Pancakes are easy to make in a frying pan, but it can be challenging to get the perfect shape, texture, and golden color. When time is a constraint, everything can go wrong, especially when you don't have the right pancake griddle. A griddle can ensure you make the pancakes as you desire, without getting them stuck to the bottom, and with a perfectly golden-brown finish.
To ease your confusion about buying the best pancake griddle, we brought together for you the 10 best ones we could find. The Cast Iron Round Griddle from Lodge was one of our favorites. The sturdy griddle comes pre-seasoned, so there's less effort to begin with. It's highly heat-conductive and can heat evenly for making the best-textured pancakes. If that's not your preference, we have another nine griddles on the list and a buying guide to help you choose a pancake griddle that best fits your needs.
Quick List - Top Pancake Griddles
Lodge
Best Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle for Evenly-Cooked Pancakes
Presto
Best Non-Stick Option With a Textured Surface for Easy Cleaning
Lodge
Best Rectangular Reversible Griddle for Pancakes and More
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
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Before buying a pancake griddle, you should consider how frequently you use it, what you cook in it besides pancakes, and how much time you can spend cleaning and maintaining it. And all these factors depend on the heat source it uses, the material it's made of, and what its size is.
Pancake griddles are classified based on how they're heated. The main types are stovetop and electric griddles.
A lot of people choose electric pancake griddles due to their ease of use. These griddles usually have a non-stick surface. They also come with a temperature control knob that lets you choose between different heat settings.
Some electric models have two preset temperature levels for you to choose from: low and high. Meanwhile, others have more precise settings that allow you to select the right amount of heat you need to make your pancakes or other foods. The temperature settings often range from 200 and 400 Fahrenheit.
There are also electric models that come with an LCD display and digital controls for easy use. Some are designed with a countdown timer that reminds you to check the griddle.
If you intend to use an electric pancake griddle to make other foods like meat and sausages, go for one with a drip tray that can collect the grease from foods.
Electric pancake griddles are expensive. They are also not portable and need to be plugged into a power source in order to work. Therefore, they might not be convenient to bring with on a camping trip.
Stovetop pancakes griddles are inexpensive. Plus, they don't require any electrical outlet to be powered and are convenient to take with you for camping. Moreover, stovetop pancakes are more convenient to store, as they don't come with extra components like temperature controls and cords.
But do check the material of the griddle to make sure it works for your heat source. For example, if you're using a griddle on an open flame, you should choose a cast-iron griddle as cast iron can withstand high temperatures.
One con of stovetop griddles is that they might not heat up evenly. Specifically, the middle of the griddles tends to get hot more quickly compared to the outer edges.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not all griddles are suitable for all cooking surfaces such as ceramic, glass, and induction. For example, you'll need a griddle with a magnetic base for induction cooktops. So make sure to check the product's description to see what types of cooktop the griddle is compatible with.
Pancake griddles either come with molds or have a flat surface for making pancakes of the desired size. The griddles with molds are usually round in shape. The molds are also round and can help you make perfectly round pancakes.
Pancake griddles with molds are great for those who want to make pancakes with a consistent size and shape. The number of molds depends on the pan’s size.
Some molds also feature cartoon characters or designs at the base to prepare interesting pancakes for kids and kids at heart! The bigger the griddle, the higher the number of molds.
Flat griddles are big and versatile and can be used to grill burgers or cook eggs, tortillas, and other foods besides pancakes. So if you're looking for a product that can be used to cook multiple different things, consider a flat griddle!
Flat griddles can be round or rectangular. Round griddles are ideal for stovetops and promote more even heat distribution because most burners are usually round. However, rectangular griddles provide you with more surface area for cooking.
The most common materials are non-stick varieties like cast iron or an aluminum base. Cast iron alone is a popular material for pancake griddles.
Non-stick pancake griddles are easy to clean as pancakes slide out easily once done. You don't have to use a lot of oil or butter to prevent pancakes from sticking to the griddle as well. So if you're watching your fat intake, nonstick griddles can be a great choice as it allows you to cook pancakes with much less oil or butter!
