Crepes are a healthy and delicious way to start your day. They can also be had at other times, as a snack or even dessert. There are even recipes for savory crepes, called galettes. The best thing about them is the fact that with a bit of practice, anybody can make crisp and perfectly round crepes! All you need is the right batter recipe and the right kind of equipment. So let’s choose the best crepe pan.
Crepe pans are the best way to start making the perfect crepes. They are cheap and extremely beginner friendly. You don’t need to be an expert to start using crepe pans in the kitchen. Also, cleaning them is not a big deal. Picking the right one for you though can be a bit of a hassle, as there are various kinds of crepe pans out in the market.
But fear not, our in-depth reviews and buying guide should be enough to help you make your decision. If you are in a hurry, you can also check out our detailed comparison table to get a quick idea about the best crepe pans out there. If you have a few minutes to spare though, check out our reviews below.
Best Crepe Pan Comparison Table
Model | Photo | Size (Inches) | Material | Induction Ready | Heat-Proof Handle | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Woll Diamond Lite/Plus Professional Choice | 10.25 | Aluminum | Yes | Yes | Check Price | |
Le Creuset | 10.7 | Cast Iron | Yes | Handle Sleeve Sold Separately | Check Price | |
Cuisinart French Classic Affordable Choice | 10 | Stainless Steel | Yes | No | Check Price | |
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic | 10 | Aluminum | No | Yes | Check Price | |
Anolon Advanced | 9.5 | Aluminum | No | Yes | Check Price | |
LI-GELISI | 6 | Carbon Steel | Yes | Yes | Check Price | |
Cook N Home | 10.25 | Aluminum | No | Yes | Check Price | |
De Buyer HIC | 9.5 | Carbon Steel | Yes | No | Check Price |
Best Crepe Pan Reviews
Woll Diamond Lite/Plus – Best Non Stick Crepe Pan
Non-stick coatings of crepe pans are notorious for their susceptibility to scratches.
The Woll Diamond series has an ultra-hard coating with diamond crystals that increase their resistance to scratches. The aluminum pan has a nanoparticle-based coating which promises a superior non-stick performance.
The handles on Woll products are extra sturdy, with reinforced brass inserts. This pan is suitable for induction stoves as well and can be cleaned in dishwashers. It has no toxic compounds like POFA and comes with a limited lifetime warranty as well.
Yes, these Woll pans do not come cheap, but that is not surprising since they have such fine craftsmanship and materials. But they may be a bit of an overkill if all you want is a crepe pan for occasional use. Also despite the manufacturer claims, its performance on induction cooktops is quite underwhelming. And it also has a tendency to get damaged inside dishwashers.
Verdict
- Excellent build quality, made in Germany
- Very durable non-stick coating
- Robust handles
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Too expensive, and lacks performance
- Not completely dishwasher-safe
- Some issues on induction cooktops
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Crepe Pan – Best Looking French Crepe Pan
This French crepe pan has a beautiful enamel glaze on the outside. There are two color options, blue and red, and they both look quite stunning.
Besides the looks, these pans also deliver a properly sized crepe, thanks to a 10-3/4″ size. The interior is also black enamel, and this glossy finish gives it non-stick properties. The edges are not too tall, and this helps to flip the crepes easily. The package comes with a handy wooden spreader.
But this pan does cost a lot of money, in fact almost 5-6 times more than most other pans in our list. And the enamel does have an inferior non-stick capacity compared to Teflon coatings. You will need a liberal application of oil or butter to prevent sticking when using this pan. The handle is another sore point, as it can get hot pretty fast.
- One of the best looking crepe pans with beautiful enamel finish
- Enamel coated surface is free from toxic chemicals
- Durable build quality
- A wooden spreader is included with the pan
- Too expensive compared to other pans
- Enamel surface requires frequent seasoning
- Surface can get scratches as well
- Handle is not heat proof
Cuisinart French Classic – Best Steel Crepe Pan
Cuisinart is one of the best brands for affordable crepe pans, and this is their stainless steel version.
It has an aluminum core with tri-ply steel for improved heat distribution, which is usually lacking in ordinary stainless steel pans. The Heat Surround Tech design ensures better heat distribution. The handles are also made from stainless steel, and they remain cool to touch even after extended use. The pan is compatible with induction stoves as well.
Despite all that Heat dispersion technology, the stainless steel pan still lags behind cast iron and carbon steel in this aspect. It cannot handle too much heat and might even get warped if you expose it to very high temperatures. Also, the non-stick coating doesn’t stick around for too long either.
Verdict
- Durable tri-ply steel construction
- Has aluminum core for better heat transfer
- Great handles that remain cool for a long time
- Lacks the performance to match the price
- Prone to warping at high temperatures
- Fragile non-stick coating with underwhelming performance
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic – Best Aluminum Anodized Crepe Pan
There is a reason why Cuisinart is the best-selling crepe pan brand out there right now. The Chef’s Classic provides the right balance between economy and features for crepe pan buyers.
