Commercial crepe machines are straight forward and easy to operate. Because the are all relatively similar, one crepe machine is pretty much the same as any other. But you do have the choice of what type of power source to use and other factors like the size of the machine.

As you brush up on crepe machines basics and research your options, keep the following in mind:

1. Find out what power source you have available for a crepe machine.

2. Choose a single- or double-burner commercial crepe machine for small production.

3. Purchase a fully automated commercial crepe maker for high volume crepe production.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose gas or electric crepe making machines

Gas and electric powered crepe makers are largely the same. Both have the same type of plate and heat adjustments. Many chefs prefer gas crepe makers because their temperature is easily controlled and instantaneous. Gas and electric crepe makers cost about the same, feature for feature.

I recommend: Select Appliance carries both single- and double-burner gas crepe machines. Its crepe griddle is 15 1/2 inches in diameter and has star heating for even heat distribution. Globe Equipment sells electric crepe makers with either single or double burners. Many of the items it sells have free shipping.

Decide on a single- or double-burner commercial crepe griddle

The most noticeable difference in most crepe makers is how many burners they have. Single- and double-burner crepe makers offer the chef the ability to use either gas or electric power. Double-burner crepe makers have dual temperature controls, allowing each burner to be set at different temperatures.

I recommend: Finest Cookware sells a 13-inch round electric crepe machine. It bundles the crepe maker with all the accessories, including a crepe cook book. Double- and single-burner commercial crepe machines are available at AAA Commercial Products. It carries both electric and gas machines.

Purchase a fully automated industrial crepe machine

Whether you serve brunch or delectable desserts, chances are your crepe production is high. Purchasing a fully automated crepe machine will increase production time and save on the cost of paying employees to painstakingly cook crepes on individual burners. The only effort you will put into an automated machine is turning it on and keeping the batter reservoir filled.

I recommend: PastaBiz carries round and square automated crepe makers. Its fully automated machines produce up to 320 crepes per hour. Lil' Orbits sells crepe machines that produce 360 mini crepes per hour or 180 standard crepes per hour. Its crepes machine is oil free, using a Teflon belt.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase a double-burner commercial crepe machine when your budget allows. This will save you the expense of purchasing a second machine in the event that you need another crepe maker.

Crepe making machines are widely popular in breakfast and pastry shops. They enable you to make perfect, uniform crepes quickly. A commercial crepe griddle can save you time and money and you can get one available in two main types — either a gas crepe machine or an electric crepe machine — to meet the needs of your restaurant, bakery or kitchen.

Crepe making machines are available with a single burner or two burners and have utensil drawers and batter spreaders. They range in price depending on the style, size, finish and brand.

1. Decide on the crepes machine heat source that works for your location.

2. Identify the commercial crepe maker features important to your business.

3. Comparison shop and buy your commercial crepe machine from a reliable source.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide on the crepes machine heat source

Crepe machines are offered in both gas and electric, both of which are represented in commercial and professional kitchens. They are offered in a range of temperature capacities, from 450-530 degrees for electrics. Gas crepe making griddles are an option offering an average of 24,000 BTUs. Gas is usually the heat source preferred by most chefs and foodies alike in most kitchen appliances.

I recommend: The Eurodib Double Gas Crepe Griddle is a great portable crepe griddle. Each burner has its own thermostat and comes with a one-year warranty. Krampouz offers a variety of electric crepe machines, ranging in a temperature range from 120-575 degrees. They offer a double crepe maker as well.

Identify the commercial crepe maker features important to your business

Most crepe machines, gas or electric, are similar. They all have temperature gauges and the same basic set up. One major difference is between a single or double crepe maker, in which the two burners often function independently of each other. Also look for the accessories that come with the crepe machine such as a dough spreader, spatula, and plate coating. Another thing to consider is whether you are interested in mass production.

I recommend: Pasta Biz sells an industrial size crepe maker. This machine can churn out 320 pieces an hour, in a variety of crepes or thin pancakes. You simply attach the batter and start it up. Sodir makes kits that can be purchased for the crepe machine you choose. It is based on the Sodir or Equipex model number and includes stainless steel casings, wooden spreaders, spatula and two plastic dispensers for condiments.

Comparison shop and buy your commercial crepe machine

Comparison shop with online shopping networks and by calling different crepe machine suppliers. This is easiest done with you have selected a specific model of crepe machine. Check with local restaurant supply companies to find out which crepe machines they have in stock or can order. If you have a food based business, you may qualify for a discount, just ask.

