Whether you’re making fluffy pancakes, thin crepes, mini pancakes, or Swedish pancakes, having the right pancake pan makes cooking pancakes a breeze! With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one.
As a mum of a large family who has made thousands of pancakes over the years ( not just on Pancake Da!) I highly recommend the de Buyer Mineral B Crepe Pan! This is not a sponsored post, and I don’t earn from affiliate links.
I’ve had my de Buyer pancake pan for three years; it replaced my impossibly heavy cast iron cookware and, in my opinion, the best pancake pan on the market! I loved it so much that I invested in several other de Buyer pans, including an omelet pan, a wok, and an adorable blini pan!
In this post, I’ll discuss why I believe this is the best pancake pan, its key features, and some tips for using it. I’ll also go through some of the key differences between cast iron, stainless steel, and nonstick pans when compared to carbon steel.
Im not going to review and recommend a bunch of pans that I haven’t personally tested, and I don’t see the use in shopping around when I believe I’ve found the right pan for me. So this is an honest, tried and tested review.
Why do I think the De Buyer Crêpe Pan is the Best Pancake Pan?
The de Buyer Carbon Steel Crêpe Pan is my favorite pancake pan for several reasons.
Firstly, it has a naturally non-stick surface after the very first seasoning, making it easy to cook pancakes without them sticking to the pan. With so much debate about the safety of nonstick pans in general, it feels great to have a pan that I know will not leach harmful chemicals into our food and air. PFAS and the associated dangers have been in the spotlight. The movie ‘Dark Waters‘ brought this issue to the forefront. A nonstick pan is crucial when making pancakes, especially thin crepes that can easily tear. I have found this pan to be unbeatable regarding non-stick properties! The nonstick coating also means you only need a small amount of oil or butter, so no more soggy pancakes!
Secondly, the pan has a flat surface with low sides, making it easy to flip pancakes without them getting stuck or folding over. It actually comes in two different sizes, 30cm, and 26cm. I have the 26 cm size pan and find it to be just right for coking regular-sized pancakes or small crepes but if you like a large pancake or crepe, then the 30cm pan is probably more suitable. The only downside of the larger pans is that they are, of course, a little heavier. However, the ergonomically designed handle still makes them feel easy to maneuver on the stove.
Thirdly, the pan is suitable for all heat sources, including gas stove, induction hob, and electric stove. We’ve even brought our pan on camping trips and made pancakes over an open fire. (Disclaimer: Du Buyer recommends that you don’t expose your carbon steel pans to heat shock.. but we can testify that the pancakes tasted great, and our pan has survived!)
And finally, The exceptional quality of these pans inspires me to dream of passing them down through generations so that my grandchildren may one day enjoy making pancakes on them.
Key Features of the Du Buyer Crepe Pan
- Nonstick surface: Over the years, non-stick cookware has been the center of many health-related debates. Once seasoned, the de Buyer pans allow for easy cooking and flipping of pancakes. The more you use it, the better it gets!
- Cooking Surface: The flat surface and thick bottom ensure that the entire surface of the pan heats evenly for uniform pancakes. The low sides make it easy to get under the pancake to flip it.
- Pan Material: The pan is made of carbon steel, which makes for optimal heat distribution for perfectly cooked pancakes.
- Heat Source: The pan is suitable for all heat sources, including induction hobs and gas and electric stoves.
- Comfortable Handle: The mineral B handle is a cool-touch handle, which makes it easy and safe to use, even when cooking for a long time. The handles are riveted for unwavering support; they are curved French-style and ergonomically designed to ensure a firm grip. If fancy pancake flips are your thing, this is the pan for you!
- Different Sizes: The pan comes in 2 different sizes to accommodate various pancake or crepe sizes.
- Ease of Use: The de Buyer Non-Stick Crepe Pan is easy to use and clean, making it a great choice for busy families.
De Buyer Pan Seasoning
First things first; Seasoning a de Buyer crepe pan is an important step in creating a non-stick surface that will help your crepes release easily and cook evenly.
