Even if the name sounds unfamiliar to you, aebleskiver pans are very popular around the world as they are used to make many kinds of delicacies.
Originally the Danish aebleskiver pan was used to make pancake balls filled with fruits or hush puppies (a round cornmeal ball that is deep-fried, not the shoe of the same name). But around the world, this pan is used to make mouth-watering dishes such as Takoyaki, Paddu, Poffertjes, Kue Cubit, and Serabi.
But to make things interesting, this pan is quite versatile and flexible to use. Don’t hesitate to fill in the pan with some of your own recipes.
So, if you are craving for a pancake ball delight or just something a bit more exotic than your normal breakfast, keep reading. The following article is just for you. We have gathered for you the best Aebleskiver pans available out there.
List Of Aebleskiver Pan
- Iwatani Takoyaki Grill Pan
- Norpro Nonstick Stuffed Pancake Pan
- Prestige Omega Select Plus
- Iwatani CB-ETK-1
- Nordic Ware Danish Ebleskiver Pan
- Norpro Cast Iron Stuffed Pancake Pan
- CookKing – TAKOYAKI Nonstick Grill Pan
- Takoyaki Maker by StarBlue
- Cast Iron Poffertjes Pancake Pan
Comparison Table Of Top Aebleskiver Pan
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
  | OUR TOP PICK Iwatani Takoyaki Grill Pan
| |
  | Norpro Nonstick Stuffed Pancake Pan
| |
  | Prestige Omega Select Plus
| |
  | Iwatani CB-ETK-1
| |
  | Nordic Ware Danish Ebleskiver Pan
| |
  | Norpro Cast Iron Stuffed Pancake Pan
| |
  | CookKing – TAKOYAKI Nonstick Grill Pan
| |
  | Takoyaki Maker by StarBlue
| |
  | Cast Iron Poffertjes Pancake Pan
|
FAQ
Can You Make Aebleskivers Without The Pan?
Although Aebleskivers are originally meant to be made on an Aebleskiver pan, it has some well-performing substitutes. They can be baked by placing the batter in silver liners, paper liners, circle cutters, and sheets or you can also make them in mugs as you do with mug cakes. If your liners seem to have a hard time holding the batter, you can also use ramekins, mason jar lids, or baking cups.
How Big Are Aebleskivers?
Aebleskivers are small and spherical in shape with a diameter less than 1.5 inches. The aebleskiver pan is generally known to have around 24 holes and all have 1.5 inches diameter so you can guess that any aebleskiver you cook on them is likely to have a diameter equal to or less than that. However, as the batter creates a fluffy dessert, at times your aebleskivers pay rise to form a slightly bigger shape.
How Do You Season An Aebleskiver Pan?
Firstly, scrub your aebleskiver pan clean using hot water and dishwashing detergent; do not use steel wired cleaners. Afterward, microwave some water to boiling temperature and pour it all over your pan and then let it dry completely. Heat the pan to cooking temperature and rub in oil all over it to have it completely seasoned. A seasoned pan creates a non-stick surface and prevents the aebleskiver from sticking all over and creating a mess.
Can You Make Takoyaki In An Aebleskiver Pan?
Since Takoyaki and Aebleskivers are similar in terms of shape and size, the aebleskiver pan can be easily used to make the Japanese Takoyaki. Although aebleskiver pans have rounded edges unlike traditional Takoyaki pans, this has no effect in the making process. Besides Takoyaki, you can also make Ebiyaki on aebleskiver pans on aebleskiver pans. At times, people alter the consistency of the batter a little bit to make sure it is not runny.
Best Pan for Aebleskiver Reviews
1. Iwatani Takoyaki Grill Pan
Starting the list we have an aebleskiver pan substitute from Iwatani- the Iwatani Takoyaki Grill Pan. Even though this pan is large, with dimensions of 10.2 x 8.3 x 1.6 inches, it weighs only 1.61 pounds. So, you can carry it around without having to sweat.
Although the Iwatani pan might be ideally designed to make the Japanese dish, Takoyaki, don’t hesitate to try making a regular Danish mini pancake.
With a cast aluminum body and a non-stick coating on the upper surface, get fresh food once cooked. The cast aluminum body ensures quick and even heating, plus the non-stick surface prevents your cakes from getting stuck on the pan.
Additionally, using this pan with a stove is very easy. Just keep the flame on medium-high. This aebleskiver pan is sturdy enough to withstand up to 400F, so you can really cook recipes that require a lot of heat.
Furthermore, cleaning up the Iwatani Takoyaki grill pan is a piece of cake since it’s absolutely dishwasher friendly. Don’t worry about sticky batters anymore.
