-in crepe maker is ideal for beginners who are nervous about creating the perfect crepe. This Proctor Silex maker comes with a batter cup so you always know how much to put on the griddle and a spreader that allows you to instantly achieve paper-thin consistency.
There is also an extra-large crepe spatula included in the package, making that initial flip as foolproof as it’s going to get. There are also eight browning modes so you can dial up or down the golden finish as needed.
Reviewers say “you can’t lose” with this crepe maker, and add that it can also be used to quickly griddle-cook eggs, bacon, and grilled cheese.
This heavy-duty electric crepe maker is versatile enough to make a variety of other favorites, like bacon and eggs, and is easy to pack and take on the go.
The NutriChef crepe maker comes with a batter spreader, ensuring thin, golden results, and a spatula for flipping crepes. This also comes with safety features, which is great for families with young kids. The LED indicator lets you know when the desired temperature has been reached, but will also be a clear reminder not to touch for younger family members.
Reviewers say it “works very well,” and that “it’s pretty easy to get the hang of spreading the batter with the dowel.”
This nonstick electric crepe maker produces breakfast in 20 seconds flat. The versatile Moss & Stone product also features automatic temperature control to prevent burning, and a one-press on and off switch that shows when cooking can begin.
The machine is also quite compact, making it a great option for smaller living spaces or kitchens without a lot of storage. The obvious drawback, though, is making smaller crepes.
Reviewers say using this maker is “easy,” and that it “makes great crepes,” but others warn that unless you already know how to make crepes, “it’s a waste of money” because it doesn’t come with instructions or crepe-making tools.
The CucinaPro is great if you want to make crepes—wait for it—like a pro. This machine consistently produces delicate, evenly cooked crepes, and has five different settings so you can get the perfect golden finish. This set also comes with a recipe for crepes and a batter spreader. You will also be able to make blintzes, classic pancakes, and eggs with this griddle-style cooker.
Reviewers love how easy it is to flip the crepes on this maker and say it’s super easy to clean, despite the fact that it can’t go in the dishwasher. One reviewer who had recently returned from a trip to France says it makes “classic, consistently great crepes.”
This crepe maker is simple and straightforward to use, with a few bells and whistles that make it even more enticing. It features a heat indicator light, an on/off switch, cool-touch handles, skid-resistant feet, and convenient cord storage. While this is intended to make crepes, it can be used for other griddled items, like toasties, sausages, and quesadillas.
One reviewer says that after getting it, “in minutes it was like I’d used it forever. Crepes and tortillas came out perfectly, just read the instructions first and follow the mostly no-fail recipe.” They did note that they added more oil — and more frequently — than the directions suggested. Another notes that it’s so easy to use, their 7- and 9-year-old kids can handle it.
Cast-iron products have developed a cult following for a reason: They’re sturdy, user-friendly, and deliver evenly cooked, golden-brown goodness.
This crepe maker will work over a campfire or a grill, but you may understandably want to reserve your crepe cooking time for the stovetop. When you’re not making crepes, you can griddle up hot dogs, sandwiches, and other creations. The pan is made in the U.S.A. and is pre-seasoned for an easy-release finish that improves over time.
If you want to create Iron Chef-worthy crepes and don’t mind the hefty price tag, this crepe maker will deliver. The heavy-duty, stainless-steel electric maker features cast-iron plates that heat and cook crepes to golden perfection.
The large, 16-inch cooking surface delivers the kind of monster crepes that made France famous in the first place. The thermostat can be adjusted up to 570 degrees Fahrenheit, which also makes it ideal for quickly griddling up many other types of meats and treats in a flash. A batter spreader and spatula are included.
Kathleen WillcoxKathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about parenting, technology, shopping, food and wine.
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