Can you help Hilary choose a great pancake spatula for her boyfriend?
My boyfriend's birthday is coming up, and he is a stellar pancake maker. But we don't own a great spatula. I've looked around at my options (Oxo/Calphalon/etc.), but I wanted an opinion from the experts. What's the best pancake spatula available?
Hilary, I consulted the expert pancake maker in my household (my husband) and he just shrugged and said "something thin." I agree; I think that the best pancake spatulas have a very thin edge to let you get under the delicate half-cooked pancake to flip it without it wrinkling or tearing. We use a metal spatula, since we have a griddle for pancakes, but if you use a nonstick pan or skillet you might want a rubber or silicone spatula. I just donated my rubber spatula, though; I didn't find it thin enough or strong enough.
Other than that, I don't have a lot of advice. Readers — do you have any good advice on pancake spatulas?
The spatulas pictured above, from left to right:
• Spatula, Slotted - This turner-style spatula is good for very high heat, and it's also the sort of spatula recommended by MakePancakes.com.
• MIU Flexible Pancake Spatulas - These nylon spatulas get great reviews, and their width seems helpful for flipping large pancakes.
• Oxo Good Grips Stainless Serving Spatula - This is not a traditional pancake spatula at all, but sometimes I have used a similar utensil for flipping and moving pancakes. The length is actually very helpful, and this kind of spatula will do double duty elsewhere.
Related: Recipe: Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes
(Images: Cooking.com and Amazon.com)
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The OXO spatula pictured is the best all around spatula I've ever used, and works great for pancakes because the edge is so thin and flexible that it gets right under without squashing the edge of the pancake, or ripping up the bottom. I LOVE that spatula -- it's probably my favorite kitchen tool. And you're right, the length does help -- it's much less awkward to hold and handle than other spatulas.
"something thin"
Another recommendation for the OXO pictured on the far right. Great for pancakes, cookies, even keeps fish together pretty well.
Thin metal spatula. Those rubber ones don't work worth a darn in my experience. If you're using non-stick, though, you're out of luck.
Agreed on the OXO (or something comparable) and the rubber/silicone ones just don't cut it anywhere.
For pancakes, you ABSOLUTELY have to go with a spatula that has slots in it. A solid spatula has too much friction and is more prone to scrunching up your pancakes. I have a favorite pancake spatula at home and it looks most like the one pictured in the middle. Hooray for pancakes!
I don't think you can satisfactorily answer this without knowing the pan in which the cakes will go.
I like the thin, ultra flexible spatula they sell as a 'cookie lifter/spatula' at William's Sonoma. I don't find slots necessary for my pancake recipe:
http://danamccauley.wordpress.com/2008/02/05/mmmpancakes
Thanks for all of the feedback!
We have both nonstick pans and a cast-iron griddle... and he uses both, depending on the day, for pancakes. So I think we might need more than one!
I have a fantastic spatula made by Calphalon...it's actually called a pancake turner!
It's basically a super big, extra wide spatula that makes flipping floppy/awkward things easier. I find it handy with pancakes, omelettes, and turning a chicken when I roast it in the oven.
http://www.amazon.com/Calphalon-FN24-Nylon-Pancake-Turner/dp/B000IVAJE8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1241646147&sr=8-2
LamsonSharp Chef slotted turner. It's a thin, metal, slotted turner. I love mine. There are cheaper no-name versions but you can tell the difference in quality.
the oxo silicone one is phenomenal! bought it at target and it is by far the best one i've ever used for pancakes! i don't even grease the griddle and it lifts them with ease every time