8 Best Crepe Makers + Guide to Making Amazing Homemade Crepes

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Crepes are a lot easier to make than most people realize. Many home chefs hear a French word like “crepe” and instantly assume that the recipe must involve some obscure European technique reserved only for the professionals.

The reality, though, is that making crepes is incredibly simple if you have a high-quality crepe maker or crepe pans. You can whip them up in just a few minutes, in fact, and they’re a versatile and delicious snack.

To help spread the word about how easy crepes are, I put together this post about the best crepe makers and how they work. I’ve even included a few of my own personal recommendations for the best crepe makers and crepe pans to buy.

What is a Crepe Maker?

There are two main types of crepe maker, the electric crepe maker and the crepe pan. Let’s begin by looking at what each of them are.

Electric Crepe Maker

An electric crepe maker is a standalone device that consists of a base with a built-in heating unit and, above it, an extremely shallow pan that serves as an ideal surface for cooking crepes.

Electric crepe makers take up a lot of counter space and are probably not ideal for small kitchens, though they’re not very tall so they’re easy to store if you have kitchen cabinets. They are, however, the best way to consistently turn out evenly-cooked and perfectly-browned crepes. They generally feature dials that allow the chef to adjust cooking time and heat.

Electric crepe makers are also very easy to clean. The cooking surface that comes with the devices is nearly always nonstick, and it usually detaches from the mechanical base to make rinsing and scrubbing it even more convenient.

Crepe Pan

Crepe pans are similar to frying pans, but their shape is better for making crepes, pancakes, or tortillas. Like the pan on top of an electric crepe maker, a crepe pan has very shallow walls. The walls are just high enough to keep the batter poured in the pan from spilling off the sides, but shallow enough to make sliding a spatula under the thin crepe or spreading batter thinly over the pan’s surface convenient.

Since crepes are so thin, they’re very fragile. That’s why crepe pans, just like crepe makers, are usually treated with the highest-quality nonstick coating available. Whether or not the pan is coated, though, it is still important to season it properly and oil it before using so it doesn’t stick at all.

Crepe pans are a bit more difficult to use than dedicated electric crepe makers, because the stove is a more variable and unpredictable heating source than the heating element on an electric crepe maker. The upside is that crepe pans take up a lot less space!

How To Make Crepes

Making crepes takes some finesse and is a bit more involved than making something like pancakes or waffles.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MAKE CREPES WITHOUT READING ANY INSTRUCTIONS FIRST. You’ll mess them up.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the perfect crepe:

Crepe Fillings

There are two types of crepe fillings: sweet and savory. Each type will make for a very different crepe experience.

Sweet crepe fillings are best for dessert, and they go well in crepes that are made using a batter that contains sugar and cinnamon.

Savory crepe fillings make the crepes a great breakfast, midday snack, or appetizer before dinner.

Sweet Crepe Fillings

Some of my favorite sweet crepe fillings are

• Whipped cream
• Brown Sugar
• Berries or other fruit
• Chocolate chips
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla bean
• Mascarpone
• Peanut butter
• Pumpkin
• Cream cheese
• Ice cream
• Marshmallows

And my favorite condiments to spread on the inside or drizzle over the top are

• Butter
• Nutella
• Marshmallow cream
• Chocolate/caramel sauce
• Fruit jam
• Powdered sugar

Savory Crepe Fillings

My favorite fillings for savory crepes are

• Chicken salad
• Deli meats
• Diced vegetables
• Smoked fish
• Cheese
• Aromatic herbs
• Mushrooms
• Tender beef
• Peppers
• Olives

And my favorite spreads for savory crepes are

• Cream cheese
• Pesto
• Melted cheese
• Hummus
• Herb butter

This is your opportunity to get creative and decide what you want in your crepes! You could also follow a recipe.

Crepe Makers

Now that you’re ready to prepare and fry up some crepes, you’ll need a good-quality tool to cook them. If you have space for a dedicated crepe maker, I’ve put together a few great options in the table below. I’ve even divided my choices into best “overall,” “nonstick,” “commercial,” and “portable” to help you narrow down your choice.

Name	Best Of…	Diameter	Price ($-$$$$$)
[amazon link=”B073DLGMTS” link_icon=”none” title=”Chefman Electric Crepe Maker” /]	Overall	12”	$$
CucinaPro Electric Crepe Maker	Nonstick	12”	$$$
[amazon link=”B01N7ERYI9″ link_icon=”none” title=”Waring Commercial Electric Crepe Maker” /]	Commercial	16”	$$$$$
[amazon link=”B07L79MNDC” link_icon=”none” title=”Moos & Stone Portable Crepe Maker” /]	Portable	8”	$$

1. Overall: Chefman Electric Crepe Maker

by [amazon link=”B073DLGMTS” link_icon=”none” title=”Chefman” /]

[amazon fields=”B073DLGMTS” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Chefman Electric Crepe Maker”]

This is my favorite crepe maker because it gives you all the features you need for a low price. It doesn’t offer anything too fancy, but the heat control knob works well, it heats up quickly, and it consistently turns out good crepes. It also includes a wooden crepe batter spreader and crepe flipper.

At this price, I’d recommend this model to anyone who is just getting started making crepes and does not want to invest too much money in the endeavor.

2. Nonstick: CucinaPro Electric Crepe Maker

by Bed Bath & Beyond

The nonstick surface on this model is simply amazing. I’ve only used it a couple of times since I got it, but every time I’ve been amazed by how smoothly the crepe slides up off the surface when I flip it over. Seriously, it’s almost as if the crepe had just been sitting there, not cooking on the surface.

The aluminum of the pan is also super-easy to wipe clean because of the nonstick. You can’t use metal utensils on it or you might damage the coating, but I love this crepe maker otherwise.

The model has five heat settings, and I must say they are very accurate. I can really tell the difference between crepes made at setting two and ones made at setting three, although they’re both delicious. I also appreciate that this model comes with a crepe batter spreader

If you plan to make crepes in a hurry often and do not have time for lengthy cleanup or (God forbid) the occasional crepe that sticks to the pan when you’re trying to flip it, you should consider this option.

3. Commercial: Waring Commercial Electric Crepe Maker

by [amazon link=”B01N7ERYI9″ link_icon=”none” title=”Waring Commercial” /]

[amazon fields=”B01N7ERYI9″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Waring Commercial Electric Crepe Maker”]

This crepe maker is expensive, but you can see why: it has every feature a crepe enthusiast could possibly want. Since it does so many things well, I may as well make a bulleted list.

• The temperature knob lets you select an exact temperature from 280 to 570 degrees Fahrenheit rather than a heat setting, which offers more flexibility.
• The pan is an inch thick so it has superior heat retention and conduction.
• The pan heats up very quickly.
• It has two large heat-proof carrying handles on the sides.
• The surface is nice and large so it prepares giant crepes.
• It includes a crepe batter spreader and a crepe flipper.
• It has lights that go on when the power is on and when the pan is fully heated.
• The nonstick capabilities are off-the-charts good.
• It has a nice industrial look that will definitely impress guests.

The only issue other than price is that the model does weigh over 40 pounds, which makes it infeasible for people who need to store it in a cabinet while not in use unless they are very strong. Other than that, I’d recommend it to anyone who can afford it.

4. Portable: Moos & Stone Portable Crepe Maker

by [amazon link=”B07L79MNDC” link_icon=”none” title=”Moos & Stone” /]

[amazon fields=”B07L79MNDC” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Moos & Stone Portable Crepe Maker”]

This electric crepe maker has a more portable design than most competitors; it is shaped like a frying pan with a cover on it, and the heating element is built into the edges of the pan. It is powered via a cord leading from the pan’s handle.

This model is the #1 best-selling crepe maker on Amazon for good reason: it’s inexpensive, it’s highly portable at 0.3 pounds, and it makes great crepes once you get the hang of using it.

Unfortunately, learning how to use it is easier said than done. The technique you should use and the proportions of ingredients you should add are a bit different than with most crepe makers, and the badly-written manual is no help. If you get this crepe maker, you should definitely look up instructions and recipes for it online.

I love this model, and people who are already familiar with making crepes or who are willing to ruin a few batches before they get the technique down will dig it too.

Crepe Pans

If you’re pressed for space or if you’re just more of an old-school cook, you’ll probably prefer a crepe pan to an electric crepe maker. Here is a table with a few of my picks for best crepe pan. Like in the table above, I’ve labeled each of my picks with “best of “ categories and written a bit more about each model below the table.

Name	Best Of…	Diameter	Price ($-$$$$$)
Crepe Pan	Overall	8”	$$
Staub Cast Iron Crepe Pan	Cast Iron	8”	$$$$
Cristel Castel’Pro Crepe Pan	Nonstick	11”	$$$$
[amazon link=”B000IG1C3K” link_icon=”none” title=”SCANPAN Classic Crepe Pan” /]	Aluminum	10”	$$$

5. Overall: Crepe Pan

by King Arthur Baking

This crepe pan delivers all-around solid functionality, but three features really make it stand out:

1. It’s made from carbon steel, which is extremely durable and has sky-high heat resistance.
2. The pan’s handle is elevated and rises away from the cooking surface, which keeps your hand cool while you are holding it.
3. After seasoning, the pan’s heat distribution is outstanding, allowing it to do a great job with a wide range of foods from blintzes to quesadillas as well.

The pan doesn’t deliver fancy features like the over-$100 models, but it’s a reliable starter tool for those who are unfamiliar with making crepes.

6. Cast Iron: Staub Cast Iron Crepe Pan

by Sur La Table

Cast iron is a bit expensive but has the best heat conduction out of any kitchenware material, so this crepe pan is excellent at producing evenly-cooked crepes every single time. I also appreciate how heavy the material is, because it gives me a nice added feeling of stability when flipping the crepe.

The weight might be a problem if I had to pick the pan up with oven mitts, but it has a heatproof handle made from attractive red-tinted wood. It also includes a nice wooden batter spreader and crepe flipper.

7. Nonstick: Cristel Castel’Pro Crepe Pan

by Sur La Table

The PFOA-free nonstick coating on this aluminum crepe pan is remarkable, making crepe flipping even easier than most competitors do.

The pan has a tapered design that places the handle a little further away from the actual cooking surface. I find it makes cooking more enjoyable since it keeps my hand from feeling hot while I’m holding the pan. It really makes a difference if you’re choosing to spread the batter in the pan by lifting the pan and swirling it around.

8. Aluminum: SCANPAN Classic Crepe Pan

by [amazon link=”B000IG1C3K” link_icon=”none” title=”SCANPAN” /]

[amazon fields=”B000IG1C3K” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”SCANPAN Classic Crepe Pan”]

Aluminum cookware can often look and feel cheap, but the high-quality ceramic coating on this model actually makes it look better than even more expensive competitors. It cooks evenly and can stand temperatures all the way up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s even dishwasher-safe, which most non-stick cookware is not.

Crepe Tips

How to Keep Crepes From Bubbling

After making the batter, let it sit in the fridge for an hour. It will remove air bubbles from the batter.

If you don’t have time to let the batter chill, take a spoon and gently stir the batter to remove air bubbles. This method isn’t as reliable as refrigeration, but it often works.

Removing air bubbles from the batter is essential, because bubbles in the batter during cooking will usually cause the crepe to tear when you flip it over.

When to Flip a Crepe

Keep an eye on the edges of the crepe. When they start to peel away from the edges of the crepe pan, it’s time to flip the crepe.

Another way to tell is by looking at the crepe’s surface. When it is entirely dry, you can flip!

How to Clean a Crepe Maker/Pan

First, always let your crepe pan cool before cleaning it. If the pan has a nonstick coating (as most crepe makers do), try wiping it clean with a gentle sponge and, if needed, a bit of detergent.

If that does not work, mix together a solution of one part water to one part baking soda. Spread the mixture on the surface and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it and wiping it dry.

Crepe Recipes

Red Velvet Crepes with No Bake Blintz Filling

Get the Recipe

Small Batch Crepes

Get the Recipe

Easy Strawberry Nutella Crepe Cake

Get the Recipe

Whole Wheat Crepes

Get the Recipe

A Crepe For Every Meal

I was scared to make crepes for a long time because they just look so dainty and, therefore, hard to make. When I finally bit the bullet and bought a crepe maker a few years ago, though, I realized my hesitancy was mostly unfounded.

Crepes are actually a very versatile food that is not very hard to make if you have the right equipment, and I now find myself preparing them at least a few times per month. I hope this post has persuaded you to take the plunge as well!