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Around here, Sunday morning pancakes are a real crowd-pleaser, so I make sure my kitchen is stocked with the best pancake griddles on the market. If I’m going to come up with recipes like Sweet Cream Pancakes and restaurant dupes like my Cracker Barrel Pancakes Recipe and McDonald’s Pancake Recipe, then I can’t afford to serve my family burnt or half-cooked griddle cakes!
I’ve cooked enough pancakes for my eight kids to be able to tell a subpar grill pan from the best pancake griddles, and now I’m sharing my insights. I started with my two go-to griddles from my own kitchen and then continued to research more, including the best electric pancake griddles, cast iron pancake griddles, and even ceramic griddles. What I came up with is a list of the five best pancake griddles money can buy—plus, what to look for while shopping for one.
Table of Contents
My Top Picks:
- In My Kitchen: Beautiful by Drew Barrymore XL Electric Griddle – $49.96 at Walmart
- My Other Favorite Pancake Griddle: Chefman XL Electric Griddle – $39.99 at Amazon
- Best Ceramic Pancake Griddle: Bella XL Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle – $44.85 at Amazon
- Best Stovetop Pancake Griddle for Gas Stoves: Made In Carbon Steel Griddle – $169 at Amazon
- Best Mini Pancake Griddle: Nordic Ware Good Cooking Emoji Smiley Face Pancake Griddle – $19.99 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Pancake Griddles
1. In My Kitchen: Beautiful by Drew Barrymore XL Electric Griddle
I’ve found the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore XL Electric Griddle to be one of the best electric pancake griddles I’ve used. I’ve had it for more than six months (and counting), and so far, I absolutely love it! It’s extra-large, so it can fit up to 15 pancakes at once—and when you have a big family, 15 pancakes at once is a blessing.
The non-stick surface makes it so easy to produce the perfect pancake, and it’s also super cute to look at. It comes in a variety of fun colors—including green, lavender, and cornflower blue—and is relatively flat, which makes it easy to store away when it’s not in use.
My Tips:
I recommend allowing it to cool before cleaning so it holds up for a long time.
The Specs:
- Cooking Surface Material: Stainless steel with non-stick coating
- Weight: 4.40 pounds
- Size: 23.62”D x 12.20”W x 4.33”H
- Capacity: 15 pancakes at once
- Max Temp: 400 degrees F
The Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Convenient removable drip tray and backsplash
- Slim enough to store in cabinets
- Easy to clean
The Cons:
- Takes up a lot of counter space
- Not the best heat retention
- The tilted surface can cause eggs to run
What Others Are Saying
The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Electric Griddle has a 4.5-star rating from more than 1,500 reviews at Walmart. It has also been reviewed by Mashable and named most stylish by Taste of Home.
Buy the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore XL Electric Griddle:
2. My Other Favorite: Chefman XL Electric Griddle
Another one from my kitchen, the Chefman XL Electric Griddle also qualifies as one of the best electric pancake griddles. I’ve owned this one for years, and it’s pretty reliable. It reaches up to 420 degrees F—higher than most other griddles on this list—which means it’s speedy at cooking griddle cakes all the way through, but you do have to be careful to keep the heat even and under control.
A big bonus is that the griddle top is dishwasher-safe, which is rare for most, and it’s inexpensive, too.
The Specs:
- Cooking Surface Material: Cast Iron
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Size: 11.7”D x 21.4”W x 3.2”H
- Capacity: 10 x 20-inch cooking surface
- Max Temp: 420 degrees F
The Pros:
- Dishwasher-safe griddle top
- Affordable
- Reaches higher temps than most competitors
The Cons:
- Temperature control can be inconsistent
Buy the Chefman XL Electric Griddle:
3. Best Ceramic Pancake Griddle: Bella XL Electric Griddle
Exceptional at holding heat evenly and efficiently, a ceramic griddle is also great because of how easily food slides off of it without the additional help of a non-stick coating. What makes the
Bella XL Electric Griddle is the best ceramic griddle because of its extra-large cooking surface, how easily food comes off of it, and the slide-out drip tray that catches oil and grease while you cook. The ceramic cooktop is also reinforced with titanium to make it more durable since it resists scratches and makes the griddle long-lasting.
The Specs:
- Cooking Surface Material: Titanium with a non-stick surface
- Weight: 3.96 pounds
- Size: 11.41” D x 23.03” W x 2.91” H
- Capacity: 12 x 22-inch cooking surface
- Max Temp: 400 degrees F
The Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to clean
- The drip tray catches oil and grease
The Cons:
- Can take a long time to heat
- The heating element is close to the surface, increasing risk of burning
What Others Are Saying
The Bella XL Electric Griddle was given an honorable mention by All Recipes. It also has a 4.5-star rating from over 20,000 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Bella XL Electric Griddle:
4. Best Pancake Griddle for Gas Stoves: Made In Carbon Steel Griddle
This carbon steel griddle is very similar to a cast iron pancake griddle in a lot of ways, but as a material, it’s lighter than cast iron, heats up more quickly, and is more heat-conductive. That means more even heat retention and less isolated hot spots.
