Sophisticated but never snobby, crepes are equally at home when served to-go from a food cart as they are at an upscale bistro. To sell these French delicacies to customers, you must invest in a crepe maker that makes producing thin, delicate crepes easy and efficient. We detail the different power types, styles, and cooking surfaces of crepe makers so you can find the ideal model for your operation.
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What to Consider When Buying a Professional Crepe Maker
Before you purchase a crepe maker, you should evaluate whether crepes will be a cornerstone of your menu or a small portion of it. You must also know your budget, power source, and kitchen layout. With these things in mind, use our overview of the production capacities, cooking surface materials, and power types available so you can select the ideal crepe maker for your needs.
When choosing an electric or gas crepe maker, the choice often comes down to price and utility availability. We explain the benefits and inconveniences of each.
Electric Crepe Makers
Electric crepe makers are popular due to their ease of use and convenience. These units are designed to plug into standard electrical outlets, making them suitable for a wide range of kitchen setups. Most electric crepe makers are equipped with a simple and user-friendly design, making them easy to operate and clean. These machines are available in various sizes to accommodate different production needs, from small countertop models suitable for low-volume operations to larger units capable of producing multiple crepes simultaneously for high-demand settings. The portability and convenience of electric models make them a versatile option for food trucks and concession stands.
- Can be unplugged for portability
- More widely available and adaptable than gas
- Takes longer to heat up than gas alternatives
- Less energy efficient than gas
Gas Crepe Makers
These crepe makers are powered by natural gas or liquid propane, providing a reliable heat source for cooking large batches of crepes quickly and evenly. Compared to electric crepe makers, gas crepe makers typically heat up more quickly, allowing for faster production and increased efficiency in high-volume settings. The direct flame heat source also contributes to a more even distribution of heat across the cooking surface, resulting in consistent cooking results. If you want to create a sustainable kitchen, then investing in a gas crepe maker is the best choice.
- Greener, making it a great option for environmentally-conscious kitchens
- Because gas equipment is more energy efficient, it tends to heat up faster, increasing both productivity and profitability
- Not portable since it requires a natural gas line or liquid propane source
- Less adaptable than electric, as gas types need a dedicated fuel line
Single and dual crepe maker units differ both in price and volume of production. Evaluate which type of unit best suits the demands of your establishment.
Single Crepe Maker
A single crepe maker is a compact and efficient piece of equipment designed for producing delicious crepes in commercial settings. Unlike larger crepe makers that may have multiple cooking surfaces, a single crepe maker features just one cooking surface. Single crepe makers are ideal for smaller establishments or businesses with lower crepe production needs. They are also a great option for mobile food vendors or catering services looking to offer crepes on their menu.
- Saves counter space in a crowded kitchen
- Ideal if you are looking to test out crepes on your menu or serve a limited selection
- Its lower output may not hold up to rush hour demand as well as dual crepe makers
Dual Crepe Maker
Dual crepe makers are a versatile and efficient option for businesses looking to increase their crepe production. These machines feature two cooking surfaces, allowing you to cook two crepes simultaneously. This design not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures consistent results across multiple crepes. With a double crepe maker, you can easily keep up with high demand during peak hours without sacrificing quality.
- Produces a high volume of crepes, standing up to rush hour demand and increasing profit
- Can use just one cooktop for slower days or heat both sides on busier days
- Takes up more counter space than a single unit, so it may not be ideal for small kitchens
There are three main cooking surface materials for crepe makers: non-stick, cast iron, and steel. We explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option below.
Teflon® Coated Crepe Cooking Surface
Teflon®-coated crepe makers are a popular choice in commercial kitchens because their non-stick coating ensures the batter does not stick to the cooking surface, allowing you to flip and remove the crepes without tearing or sticking. Teflon®-coated crepe makers are easy to clean, as the non-stick surface prevents food from adhering to the cooking surface. This not only saves time during busy service hours but also ensures that your crepe maker remains in top condition for longer. The non-stick surface allows the batter to spread evenly across the cooking surface, ensuring consistent results with each crepe. They also heat up faster than their cast iron counterparts. However, if the cooktop is scratched, the non-stick coating may release toxic compounds into your food. You’ll need to budget for replacement parts to prevent this.
- A non-stick surface is convenient to use and clean
- Do not have to commit the time and effort to seasoning your cooktop
- Heats up faster than cast iron
- When the cooktop is scratched, the non-stick coating can flake onto food, releasing toxic compounds
- Only lasts about three to five years before decreasing in effectiveness
Cast Iron Crepe Cooking Surface
One of the key advantages of a cast iron crepe maker is its ability to heat evenly and consistently. This feature ensures that crepes are cooked uniformly, making it an ideal choice for busy commercial kitchens where consistency is paramount. Additionally, cast iron is known for its durability and longevity. The cooktop of a cast iron crepe maker can be seasoned to develop a non-stick coating. This makes it a versatile investment for businesses looking for a long-lasting and non-stick crepe-making solution. However, these cooktops take more ongoing effort to clean and maintain than their Teflon® counterparts, slowing down your operation.