The ten-inch size is neither too large nor too small, and the anodized aluminum is extremely durable yet lightweight. The interior is coated with a titanium-based non-stick coating called Quantanium that does a good job. The handle is long and heat-proof, meaning you can keep cooking a lot of crepes without having to stop.
This pan is not dishwasher or induction friendly, so keep that in mind when considering buying it.
Verdict
- Excellent build quality
- Durable anodized aluminum finish
- Non-stick coating works well
- Excellent handle and ergonomics
- Not suitable for induction cooktops
- Non-stick coating is rather fragile
- Aluminum pans have uneven heat distribution
Anolon Advanced Crepe Pan – Rare Yet Affordable Bronze Crepe Pan
Bronze is an uncommon choice for crepe pans, and Anolon is the only brand on our list with this option.
The pan is anodized, and that is a great feature that drastically improves its durability. It has a non-stick coating on the exterior as well which makes cleaning a breeze. Interior has a high-quality coating from DuPont, which is one of the best names in cookware coating. Handles have a soft touch finish, and they never get too hot while cooking.
There are not many noticeable flaws with this pan from Anolon. The crepes do turn out to be on the smaller side, at barely 8″ on this 9″ pan, but that should not be a major issue for most people. It cannot handle too much heat, so you will have to keep an eye on that at all times.
Verdict
- Anodized bronze for extra durability
- Has DuPont Autograph coating
- Well designed handles with soft touch finish
- Non-stick exterior for easy cleaning
- Slightly smaller sized pan
- Cannot handle high heat
LI-GELISI Carbon Steel Pan – Best Comal Pan For Tortillas and Pancakes
Though this is not technically a crepe pan, it can make some small crepes if needed.
With a traditional Central American design, this is perfect for tortillas as well as regular cooking and searing. The carbon steel material provides durability, while the anodized non-stick coating can reduce the amount of oil used. The pan is also very easy to clean. The handle is heat insulated and ideal for extended cooking as well. The pan can withstand high temperatures up to 650 degrees with ease.
As for the cons, the most obvious one is that this is not a proper crepe pan. It is too small at six inches, and the resulting crepes will be much smaller. The other main issue is with the handle. It is poorly constructed and prone to breaking. Overall build quality is also lacking when compared to European products, and this is in all probability a made-in-China product.
Verdict
- Easy to clean
- Durable carbon steel product
- Anodized non-stick coating
- High heat resistance
- Not a proper crepe pan
- Too small at 6 inches
- Inferior build quality
- There are better options at cheaper rates available
Cook N Home – Most Affordable Crepe Pan
If you are on an extremely tight budget, this may be the best option for you.
It is the cheapest crepe pan in our list, but it does not lack in features. It has a double coating of nonstick layers for oil-free cooking. The pan can work on many different cooktops and surfaces, like gas, electric, glass, and ceramic. The size is also perfect at just above ten inches. The pan is made of heavy gauge aluminum for improved heating.
Since it is aluminum, it cannot work on induction based cooktops. And the pan is not dishwasher safe either. The overall durability of the handle and non-stick coating is also rather suspect, though that is not a big surprise at this price point.
Verdict
- Most affordable crepe pan
- Has non-stick coating
- 10″ size is adequate
- inferior build quality
- Non-stick coating peels off quickly
- Better options can be had for just a few dollars more
De Buyer HIC Crepe Pan – Best Carbon Steele Crepe Pan
What better option to cook a French dish than a crepe pan made in France?! That is one of the main draws of this pan from De Buyer.
This pan is made from blue carbon steel, which gives it better heat dispersion and control than aluminum over glass-electric cooktops. The lack of a non-stick coating makes it easier to maintain, as you don’t have to worry about scratching the surface. And to make these pans non-stick, a simple seasoning process is all that is required.
As for the main cons of this crepe pan, we found it hard to ignore its diminutive size. HIC has two size options for this pan, and both are under ten inches in size (9 and 8). The crepes made by these pans are a bit on the smaller side. And although you don’t have to do it often, seasoning is a chore. You will also have to add some oil to get the best non-stick performance most of the time. Without proper maintenance, these pans can rust out as well.
Verdict
- Good for induction, electric and regular cooktops
- No fragile Teflon coatings to worry about
- Made in France product
- Non-stick feature improves with regular use
- Excellent pricing
- Needs seasoning with oil
- Crepes are rather small in size
- Can rust with regular contact with water and acidic foods
Calphalon C1210P – Best Commercial Griddle/Crepe Pan
Professional grade cooking utensils are expensive but offer superior performance and durability. If that is what you need, the Calphalon is a ten-inch aluminum pan with a hard-anodized exterior that is durable.
