A pancake dispenser is typically used to create pancakes that are uniform in dimension. This kitchen equipment could create different-sized cakes, so it can be helpful to have a preferred size in mind before you shop. It should be easy to dispense the batter with this device, so you may want to practice operating the dispenser first to let you know if a particular model is especially messy to operate. You may also want to find out how easy the unit is to disassemble and clean.
There are a variety of sizes that a pancake dispenser might make. Some make a single size, while others are adjustable. A standard dispenser may produce pancakes that are slightly smaller than a saucer. You may not always want to make the same size pancakes, and if this is the case, you might want to look for a pancake dispenser that has an adjustable mechanism for producing various sizes.
If you are able to fill the pancake dispenser prior to making a purchase, this can give you an idea of how heavy or awkward it might be to use. Remember that you will likely need to hold this device with only one hand because you will be depressing the plunger with the other hand. By pressing the plunger, you can see how much effort is required to dispense the batter. Should the plunger stick or be difficult to push, you may want to consider another model.
While you are giving the pancake dispenser a trial run, it can be important to see if the unit drips. An ideal model will stop dispensing batter once you stop pressing the plunger. Leaky dispensers could be very messy, so you should avoid one of these if possible. A pancake dispenser could also be too messy to use if the batter flows over the side while you are using the device.
Most models can be washed in soapy water or placed in a dishwasher; however, they usually need to be disassembled first. It can be a good idea to find out how many components the pancake dispenser contains. Doing so can let you know if it might be awkward or time-consuming to take the device apart when cleaning it. You might want to read the instruction manual first so you can get an idea what steps are involved and how much time could be needed to do this.
