Pancake rings are designed to help you make perfectly shaped pancakes on a griddle or fry pan. When choosing a pancake ring, be sure it will fit inside your pan or on your griddle. You can buy a set of small pancake rings or one large pancake ring if you prefer. Decide whether you'd prefer non-stick pancake rings or those made of silicone.
Although most pancake rings are round as the name suggests, you can also find them in various shapes. If you prepare pancakes or eggs frequently, you might want to look for sets in various shapes other than traditional rings. For special occasions, look for heart-shaped pancake rings or those with a star shape. Fun shapes are a creative idea for kids' birthday parties and special events. Heart-shaped pancake rings are also nice for preparing a festive Valentine's Day breakfast.
Additionally, you might find pancake and egg rings designed for the holidays. Turkey-shaped pancake rings are a fun idea for Thanksgiving breakfast. Also, look for seasonal pancake rings shaped like gingerbread men, Christmas trees or snowflakes. To encourage the kids to participate in cooking and baking, look for silicone pancake rings that are shaped like fun cartoon characters or superheroes.
When choosing a pancake ring, you might want to consider a silicone rubber material rather than non-stick coating. Silicone pancake rings will generally withstand high temperatures as well. There has been controversy regarding the potentially harmful effects of using cookware with Teflon® or non-stick coating. Non-stick cookware contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which may emit toxic fumes when overheated at high temperatures. These odorless fumes can be potentially fatal to pet birds, although the effects on humans have yet to be determined.
In addition to non-stick and silicone, you can also buy a pancake ring made of stainless steel. You may be able to find a set in rectangular and round shapes. A stainless steel pancake ring is generally very durable and long lasting, although it may scratch the coating of a non-stick frying pan. For this reason, it's best to use stainless steel pancake rings only with stainless steel or aluminum cookware.
It is a good idea to choose a pancake ring with depth of about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters). Anything deeper will produce pancakes that are very thick. Choose a pancake ring with a long handle that will remain cool to the touch when in use.