It’s able to handle extremely high heat and, like cast iron, is also oven-safe (cooking pancakes in the oven is the secret to super fluffy flapjacks, like my Baked Pancakes Recipe). It also has an unparalleled cooking speed, and not just for pancakes—it can be used to sear proteins and veggies just as well as a traditional skillet.
The Specs:
- Cooking Surface Material: Carbon steel
- Weight: 9.9 pounds
- Size: 19.6”L x 10.5”W x 0.5”H
- Capacity: 8.5” x 17.5”
- Max Temp: Oven safe up to 1200 degrees F
The Pros:
- Very durable
- Anti-rust
- Lighter than cast iron
- Works on all stovetop and grill surfaces
The Cons:
- Heavy
- Costly
- Does not fit inside a 30-inch oven
- Tough to store
What Others Are Saying
The Made In Carbon Steel Griddle has been named Best Splurge by The Spruce Eats and reviewed by The Kitchn, and USA Today Reviewed.
Buy the Made In Carbon Steel Griddle:
5. Best Mini Pancake Griddle: Nordic Ware Good Cooking Emoji Smiley Face Pancake Pan
This mini pancake griddle is as fun to cook with as it is usable. If you’re cooking pancakes as a family, your kids will love pouring the batter into this pancake pan, thanks to the cheeky emoji faces it imprints on your griddle cakes. And it’s perfect for making my Strawberry Pancakes Recipe—a fruit-forward, kid-friendly favorite. It’s convenient, too, as it cooks seven 3-inch pancakes at a time, though you’ll have to get the hang of flipping it since the design makes it tricky to use a spatula.
Overall, for a mini pancake griddle, it’s super durable (Nordic Ware is known for dependable kitchen products), and easy to clean because the food doesn’t stick to it. It also makes a great gift!
The Specs:
- Cooking Surface Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Capacity: 7 mini 3-inch pancakes at once
The Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Easy to store
- Very affordable
- Family-friendly
The Cons:
- Hand-wash only
- Difficult to flip pancakes
- Thick slots make for thicker pancakes
What Others Are Saying
The Nordic Ware Good Cooking Emoji Smiley Face Pancake Pan has a 4.3-star rating from over 2,900 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Nordic Ware Good Cooking Emoji Smiley Face Pancake Pan:
Other Pancake Griddles I’ve Researched
Known for its precise, even heating and temperature control that reaches up to 450 degrees F, this versatile griddle can tackle sautéed vegetables and meats as well as it can pancakes. It has a lid that helps ensure food is cooked through and that protects the surface when it’s in storage. However, with a price tag of over $600, this pancake griddle may be top-of-the-line, but it’s extremely expensive. The Wolf Gourmet Electric Griddle is available at Williams-Sonoma for $649.95.
A fan-favorite among both customers and review sites, this popular model is praised for its quality, ease of use, performance, and value. Its ceramic coating means that you shouldn’t have a problem with pancakes sticking, but the surface can get so slippery that it’s tough to grab, flip, or take food off the griddle. The Presto Cool Touch is available at Amazon for $39.99.
Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle
With powerful heat retention and a sturdy, durable make, this electric griddle comes with a lid to trap heat and speed up the cooking process. The guard and cooking plate are both fully immersible for convenient cleaning, and temperatures range from 176 to 425 degrees F, although it may get too hot a little too quickly. It’s also more expensive than some of our top picks. The Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle is available at Amazon for $159.
PanGogh Art Batter Pancake Griddle
A fun option for families, this griddle comes with four batter bottles to allow for better control so that you (and the kids!) can get artistic with your pancake designs. It’s also designed for safety, with kids in mind, thanks to a cool-touch surround that borders the griddle and acts as a barrier for small, inquisitive hands. The PanGogh Art Batter Pancake Griddle is available at Amazon for $39.49.
Le Creuset 9.5-Inch Cast-Iron Griddle
From the favorite cookware brand, Le Creuset, this 9.5-inch cast-iron griddle runs on the expensive side, though it’s not as pricey as some of my other picks. The sturdy enamel cook surface doesn’t chip, or crack, and can technically go in the dishwasher (although handwashing is always better). The only drawback is that it’s small, so you won’t be able to cook very many pancakes at once. The Le Creuset 9.5-Inch Cast-Iron Griddle is available at Amazon for $99.96.
Why You Can Trust Me
I’m Carrie Barnard, the recipe developer, food stylist, and photographer behind Eating on a Dime. I grew up in the food service industry, with both of my parents running their own restaurants. By the time I was in college, I had been nicknamed “Betty” after Betty Crocker, thanks to my passion for cooking and simplifying otherwise complicated recipes. These days, I’m a mom of eight kids, who have lots of opinions about my cooking, so each of my recipes is crafted with love, and of course, their input.