The non-stick coating is three-ply, which improves its longevity. The pan base is quite thick, which offers excellent heat distribution. The edges are shallow, which makes cooking crepes much easier. The pan also comes with lifetime warranty.
This pan suffers from the same malady that affects all non-stick pans: the coating will start flaking, sooner or later. And it is not exactly cheap, costing almost ten times more than other consumer-grade pans out there.
Verdict
- Commercial-grade product
- Lifetime warranty
- Durable build quality
- Good design
- Most expensive pan in the list
- Non-stick coating is still vulnerable to peeling
Scanpan Classic – Best Ceramic Crepe Pan
If you want a quality European product over cheap pans mass produced in China, the Scanpan may be an excellent choice.
This is an excellent hand-cast product made with Scandinavian design and comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which is not a very common feature in this category. It also uses a unique ceramic-titanium based non-stick coating which is very durable. The thick aluminum design prevents warping at higher temperatures.
But there are few issues with this pan. The handle is quite brittle and fragile, which is in stark contrast with the rest of pan. And yes, while that titanium coating is more durable than the rest of the pack, it still comes with an expiry date. Don’t expect it to last a lifetime.
Verdict
- Hand-cast quality product from Denmark
- Unique titanium-based non-stick coating
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Thick design prevents warping
- Rather pricey
- Handle is fragile
- Non-stick coating will peel off over time
Best Crepe Pan Buying Guide
Crepes can be cooked on regular pans as well. But regular pans tend to have deeper edges, which makes it harder to flip a crepe once a side is cooked. A crepe pan is a better option, as it is designed specifically for cooking perfectly shaped crepes. They have very shallow edges, which make flipping that much easier, while still giving you the ability to spread the batter evenly without spilling any.
Crepe Pans vs. Regular Pans
Thanks to their name, people often think of them as one-trick ponies, useful only for making crepes. Nothing could be further from the truth. Crepe pans can be helpful in the kitchen for cooking a variety of stuff, often better than a regular frying pan. Alternative uses of crepe pans include:
- Omelets: since they are easier to flip, crepe pans are fantastic for cooking omelets
- Regular Pancakes: since they are just a thicker version of crepes (or vice versa), this is a no-brainer
- Sausages and bacon: These can also be reliably cooked in a crepe pan since the shallow edges are tall enough to hold all the fat and liquids.
Since crepe pans are better than regular pans when making flat items like omelets, pancakes and of course crepes, adding at least one crepe pan to your kitchen will make cooking breakfast much easier. And since they are very cheap, there is no compelling reason not to buy one.
Crepe Pans vs. Crepe Makers
Crepe makers are electric powered devices that can cook a large number of perfectly shaped crepes faster than a pan. Buying a dedicated crepe maker makes sense only if you have a large family, or if you plan to make a lot of crepes for large occasions like parties and family events often.
In regular circumstances, a crepe pan may be a cheaper and simpler option. As we have already noted, crepe pans can be used to cook a lot of different dishes, while crepe makers are expensive one-trick ponies. Pans are also much easier to clean and maintain.
Features To Look For In Crepe Pans
- Size: pan size usually ranges from 8-12 inches. For authentic French crepes, sizes above 10 inches are preferable. We find anything under ten inches to be a bit small for our liking. When considering pan sizes, please remember to take into account the offset caused by the edge of the pan. For example, a 10″ pan can be used to cook a 9″ crepe.
- Induction compatibility: Not all crepe pans are compatible with induction cooktops. When buying pans made from non-ferrous metals like aluminum, check if they have a copper or steel base if you have an induction cooktop at home.
- Heat-proof handles: Making crepes and pancakes requires you to have a good grip on the handle of the pan. If these handles get hot too soon, you will not be able to cook a lot of crepes.
- Non-toxic coating: PTFE is a synthetic chemical found in non-stick coatings like Teflon. Though stable at low temperatures, it can release toxic fumes at higher temperatures. PFOA is another more toxic chemical often found in non-stick Teflon coatings and is a known carcinogen. It is better to look for crepe pans that do not contain these toxic chemicals.
Different Crepe Pan Materials: Pros & Cons
Aluminum: These pans tend to be lighter and easier to hold. While they have excellent heat distribution, these pans lack the durability of other variants. This can be solved somewhat by using anodized aluminum during the manufacturing process. Aluminum pans usually come with non-stick coating, which does not last very long, but give a superior cooking experience.
Cast iron: The heaviest and most durable option, these pans can last a lifetime or more with proper maintenance and care. And as they come without non-stick coating, they can be considered healthier. But you will need to season the pan with oil, as well as use more oil for cooking. But a unique advantage of cast iron pans is the patina that develops after regular use: it improves the non-stick qualities of the pan.
