Who each format suits

Pancake-first breakfast cooks

If pancakes, crêpes or galettes are your main use, an open plate and adjustable heat may matter more than cooking other meals. Russell Hobbs and Duronic both describe dedicated models with temperature controls.

Shared-kitchen batch makers

If several people want small pancakes, a portioned plate can help you make repeatable batches. Quest specifies six portions for its mini maker; check whether its overall size leaves enough shared preparation space.

One-appliance meal cooks

If cupboard space is limited and pancakes are only one of several meals you plan to cook, a deeper electric skillet may be more useful than a dedicated plate. Tower and Judge describe skillet models intended for other cooking methods as well.

What matters when choosing

Decide whether your main need is a surface for thin batter, repeatable small portions or a pan for other meals. Then check the dimensions and care requirements of the particular model.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Pancake format and heat Look for an open plate and adjustable temperature; check the plate diameter for the pancakes you intend to make. If I mainly make thin crêpes, I want room to spread and turn the batter without a deep rim; around 33% of consumers put pancake-specific control first.
Shared space and batches Check the appliance’s overall footprint and whether a flat plate or fixed wells suit your usual batch. When breakfast is for several housemates, I need portions that fit the available worktop without crowding others; for around 42% of consumers, shared-space batching is the main concern.
Other meals Check the pan’s depth and lid, and which cooking methods its maker specifies. I want the same appliance for pancakes and other meals rather than storing a separate crêpe plate; around 25% of consumers prioritise one-appliance versatility.

Common buying mistakes

  • Choosing a deep skillet mainly for thin crêpes

    A lidded skillet can handle more kinds of meals, but its deeper sides do not offer the same open working surface as a dedicated crêpe plate.

    Choose the cooking shape around your usual breakfast: a flat plate for spreading batter, fixed wells for small portions, or a deeper pan when other meals genuinely matter.

  • Checking plate size but not appliance size

    The space an appliance occupies can affect everyone using a shared kitchen. Lakeland lists a 38 cm diameter for its pancake maker, while Quest lists its six-portion model at 35.4 cm wide by 47.5 cm long.

    Measure the worktop and storage spot, and plan a cable route away from the sink, hot surfaces and shared walkways.

  • Assuming every non-stick plate has the same care rules

    Care instructions vary. The Judge JEA23 skillet manual advises against metal-tipped tools and abrasive detergents, and says never to immerse the skillet in water.

    Read the instructions for the exact model and make sure everyone sharing it can follow them.

  • Overloading a socket or leaving cooking unattended

    Electrical Safety First warns against overloading extension devices, while Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service advises against leaving cooking unattended.

    Check appliance and extension-device ratings before use, do not daisy-chain extensions, and remain nearby while the appliance is heating or cooking.

Relevant brands and product lines

Russell Hobbs

The 20920 is a dedicated crêpe and pancake maker for cooks who want an open plate rather than a deep pan.

  • Russell Hobbs specifies a 30 cm non-stick plate, adjustable thermostat, temperature-ready indicator, raised batter-catching lip and two utensils for the 20920.
  • This specialist plate does not take the place of a deep, lidded pan for other meals.

Duronic

The PM131 and PM152 are dedicated makers with broad open plates for pancakes and crêpes.

  • Duronic lists a 33 cm, 1300 W plate for the PM131 and a 37 cm, 1500 W plate with adjustable temperature for the PM152.
  • Check the full appliance dimensions and storage space rather than assuming plate diameter is its entire footprint.

Quest

The six-portion mini pancake maker is a portioned format for small breakfast batches.

  • Quest specifies six fixed portions and overall dimensions of 35.4 cm by 47.5 cm.
  • Fixed wells do not provide the flat, uninterrupted surface needed for one large crêpe.

Tower

The Cerastone Pro 1500W Skillet illustrates the deeper electric-pan route for pancakes alongside other meals.

  • Tower specifies a 30 cm cooking surface, 5.5 cm depth, glass lid and detachable temperature control adjustable up to 240°C.
  • Allow room to store the deeper pan and lid; its format is less dedicated to spreading thin crêpe batter than an open plate.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Questions about buying and use

Should I get a pancake maker or an electric frying pan for breakfast?

Choose a flat pancake maker when pancakes or crêpes are the main use; choose a deeper electric frying pan when you also need it for other meals. The open plates described by Russell Hobbs and Duronic suit spreading batter, while Tower describes its deeper skillet for frying, sautéing and braising.

Can I use a pancake maker with an extension lead?

Only use an extension device rated for the combined electrical load and positioned safely. Electrical Safety First advises against overloading or daisy-chaining extensions; check the appliance wattage and the device’s rating, and keep the lead away from water and the hot cooking area.

How do I clean an electric skillet or pancake maker?

Follow the instructions for your exact model after disconnecting it and allowing it to cool. For the Judge JEA23 skillet, the manual specifies wiping the cooled surface with a damp cloth or a cloth with warm soapy water, avoiding metal-tipped tools and abrasive detergents, and never immersing the skillet in water.

Does an electric pancake maker need a UKCA mark?

Do not assume UKCA is the only acceptable marking in Great Britain: UK government guidance says CE marking continues to be recognised for applicable products alongside or instead of UKCA. Check the product information for the appliance you are buying; Northern Ireland has separate rules, so the Great Britain guidance should not be applied there without checking the applicable requirements.