Here’s How to Become a Pancake, Waffle, and Crepe Ace

I’m a huge proponent of making breakfast a big deal. I make pancakes for myself a few times a week, and I love serving up a pancake or waffle feast on weekends, especially when my wife and I have company. Some people love a breakfast sandwich, but I crave pancakes, especially with some really good maple syrup and some fruit (either in the pancakes or on the side). So, I’ve put together a primer for the gear you need to make some great pancakes, waffles, or crepes. Go forth, and don’t forget to brew some fresh coffee.

Best Overall Waffle, Pancake, and Crepe Equipment

Whatever kind of breakfast delight you’re making, you definitely want the right kind of equipment to help you get there easily, and without making a huge mess. Try the Cuisinart Belgian waffle maker — it’s a classic, easy-to-use appliance that makes four waffles at a time. Dash’s shockingly inexpensive mini waffle maker is also a house favorite. For pancakes, I recommend the Made In carbon steel griddle; or, if you want a shortcut version, the aforementioned Cuisinart has pancake plates, too!

Best Waffle Makers

Top-tier waffles might seem like a luxury you can only get in brunch restaurants, hotel lobbies, and diners, but I’m here to tell you that it’s incredibly easy to make them at home. Over 5,000 Amazon shoppers recently picked up the Ninja NeverStick Belgian waffle maker, which is currently on sale. Cuisinart’s vertical waffle maker — which we’ve named as the best overall waffle maker out there — will let you feel like you have a personal chef making you breakfast to order. (Which you will, but it’ll be you!)

• Ninja NeverStick Pro Belgian Waffle Maker, $80, originally $100
• Dash Mini Waffle Maker, $13
• Breville Smart 4-Waffle Pro, $300
• Bella Flip-n-Store Waffle Maker, $25, originally $30
• Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates, $130
• Chefman Belgian Waffle Maker, $27, originally $30
• Dash Multi Mini Waffle Maker, $38, originally $50
• Bella Classic Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker, $25, originally $30
• Cuisinart Vertical Belgian Waffle Maker, $70, originally $75

Dash Mini Waffle Maker

I have this waffle maker, and it’s so fun to use. It’s also the best mini waffle maker in the game, with our testing editors pointing out that “this inexpensive machine’s straightforward design is easy to use, and the small size is perfect for any kitchen.” They added that it “consistently produced golden-brown, delicious waffles on par with its competitors,” and I concur. 

Breville Smart 4-Waffle Pro

We’ve called the Breville Smart 4-Waffle Pro the best splurge waffle maker, and if you’re really serious about waffles, it’s what you need. It has aluminum cooking plates that offer even heating, and you can choose between 12 browning settings in order to get your ideal waffle texture. An LCD display lets you select between different types of waffles and time the cook perfectly. I haven’t used this, but I love knowing it exists. 

Best Pancake Makers and Griddles

There are a number of ways you can go with pancakes: If you want an old-school, more manual experience, you can get a cast iron or carbon steel griddle, a nonstick skillet, or even an electric griddle. When I’m cooking for myself, I use the Hestan ProBond nonstick pan for pancakes — they never stick, and they cook evenly, with the fluffy interior I love. But if you want a more automatic route, just grab the $13 Dash mini electric pancake maker, which we said was the best budget option. 

• Dash Mini Maker Round Griddle for Individual Pancakes, $13, originally $15
• Blackstone Original 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle, $99 originally $120
• Gotham Steel Double-Sided Pancake Maker, $21
• Hestan ProBond Forged Titum Nonstick Pan, $270
• Dash 8-Inch Round Griddle for for Pancakes, $25, originally $30
• Made In Cookware Carbon Steel Griddle, $179
• Chefman XL Griddle, $40, originally $50
• Ninja 14-Inch Griddle and Indoor Grill, $150, originally $60
• Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle, $40
• Holstein Housewares 6-Pancake Maker, $39, originally $60
• Dash Deluxe Griddle, $39, originally $60

Made In Cookware Carbon Steel Griddle

If you’re firing up a pancake feast for a group, this Made In carbon steel griddle will never let you down. I’ve been using one for years. It develops a beautiful, natural nonstick surface that allows pancakes to glide right off, and it heats super quickly and evenly, so your pancakes will all cook at the same rate. Plus, this is an amazing piece of cookware for savory foods like burgers, fajitas, grilled veggies, tortillas, and so much more. I can’t recommend it enough. (If you want this kind of vibe without the high-end carbon steel, try the more budget-friendly Lodge reversible cast iron griddle.)

Ninja Sizzle 14-Inch Griddle and Indoor Grill

We’ve called the Ninja Sizzle the best splurge pancake maker, declaring, “This gadget will make you want to ditch your outdoor grill and never make pancakes on the stovetop again.” We loved its smart design and versatility, pointing out that it’s not only great for pancakes, but also for bacon, eggs, and proteins like beef and chicken. If you want a new do-it-all that’ll turn your kitchen into cookout central, grab this indoor grill before your next pancake breakfast.

Best Crepe Makers and Crepe Pans

Whether you’re making simple crepes with fruit and whipped cream or a big, stuffed behemoth with eggs, veggies, and sausage inside, you need a solid crepe pan. I loved Bobby Flay’s collaboration with GreenPan (great knife set, and 41% off right now), and I have no doubt that its carbon steel crepe pan is phenomenal. For an electric version, the Procor Silex 13-inch electric griddle is easy to use and clean, and it even comes with tools. 

• Cuisinart 10-Inch Crepe Pan, $40
• Gourmia 12-Inch Crepe Maker, $36, originally $50
• Le Creuset Nonstick Crepe Pan, $125
• Bobby Flay x GreenPan 11-Inch Carbon Steel Crepe Pan, $60
• CucinaPro Cordless Crepe Maker, $40
• Moss & Stone Crepe Maker, $30
• Proctor Silex Crepe Maker with 13-Inch Griddle, $45, originally $57
• NutriChef Electric Crepe Maker Pan & Griddle, $30

Cuisinart 10-Inch Crepe Pan

I haven’t spent a ton of time making crepes, but this is definitely the pan I’d use to get started. We called it the best overall crepe pan due to its nonstick base, low sides, and inexpensive price. “With a surface that’s been reinforced with titanium, you can likely get away with using less oil or butter than with other nonstick pans,” our testing editor said, which is definitely a selling point for me.

Le Creuset Nonstick Crepe Pan

Of course Le Creuset has a crepe pan — I’d be shocked if the French heritage brand didn’t. We called this the best splurge crepe pan, pointing out its long-lasting hard-anodized metal and its 11-inch size as plusses. We also loved its handle, which stayed cool in tests even over high heat. If you, like me, are always on the hunt for a new reason to buy a Le Creuset piece, take this as a call to elevate your crepe game with a pan that will last for many years.