Here are the steps to season your de Buyer pan:
Wash the pan with warm soapy water to remove manufacturing residues, and dry it with a towel. My de Buyer Pan was delivered with a light beeswax coating to prevent rusting which was easily rinsed away in hot water.
- Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the pan’s cooking surface using a paper towel. Be sure to coat the entire surface, including the edges. You don’t need much oil, just a light coating.
- Heat the pan on medium heat for a few minutes until the oil starts to smoke slightly. This will create a thin layer of polymerized oil that will help create a non-stick surface.
- Use a paper towel or clean cloth to remove excess oil from the pan.
- Let the pan cool completely before wiping it with another clean cloth or paper towel.
- Repeat applying a thin layer of oil and heating the pan on medium heat until it smokes slightly. This step can be repeated several times to build up a good non-stick surface.
- After seasoning, always clean the pan with warm water and a soft sponge or cloth. Never use abrasive sponges or steel wool, as they can damage the non-stick surface.
By seasoning your de Buyer crepe pan properly, you’ll be able to make delicious crepes easily and because of the naturally developed non-stick coating you wont have to worry about them sticking to the pan.
Tips for Using the de Buyer Pancake Pan
- Season the pan before you use it for the first time: This will create a non-stick surface and improve the pancake releases easily from the pan.
- Use medium heat and preheat the pan: Make sure the pan is hot before you add the pancake mix as the heat will activate the non-stick properties of the pan. Using medium heat ensures that the pancake or crepe cooks evenly without burning or sticking to the pan.
- Use a wooden spreader, also called a batter spreader if making crepes: A batter spreader can help you distribute the batter evenly and create thin crepes. You can use a specialized crepe spreader or a small offset spatula. I managed without one for years and guarantee that making perfect pancakes doesn’t require fancy equipment!
- Don’t use too much batter when making crepes: Pouring pancake batter from a jug with a spout has worked really well for me and makes for fewer drips and easy cleanup. Aim for a thin layer of batter that covers the entire cooking surface. If you’re making American-style pancakes or mini pancakes, this is not so relevant.
- Cook on medium heat: Pancakes cook quickly, so it’s essential to use medium heat and keep an eye on them. If the heat is too high, the pancakes will burn outside and be undercooked on the inside. If the heat is too low, they can be undercooked or soggy.
- A wooden spatula is ideal for protecting the seasoning on the pan but if you are careful, any spatula will do to flip the pancake over.
- When you’re finished using your pan, wipe away any excess oils before storage. If you need to give the pan a rinse, be sure to let it cool first to avoid thermal shock. Simply scrub the pan gently using warm water and a soft brush or sponge. Dry your pan thoroughly and use kitchen paper to spread a thin coating of vegetable oil over the whole pan.
Making delicious pancakes begins with a good recipe and the perfect pancake pan. You can use a regular pan, but years of making pancakes have convinced me that some things are worth investing in! Regular frying pans no longer cut it in our house. A well-designed, well-made pan makes the cooking process so much easier, and a de Buyer Crêpe pan is, in my opinion, the ideal choice. If you also choose this pan, I hope you will be as satisfied as I am and can put your energy into making a mouthwatering stack of pancakes!
How To Reseason Carbon Steel
If your carbon steel pan has lost its seasoning, which can sometimes happen if you mistreat your pan in some way. I once mistakenly put my pan in the dishwasher, I don't recommend that! But not to worry, you can easily reseason it by following these steps:
- Remove any rust or food particles from the pan by scrubbing it with a steel wool or a scrubbing pad. If necessary, you can use a mixture of salt and oil to help remove any stubborn bits.
- Wash the pan thoroughly with hot, soapy water, rinse it well, and dry it completely with a clean towel
- Heat your carbon steel pan on medium-high heat for a few minutes until it is hot.
- Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the inside of the pan evenly.
- Using tongs, place a paper towel or clean cloth in the pan and use it to spread the oil all over the inside and outside of the pan. Be careful not to burn yourself.
- Keep the pan on medium-high heat until it starts to smoke. This indicates that the oil has polymerized and formed a nonstick coating on the pan’s surface.