Lastly, this aebleskiver pan is actually a family-sized pan with 16 holes for cakes and Takoyaki. For the price, it’s an absolute steal! Enjoy every bite with your family with this particular aebleskiver pan.
Highlighted Features
- Comes with 16 holes to cook allows usage as commercial aebleskiver pan
- Cast Aluminium body with a non-stick surface
- Thick material ensures superior heat retention and more even heat distribution
2. Norpro Nonstick Stuffed Pancake Pan
Second on our list, we have the Norpro Nonstick Stuffed Pancake Pan. We have already mentioned before that the term ‘aebleskiver’ might be new to you. So, if you are a beginner, this simple-designed pan by Norpro is the right thing for you. Experience hassle-free cooking with this strong and sturdy pan which is destined to last for years.
Just like the first aebleskiver pan on our list, this pan is also constructed with cast aluminum, ensuring that the heat spreads at a blazing speed and as well as evenly.
Along with cast aluminum, there is an additional non-stick coating on the pan which makes sure that your food doesn’t stick to the pan. Plus, cleaning off the residue from the pan is easier because of this coating. On top of all that, the non-stick coating on Norpro is scratch-resistant and doesn’t peel off quickly.
Lastly, we come to the most attractive thing about this pan. The Norpro aebleskiver pan has one of the best ergonomic handles on the market. With a 7.5 inch handle, the Norpro non-stick pan is very convenient to manage while cooking. The handle is covered with very high-quality plastic, which ensures that you stay safe from skin burns.
Highlighted features
- Cast Aluminium body for a better cook
- Non-stick coating on the upper surface
- 5-inch ergonomic handle
- 7 indents for a family-sized serving
3. Prestige Omega Select Plus
Next on the list, we have the Prestige Omega Select Plus. This is another great pan suitable for expert chefs and all those delicious aebleskiver pan uses.
Made with scratch and abrasion-preventing technology, this pan can withstand a lot of misuse and more corrosive cooking substances. Additionally, the pan also comes with a non-stick surface that prevents your baked goods from sticking on the pan’s surface, making it extremely easy to remove whatever you have been cooking.
Impressively, the non-stick coating is made with three layers of Teflon which actually has a lot of amazing benefits for Prestige users. Firstly, because of the Teflon, less amount of oil is required for cooking. Secondly, the pan is spoon-friendly. Thus, you can scoop the food instantly from the pan to your plates.
Moreover, the Prestige aebleskiver pan comes with sturdy handles for its customers. Bakelite riveted handles with good quality grip spots give you a firm hold on the cookware while cooking and make the handle long-lasting.
Prestige recommends using soap water to wash the pan rather than detergent to prevent oil deposition inside the pan and also, cooling the pan before washing residue can save it from warping.
Highlighted Features
- Metal spoon friendly, so you shouldn’t be able to scratch the pan surface
- Non-stick coating for easy food release
- Sturdy Handles to give you confidence in moving the hot pan
4. Iwatani CB-ETK-1
We present you with the most unique aebleskiver pan on our list today. Embedded with a stove and gas cassette, the Iwatani CB-ETK-1 is the only electric aebleskiver pan on our list.
Produced in Japan, this aebleskiver pan is a family-sized pan that comes with 20 indents or holes to make Takoyaki or Danish mini-pancakes. With such a huge serving space on the pan, this will be a great addition to every family picnic or gathering.
But how can I carry such a large thing? Don’t worry. This pan has dimensions of 9.09 x 13.7 x 5.47 inches and a weight of 4.85 pounds only. Hence, it’s very portable and light.
Furthermore, this beast of an aebleskiver pan has a Teflon coating to prevent your Takoyaki from sticking on the surface of the pan. Since it’s an electric pan, regulating the heat while cooking is a very stress-free task.
But should I carry around a gas cylinder with this thing? Absolutely not! Though powerful, this aebleskiver pan works just fine with a standard size gas can.
Highlighted Features
- Electric Aebleskiver pan
- Teflon coating for a non-stick surface
- 20 holes to make 20 Takoyakis or Danish pancakes
- Works with standard size gas can
5. Nordic Ware Danish Aebleskiver Pan
We have reached the end of our list. Weighing only 1.21 pounds, we bring you an aebleskiver pan by Nordic Ware. It is certainly the lightest pan on our list and hence portable.
Made with heavy cast aluminum, this pan is made for durability and reliability. Because of the excellent heavy cast aluminum, this aebleskiver pan is wear and tear resistant.
