Making great pancakes is a skill that looks easy but is sometimes hard to master.
One of the most important ways to perfect them is figuring out the best griddle temperature for pancakes.
375°F is the best griddle temperature for pancakes. This temperature creates enough heat to cook them evenly and create a golden crust with proper timing. It’s also not too hot, which could dry out the inside quickly or leave the inside raw while burning the outside of your pancakes.
But there is more to consider, so let’s cover all you need to know about your griddle temperature for the perfect pancake.
Why Temperature Matters For Pancakes
By using the ideal griddle temperature for pancakes, you will help:
- Prevent your pancakes from becoming dry in the middle.
- Prevent raw batter in the middle.
- Prevent your pancakes from burning on the outside.
- Prevent you from panicking or rushing around the kitchen.
Helps Prevent Dry Pancakes
Not only does using the right temperature matter to help prevent your pancakes from becoming dry, but timing also plays a role.
It’s possible to make great pancakes at any temperature, but the cooking times will drastically differ.
Using 375 degrees Fahrenheit gives you just the right amount of heat to give you a golden brown cook while cooking the inside properly, within 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your pancake recipe.
Helps Prevents Burning
Butter is my number one choice for cooking pancakes, but oil will work if you prefer it. Butter will give you a slightly salty taste and unique crisp edges that makes them oh-so-good with sweet maple syrup.
The biggest problem with a temperature above 375°F is that it will quickly burn the butter, leaving you with inedible pancakes.
If you’re using oil, a high temperature will quickly burn your pancake batter before it has had a chance to cook through.
But, also keep in mind that excess butter on your griddle can start to burn and give an unwanted taste to your pancakes even when using the ideal temperature.
Helps Cook Evenly
If the temperature is not set correctly, it will make it difficult to know when to flip your pancakes.
Bubbles may prematurely form or form too late. Both cases will lead to a disappointing breakfast feast.
When set correctly, bubbles will slowly form on the top of the pancake as it cooks. Once the pancake has many bubbles and they start to burst, it’s time to start considering flipping the pancake.
How Long To Preheat Your Griddle For Pancakes
It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, as it can depend on your griddle or heat source.
However, a good rule of thumb is to aim for about 10 minutes or longer if you’re using heavy cast iron. If you’re using an electric griddle, it should be when the pilot light goes off.
The idea is to make sure that your griddle is at a constant temperature as your pancakes cook. It’s better for you to be able to time them and better for your pancakes to make them perfect in every way.
How To Test Your Griddle Temperature For Pancakes
There are a few ways to check if your griddle temperature is perfect for cooking pancakes, such as:
- A griddle with a built-in thermometer
- A food thermometer designed to test griddles
- A drip test
Because griddles and thermometers can vary between models, I think the best way to test your griddle is to use a drip test.
You can test your griddle temp with water or pancake batter.
Testing With Water
- Preheat the griddle.
- Get your fingers wet with water.
- Flick the water onto your griddle.
- If the droplets dance and sizzle gently, you’re good to go. If the water evaporates right away, your griddle is too hot. If the water sits there steaming, your griddle is too cold.
- Adjust heat accordingly and then test again.
Testing With Pancake Batter
- You can also test the griddle by placing a couple of drops of batter, about the side of a pea, on the griddle.
- If the drops of batter bubble immediately and burn, the griddle is too hot. The drops should be able to sit there for about 20 seconds without burning.
- Adjust heat accordingly and then test again.
And remember, it usually takes 2 or 3 pancakes before the griddle gets to the perfect balance of temperature and grease. But once this happens, you will be churning out perfect pancakes all morning.
