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Best Crepe Maker
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Accessories
Supplementary wooden utensils and recipe booklets will enhance your french cooking to even higher levels
Everyone loves when a product comes with extras, and that includes us. In the case of these products, however, it is important that it comes with the right tools in order to work properly. A batter spreader is something that you likely don’t have in your utensil drawer in your kitchen, and it is something that is a must. It is typically composed of two round wooden rods posed in the shape of a T. This utensil will help you create a nice and even surface of the batter on the cooktop. We make a point of ensuring that every option we selected that didn’t utilize a dip pan came with the addition of a batter spreader. We also liked options that also came with a wooden spatula for helping to slide food onto the place. It was important to select products that included utensils because the non stick surface that comes standard on most of these options will damage and scratch easily with hard, metal utensils. Plus, many home cooks will tell you that in the battle for a perfect crepe, it is important to have a good quality spreader to help with the batter.
Adjustability
It's important to be able to adjust temperatures to get that perfect color even for picky eaters
This was an important feature that we considered because it really helps you adjust the doneness of your finished product. Some users like their food to be a little on the pale side, while others like their food to be brown and crispy. Units that offer a wide variety of temperature options make them a little bit more versatile. Many users love these little gadgets because they are also perfect for cooking up a wide variety of breakfast items such as pancakes, eggs, sausages, and omelets. We were drawn to the options that had a dial that ran along the front that clearly indicated heat levels (although none on the market offered actual temperatures). The options out there on the market that only had a singular setting aren’t typically used for other breakfast items, so keep that in mind when selecting a design that it right for your breakfast needs.
Ease of Use
The easier each device is to use reduces its risk of ending up in the unused kitchen device graveyard!
Everyone knows that the easier one of these speciality kitchen gadgets are to use, the more frequently they will debut front and center on the kitchen counter. That’s why we wanted to make sure that we selected designs that were easy enough to use right out of the box. Some of the higher end options require a little bit of cooking knowledge from the user as far as temperatures and batter spreaders are concerned. What we discovered is that there is just a little bit of a learning curve with these options, but after a few attempts users typically get the hang of it. For those that have absolutely no cooking experience in the kitchen, there are even easier options from companies such as LIVEN that couldn’t make it any easier to use. These options typically have only one temperature setting, and it uses a dipping pan that will ensure the thinnest coat possible on the cooking surface. These options might not be as versatile as some of the others on the market, but they are a cinch to use. In addition to being easy to use, we also wanted them to be easy to clean. Due to the fact that most options have a non stick cooking surface, it means that to clean them, all the users needs to do it wipe it down with a damp cloth and letting it dry completely before putting it away.
Materials
Quality metals such as aluminum will create a more even heat that is ideal for cooking.
Another important feature that we made sure to consider was the material used for the cooktop. The material of the base wasn’t such a big deal, but if the cooktop wasn’t made from quality materials, we typicsally moved on to the next product. What we looked for were aluminum cooktops because aluminium is lightweight and is a fantastic conductor of electricity (due to the fact that aluminum has free electrons). Another important detail is that the cooktop needs to have a non-stick surface. Non-stick can sometimes be a little difficult because you can’t use metal utensils on it, but it is invaluable when cooking food at flat as these. If you try and cook them on a surface that isn’t non-stick, you are just going to have a stuck on mess on your hands. The benefit of non-stick is that food slides off easily, and so does the mess- so clean up with be a snap. There are two reasons why home cooks don’t bust out their handy kitchen gadgets- the first reason is that they are too complicated and the second is because they are a pian to clean. The designs that we selected for this list all simply need to be wiped down with a damp rag come clean up time.
Value
Saving money is important, but not at the risk of quality.
When it comes to speciality kitchen devices, you want to ensure that you get the best quality that there is out there, but not overspend on one of the top of the line designs. Unless you intend on eating crepes for every meal for the next 5 years, some of the higher end options that cost as much as modestly priced dishwasher might be a bit overkill. That’s why we wanted to make sure that we selected designs that didn’t break the bank, but still used high quality materials. The average price of these will likely set you back about the same amount that you would spend on a coffee maker. When we could, we also wanted to find options out there on the market that came with a warranty of some kind just in case anything ever went wrong with any of the components. Users typically found that the heating element was the first thing to go on these products, so a one year warranty could really protect yourself in case you get a model with a faulty heating element. While we did select some options that were a little bit more expensive than the average priced designs, these options were typically made to be used for various cooking tasks that require a flat top, and make their slightly higher price tag worth it.
Top 10 Picks
1. CucinaPro
Hands down, this is our favorite option out there on the market. It doesn’t bog the user down with any advanced settings that will go unused, and it has a basic design that is pretty simple. Plus, it comes with all of the utensils and additional cookbooks users will need to make the perfect breakfast right out of the box.
