If you happen to love perfect crepes, a crepe griddle is the way to go. Their many features will allow you to make perfect crepes almost all the time.
You can find crepe griddle styles that hook up to gas lines or that are electric. There are even portable ones that will operate on propane. The most important feature of a crepe maker is the flat top plate, usually made of enameled cast iron or stainless steel and provide extremely even heating to cook the perfect crepe. Most models suitable for home use have a single cooking surface or burner and are electric powered, while the professional models can have one or two burners for increased speed of crepe making and might be electric or gas powered. Besides crepe making you can use the crepe griddles to cook pancakes, blintzes or tortillas.
Most crepe griddles designed for home use will be priced in the $40 to $150 US Dollars (USD) range and they are intended for occasional use. They usually feature a non-stick cooking surface for ease of use, temperature control indicator lights, and they come with few extras like turner spatula, batter spreaders and even ladles that allow you to precisely measure the crepe batter every time. An instruction manual and recipe booklet comes with every one of them but you can easily find delicious crepe recipes online. Less powerful models will output 800-900 watts and will cook a crepe in over one minute while the more powerful ones output 1300 watts and will cook a crepe in mere 30 seconds. Another factor in choosing a crepe maker is the size of the cooking surface. Dip, flip and cook models will usually have a 7-1/2” cooking surface while for the skillet stile will range between 11” to 13”.
If you have a larger family or like to entertain, a professional crepe machine might be your best option. With prices ranging from $350 to over $1000 USD you definitely will be able to find one to fit your budget and needs. The professional electric crepe machines are designed for regular and intensive use with power outputs reaching 3600 watts and will cook a perfect crepe in seconds. Designed to retain and evenly distribute heat, the cooking surfaces are also a lot larger and thicker, most of them being at least 15” in diameter and will be either enameled cast iron or stainless steel mounted on a stainless steel frame. They feature thermostatic manual controls for improved control and efficiency of use in intensive environments, non-slip rubber feet for use on counter-tops and equipment stands, and pilot indicator lights. They come complete with all the necessary tools: a wooden crepe turner, and a wooden batter spreader which will require a bit of getting used to but once you’ve mastered it you’ll make perfect crepes every time!
