Best Nonstick Pans For Pancakes in 2022

In this article, you’ll find a review of the 5 Best Nonstick Pans For Pancakes. I’ll dive deep into the Pros and Cons of all five pancake pans. Also, at the end of the article, you’ll find a buying guide on how to choose a perfect pan for pancakes.

The best overall pick is Scanpan Classic 10-Inch Crepe Pan. It has a big enough cooking surface to accommodate pancakes for a whole family while at the same time it performs well. Nonstick coating provides an even heat distribution making your pancakes look nice and brown on all sides. Build quality is excellent, and it’s undoubtedly well priced for what it delivers.

Crepes and pancakes, in general, are such a staple in many households. Most restaurants that I worked in had some sort of a pancake dish. Be it a lobster wrapped in a crepe or your typical fluffy American pancakes. Yes, you can use a frying pan for pancakes, but the result is much better when you have a nonstick pan. It makes it so much easier to cook them in the griddle rather than a deep frying pan. In my opinion, it’s well worth the investment in such a pan, considering you like to make pancakes.

The 5 Best Nonstick Pans For Pancakes We Reviewed

Take a quick look below at the pancake pans we reviewed.

• Scanpan Classic 10-Inch Crepe Pan (Best Overall Nonstick Pan For Pancakes)
• Cuisinart 623-24 Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 10-Inch Crepe Pan (Best Budget Pick)
• ESLITE LIFE Nonstick Crepe Pan Pancake (Best Pancake Pan For Induction)
• Emoji Smiley Face Pancake Pan (Best For Kids)
• Norpro Nonstick Stuffed Pancake Pan (Best Stuffed Pancake Pan)

Reviews of The Best Nonstick Pans For Pancakes in 2021

Below you’ll find detailed reviews of five nonstick pancake pans. I included all the information you’re going to need, from the build quality to the cooking performance. Also, at the end of every review, you’ll find the Pros and Cons.

Best Overall: Scanpan Classic 10-Inch Crepe Pan Review

• Material: Aluminum
• Oven safe: Yes
• Nonstick: Yes
• Dishwasher safe: Yes
• PFOA-free: Yes
• Come with lid: No
•  Induction compatible: No

This Scanpan Classic 10-Inch Crepe Pan is one of the best nonstick pans for your morning crepes or pancakes. If you’re looking for a versatile and high-quality pan, then look no further. This Scanpan Classic is the one to buy.

Build quality is excellent. The rivetless handle is solid; however, I only wonder how well this handle can withstand drops without shattering or coming loose. Riviteless handles have one drawback – it’s impossible to fix them by yourself. Other than that, the cooking surface seems solid without any scratches or dents out the box. Overall this pancake pan is heavy considering it’s 10-inch, and it’s not that thick. But it’s a good thing since heavier pans last longer due to their rigid construction.

Durability is great. Scanpan cookware is well known for its durability, and this pan is no exception. The non-stick coating is durable and will last a long time. Of course, I’m not using any metal utensils or dishwashers. It ensures the non-stick pan stays in good condition without losing any of its non-stick properties.

The cooking performance is outstanding. Most home cooks struggle making pancakes. It either burns on the interior surface, or the consistency is not correct. The non-stick coating makes flipping pancakes in this pan an easy task. This crepe pan distributes heat evenly, making them evenly cooked. It’s especially important if you like crepes since one pancake takes an entire cooking surface. If the pan does not distribute heat evenly, crepe on one side of the pan cook faster, making the pancake unevenly crispy and brown.

This pan is also oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s great because I also use it for omelets. I can start on a stovetop and finish it in the oven.

One downside is that this pan is not compatible with an induction cooktop. If you have an induction and looking for an excellent pan that is compatible, take a look at this article on the best nonstick frying pan for an induction cooktop.

Maintenence is straightforward. The non-stick coating is easy to clean. Food doesn’t stick on this Scanpan. Well, if you cook pancakes on low to medium heat, you shouldn’t have any problem with burnt food. Even though this pan is dishwasher safe, I suggest you hand wash it. The non-stick surface is fragile in comparison to the stainless steel one. Chemicals used in a dishwasher can damage the interior surface resulting in a short life span of cookware.

