Who each appliance suits

Solo pancake-first cooks

If you mainly make drop scones and other batter foods, a flat plate gives you the cooking format you want without buying a deep pan for meals you do not plan to make.

Small-space multi-meal cooks

If the same plug-in appliance also needs to handle sautéing or simmering, a deeper lidded pan is worth considering—provided you have room to store it.

Heat-control cautious beginners

If managing browning and cleaning up matter more than cooking several portions, look closely at adjustable heat, the non-stick surface and the exact model’s cleaning instructions.

What matters when choosing

Start with whether this appliance will make mostly drop scones or a wider range of meals; then compare heat control, cleaning and the space it will occupy.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Heat and flat cooking space Check for adjustable heat and a non-stick cooking surface; confirm the usable plate area on the exact model. If I mainly make small batches of drop scones, I want to manage browning and turn them on an open surface. Around 42% of consumers would put this need first.
Cleaning and storage Check the model-specific washing instructions and external dimensions, including space for any lid or accessories. An occasional batch should not leave me with an awkward appliance to clean or put away. For around 33% of consumers, easy clean-up and manageable storage would be the primary concern.
Other meals Check whether the pan has the depth and lid needed for the other dishes you intend to cook. If I will also sauté or simmer meals, I may accept a deeper pan even though drop scones do not require that capacity. This broader use would come first for around 25% of consumers.

Buying pitfalls

  • Choosing depth for a pancake-only routine

    B&Q lists the VonShef electric pan as 6L and 9cm deep, while the Quest and Russell Hobbs pancake makers have flat 30cm plates. Greater capacity alone does not establish a better result for a small batch of drop scones.

    Choose a deep pan if you will use it for other meals; otherwise, prioritise a suitable flat surface, adjustable heat and dimensions you can store.

  • Assuming non-stick means dishwasher-safe

    A non-stick cooking surface does not tell you how to wash the appliance or its removable parts. Russell Hobbs states that its Fiesta 20920 has no dishwasher-safe parts.

    Read the exact model’s cleaning instructions, let the appliance cool and wash only the parts in the ways those instructions permit.

  • Using damaged electrical parts

    A pan that still heats should not be used if its lead, plug or socket is damaged or faulty. Norfolk County Council advises against using damaged electrical appliances and sockets.

    Inspect the lead, plug and socket before use, stop using the appliance if you suspect a fault, and keep combustible materials away from heat.

Brands to consider

Quest

Quest offers both a dedicated 30cm pancake and crêpe maker and a separate 30cm electric frying pan with a lid.

  • Quest lists adjustable temperature control and non-stick surfaces for both appliances; the pancake maker includes a wooden spatula.
  • The lidded frying pan is a different cooking format, so decide whether you would use it beyond drop scones.

Russell Hobbs

The Fiesta Crêpe & Pancake Maker 20920 is a dedicated plate appliance rather than a deep electric skillet.

  • Russell Hobbs lists a non-stick 30cm plate, adjustable thermostat, ready indicator, spatula and wooden spreader.
  • Its shallow format is not intended to take the place of a lidded pan for simmering meals.

VonShef

Its listed 30cm electric frying pan is a deeper option for someone who also wants to cook other meals.

  • The B&Q listing states a 6L capacity, 9cm depth, vented glass lid and five heat settings from 140–220°C.
  • Consider whether that depth and capacity justify the storage space for a one-person drop-scone routine.

Giles & Posner

The EK4247 Family Multi Meal Maker represents a larger multi-meal format rather than a dedicated pancake plate.

  • Kettle and Toaster Man lists a 32cm non-stick cooking plate, 1500W power, adjustable temperature control up to 240°C and a detachable thermostat for the EK4247.
  • Check its overall dimensions and whether you need its broader cooking format for meals beyond drop scones.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Should I buy a pancake maker or a deep electric frying pan for drop scones?

Choose a dedicated pancake maker if drop scones and similar batter foods are its main job; consider a deep electric frying pan if you will also use it to sauté or simmer other meals. The lid and extra depth do not, by themselves, establish better drop-scone results.

What heat control should I look for?

Look for adjustable temperature control on the exact model so you can change the heat between batches. Quest lists this feature on its 30cm pancake maker and frying pan, while Russell Hobbs lists an adjustable thermostat and ready indicator on the Fiesta 20920; follow the appliance and recipe instructions rather than assuming one setting suits every batter.

Is a 30cm cooking surface too large for one person?

Not necessarily: 30cm describes the stated plate or pan diameter, not how many drop scones you must cook at once. Compare the appliance’s external dimensions and any lid or accessory storage with the space you have available.

Can I keep using an electric pan if its lead or plug is damaged?

No—stop using the appliance if you suspect damage or a fault, even if it still heats. Norfolk County Council advises against using faulty or damaged electrical appliances and sockets.