Along with the aluminum casting, the pan is made with warp-resistant construction, which provides you with even and uniform heating. Now, you don’t have to worry about burning your food.
With a 9.5 inch diameter, the Nordic Ware pan has seven holes which are about 7cm deep. So, make Danish pancakes or Takoyaki anytime you want. But don’t hesitate to experiment with your own treats.
This pan by Nordic Ware has a phenolic handle that comes with a plastic cover boasting high endurance. The plastic cover is quite capable of preventing you from getting burnt while cooking.
The pan also has a non-stick coating which won’t peel off easily. However, Nordic Ware recommends you use a mild detergent to wash and clean the pan rather than using any common dishwashers.
Highlighted Features
- Warp-resistant and long lasting
- Heavy cast aluminum with Non-stick coating
- Phenolic Handle for your safety and comfort
- Seven holes with 7cm depth
Aebleskiver Pan Buying Guide
The best aebleskiver pan will get the job done for you whether you want to cook a regular Danish pancake or something else your creative flair has touched. You don’t need to worry about the quality of pan on this list but for that extra confidence here are some guidelines for choosing a truly incredible pan.
a) Material
When buying an aebleskiver pan, the material of the pan is what makes the greatest difference. Usually, these pans are made of cast aluminum, steel, or you’ll find a cast iron aebleskiver pan. The material of the pan matters because of how quickly and evenly the pan heats up. For example, the pans with aluminum heat up more quickly than iron.
b) Handle
You might think that ergonomics matters when it comes to the handle of the aebleskiver pan. But actually, it’s the material again. The best handle is made of metal and covered with heavy-duty plastic material to avoid burns and make sure that the handle doesn’t get uncomfortably hot while cooking.
c) Diameter size
The diameter of the pan totally depends on you. Because if you are cooking something tasty for a large group of people, you should use a bigger pan. The pans with larger diameters usually have 12 indents in them. But if you cook for yourself, you can always use a smaller pan with fewer indents and lower capacity.
d) Electric vs. Manual
Electric pans are much easier to use for a beginner. Also, the electric models are safer around kids, and they can be moved around easily. Using a manual aebleskiver pan might be tiresome as the heat needs to be regulated from the outside regularly by the person who’s cooking.
e) Budget
It would help if you bought the pan, which doesn’t cost a fortune for you. Usually, the electric ones are more expensive than the manual ones. But you should fix a budget beforehand so that you can identify a suitable model for you. The listed pans are there because they have quality and unbeatable value.
f) Brand
There are many brands like Nordic, Norpro and Iwatani, and Prestige in this challenging market. The brands we’ve mentioned may seem unfamiliar to the US market, but they are certainly among the very best you can buy. Give them a try, they can be trusted.
FAQ
1. What does Aebleskiver mean?
Aebleskiver is originally a Danish word that refers to Danish snacks in spherical shapes. To be more specific, the word literally means ‘Apple Slices’ in Danish, although modern-day versions of the snacks don’t always include apples in them.
2. What is an aebleskiver pan used for?
Commonly this particular pan is used to make Danish pancake balls with fruits, hush puppies, or Oysters Rockefeller. But around the world, this pan encounters different recipes.
In Japan, for instance, an aebleskiver pan is used to make Takoyaki- a round puffed spicy snack filled with ginger or diced octopus.
In Indonesia, chefs make a sweet cake with white flour, milk, and sugar called ‘Kue Cubit’.
In India, a dish called ‘Paddu’ is made in an aebleskiver pan using rice and lentils instead of flour, and they are dipped in a savory dipping sauce made from yogurt.
Therefore, with a pan for aebleskiver for can cook many kinds of foods popular all over the world.
3. How to use an aebleskiver pan?
The steps are quite simple, actually. At first, heat your aebleskiver pan on medium-high heat. When the pan gets ready to be cooked in, apply a small amount of butter into each indent of the aebleskiver pan. After that, pour your batter into each indent of the pan. Wait till the food is cooked. After you have scooped the cakes onto your plate, let the pan cool down for about 5 minutes.
Use soapy water or some kind of mild detergent to remove the residue or the deposited oil on the surface of the pan.
Bottom Line
One of the easiest methods for making Danish pancakes, Takoyaki, Paddu, or Kue Cubit, is simply using a manual or electric aebleskiver pan.
You will find the best aebleskiver pans in our list that are highly recommended by chefs worldwide. But these pans can be used for multi-purposes as well.
And so, you can probably bake cheese balls in them as well. No matter what you decide to do with these pans, they will get the job done due to their fantastic features. So, buy the one that fits your cooking needs.