Pros

• Require little or no oil for pancakes
• Great cooking performance
• Excellent build quality
• Easily to clean
• Durable

Cons

• The plastic handle smells bad when cooking on a gas range.

Best Budget: Cuisinart 623-24 Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 10-Inch Crepe Pan Review

• Material: Aluminum
• Oven safe: Yes
• Nonstick: Yes
• Dishwasher safe: No
• PFOA-free: Yes
• Come with lid: No
•  Induction compatible: No

This Cuisinart 623-24 Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 10-Inch Crepe Pan is the best budget option. It’s not the most durable pan, but it’s the right pan for your morning pancakes.

There are much better quality pans on the market. I did not expect excellent build quality in this price range. The pan is light and feels cheap. Scanpan, in comparison, is twice heavier than this Cuisinart pan. Heavy cookware is a good indicator of good quality. I like the stainless steel riveted handle though I wish it were thicker.

Durability is not the best. If you’re looking after this pan extremely well, it should last two to three years tops. From reviews online, I’ve seen home cooks complaining about the durability of the non-stick coating after six to eight-month of use. The interior surface scratches easily and, in some cases, starts to flake. I’ve been taking care of my pan, so I don’t have this issue. Apart from small scratches, it’s holding up pretty well.

The cooking performance is great. The non-stick surface heats evenly though I have to say that Scanpan is better in this regard.

This pan is lightweight. Some home cooks like it; however, for me, it’s a tiny bit too light.

Be aware this pan is not compatible with induction stovetops. On my gas range, the stainless steel handle is getting hot when on medium heat. Use a clean cloth to grab it if it gets too hot.

It’s oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes in handy, especially if you like to cook curd pancakes.

Cleaning this pan is easy. It’s not dishwasher safe which can be a downside for some home cooks.

Pros

• Distributes heat evenly
• Excellent value for the money
• Pan heats quickly

Cons

• Not the best build quality
• It could be more durable

Best Pancake Pan For Induction: ESLITE LIFE Nonstick Crepe Pan Review

• Material: Cast Aluminum
• Oven safe: No
• Nonstick: Yes
• Dishwasher safe: No
• PFOA-free: Yes
• Come with lid: No
•  Induction compatible: Yes

This ESLITE LIFE Nonstick Crepe Pan is an excellent option if you have an induction cooktop. Most same-size induction pancake pans are way more expensive than this one.

The build quality out of the box seems solid. The pan is constructed of heavy-duty cast aluminum, and it comes at two pounds which is heavy for a pancake pan. Most of the extra weight comes from the bottom of the pan. It features a thick induction compatible base. Not only does the extra weight give this pan a premium feel it also protects it from warping.

I don’t like the handle on this pan. When used on an induction cooktop, it’s fine; however, on a gas stove handle releases fumes, and trust me, it doesn’t smell nice.

Overall durability could be better. After using this pan regularly, the handle came loose. It’s annoying because it’s hard to screw it back in. On the other hand, the interior cooking surface is durable, and that is the most important thing. Yes, the nonstick coating already has minor scratches, but it does not affect cooking performance.

Most nonstick cooking surfaces are great for pancakes. This pan performs well in this regard. Cast aluminum performs great. It provides even heat distribution. You are not going to have to deal with hot spots. This pancake pan does cook perfect pancakes pretty much all the time. Considering you’re not using it on high heat.

One downside is it’s not oven-safe. I know for most home cooks, it’s not an issue, especially since you’re only going to use it for pancakes. However, it’s nice to have a versatile piece of cookware that could be used for other dishes as well.

This pan is easy to clean. To my surprise, it’s not dishwasher safe which is a good thing. Dishwashers are so bad for nonstick coatings; that is why I highly recommend washing this pan by hand. Harsh chemicals used in a dishwasher destroy the nonstick layer.

Pros

• Cooking performance
• Induction Compatability

Cons

• The handle emits fumes when the pan is used on a gas range
• It can be slightly too heavy for some home cooks.

Best For Kids: Emoji Smiley Face Pancake Pan Review

• Material: Aluminum
• Oven safe: No
• Nonstick: Yes
• Dishwasher safe: No
• PFOA-free: Yes
• Come with lid: No
•  Induction compatible: No

This Emoji Smiley Face Pancake Pan is an excellent option if you have small kids. My son doesn’t like breakfast. One of a few ways to make him eat breakfast is to make banana pancakes in emoji smiley face shape. 