- Turn off the heat and let the pan cool down completely.
- Once the pan is cool, wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel. Your carbon steel pan is now seasoned again and ready to use.
- Note: You may need to repeat this process several times before your pan achieves a nonstick surface. Regular use and proper maintenance will also help to maintain the nonstick quality of your carbon steel pan.
Note: Depending on the level of rust or damage, you may need to repeat this process a few times to fully reseason the pan. Regular use and proper maintenance will also help to maintain the nonstick quality of your carbon steel pan.
Why buy de Buyer ?
Here you can read about the skill and work involved in producing these beautiful pans in the Val d’Ajol in France. They are a well-established French company that has been around for 180 years, with each new generation adapting and perfecting the products that you see today. They are also an all-round great company with values that I can get behind!
The Majority of De Buyer products are manufactured in its factory in Vosges. This allows the company to take full control of the production process and guarantee quality.
In April 2018, de Buyer became the first and only French company in the culinary sector to receive the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment label at a Confirmed level. They’ve also adopted a zero plastic approach and recycle all paper, cardboard, metal oils batteries, wood, coffee capsules etc.
De Buyer's social responsibility is reflected primarily in its safe and sustainable products. Designed to last for generations!
De Buyer has installed five beehives on a plot near the factory on the edge of the forest beside their factory as a salute to their MINERAL B ELEMENT. The apiary aims to provide a natural space for local wildlife. A common feature of the Nature Park in which the site is located, bees are pollinators that are essential for the reproduction of 80% of plant species. Contributing to their protection is among the company’s priorities. The mountain honey produced by the bees is collected and gifted to clients and employees.
www.deBuyer.com
‘For 200 years, authenticity, passion, and commitment have been the values at the core of our business, knowledge, and expertise.
We design and manufacture utensils, continuously innovating to precisely meet the needs of both catering professionals and home cooks.
Awarded a “Living Heritage Company” label by the French state, we continue to maintain our artisanal spirit and our passion for precise, high-quality work carried out with care. We campaign for responsible and educated consumption: our products are made to last!
We promote environmentally friendly manufacturing processes that protect the beautiful Vosges area. We are the first culinary-sector business in France to receive an “exemplary level of CRS commitment” label from AFNOR, notably for the care taken to ensure the well-being of our employees.’
FAQ’s
Carbon steel pan vs Cast Iron pan; what are the main differences?
Carbon steel pans and cast iron pans have some key differences:
- Material: Carbon steel pans are made from a combination of iron and carbon. At the same time, cast iron pans are made entirely of iron. This makes carbon steel pans lighter and more responsive to changes in temperature. In contrast, cast iron pans are heavier and retain heat for longer.
- Seasoning: Both pans need to be seasoned to create a non-stick surface. However, carbon steel pans require less seasoning than cast iron pans because they have a smoother surface.
- Maintenance: Both pans need to be cleaned and maintained properly to avoid rusting and damage. Carbon steel pans can be cleaned with soap and water, while cast iron pans require special care to avoid removing the seasoning.
- Cooking versatility: Carbon steel pans are versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including searing, sautéing, frying, and stir-frying. Cast iron pans are also versatile but are particularly good for high-heat cooking methods, such as searing and frying.
- Price: Carbon steel pans are less expensive than cast iron pans, but this can vary depending on the brand and quality.
To summarize: Carbon steel is a versatile option that heats up more quickly and evenly than cast iron, with fewer hot spots. Additionally, carbon steel can handle temperature changes better, allowing you to easily switch between high and low heat. Temperature control is crucial for making great pancakes. Compared to cast iron, carbon steel is also lighter, making it more maneuverable on the stovetop and easier to handle.
Carbon Steel pan vs Stainless Steel pan; How are they different?
Carbon steel pans are made from a combination of iron and carbon. In contrast, stainless steel pans are made from a combination of iron, chromium, and nickel.
Carbon steel pans are seasoned to create a non-stick surface while stainless steel pans are not non-stick pans.
Hi, I’m Holly. Welcome to my site!
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