I recommend: Shopping.com gives side-by-side comparisons and shows the price with tax and shipping included if you input your zip code. They have all the major crepe machine brands from which to choose. Zesco is a restaurant and food service supply company that specializes in working with professionals in the food service industry. They have been in business 35 years and ship anywhere in the world.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider the future crepe needs of your company and consider investing in an extra crepe maker machine, if the price is right.

When your restaurant offers fine desserts, it's important to figure the pricing and costs of crepe machines into your budget. The prices of commercial crepe machines vary depending on the number of burners. Gas and electric crepe machines are parallel in price. Another cost to consider for your budget is the price of accessories for the crepe machine.

Most chefs prefer to use gas crepe makers over electric. Having a gas source available may be the determining factor on whether you choose an electric or gas commercial crepe griddle. As you weight your options, consider the following:

1. A gas crepe machine heats up instantly, and you should use one when you have the resources.

2. Crepe machines can have a single or double burner.

3. Crepe machine accessories like batter dispensers can decrease the amount of time and waste involved in making crepes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find prices for a gas crepe machine

Gas commercial crepe machines on average have 24,000 BTUs. These machines generally have a temperature range from 120 to over 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Gas crepe makers cost anywhere from $500 to over $2,000.

I recommend: Single- and double-burner gas crepe making machines are for sale at Restaurant Equipment World. It has both square and round stainless steel griddles. Dvorson's is another restaurant supply store that sells commercial crepe making machines. It has several single- and double-burner models to choose from.

Get estimates for an electric crepe machine

Electric crepe machines mimic a gas crepes machine in every way but power source. Electric crepe makers on average are 220V and 3600 watts. An electric commercial crepe maker ranges from $1,200 for a single-burner machine and around $2,000 for a double-burner machine. Fully automated electric crepe makers cost around $6,000.

I recommend: ACityDiscount carries several electric crepe machines. It has both single- and double-burner machines to choose from. AAA Commercial Products also sells single- and double-burner crepes machinery. Arcobaleno is a pasta supply company that sells automated crepe machinery. Its machines can turn out about 300 crepes per hour.

Remember accessories for your commercial crepe machine

A cook can only be as good as his gadgets, right? Along with a crepe maker, a chef will need the appropriate accessories to go with it. Items that make crepe making easier are batter trowels, spatulas and batter dispensers. Trowels and spatulas are the least expensive accessories, ranging from $7 to $44, and batter dispensers run from the $80 to $120 range.

I recommend: Instawares has a line of spatulas for turning crepes. KaTom carries several batter dispensers and spatulas.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase a double crepe machine when your budget allows. When business increases this will save you from purchasing a second machine.

The word crepe is derived from the French word "pancake." These thin, pancake-like delicacies are served in restaurants throughout the country. Having the right crepe machine items in your kitchen can be the first step to creating these delicious crepes. Crepes are served savory with cheese, eggs or ham, or they're served sweet with jams, whipped cream or powdered sugar.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Crepe pans

If you choose to use a simplified single-serving crepe machine, then you should consider crepe pans. These shallow fry pans are specifically created to make crepes.

I recommend: Learn about the different types of crepe pans at Fante's.

Crepe griddles

Used mainly in larger restaurants, crepe griddles can help you produce numerous crepes at once. Oftentimes these griddles have more than one burner and are hooked up to either gas lines or electric outlets.

I recommend: Learn more about commercial gas crepe griddles at Chennai Imports.

Batter dispensers

Batter dispensers allow your employees to evenly allot a specific amount of batter on the crepe pans or griddles. This eliminates spillage and can produce an even circle every time. Batter dispensers are sold in different sizes, as they can be used for pancakes, waffles and biscuits as well as crepes.

I recommend: Visit La Belle Cuisine to see a picture of batter dispensers used in conjunction with crepe machines.

Dough spreaders

Crepe dough spreaders are produced in a 'T' shape. Such tools are normally made out of wood and can be used for spreading dough evenly in crepe pans or griddles.

I recommend: Find more information about dough spreaders at FinerKitchens.com.

Removable working surfaces

If you decide to have stations where your employees make crepes for customers, then you might want to invest in removable working surfaces. These rectangular pieces are placed over the crepe burners, allowing for extra workspace.

I recommend: Check out FoodServiceWarehouse.com to see a picture of a typical removable working surface and to learn what accessories are usually included when you purchase these products.

Seasoning

When working with cast-iron crepe pans, it is essential to apply seasoning to the new cookware. By doing this, you are filling in the porous cooking surface with cooking oil. This forms a protective barrier against your crepe pans and prevents crepe batter from sticking to the surface.

I recommend: Learn how to properly pan season your cast-iron cookware at KitchenEmporium.com.