Breakfast is one of the most beloved meals in my home, so delicious, fluffy pancakes are absolutely non-negotiable. While building my list of recommendations, I took into consideration a few important griddle features—like temperature control, cooking surface material, and how easy it is to clean—that make for light and spongy flapjacks every time.
What to Know About Pancake Griddles
Things to Consider when Choosing a Pancake Griddle
When finding the right pancake griddle for you, consider the cooking surface, the griddle’s size, any special features, and whether you prefer electric. Here’s what to look for:
- Cooking Surface Material: Most pancake griddles have titanium, aluminum, cast-iron, or ceramic cooking surfaces. What’s most important about a pancake griddle’s material is its ability to distribute heat evenly without causing food to stick to the pan. Aluminum griddles typically have a non-stick coating and all-in-all, conduct heat very well. Cast iron is typically better at evenly distributing heat and for longer periods. However, you’ll have to use oil or butter if cooking pancakes on cast iron because it is not a naturally non-stick material.
- Size: Your preferred pancake griddle size specifically depends on how many mouths you plan on regularly feeding. Bigger families will require a griddle with a larger surface area, but if you’re only cooking for one or two, a smaller model should suffice. Some of the largest griddles can handle up to 15 pancakes at a time. You’ll also want to consider how easy it will be to store based on its size. Also, electric models are not as flat, so they typically take up more space in storage as well as on the counter.
- Electric vs. Manual: Thanks to settings and dials, the temperature on electric griddles will be easier to control than a traditional skillet that relies on your stovetop to heat it. However, heat retention on a “manual” pan, like a cast iron griddle, for example, might be more even and reliable. With electric griddles, you also have to make sure that the cord is long enough to work for your cooking area.
- Features: Some pancake griddles have more special features than others. First, you’ll want to make sure that—if using electricity—the griddle can reach at least 375 degrees F. If you intend to cook pancakes with kids, then you’ll want a family-friendly option with safety features like a cool-touch perimeter. Some griddles also have other convenient features like a tray for catching oil and grease or a removable backsplash to prevent splashing.
How to Cook Pancakes on Griddle
As you prepare your batter—typically made of flour, milk, eggs, butter, baking powder, sugar, and salt—heat up the griddle over medium heat. Add dollops of batter at a time, waiting until air bubbles form before flipping your flapjacks to the other side. To achieve perfectly fluffy pancakes, the ideal griddle temperature is anywhere from 375 to 400 degrees F. However, temperatures will vary depending on your specific griddle.
How to Clean a Pancake Griddle
Most pancake griddles are not entirely dishwasher safe, though some are more easily cleaned than others. While you should look at your specific griddle’s instructions for more information on how to properly clean it, most can be cleaned using a clean sponge. If there is a lot of burnt food stuck to the pan, scrape it off as best you can with a heat-resistant spatula before wiping it down. For griddles that can be submerged in water, use a mild dish soap.
Because cast iron griddles are their own breed, these must be cleaned a bit differently. Always take care of cast iron by hand, use very little water and soap, and be careful to only clean the cooking area rather than submerging it fully. Scrape off food residue with a pan scraper, then rinse and scrub with either a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush. Wipe clean with a paper towel.
How to Season a Pancake Griddle
When cooking on a pancake griddle, it’s usually always a good idea to spray the cooking surface with oil or butter first, unless the griddle has an exceptional non-stick coating. Aluminum or titanium griddles with a non-stick coating typically don’t need to be seasoned, though you should still add oil or butter to the skillet before using it. Seasoning is important because it adds flavor, builds flavor over time, and helps to prevent the griddle from rusting.
For carbon steel and cast iron: Preheat the oven to the exact smoking point of the oil you’re using to season it with (400 degrees F for vegetable oil). Cover a sheet pan in aluminum foil and place it on the bottom rack where it will catch any dripping oil from the griddle.
Clean the griddle with water and mild soap, then dry completely. Put it on the stovetop on low heat to get rid of excess moisture, then let it cool. Dip a paper towel in a bowl of oil, using it to coat the cooking surface. Place the griddle in the oven, face down, and let it season for one hour. Let it cool before using.
Do You Need a Pancake Griddle?
If you cook pancakes on the regular, for multiple mouths, then a pancake griddle is definitely more convenient than making one pancake at a time on a regular skillet and you’ll get a lot of use out of it.
Even if you cook pancakes often, if you only cook for one or two people at a time, you may not necessarily need to shell out for a griddle. You can also use pancake griddles for vegetables, meats (even burgers!), eggs, bacon, sausages, and more. These griddles are also great for at-home hibachi!
Some of My Favorite Pancake Recipes
Keep breakfast interesting with some of my favorite pancake recipes:
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