However, the non-stick coating might come off if you use sharp metal utensils on the griddle. If you heat up a non-stick griddle without anything in it, the non-stick coating might also be damaged.
The non-stick coating is generally Teflon, ceramic, or porcelain. Teflon-coated griddles are affordable and safe to use unless heated above 570 degrees Fahrenheit. So make sure not to overheat them! They are also quite sturdy and scratch-resistant.
There have been concerns about the potential health risks of Teflon. It's said that PFOA, a chemical used in the process of making Teflon, can cause adverse effects on your kidney and liver. But PFOA has no longer been used in the production of Teflon-coated cookware since 2013. In general, Teflon-coated griddles are safe to use.
Ceramic and porcelain coatings are also available. They are more expensive than Teflon and are less scratch-resistant and durable. However, they have a high heat tolerance of up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit and are safe to use in the oven, while Teflon-coated griddles are not.
Stainless steel griddles are highly resistant to scratches, rust, and corrosion. If you're looking for a pancake griddle that will last a long time, go for a stainless steel one. But the pancakes can stick to the stainless steel surface and you might not get a perfect golden-brown finish with a stainless steel griddle.
Still, stainless steel griddles offer excellent heat distribution and are very durable. They are also compatible with most stovetops, including gas, electric, ceramic, glass, and induction.
Aluminum pancake griddles are lightweight and heat up quickly. But they are susceptible to scratches and stains and might not last that long. Also, they do not retain heat well and won’t work on induction cooktops.
If you decide to go for an aluminum griddle, we suggest choosing one that is anodized. Anodized aluminum has a layer of oxide over the surface to protect against corrosion, making it more durable and scratch-resistant compared to untreated aluminum.
There are also products made with cast aluminum, which is aluminum heated to extremely high temperatures. Cast aluminum can tolerate higher temperatures and is more rust-resistant than untreated aluminum. Overall, cast aluminum and anodized aluminum are quite similar. But anodized aluminum is more corrosion-resistant.
Cast iron griddles are quite heavy and difficult to maintain. You need to season cast iron by coating it with oil and heating it in the oven so that it becomes nonstick. You should also wash cast-iron griddles by hand using a small amount of soap and dry them immediately after washing. Cast-iron griddles can take longer to heat up as well.
Still, cast iron can last for years with proper maintenance. It can retain heat for even and consistent cooking. Cast iron griddles are suitable for electric and gas stovetops and are also oven-safe.
If you want to make some pancakes during your camping trip, cast-iron pancake griddles are a must-have item as they can be used on an open fire. You can even find versatile double-sided cast iron griddles with a grill surface on one side and a griddle on the other.
Also, cast iron pancake griddles generally come with a cast-iron handle for easy carrying. Cast iron handles can get very hot, and you might need a mitt to transfer the griddle.
It's important to consider how many people you generally cook for when choosing a pancake griddle. A bigger pancake griddle is harder to store and wash, but it will save you time if you cook for a lot of people.
Some bigger griddles can sit on two burners to help you make multiple pancakes at the same time. But if you're serving a small group of people only, a 10-inch griddle should be enough.
Much importance is given to the griddle’s size, but don’t forget to consider its height or depth. If the griddle’s edges or outer walls are high, it can be challenging to flip the pancake in one piece.
This can be all the more difficult if you’re using a griddle with molds. A shallow mold ensures that you don’t pour a lot of batter into it resulting in undercooked pancakes.
However, if the pancake mix contains greasy items like cheese, higher edges will prevent the grease from flowing over the sides. In general, we suggest choosing a pancake griddle that measures about 0.5 to one inch in height.
Pancake griddles might come with useful features such as a non-slip grip handle that's comfortable to hold in the hand. You might want to make sure the handle is covered in heat-resistant material like bakelite or silicone so that it doesn't get hot to the touch while you cook.
