In Search Of A Flat Pan…

Are you in need of the perfect flat pan to create any type of flatbread, whether it be leavened or unleavened? Look no further, as this versatile pan is known by various names and serves multiple purposes.

The many names and uses of a Flat Pan

If you're interested in American cuisine, you may want to consider using a griddle pan or a pancake pan.

Are you more into French cooking? Then a crepe pan might be what you're looking for.

For Indian cooking, a traditional cast iron tawa (or tava) is ideal for making roti, chapati, or dosa. However, if you prefer a non-stick option, there are alternative pans available that can release the bread without sticking and are designed for easy flipping.

When it comes to Mexican cooking, a flat comal type pan is perfect for making delicious tortillas.

If you enjoy cooking a variety of cuisines like me, you might find yourself making pancakes for Sunday breakfast, tortillas for dinner, and crepes for dessert.

But let's be honest, having a different flat pan for each day of the week can be quite inconvenient. That's why I recommend a versatile pan that can meet all your needs.

To give you options based on your preference, I'll provide you with a couple of alternatives. Sound fair?

Now, let's dive into the specific requirements of each type of flat pan.

If you're not interested in the details and just want to know the best flat pan options, you can find them here.

Pancake/griddle pan

A pan that ensures even heat distribution and possesses a perfectly flat surface is essential. Additionally, I believe it is crucial to have a pan that features a high-quality non-stick coating.

Crepe pan

A pan that ensures even heating and a flat surface is absolutely essential. Given that a crepe is a delicate and thin flatbread, flipping and turning it can be quite challenging. Therefore, having a pan with low sides would be extremely beneficial.

Indian Tawa or Tava for making roti/ chapati / dosa

The Indian tawa is a fascinating piece of cookware that has its own unique characteristics. Traditionally, the tawa is crafted from cast iron and comes in various shapes such as flat, concave, or convex. Seasoning is essential for maintaining the quality of a cast iron tawa, but once you master the technique, it becomes incredibly durable and can be passed down through generations.

When it comes to preparing Indian flatbreads, it is crucial to use a tawa with a thick base. This ensures that heat is evenly distributed, allowing the flatbread to cook quickly and evenly. Using a thin pan may result in burning the roti or flatbread.

In modern times, we now have the convenience of using hard anodized aluminum tava/tawa with a non-stick coating. This eliminates the need for seasoning cast iron and provides an alternative option. However, it's important to note that constant use of a non-stick pan will eventually wear out its coating, requiring replacement.

Mexican Comal Pan

Based on the information provided on Wikipedia, a Comal pan appears to bear a striking resemblance to an Indian tawa. Typically crafted from durable cast iron, it boasts a sleek and even surface, ideal for preparing delectable South American delicacies such as tortillas and arepas. Additionally, it serves a multitude of other purposes. 

Undoubtedly, there may be numerous other applications for flat pans that have eluded my consideration. However, the primary objective of this article is to propose several options, enabling you to choose the most suitable flat pan to cater to your specific requirements.

Flat Pan Choice #1:

If you are in search of the ultimate, highly adaptable pan for preparing pancakes, crepes, roti, or tortilla, I highly recommend the Lodge Cast Iron Round Griddle as my top choice.

The Cookware Advisor rating:

Let’s see how it does on our ‘Flat Pan Checklist’ of 6 criteria: