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Candlemas is fast approaching! To Digital, it therefore seemed obvious to us to launch a new comparison: that of electric crepe makers. Party pancakes, traditional pancakes, coating of the plate, control panel or cooking… Discover the details of our test protocol.
The crepe is one of the symbols of French gastronomy. Sweet, savory, mini or maxi, it is available as you wish. If it invites itself on our plates all year round, Candlemas is obviously the right time to honor it. All to your ladles and spatulas, the countdown is on to equip yourself with the best electric crepe maker!
And it’s not an easy task as this market is full of models of all kinds. Most appliances benefit from a non-stick coated plate, so that pancakes do not stick during cooking and turn over without difficulty. Others prefer a more traditional material: cast iron. Whether machined or enamelled, it offers virtually unrivaled cooking performance.
Another point to take into account: the desired size of pancakes. Thus, the crepe makers specializing in the famous party crepes have several imprints on their cooking plate, in order to accommodate several mini-crepes at the same time. The guests are invited to take place around the device and compose their own meal. Each participant has a small spatula to manage the cooking of his pancake. Ideal for a tea party or an organized evening, crêpes party focus on simplicity and conviviality.
Other, more traditional models are equipped with a large plate of at least 30 cm. It is therefore preferable to know how to handle the rozell, this essential utensil to spread the dough correctly on the baking sheet. Finally, some manufacturers deliver two different cooking plates, for mini and maxi pancakes.
With all these possibilities, manufacturers have a field day and continue to supply the market for electric crepe makers. Digital therefore took the plunge. The devices have now been installed in our laboratory.
First, we analyze the ergonomics of crepe makers (ease of use, accessories provided, materials, etc.). Then, we observe the heating time, the stability and the homogeneity of the temperatures. We start the appliances at maximum power, then we try to stabilize them at around 210°C, which is the ideal cooking temperature for a wheat pancake. Thanks to this test, we note the possible oscillations of heat: the more the temperature is regular, the more efficient is the device. As for the homogeneity, it is calculated using our thermal camera which provides us with very precise data on the distribution of heat. Temperature probes installed at different points on the hob confirm the results. All this allows us to observe the conductivity of the plate and its thermal inertia to ensure optimal cooking.
The comparison of electric crepe makers is already online on our site and sifts through three different models from each other. The Krampouz Billig is a traditional crepe maker with a cast iron plate. For less seasoned users, Russell Hobbs has released the Fiesta Crepe Maker. Tefal, finally, plays on two tables by offering the Gourmet, which cooks both 11 and 18 cm pancakes. Other models will soon be added to this test bench, in particular the Essential B ECPM3 and the Tefal Crep’Party.