Cast Iron Pancake Pan

Everyone loves to eat pancakes. Each housewife has a secret of their preparation, and each housewife knows that the quality, taste and lightness of pancakes depend not only on the kneaded dough, but also on the surface of the pan. Namely: on the quality of the product, from what material it is made, and what is the degree of its calcination.

Today there are several ways to bake pancakes: the use of the so-called crepe maker or pans with different types of coatings. The second method is more practical. For example, cast iron pan for pancakes - the best way to cook, and most importantly, time-tested.

This frying pan is perfect for roasting pancakes. Frying pancakes on such a product will not bring the desired result. Pancakes just won't bake. Pancake pan is significantly different from other species. Its main distinguishing feature is a low side.

Now let's deal with the disadvantages and merits of pancake products made of cast iron. The main advantages are long-term operation, reliability and resistance to deformation. Despite the thick bottom, cast iron pancake maker is able to distribute heat evenly. Another advantage of this product will be its resistance to varying degrees of damage and scratches.And also this frying pan is suitable for cooking on all types of stoves.

However, there are downsides. Cast iron pans quickly absorb odors and it is difficult to clean them of plaque or rust. And the weight of such a product is rather big, besides, over time, cast iron tends to darken.

In the manufacture of pans manufacturers cover the product with a special non-stick coating. It is very convenient and makes the life of a housewife much easier, because you do not have to clean out the burned fat and food debris.

There are several types of coatings.

• Teflon. This coating is most popular among manufacturers. When cooking, you can not use a large amount of fat and oil, while the food becomes crisp. The disadvantages of Teflon coating are its impracticality. Teflon is afraid of scratches and strong heat. At high temperatures, the release of heavy carcinogens begins.
• Ceramic. Not afraid of high temperatures, unlike Teflon. Harmful compounds are not released even when heated to 450 degrees. The disadvantage of such products is their short lifetime, up to about 1 year, as well as their fragility.
• Marble. Includes teflon coating with the addition of marble chips. Such coatings are very long. The service life is up to 25 years. The covering from a marble crumb is not afraid of temperature drops, scratches, and is not deformed when falling.
• Titanium, diamond and granite. Dishes with such a surface - from the category of premium. The advantages of such products include their durability, resistance to any kind of damage to the surface. In such pans, you can cook without vegetable oil. The taste of food from this will not spoil, besides cooking without oil is more beneficial to health, and gives the food a spicy flavor. Reliability proven over the years. The only drawback is the high cost and unsuitability for use on induction stoves.
• Copper coating. It also has a high cost.Such pans warm quickly, keep warm for a long time, the food does not stick, the coating is resistant to damage. The quality and taste of pancakes, baked on the surface of copper, has subtlety and elegance. But there are also disadvantages: depending on the frequency of use, copper dishes tend to darken.

For baking pancakes do not take products with a diameter greater than 25 cm, they are not quite convenient to use. In most cases, dishes with a diameter of up to 22 cm are in demand. Small, neat pancakes can be baked in pans 15–16 cm and 18 cm wide. Width from 20 to 22 cm allows you to bake pancakes of normal size, to which everyone is accustomed.

The size and shape of the pan each chooses to your taste, but before choosing, you should still pay attention to the parameters that will be the easiest to use in the kitchen. For example, a product diameter of about 35 cm will not be so convenient for baking pancakes. Such dishes are more suitable for frying meat or stewing vegetables.

The huge range of models of pans is the reason that many buyers simply do not know what to choose. That is why it is worth considering a list of the best manufacturers and their models.

• "Merry smile" - Russian-made product. The name is chosen for a reason. Such a pan will allow you to bake neat pancakes in the form of a smile. The diameter of the classic griddle, 22 cm, bottom thickness - 6 mm. Non-stick coating and uniform heat distribution will make pancake frying more enjoyable and easy.
• Tefal tendance - manufacturer from France. On the market, this company settled long ago, and has established itself as a high-quality firm for the production of pancake pans. Teflon coating does not emit harmful metals and compounds, does not absorb odors and ensures uniform calcination of the product. Diameter - 20 cm.
• Rondell mocco - famous German company. Products of this company have a titanium coating with non-stick properties. Diameter - 22 cm, bottom thickness - 4.5 mm. In such a pan is great to cook pancakes, omelets, scrambled eggs and pancakes. The frying pan with a removable stainless steel handle has a stylish appearance that will be an excellent addition to the interior of any kitchen.
• Another Russian manufacturer - company "Tradition". The production of this company is according to the standards of the USSR, the products have a molded appearance and ceramic coating. Cook in a pan with the least amount of fat. Diameter - 26 cm.

When choosing a pancake pan, it is important to have an idea about the materials and manufacturers of products. You can rely on the experience of friends and relatives, and you can approach the choice more responsibly. For frying pancakes, the product will fit no more than 24 cm in diameter, with low sides. The height of the sides should not exceed 6 cm. Be sure to choose a pan with a non-stick coating. This will greatly simplify cooking. Also it is worth remembering the properties of various coatings.

Before baking pancakes, the pan should be prepared. It is worth remembering that this pan is intended for cooking only pancakes, for meat, potatoes and vegetables should pick up another dish. If the choice fell on a product made of cast iron, then after each use it is advisable not to wash it, but to wipe it with a cloth or sponge. When heated, a special layer forms on the surface, which prevents the pancakes from burning.

If the product is new, then it should be washed and allowed to dry. After that, the pan must be calcined with salt for an hour. For this you can use the oven. When an hour has passed, the dishes need to cool and pour salt. After these manipulations, pour a little oil and hold it on the fire for about 20 minutes. These steps are required for baking pancakes on cast-iron dishes.If the dishes are not new, then each time you fry pancakes, the pan is enough to first quickly calcined with salt and then vegetable oil, all the manipulations will take 10-15 minutes.

Women with great experience housewives in most cases, choose products made of cast iron. The coating is not deformed, and the pancakes do not burn due to a uniform heat. Also, cast iron pans are chosen by those who cook for a large family or company. It is convenient to heat food, fry meat or fish, cook meatballs in them.

Judging by the reviews, cast iron is suitable for most cooks. It is wear-resistant, the product serves for a long time, does not break. The food is tasty. However, not everyone likes the fact that the pan should be baked regularly and it should not be washed immediately after use.

On this you can make sure that the choice of dishes for baking favorite pancakes is quite diverse. Everyone chooses himself, depending on preferences, and based on their own experience. But if the family often bake pancakes, you should pay attention to the cast iron pan.

For cast iron pan pancakes, see the video below.