Build quality is mediocre at best. It’s light. The handle feels cheap, but it doesn’t matter that much since most home cooks are not using this pan that often.

I’ve noticed the handle starts to burn when exposed to medium heat for a more extended period. It’s not melting however it emits fumes that smell badly. Make sure you keep the handle away from the direct heat source.

Durability could be better; however, it’s hard to expect anything better at this price point. I’m only using this pan two to three times a month at most. So it’s going to last a while, considering I’m not going to cook pancakes every day.

The cooking performance is excellent. The non-stick surface doesn’t make pancakes stick. If you want to get perfect emoji faces, make sure the batter has the right consistency. Not too thick and not too runny. Flipping is also easy. I use a silicone spatula, or sometimes even the toothpick will do the job.

Cleaning is easy. You can even use a paper towel to wipe off the excess fat.

Pros

• It brings a smile to kids face
• Great cooking performance

Cons

• Build quality
• Handle emits nasty fumes

Best Stuffed Pancake Pan: Norpro Nonstick Stuffed Pancake Pan Review

• Material: Cast Aluminum
• Oven safe: No
• Nonstick: Yes
• Dishwasher safe: No
• PFOA-free: Yes
• Come with lid: No
•  Induction compatible: No

Stuffed pancakes are an excellent way to try out something different. This Norpro Nonstick Stuffed Pancake Pan is great for stuffed pancake recipes. About fours years ago, I tried Danish treat Aebleskiver, and I loved it. If you’re looking for a stuffed pancake pan, then this one is the way to go.

Build quality is not excellent. The handle feels cheap and smells terrible when used on a gas stove. But non or less, it’s excellent for stuffed pancakes. I managed to scratch nonstick coating easily after only six months of use, considering I’m not using it that often.

The pan is lightweight when compared to Scanpan. However, since this pan is for stuffed pancakes only, I never carry it around the kitchen. It stays stationary most of the time, so the weight is not that important.

When it comes to cooking performance, it’s great. Cast aluminum construction heats up quickly. However, be aware of cooking it on low to medium heat. And keep the handle away from a direct heat source as it emits fumes.

This pan is easy to clean. It does not require any special care. You can use a paper towel to wipe off excess fat and give it a quick rinse under lukewarm water.

Pros

• Cast aluminum is great for quick heating
• Great nonstick properties

Cons

• Used cheap materials to build this pan

Guide to Buying Nonstick Pan For Pancakes

Here’s how to choose a nonstick pan for pancakes. Follow a guide below where I included everything you need to consider when purchasing a nonstick griddle or pan for pancakes.

Heat distribution

Heat distribution is very important since it determines how evenly your pancakes cook. Ideally, everything that cooks in the middle and closer to the edges should cook evenly when you have a full pan. So how to choose cookware that cooks evenly?

Copper and aluminum cookware are great at heat conductivity. These materials are the best for cooking performance, meaning they will deliver the best results when you cook pancakes.

Nowadays, most cookware has a multi-ply construction where three or more layers are bonded together. The most common construction is stainless steel with aluminum. However, stainless steel is not the best at heat conductivity. An aluminum core helps conduct and distribute heat much better. Here’s a table of materials and how well they conduct heat.

When it comes to distributing heat, there are other factors to consider. Do you cook on an induction or gas stovetop? How big is the burner in comparison to the pan? Is it too big for the burner, or is it too small?

To get the best cooking performance, you would want to have a gas stove. The pancake pan should be aluminum, copper, or multi-ply construction. The pan should be big enough for the burner (not too small and not too big). The griddle should sit on the center of the burner. Cook on low to medium heat for the best outcome.

Pans for induction cooktops tend to be worse than those used on a gas range because gas covers the surface area more efficiently. I’m not saying induction stoves are bad – they are fantastic. A gas stovetop is slightly better in this regard.

Shape And Depth

You can buy pretty much any shape pancake pan from a circular one to the Emoji pan. By far, the best pancake pan is a circular shape. It comfortably accommodates enough pancakes for a whole family while also performing well in terms of heat distribution.