Carbon Steel: These pans have the strength and durability of cast iron pans, with the added improvement of smoother cooking surfaces. And they are also more sensitive to temperature changes, making them great on glass and ceramic cooktops with temperature controls. But they are also extremely vulnerable to acidic foods and can get corroded quite quickly.
Stainless Steel: Another option is stainless steel, but as it is a poor conductor of heat, these pans usually come with copper or aluminum bases. Stainless steel is very durable and quite lighter than cast iron pans though. And they also usually have a non-stick coating.
Conclusion
There are numerous options when it comes to buying crepe pans. The most popular pans are either anodized aluminum with non-stick coating, or cast iron/carbon steel. They both have their pros and cons, and it is up to you to choose the one that suits your budget and preferences the best. We hope you found our reviews+buying guide informative. Choose the right crepe pan, and enjoy cooking and eating those sweet crepes!
I just want to know, if it is possible to clean Cuisinart FCT23-24NS in a dishwasher?
Hello Nicole,
User’s Manual says that you can do that. But actually, it is not desirable to put this pan in a dishwasher. Pan’s surface can be damaged. So, it would be preferable to choose hand-washing. It’s rather easy to clean this pan without a dishwasher.
Nice review! I’m looking to gift my wife with a crepe pan, so I want something premium but still durable enough that we won’t feel bad using it and “degrading” it. Any recommendations?
Hello Barbara,
Thank you for asking. The best crepe pan will be something durable and usable, not just for crepes. With your request for something premium, Woll Diamond Lite/Plus is a classy-looking piece for the kitchen, and you can feel that you’re really paying for something high-quality upon holding and seeing it. I also like how this pan works for induction stove, which is a plus, so you don’t have to buy a specific crepe pan for induction cooking.
I forgot the brand, but we bought a crepe pan last year at the store, and over time, I noticed the surface getting scratches. This is annoying and somewhat unsafe because I could see some specks on the crepes that we have to throw the pan away. Any material I should take note of to avoid this?
Thanks for the question Susan! I recommend the Woll Diamond Lite/Plus and De Buyer HIC Crepe Pan in terms of surface durability. It’s frustrating to have a pan that gets worn out over time because it loses that non-stick feature advantage for crepe making. The Woll Diamond has diamond particles in the surface coating to keep it scratch-resistant. On the other hand, De Buyer HIC is not non-stick, so you won’t have to worry about losing the top layer over time, but it’s still frustration-free to use it for crepes as long as you season it well.
How important is heat distribution when buying a crepe pan?
Excellent question. Regardless of what you’re cooking, I think everyone should invest in cookware that distributes heat on the surface equally. This prevents hot and cold spots that will leave your food unevenly cooked, and with crepes, that would destroy its structure. Some parts will be undercooked, while some will cook faster. Pans with good heat distribution are also less likely to have high temperatures that would quickly burn the crepe. If you are not yet used to making crepes, I suggest using a pan with even heat distribution, and you should have a frustration-free cooking experience.
I love this review Michael! I’m always a fan of crepes, but I never thought of getting a special pan for it. I think I want to spoil myself a little and get the best crepe pan. So far, the Cuisinart French Classic fits the bill. I’m just a tiny bit hesitant with the con about warping. I’m not thinking of using it daily anyway, and I don’t do high temperatures. What do you think? Thanks and more power to this blog!
Hello, and thank you for this comment. Crepes are one of the best foods because of their versatility! And yes, go get a crepe pan because it’s also useful for other recipes and not just crepes. The Cuisinart pan has a reasonable price point, and you can expect that it won’t give you hot or cool spots. The heat distribution in this pan is quite impressive, especially for its price. As for the warping, I only mentioned that to help my readers compare the pans much better. I don’t think the pan will get deformed quickly as long as you use it with care. Hopefully, this answers your worries. If you have any more questions, I’ll be happy to reply.
Should I really get a separate crepe pan? Using a regular pan works, but I don’t think it would hurt to add a new pan to my set, haha. By the way, I love how you mentioned what features to look for when buying a crepe pan. I wonder if there is a favorite of yours on the list? Size is not an issue, but I would prefer if the pan you’ll recommend is extra sturdy. I don’t mind paying extra as long as it will last long. Thanks.
Hello, and yes, I think it’s an excellent investment to get a crepe pan. As I have mentioned in this article, crepe pans are also helpful even for other recipes. You might even be able to make a whole set of meals with a crepe pan without needing to wash multiple items later. When you mentioned long-lasting, I have to recommend Woll Diamond Lite/Plus. It’s on the pricier side, but you’ll get it once you try it firsthand. The coating does not chip, and the overall construction is premium. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic is also another pan with a good build for extended usage. I hope this helped you with your buying decision. Feel free to ask more questions if there are any!