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It’s just as crucial to have the correct equipment as it is to have the precise recipe if you want your crepes to have the real flavor of Paris. Crepe machines are available in a wide range of styles, sizes, and prices, so you can find the perfect machine for your café or bakery. As a result of such a wide range of choices, the purchasing process can be made more complex.
As a result, we’d like to summarise the most important factors you should consider during your search.
1. Critical Considerations
Types of Crepe Machines: Gas vs. Electric
A crepe machine selection is supposed to be the first decision you have to make. There’s no doubt that both sorts have their advantages and disadvantages. Analyze each one and decide on your own.
Gas Crepe Machines
Advantages
– It heats up much faster, increasing your productivity and profitability.
– It isn’t portable.
Disadvantages
– It requires a liquid propane source or a gas line for operation.
Electric Crepe Machine
Advantages
– In the long run, it is more energy-efficient.
Disadvantages
– Portability.
– It doesn’t operate as time-efficiently as its counterpart.
Temperature Range
The temperature range of the crepe machine is another important consideration. Crepe machines have a temperature range of 120 to 575 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because each recipe has its own set of cooking needs.
The bigger the temperature range, the greater the variety of crepe recipes you may serve.
Construction
Of course, the durability of an appliance is directly related to its structure. As for a crepe machine for a café or bakery, this implies it should be built to resist a lot of wear and tear. Consequently, the machine should be built to last. That’s the case for most units.
The crepe machine will be easier to clean as a result of this, which is also an important feature to bear in mind.
As an alternative, if you are looking for a device for light-duty use, you may want to consider something else. In other words, you need to determine your specifications. It’s worth noting that most crepe machines come with a durable cast iron griddle plate. A nonstick coated griddle plate might be included in lighter-duty models.
Cooking Surface
Commercial crepe makers tend to have one thing in common: a cast iron griddle (or griddle). If you’re wondering why cast iron is preferred, read on. Aluminum alloy and stainless steel are notorious for their uneven and inconsistent heating. This makes it excellent for making the perfect Parisian crepe.
And when the frying surface has been seasoned, it is practically nonstick. That it can be preserved for a long period is unquestionably a plus. Nevertheless, the crepe machine’s griddle pan must be well seasoned to preserve its longevity.
The use of non-stick griddle plates is an alternative option. These reduce the need for seasoning and make it easier to handle the crepes. Cooking surfaces that do not require seasoning are highly recommended for light-duty applications.
Still, for high-volume commercial applications, we would advise you to pick a cast iron griddle. That’s because it is made to withstand significant utilization, allowing you to save time and money.
Single vs. Dual Crepe Machine
For how long do you plan to serve the crepes? A crepe machine’s answer to this question is vital. That said, if you plan on making large quantities and have appropriate counter space, then investing in a twin crepe machine would be the best option for you.
As a result, if you’re looking to just add crepes to your menu, a single unit will probably suffice for the work at hand. For those who are short on counter space, an individual crepe machine will help you to make the most of it.
Type of Frame
However, there are additional factors to take into account when it comes to functionality.
Square-Frame Models
Advantages
– Easy to clean and maintain.
Disadvantages
– Compact; perfect for crowded spaces.
– Pricier than their counterparts.
Round-Frame Models
Advantages
– Easy to clean and maintain.
Disadvantages
– Practical
– They occupy more space.
2. Choosing the Right Accessories
You should carefully choose the proper crepe maker accessories based on the results you wish to achieve. You must have one of these spreaders to serve the real thing. Crepes are thinnest when they are made with a batter spreader.
A good crepe machine spatula is also essential. With the purchase of a commercial crepe machine, you may receive a specialized spatula. Crepes are easy to turn with a spatula, and they can be served accordingly. Some units may arrive with these accessories while others may not. So don’t assume that’s the case.
For the crepe mix, you can use a pre-made mix or create your own. These choices are entirely yours. Crepe mixes allow you to make authentic French crepes over and over again, reducing the possibility of mistakes. Additionally, it allows for more efficient use of time by your employees.
A good crepe mix, however, should produce savory and genuine crepes. A few choices might be worth trying out before you settle on one, so as not to make the wrong decision.
3. Manual vs. Thermostatic Control
Thermostatic and manual controls are also available. Most organizations choose manual frame control because they believe it is more reliable than the automatic frame control system that is available. Particularly caterers may opt for manual control, as the accuracy of the thermostatic control may be compromised in bad weather.
As long as your goal is to invest in a bakery or café, this shouldn’t be a huge problem. Crepes will come out flawless thanks to the thermostatic control.
It won’t take long for you to observe that various temperature ranges provide varied effects.
4. Analyzing the Size and Power of the Crepe Machine
Consider the size of your kitchen before purchasing a crepe machine. It is common for the size of a unit to be linked to its power output.
Check the amp rating of an electric crepe machine if you’re considering one. A competent electrician may be necessary to replace a wall outlet in your kitchen if it cannot sustain a high amp unit. To prevent these instances, it is best to select a machine that is compatible with your electrical setup.
5. Maintaining a Crepe Machine
After using the crepe maker for a while you’ll notice a crust on the plate. It might appear that the metal is flaking off, but it’s not. This is actually the crust from the crepe batter. You can remove this with a metal spatula or rough sandpaper. It doesn’t matter if you scratch the metal.
Season the plate once you have cleaned it. To prevent the crust from hardening, it is a good idea to scrape some of it every once in a while. Use the special abrasive stones and clean them using circular movements.
The crust may not be as easy to get off after years of heavy-duty usage. Professional sandblasting (pressurized washing) might be necessary. This will make your plate look new.