Many electric pancake griddles come with two cooking plates, grill and flat, to help you make different things besides just pancakes. Stovetop griddles are usually double-sided. They are designed with a flat surface on one side for cooking pancakes and a grill surface on the other.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle | ![]() | Best Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle for Evenly-Cooked Pancakes | |
2 | Presto Electric Griddle With Removable Handles|07061 | ![]() | Best Non-Stick Option With a Textured Surface for Easy Cleaning | |
3 | Nordic Ware Emoji Pancake Pan | ![]() | Best for Making Pancakes With Faces for a Fun Breakfast | |
4 | Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle With Handles | ![]() | Best Rectangular Reversible Griddle for Pancakes and More | |
5 | Bella Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle | ![]() | Best Ceramic-Coated Electric Griddle With Temperature Control | |
6 | Cuisinart Nonstick Hard-Anodized Crepe Pan|623-24 | ![]() | Best for the Durable Stainless Steel Handle That's Comfortable to Hold | |
7 | Cuisinart Elite Griddler|300WSP1 | ![]() | Best Versatile Electric Griddle and Grill With LCD Display | |
8 | OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Square Griddle|CW000965-003 | ![]() | Best Square Griddle That Provides Even Heat Distribution to Your Pancakes | |
9 | Nordic Ware 2 Burner Griddle|10230AMZ | ![]() | Best 2-Burner Griddle for Large Cooking Needs | |
10 | Fruiteam Mini Pancake Mold Pan | ![]() | Best for the Bakelite Handle That Stays Cool to the Touch |
Pros:
Cons:
Lodge offers this round cast iron griddle with 1.5-inch edges and a wide cooking surface that measures 10.5 inches in diameter. It comes seasoned and ready to use from the foundry so it's easy to prepare delicious pancakes right from the day you receive it. For its heaviness, the cast iron handle makes a great addition. It also works in the oven, over a campfire, or on a grill.
Some felt that the handle got too hot. However, many users could make evenly-cooked pancakes that didn't stick to the griddle. They further said that it cooked fast and cleaned up in a breeze. A lot of buyers used this cast-iron griddle to make other foods like eggs, quesadillas, or French toasts.
Pros:
Cons:
This electric pancake griddle features a non-stick, textured aluminum surface that prevents pancakes from sticking and is easy to clean. The extra-large surface also facilitates cooking for a family. You can also use this griddle to cook other foods like bacon, eggs, and sandwiches, and any excess fat goes into the removable drip tray. Plus, the handles can be removed for easy storage.
Some users felt that the griddle didn't heat evenly, as some areas got hotter than others. And a few reported the drip tray breaking after a few uses. On the other hand, many users loved its non-stick surface and how it heated up quickly. They complimented it for plenty of room and the ease of cleaning.
Pros:
Cons:
Want to make a fun breakfast for your loved ones? This pancake griddle can help you! It has seven molds to make fun emoji pancakes. It's made of non-stick aluminum, so it's durable and easy to clean. And the sturdy handle helps you keep the griddle steady when you're ready to transfer the pancakes to plates.
Not everyone had a comfortable experience flipping the pancakes. Some buyers suggested using a fork or spoon to lift the pancakes up. On another note, many others loved the durable construction and the non-stick surface that only required a small amount of oil. They said cleaning up was easy as well.
Pros:
Cons:
This cast iron pan is a griddle and a grill in one. Just reverse it and you've got a surface for grilling meats and vegetables! It's pre-seasoned and fine for use on stovetops, campfires, and the oven. The griddle has a slight slope that allows any fats to drain. What's more, it comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
Some users found it heavy and challenging to wash it in the sink. However, the majority of users loved the griddle for its versatile sides. Besides pancakes, they could perfectly cook eggs, sausages, and more on the flat side. Another big plus for many buyers was that the griddle heated up consistently for even cooking.
Pros:
Cons:
The highlight of this electric griddle is its copper-titanium-ceramic coating which facilitates easy cooking, flipping, and release of pancakes. It also makes the griddle energy-efficient by cooking faster and is highly resistant to scratches. You can cook pancakes to perfection thanks to the dial that sets a precise temperature.
Some buyers weren't happy with the short power cord, while some complained that the griddle didn't distribute heat evenly. But overall, most users complimented it for how well the pancakes were released without sticking. They liked that the griddle was easy to clean and were pleased with the large surface that allowed them to make a lot of pancakes at once.