Read moreAccessories:
In addition to the main unit, users will receive a wooden batter spreader which is very important in keeping the batter thin and even for the perfect consistency. It also comes with a recipe booklet for basic batter, as well as a few sweet and savory recipes as well.
Adjustability:
This is one of our favorite features about this design for one reason: it’s simple. There are 5 adjustment settings along the front that are positioned on a dial. Users can adjust the heat to low to cook on a lower heat, or dial it up to 5 for a higher heat.
Ease of use:
We love how easy this unit is to use. Simply plug it into the outlet on your wall, and wait for the surface to heat up. There is a red and green indicator light on the front that will turn from red to green when the surface is at the desired temperature. Pour your batter onto the surface and spread it evenly with the included batter spreader.
Materials:
The base of this unit is made from aluminum, so it will be lightweight but able to hold a very even heat. It also has rubber feet along the bottom to ensure that it stays in place while in use.
Value:
The price of this option is a little higher than some of the other options have have an average price tag for a kitchen gadget, but we feel that the higher price point is very much worth it based upon the ease of use and the rave customer reviews.
Overall:
If you are willing to pay just a little bit extra, we feel that the CucinaPro design is going to be well worth it in the long run, and will be a perfect addition to your kitchen arsenal.
2. NutriChef
We liked the NutriChef option because just like the CucinaPro, it is incredibly easy to use. It has an easy to read display that will let you know when your unit is ready to go, and it comes with all of the tools that you will need to create perfect meals every time without any proper french training!
Read moreAccessories:
This unit comes with the addition of two tools that make it easy to spread the batter evenly, and allows you to easily flip it over. These tools are made from wood, so there is little chance of scratching or damaging your non stick surface.
Adjustability:
What we loved about this option is that instead of having numerical settings, it has brownness settings. If you like your batter to be a little underdone and translucent- simply set it to the clear setting. If you like it to be brown and crispy, turn the dial to the dark setting.
Ease of use:
The 2.5 foot power cord cable makes it easy to find just the right space on your countertop without being a slave to the electrical outlet. It has a red and green indicator light to let you know when it has achieved the right temperature setting once you turn it on.
Materials:
The cooking surface of this unit is made from a non-stick aluminium base which means that it is lightweight and will create an even cooking surface. Plus, the non-stick surface makes clean up a snap- simply wipe the surface down with a damp cloth and you are ready to pack it away until the next morning.
Value:
The price of the NutriChef option runs about par for the course. There is an average price that many of these units run for, and this unit hits that mark. While it isn’t the most expensive unit out there on the market, it isn’t the least expensive.
Overall:
You can’t go wrong giving this option a shot. It is incredibly easy to use, and has settings that will allow you to easily adjust darkness and crispness. Users rave how easy it is to work with right out of the box- there was a very small learning curve to get them just right.
3. Chefman
The Chefman is great because it is incredibly easy to use, and most users don’t even need to consult the instruction booklet before they get cooking. It is made from high quality materials that create an even cooking surface, and it comes with all the tools you will need to craft a pretty impressive breakfast.
Read moreAccessories:
Users will receive two tools that will help them craft a perfect breakfast. Included with purchase is a batter spreader as well as a spatula to help lift them off of the pan safely. Each utensil is made from wood to ensure that they will not scratch the non stick surface.
Adjustability:
What we love about this option is that users can adjust the temperate based upon how they like their level of doneness. There is a light setting for users that don’t like theirs to be very burned, and a dark setting for those that like them to be dark and crispy.
Ease of use:
Simply plus this unit into a power source, and wait for the unit to heat up. There is an indicator light that will shine red as it is heating up, and will then switch to green once the surface has achieved the proper temperature.
Materials:
The surface of this unit is made from a non stick aluminum. This means that it will heat up quickly and evenly, but it means that you won’t be able to use any metal utensils on the surface without scratching it.
Value:
The best part about this option is that it is comes in at a price point that is slightly lower than the average priced options. Plus, it comes with a 1 year hassle free warranty in case anything goes wrong with your unit.
Overall:
Considering how easy this unit is to use, as well as the lower price point with the addition of a 1 year warranty, there really is no reason not to give this option a try.
4. Eurolux
The Eurolux design is very basic, which means that it will take up very little space on your countertop, but it is still powerful enough to cook up some fantastic meals. Users love that it is easy to control, and just as easy to clean.
Read moreAccessories:
This unit comes with a wooden spreader as well as a wooden spatula that will allow users to spread and lift batter easily without running the risk of scratching the non stick surface.
Adjustability:
This unit has a heat setting that runs along a track. Users can adjust the settings from 1 to 5, one being low heat and 5 being high heat.
