We've all woken up and had an undeniable craving for some delicious pancakes, and the perfect pancake turner is just what you need. This small yet versatile kitchen gadget is perfect for flipping flapjacks and much more. Typically made of heat-resistant silicone or nylon, many of these turners are safe to use in almost all cooking situations. No matter your needs, we’ve found an option perfect for you. To help you choose, we’ve created a detailed buyer’s guide that includes all of the factors you’ll need to consider before purchasing a high-quality pancake turner. We've also chosen some incredible products based on important factors such as heat resistance, ease of use, material, ease of cleaning, and more. Our top choice is the OXO Silicone Flexible Pancake Turner because of its excellent grip, non-stick design, and durability. If you’re looking for the best pancake turners to add to your kitchen tools, look no further. Let’s dive right into our comprehensive review!
Buying a pancake turner, spatula, or any kitchen utensil for that matter requires careful consideration. Certain factors should be considered when you select any product that goes into your kitchen, such as the material, design, how easy it is to clean, and more. Our detailed guide takes you step-by-step through purchasing the perfect flapjack flipper. Let’s take a look!
What Type of Turner Should You Consider?
The material of the turner is the most important factor to take into consideration when buying a pancake flipper. Certain materials work best on non-stick pans, while other materials are easier to clean. Here are the most common materials you’ll find on the market.
Silicone
Silicone has a high melting point and is used in many kitchen utensils. Silicone flippers are often flexible and bend easily, but they are not ideal for turning over very heavy food items or scraping pans.
Wood
Wood turners are less common but are often used for their rigid flipper design that easily slides under pancakes and other foods. Wood does not damage non-stick pans and is safe to use in most cases it can be difficult to wash and dry, however.
Metal
Metal flippers are less common, as most pans are now made with a non-stick coating. The thin metal edges push under food easily but heat up and can make the food stick to them. If you use this type of flipper, we recommend oiling the flipper slightly before use.
Nylon
Nylon is another common material for pancake flippers due to its high melting point and flexibility. These flippers can easily turn pancakes and pose little to no damage to non-stick pans. Because they’re non-stick, food doesn’t stick to them, and they’re even known to make the best pancake shapes.
What To Look For in the Perfect Handle
The handle is an important part of the pancake turner. It determines how easy it is for a user to flip over pancakes. Handle material affects how comfortable the handle feels in someone’s hand and how close it can sit to the hot stove or pan. We've made a list of some popular options on the market.
Wood
Wooden handles are sturdy and fit well into the palm of your hand. While they’re not easily damaged, even when they come into contact with the edge of a hot pan, wooden handles can burn if the surface is quite hot. Wooden handles also absorb moisture and tend to crack when washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
Plastic
Plastic handles are sturdy and often maintain their shape. Plus, they do not melt easily unless exposed to heat for long periods of time. Softer plastics can give plastic handles a better grip while still retaining their heat resistance and shape.
Important Key Features
When you're looking for the best pancake turner for your needs, there are a few things to consider outside of design materials.
Handle Design
The handle design needs to be ergonomic and should fit nicely into a cook’s palm. Some handles have flat surfaces that align with the flipper, which makes it easy to pick up pancakes but it does not offer the user much protection from hot oil and heat.
Handles that are slightly raised above the level of the flipper make it easy to maneuver the food and give the user’s hands protection from any accidental oil splatters. Rounded handles are more comfortable to hold compared to handles that have sharp edges. An uncomfortable handle greatly impacts the user’s hand fatigue.
Size
Flipper size determines the size of the pancake the turner can easily manage. Large flippers are very versatile and can flip both large and small pancakes. A large turner also helps make sure the pancake maintains its structure when lifted from the pan.
However, before choosing the right flapjack turner size, we recommend checking the size of your pan. Keep in mind that very large flippers will not work in smaller pans with high edges. Therefore, the flipper size must be compatible with the pans you use most often in your kitchen.
Heat Resistance
Heat resistance ensures that the flipper and pancake turner handle do not melt when they come in contact with hot surfaces. Because the flipper makes contact with the pan often it needs to be able to withstand the heat during that impact and not melt. The most common ranges of temperature resistance are from 410˚F to 600˚F.
Non-stick
Being non-stick is very important for pancake turners, as they are supposed to turn food over with as little effort as possible. It is essential that food doesn't stick to the material of the flipper or else it can cause your pancakes, eggs, or omelets to break into a complete mess. Non-stick flippers are also safe to use on Teflon-coated pots and pans.