Pros:
Cons:
The interior of this pan is quantanium, a multi-layered non-stick material reinforced with titanium particles to make it harder. And that provides it with a stable, non-stick cooking surface that is easy to clean up. The anodized aluminum exterior distributes heat evenly, and the stainless steel handle is comfortable, long, and stays cool while cooking.
But a few users reported that the griddle's coating peeled off or it got scratched easily. On the other hand, many users said the griddle cooked evenly and quickly and was lightweight and easy to handle. They were also pleased that nothing stuck to the pan and the griddle heats evenly. Most buyers also confirmed that the handle didn't get hot.
Pros:
Cons:
This griddle comes with six cooking options in one. The spacious 240-square inch surface lets you simultaneously cook pancakes and grill sandwiches, paninis, and meats. The integrated drip tray, dual temperature controls, countdown timer, and LCD display with LED indicator lights can make cooking easy!
A few users reported that this griddle took a long time to get to the desired temperature. Even so, most users loved this sophisticated griddle for its multiple cooking options. A lot of buyers praised the sear setting that gave their meats and vegetable grill marks. Many also liked the digital display that made it easy to use the product and the easy-to-clean non-stick surface.
Pros:
Cons:
This square griddle is a combination of a three-layered anodized aluminum body and a stainless steel handle. It takes less oil regardless of what you're preparing. For pancakes, this will be a perfect choice as low walls ensure flipping is effortless. Once cooled, you can safely toss the griddle in the dishwasher for cleaning.
Some users complained of the griddle pan warping after use. Non-stick can warp if you submerge it in cold water when it's still hot, so don't wash it until it cools down. Yet, many users found the griddle sturdy. Its non-stick properties also held up well for many. They further said that the griddle heated up evenly.
Pros:
Cons:
Those with larger cooking needs will love this sleek cast aluminum griddle with a non-stick surface. It's long enough to rest on two burners. The backside is not coated, so you can use this griddle on a high heat source like an open flame without worrying about damaging the non-stick surface. Besides pancakes, you can use this griddle to make dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches or bacon.
For some users, the griddle didn't stay flat on smooth surfaces such as glass stovetops. But for most of the reviewers, the griddle worked well over an outdoor grill, campfire, and gas stovetops. Many buyers also liked that the griddle heated evenly and cleaned easily, and the pancakes released effortlessly from the non-stick surface.
Pros:
Cons:
This round pan has a three-layered coating. Aluminum alloy offers better heat conduction and performance. The bakelite handle stays cool and grips easily when it's time to flip the pancakes. The shallow 3.14-inch molds help you make pancakes of consistent size and shape.
Keep in mind that this griddle pan is not compatible with induction stovetops. Still, several reviewers loved that it needed less oil to cook them, though. They further mentioned that the mold depth also helped pancakes cook evenly without leaving a mess. Many buyers loved using this pancake griddle to make eggs as well.
Along with reviewing our buying guide, JQ also answered some frequently asked questions on the internet. Read below to see his insight!
"I have found 375 degrees to be the best griddle temperature for pancakes," Jim says. "It allows the outside to cook evenly without burning, and cooking the inside completely.
Always let your griddle preheat before attempting to make pancakes. Test with a teaspoon of batter to see if it is up to temperature. Or if it has a light, the light will go off."
Jim says, "Cooking pancakes has more to do with the bubbles than time. Bubbles will start to form in the pancakes. You need to wait until the bubbles rise to the surface and then 'pop,' forming holes that stay open.
The outside of the pancake should be starting to become crisp and dry. Then, flip and cook for an additional couple minutes until golden brown. It's okay to use a spatula and take a peek to see how they are doing."
There are a lot of cookware and kitchen tools that will make preparing the batter and cooking pancakes a breeze. Check out our articles to know some suggestions!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Lodge |Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle
No. 2: Presto |Electric Griddle With Removable Handles|07061
No. 3: Nordic Ware |Emoji Pancake Pan
No. 4: Lodge |Reversible Grill/Griddle With Handles
No. 5: Bella|Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle
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