Ease of use:
Simply plug this unit into a wall outlet and wait until the surface heats up. Users will know when the surface is at the perfect temperature because the indicator light will turn from red to green.
Materials:
The cooking surface of this option is made from aluminum, which means that it will heat up quickly and evenly. It is also a non-stick surface, so there will be no risk of batter getting stuck. This does mean, however, that you will not be able to use metal utensils.
Value:
Simplicity comes at a cost in the instance of the Eurolux option. While it isn’t the most expensive design out there on the market, it is still a bit more expensive than some of the average priced units.
Overall:
For the sake of simplicity- the Eurolux is an excellent choice. Most users were able to use this right out of the box without the need of consulting an instruction manual.
5. Morning Star
What we loved most about the Morning Star option is that is has a lot more temperature settings to create a wider variety of doneness. Users also love the professional look to this unit, and it is something that most don’t mind leaving on their countertop full time.
Read moreAccessories:
Unlike some of the other options out there on the market, this unit only comes with the addition of a batter spreader. However, many users find that the quality of this wooden spreader is much nicer than some of the other brands.
Adjustability:
What we liked most about this option is that is offers users a lot more variations in temperature. The lowest setting is at about 250 degrees, and the highest setting is at about 475 degrees, and it can hit all of the marks in between.
Ease of use:
One thing to note about this model is that while it is not in use the power cord can wrap around the base to remain unseen for users that would like to house this unit permanently on their countertop. To use, simply plug it into a power source, turn the dial to adjust the heat setting and wait until the indicator light turns from red to green.
Materials:
The cooking surface of this unit is made from a high quality aluminum that heats up quickly and is easy to clean. Just be sure that you don’t use any metal utensils on its non-stick surface. The base of the unit is also made from a brushed metal, which makes it something great to leave out on your countertop.
Value:
The cost of this unit is something that will set you back about double of what some of the averaged priced units cost. However, users find that the quality of this product as well as how easy it is to use makes it well worth the padded price tag.
Overall:
What we love most about the Morning Star design is that it is something that you will want to leave out on your countertop to cook up a variety of items. Plus, the aluminum cooking surface makes cleanup a snap.
6. G&M Kitchen Essentials
This option is great because it is made from high quality materials, and comes with a few extra additions that make it stand out from the rest of the pack. Users love that this option is really easy to use, and the addition of a recipe booklet helps inspire creative dishes.
Read moreAccessories:
Included with purchase of this option is two specific wooden utensils that are used to spread out the batter and flip it. What users really love most about this option is that it comes with a high quality and very detailed cookbook with 100 recipes to inspire some pretty great dishes.
Adjustability:
Users will have the option to adjust the temperature based upon how they like their food done. If you like it to be cooked just to the point that it is heated throughout and not browned at all, you will set the temperature to light. If you like it dark and crispy, you will need to set it to dark.
Ease of use:
To get cooking, simply plug this into a power outlet to heat up the cooking surface. Turn the dial to the desired cooking temperature, and then wait until the indicator light switches over from red to green.
Materials:
G&M Kitchen Essentials utilizes an aluminum non-stick cooking surface. Aluminum is great because it distributes heat evenly, and it is able to heat up quickly. It’s important to not that because it has a non-stick surface, it means that you can’t use metal utensils on it.
Value:
The cost of this design is slightly higher than some of the more averaged priced options, but only slightly. Users find that the slightly padded price tag is worth it based upon the quality of accessories that are included.
Overall:
Users really seem to like this option because of all of the extra accessories that are included with purchase, as well as the quality of components on the main unit. It may cost a little bit more than most, but we feel that it is an excellent deal.
7. MasterChef
The MasterChef option is just a little bit different than many on of the other options out there on the market. Instead of having a black and corded base, it is cordless with a white and orange base. It doesn’t have the additional heating features that some of the other options have for cooking other types of food, but it does a phenomenal job of making crepes easy to do at home with a very small learning curve.
Read moreAccessories:
This unit comes with the addition of a plastic spatula as well as a dipping pan to ensure that you get the perfect flat circle every single time with very little waste.
Adjustability:
This is where this unit falls a little short. It does not have the ability to adjust the temperature for various foods and levels of doneness. It simply has a red on and off switch on the handle.
Ease of use:
The goal of the MasterChef design is to make it as simple as possible to make these at home- and this unit really delivers. To use, simply turn your unit on and wait for it to heat up. Pour your batter onto the surface and the lip at the ends will create a perfect product ever single time.
Materials:
The surface of this unit isn’t made of aluminum, but it is coated with a non stick Teflon coating to ensure that nothing will stick it, and making cleanup a snap. Just be sure not to use any metal utensils on it that could scratch and damage your product.
Value:
As far as cost is concerned, this unit runs about in the middle of the road in terms of price. It isn’t the most expensive design out there, but it isn’t the most expensive either.