- Heats evenly and consistently, making it a perfect choice for high-volume commercial applications
- After seasoning, it can essentially become non-stick
- Great heat-retention
- Durable, long-lasting cooktop that improves after years of use
- More effort to clean and maintain
- Prone to rusting
- Takes longer to preheat
Steel Crepe Cooking Surface
Steel crepe makers are a popular choice for commercial kitchens due to their excellent heat retention properties. The durable nature of steel ensures a long lifespan for the crepe maker, making it a cost-effective investment in the long run, but they tend to have a higher initial cost. Steel is non-reactive, which means it won't impart any unwanted flavors or chemicals into your crepes. This makes them a safe and reliable option for food preparation. However, it is important to note that steel crepe makers can distribute heat unevenly, so it may require some skill and experience to achieve consistent results.
- Durable and longlasting
- Heat-resistant and tolerates high temperatures
- Non-reactive so it won't alter the flavors of food
- Easy to maintain
- Higher initial cost compared to other materials
When deciding between a crepe pan and a crepe maker, consider factors such as the volume of crepes you need to produce, the level of control you desire over the cooking process, and the space available in your kitchen. Both options can help you create delicious crepes for your customers, so choose the one that best suits your specific needs.
- Crepe Pans - These pans are versatile tools that can be used on various cooking surfaces, including gas and electric stoves. Crepe pans are typically made of materials such as cast iron or stainless steel, which provide even heat distribution for perfectly cooked crepes. Crepe pans require manual flipping of the crepe. They are often designed with a low edge or lip, which makes it easier to slide a spatula underneath the crepe for flipping. Compared to a crepe maker, a crepe pan is a lower-cost investment perfect for establishments that want to gauge the popularity of crepes with their customers before making a larger investment.
- Crepe Makers - These specialized cooking appliances are designed for creating thin, delicate crepes. They feature a large, flat cooking surface that is evenly heated, ensuring consistent cooking results. Commercial crepe makers come in various sizes, ranging from compact countertop models to larger units with multiple cooking surfaces. The size of the crepe maker you choose will depend on the volume of crepes you plan to produce in your establishment. Some crepe makers come with temperature controls, allowing you to adjust the heat according to the type of batter you are using and the desired doneness of the crepes. This feature is especially useful for achieving consistent results when making a large batch of crepes.
Do Crepe Makers Only Make Crepes?
While crepe makers are specifically designed for making crepes, their versatility extends beyond just this popular French delicacy. These commercial kitchen tools can be used to create a variety of other dishes, making them a valuable addition to any foodservice establishment. The even heat distribution of the crepe maker can help you achieve perfectly crispy and gooey grilled cheese sandwiches and quesadillas. The flat cooking surface of the crepe maker provides ample space for frying or scrambling eggs. You can also use your crepe maker to whip up fluffy pancakes, blinis, and chapatis.
While the crepe maker is the backbone of a crepe business, there is an assortment of accompanying tools you'll need. Having the right equipment for your crepe business will not only streamline your operations but also help you deliver delicious crepes consistently to your customers. Here are some key equipment items you will need:
- Crepe Batter Spreader - A crepe batter spreader is a tool used to evenly spread the crepe batter on the cooking surface. It helps in creating thin, uniform crepes that cook evenly and have a consistent texture.
- Crepe Batter Spatula - A crepe batter spatula is a long, thin spatula used to flip and fold crepes during the cooking process. It allows for easy maneuvering and flipping of delicate crepes without tearing them.
- Crepe Mix - Crepe mix is a pre-made mixture of flour, sugar, salt, eggs, milk, and butter that simplifies the crepe-making process. Using a high-quality crepe mix can help you achieve consistent flavor and texture in your crepes.
- Mixing Bowls and Whisks - Mixing bowls and whisks are essential for preparing crepe batter and other ingredients. Choose durable, easy-to-clean mixing bowls and whisks to streamline your crepe-making process.
- Paper Cones - Perfect for food trucks, paper cones provide a portable and mess-free option for enjoying crepes on the go. They are a convenient and eco-friendly way to serve crepes to customers.
- Worktables - Worktables provide a stable surface for preparing, assembling, and serving crepes. Choose worktables with ample space and sturdy construction to accommodate your equipment and ingredients.
- Storage Containers - Proper storage containers are necessary for storing crepe batter, ingredients, and finished crepes. Use airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
- Cleaning Supplies - Keeping your crepe-making equipment clean is crucial for food safety and maintaining a hygienic environment. Stock up on cleaning supplies such as sanitizing wipes, scrub brushes, and cleaning solutions.
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