A square shape pan can also accommodate a lot of pancakes at the same time. However, due to this shape corners of the pan tend to be colder, meaning the heat distribution is not as good as on a circular pan. Since all the burners on electric and induction stovetops are circular, the square shape pan doesn’t cover the entire surface area as it should, resulting in colder outer edges.

Emoji or stuffed pancake pans have drawbacks as well. You can only fit five to seven pancakes at a time, while you can comfortably cook eight to ten pancakes in a circular griddle pan.

Shallow pans are the best pancake pans. A pan without tall sides makes it easy to flip pancakes. You can fit an entire pan of pancakes to the edges and flip them over without breaking them. Having a shallow pan for crepes is essential, especially for a home cook who is uncomfortable tossing food around. You can grab a crepe by its edge and flip it over. It would be difficult to do that in a skillet or frying pan without burning your hands.

Weight

The cooking process of a pancake involves a lot of movements (lifting, turning, maneuvering around the kitchen with a pan in hand). Since pancake batter can burn and stick to the interior surface, you constantly need to move the pan around. The best pan for this type of cooking would be a lightweight pan.

Coating

Pretty much every pancake pan comes with a nonstick layer. Most nonstick cookware is made from a blend of chemicals called PTFE. This type of coating provides pans with excellent nonstick properties. Keep in mind you should look for a PFOA-free nonstick surface pan.

Yet another type of coating is ceramic-like nonstick coating. However, from my personal experience, I would recommend not buying a pan like that. The sol-gel, which is a silica-based nonstick surface, is not durable. This coating loses nonstick properties in about a year, so a good PTFE pan is a much better investment.

Be aware that most nonstick surfaces are not so durable. They flake, and they’re not scratch-resistant, even though some manufacturers claim otherwise. Here’s an article on how to fix a scratched nonstick pan in case you accidentally scratch yours and look for the ways to fix it. Stainless steel frying pans are a much more durable option; however, it’s not the best option for cooking crepes or pancakes.

What Are The Best Materials For a Nonstick Pancake Pan?

Below you’ll find three materials used for a pancake pan. I’ll go into detail explaining which one is better for your morning pancakes and how to take care of each material. Every material is different in terms of durability and performance; that’s why you should have at least a basic understanding of how each metal performs.

Aluminum

Hard-anodized aluminum is by far the most used material for nonstick pancake pans. Since this material is cheap and effective at distributing heat evenly, it’s such a popular material used for cookware.

Aluminum is a reactive material meaning when it comes into contact with acidic foods, it releases metal into food, making it taste weird. To avoid reactivity with acidic foods, aluminum is coated either with nonstick coating or ceramic-like nonstick, which are not reactive. Aluminum bonded with stainless steel is yet another durable and very popular choice among home cooks; however, it’s not the best option for pancakes.

Nonstick aluminum pans are excellent because they are lightweight and easy to clean. One downside, however, they are not as durable as cast iron or stainless steel cookware.

Cast Iron

Cast iron pancake pan is excellent; however, it’s not for everyone. I wanted to include it on my list, but I was hesitant to do so for a few reasons. First of all, it’s more durable than aluminum, but it’s heavier. A pancake pan should be lightweight since you’ll be maneuvering with it around the kitchen way more than usual. Second, cast iron is not easy to clean; in fact, I have a whole article dedicated to how to clean cast iron, so make sure you read it. Lastly, it requires seasoning at least every six months, depending on how often you will use a pancake pan. Seasoning creates a nonstick surface for those who are not familiar with cast iron pans.

If you are still not convinced to buy an aluminum pan, I highly recommend Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Pancake Pan. It’s a fantastic pan; however, keep in mind it’s not easy to maintain.

Ceramic

Ceramic pan for pancakes is yet another option. Ceramic performs well in terms of cooking pancakes. A few downsides though ceramic is quite fragile and it requires extra maintenance.

There are many pans that have a ceramic-like coating which is not that great. It tends to lose nonstick properties fast, and it’s more expensive than a traditional PTFE coated pan.

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for a versatile pancake pan then Scanpan Classic 10-Inch Crepe Pan is the best overall pick. It’s well built. It’s durable. It should last a while and most of all it’s well priced.

FAQ

Take a look at the most frequently asked questions related to pancake pans.