Overall:
If you have no intention of using one of these products for any other type of breakfast food such as eggs or sausage- this is a really great product to make perfect crepes every single time, even for french cooking newbies.
8. LIVEN
LIVEN offers up another great option that is perfect for newbies. If you are someone that seems to mess up boiling water, or are buying it for someone that struggles to boil water- this is a great option to ensure that you don’t starve. The simple design and addition of a dipping pan is a great way for even the most inexperienced home cooks to make high end french dishes.
Read moreAccessories:
Unlikes many of the other options out there on the market, this option doesn’t come with a lot of additional tools. Users will benefit, however, from the dipping pan that is included with purchase that eliminates the need of a batter spreader.
Adjustability:
Another downside to this unit is that it doesn’t offer users the ability to adjust the temperature of the cooking surface. However, for those inexperienced home cooks, this actually will be a benefit to them in order to make the perfect crepe every time.
Ease of use:
The LIVEN option gets a gold star for how easy it is to use. Simply place your batter into the dip pan, and dip the entire unit into the pan to let gravity create an even and round coating on the cooking surface. Once it achieves your preferred brownness, use a wooden utensil to slide it off of the base.
Materials:
The cooking surface of this unit is made from a die cast aluminum, and coated with a non stick coating. This means that in order to keep the cooking surface in good condition, you are going to want to refrain from using metal utensils that can scratch and damage it.
Value:
What we really love about this option is that it comes in at a very affordable price point. It is considered to run about in the middle of the road in terms of price, and LIVEN offers excellent customer service if you run into any problems.
Overall:
Users love that this is one of the easiest models to use to ensure perfectly round and thin finished products every time. It might not be great for other breakfast foods, but it does the one thing it was designed to make extraordinarily well.
9. J-JATI
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to the J-JATI design. This option will take up very little space on your countertop, and comes with all of the tools and heat settings that will allow home cooks to make an excellent meal with very will hassle.
Read moreAccessories:
Included with the purchase of this unit is all of the utensils that you will need to pull off a perfectly round pastry. This comes with a wooded batter spreader as well as a wooden spatula that will help you create an even coat and flip it without damaging the cooking surface.
Adjustability:
The great thing about this unit is that it has a dial the runs along the front that will allow users to adjust the temperature based upon how crispy you like yours done. There is a setting for clear, and if you continue to turn the dial you can set it for dark.
Ease of use:
What makes this unit just a little bit different from the rest is that it has a lip at the corner of the unit to eliminate the issue to too much batter seeping over the sides. To use this device, simply turn it on and wait for the indicator light to turn from red to green to let you know the surface is hot enough to start cooking. Pour your batter onto the surface, and spread it evenly with the batter spreader, and flip with the wooden spatula.
Materials:
The cooktop is coated with a non stick substance that means that you won’t have to worry about any of your food sticking. The downside to this design is that you won’t be able to use any of your metal cooking utensils.
Value:
The best part about this design is that it comes in at a really affordable price point that will likely set you back the same price you would spend on going out for breakfast one morning. All in all, this is a really great deal.
Overall:
If you are reluctant to give one of these devices a try because you are worried about the learning curve, this option is a great place to start because it comes in at a very affordable price point.
10. Health and Home
The Health and Home design give you a few more tools and control options as some of the other designs out there on the market, but it also comes at a little bit of a higher price point as similar models. However, users love the larger cooktop and stylish design enough that many leave them on the countertop full time.
Read moreAccessories:
This unit comes equipped with a modest batter spreader as well as a wooden spatula. However, some users feel that the quality of these addition are not all that great. Users will also receive details instructions on how to use their product as well as create the perfect crepe.
Adjustability:
The temperature dial on this design is a little more detailed that most. Users will have the option to adjust the heat via a dial on the front, and they can opt for low, medium, or high settings.
Ease of use:
Using this option is incredibly easy, and many users have been able to work it right out of the box without consulting the instruction manual. Simply turn the dial to your desired heat setting, and wait until the indicator light turns from red to green. Once the surface is hot enough, pour your batter on the surface and you are ready to get cooking.
Materials:
The cooktop on this unit is made from aluminum that has a non-stick coating along the surface. What this means for you is that you will have an even heat along the surface, and clean up will be as easy as wiping a damp cloth along the top.
Value:
The cost of this unit is a little bit more than some of the similar options out there on the market, but we feel that it a good deal considering that quality of components as well as the positive user reviews.
Overall:
Users love that this unit is large enough to cook up an entire breakfast, and sleek enough to leave out on the countertop all year. If you are in the market for one of these products and willing to pay just a little bit more, this is an excellent option.
Sources
- , Best Crepe Maker, Buying guide Guide