Are crepe makers worth it?

[Greenpeanutsnail]

I can’t make pancakes/crepes. I’m not bad at all generally at cooking, but I can’t flip pancakes. I do really like them, however, so I’m considering getting a crepe maker.

Is it easier to flip crepes using a crepe maker? I’ve seen some YouTube videos, but I’m also aware that just because it looks easy, doesn’t mean it is. Any recommendations on brand? Are crepe makers worth it? I’m keen to avoid buying something that I struggle to use and then ends up in the back of a cupboard. Thanks!

I don’t see how a crepe maker would solve your flipping problem, you’d still have to flip wouldn’t you? Rather than buying an appliance just buy a nice wide spatula and practise practise practise

I love mine! I got a basic one from Amazon. I can flip the pancakes easily, much better than when I tried with a pan.

That’s what I was wondering too, but there seems to be a different method of flipping when using a crepe maker. That’s why I’m posting here really, to get opinions and experiences.

Interesting. Do you find it easy to spread the batter with the tool?

I find mine very useful for pancakes and flatbreads.
It's a filthy cheap one from Lidl.
I have been very careful with its non stick surface and it’s easy to flip them with the wooden spatula, probably because the lip is much lower than the sides of a pan. A flat girdle iron thingy would probably work, too.
The crepe maker is also easy to clean.

edited to reply that the spreader is easy to use, although I mostly use the ladle bottom, through habit.

You just need a good pancake pan, kept solely for the purpose and just wiped out after use - certainly not put in the dishwasher. Mine was from John Lewis.

I make loads of pancakes for the Gdcs when they’re staying, and usually just turn them with the wide slatted thing called for some reason an ‘egg slice’.
Use just a little oil, spread it all over with a pastry brush or kitchen paper, and make sure the pan is really hot before adding the batter.

Do you mean a crepe pan? Not an electric crepe maker? I've got a pan (cheap one) and a wooden crepe tool and they are fine, but i never had problems before then. Maybe its either your recipe or method? What do you use?(or you could just buy ready made ones?)

I am not a fan of a bulky machine as a substitute for something I can make equally well on the hob / oven. I don't have space for that many machines!

I think you need to try out different tools for your hob crepes before giving up.

A low lipped pancake pan makes it easier to flip, plus the right tool for poking the edge up before turning, I find a slim metal spatula easiest.

I have an electric one from LIDL - has 6 mini plates. It's a cinch to use. But..... they don't taste as good for some reason!

What is the effect of a stronger batter, (+1 egg)?

Thanks for the responses. It’s an electric crepe maker that I’m considering. I haven’t tried making pancakes/ crepes in years as I just can’t flip them. I bought a decent pan years ago and still can’t do it. I can’t remember what recipe I used. It likely would have been a bbc good food one or something else with good reviews. I just don’t want another kitchen item gathering dust because I’m incapable of using that too.

For the Gdcs I always use 2 eggs (for extra protein) ), 100g plain flour, a very little less than 1/2 pint milk (because of the extra egg).
I mix it in the blender, eggs first, then flour and milk. Usually try to make it the night before, it then needs good stir before using.

I love my electric crepe maker - so much easier for pancakes. Also makes really good omelettes on there!