For anyone passionate about crafting perfect crepes, from delicate breakfast treats to savory dinner delights, a high-quality crepe maker is indispensable. When it comes to reliability and consistent performance, the Waring Commercial Heavy Duty Crepe Maker WSC160X stands out as a top contender, bridging the gap between professional kitchens and dedicated home use. This review dives deep into its features, evaluates its performance, and helps you decide if this commercial-grade appliance is the right investment for your crepe-making ambitions.
Unboxing and First Impressions: A Glimpse at Commercial Quality
Upon unboxing the Waring WSC160X, its robust build quality is immediately apparent. This isn’t a lightweight kitchen gadget; it’s a substantial piece of equipment designed to withstand the rigors of a commercial environment. The unit features a heavy-duty cast iron cooking surface, securely set into a durable stainless steel base. While its weight of approximately 46 pounds might make it less portable for some home users, it speaks volumes about its stability and commercial-grade construction. The package also includes essential accessories: a stainless steel batter spreader and spatula, which are crucial for achieving perfectly thin and evenly spread crepes from the get-go.
Waring WSC160X commercial crepe maker, robust stainless steel base, 16-inch cast iron surface, and included tools.
Key Features and Specifications of the WSC160X
The Waring WSC160X is engineered with several features that contribute to its professional performance and durability.
16-inch Cast Iron Cooking Surface
The heart of this crepe maker is its large 16-inch cast iron cooking surface. Cast iron is renowned for its exceptional heat retention and even heat distribution, ensuring that every part of your crepe cooks uniformly. This surface requires initial seasoning, a common practice for cast iron cookware, to develop its non-stick properties and protect against rust. With proper care, it provides a superior cooking experience, allowing batter to spread smoothly and crepes to release cleanly.
Robust Stainless Steel Base
Built for longevity, the crepe maker boasts a sturdy stainless steel base. This material not only contributes to the unit’s overall durability but also offers a professional aesthetic that fits seamlessly into any kitchen environment. The base includes heat-resistant carrying handles, a thoughtful addition for safe handling, though its significant weight means moving it will require some effort.
Powerful 1800W Heating Element
Equipped with an 1800-watt heating element operating at 120V and 15 amps, the WSC160X heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature even during continuous use. This high wattage is critical for commercial settings where rapid recovery between crepes is essential, ensuring a steady output without compromising quality. The appliance uses a standard NEMA 5-15P plug, making it compatible with most outlets.
Adjustable Thermostat (Up to 570°F)
Precision is key to perfect crepes, and the Waring WSC160X delivers with an adjustable thermostat that can reach temperatures up to 570°F (approximately 300°C). This allows users to fine-tune the heat for different recipes and desired levels of browning. The unit features convenient “Power” and “Ready” indicator lights; the power light illuminates upon plugging in, and the ready light signals when the chosen temperature has been reached. While the dial control offers excellent flexibility, some users might find that initially, it requires a bit of practice to identify the exact temperature setting for specific recipes, as it’s not a digital display.
Safety Features
Waring has integrated several safety features into the WSC160X. Beyond the heat-resistant handles, the unit includes an overheating safety feature that automatically shuts off the crepe maker if it gets too hot, preventing potential damage or hazards. It also comes with a relatively short power cord, a common safety measure to reduce the risk of entanglement and accidental pulls in busy environments.
Performance Evaluation: Crafting the Perfect Crepe
The true test of any kitchen appliance lies in its performance, and the Waring Commercial Crepe Maker WSC160X largely excels in its primary function.
Heating Speed and Consistency
Thanks to its powerful 1800W heating element, the WSC160X heats up remarkably fast. Once preheated, the cast iron surface maintains a consistent temperature across its entire 16-inch diameter. This even heat distribution is crucial for preventing unevenly cooked spots, ensuring that every crepe achieves a uniform golden-brown finish. Even when making multiple crepes back-to-back, the machine demonstrates excellent temperature recovery, minimizing downtime.
Crepe Quality
The consistent heat and large surface area contribute directly to the production of high-quality crepes. Batter spreads smoothly and thinly, creating delicate, uniform crepes that are perfectly browned. The included stainless steel spreader is effective in achieving the characteristic thinness of crepes, and the spatula aids in easy flipping and removal once cooked.
A perfectly golden-brown, thin crepe being skillfully spread on the Waring WSC160X cast iron surface.
User Experience
While designed for commercial use, the WSC160X is relatively straightforward to operate. The main learning curve involves mastering the non-digital temperature dial to find the ideal setting for your specific batter and desired doneness. However, with a bit of practice, users can quickly become adept at controlling the heat. Using the provided spreader and spatula also requires some technique but becomes intuitive over time.
Versatility
Beyond traditional crepes, the WSC160X proves to be a versatile appliance. Its large, flat cooking surface is perfect for making other flatbreads like tortillas, pancakes, blinis, or even heating up wraps and other foods, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen seeking multi-functional equipment.
Pros and Cons: Weighing Your Investment
Like any professional-grade appliance, the Waring Commercial Heavy Duty Crepe Maker WSC160X comes with its distinct advantages and a few considerations.
Advantages:
- Exceptional Build Quality and Durability: Constructed with heavy-duty cast iron and stainless steel, it’s built to last for years in demanding environments.
- Consistent and Even Heat Distribution: Guarantees perfectly cooked crepes with uniform browning.
- Large 16-inch Cooking Surface: Ideal for making sizable crepes, increasing efficiency for commercial use or serving larger groups at home.
- High Performance: Fast heating and excellent temperature recovery ensure continuous, high-volume production.
- Versatility: Capable of making a variety of flatbreads and other cooked items.
- Professional Results: Delivers crepes comparable to those found in specialty cafes.
Disadvantages:
- Significant Weight: At around 46 pounds, it’s not easily portable and requires a dedicated space.
- Cast Iron Maintenance: The cooking surface requires proper seasoning and ongoing care to prevent sticking and rusting, which might be a commitment for some users.
- Non-Digital Temperature Control: The dial can be less precise than digital controls, requiring some experimentation to find optimal settings.
- Higher Price Point: As a commercial unit, its cost (around $479) is considerably higher than consumer-grade crepe makers.
- Short Power Cord: While a safety feature, it may necessitate an appropriate extension cord in some setups.
Who is the Waring WSC160X For?
The Waring Commercial Heavy Duty Crepe Maker WSC160X is an ideal choice for:
- Commercial Establishments: Restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and catering businesses that require a reliable, high-volume crepe maker.
- Dedicated Home Chefs: Those who frequently make crepes, entertain large groups, or simply demand professional-grade performance and durability in their home kitchen.
- Anyone Seeking Longevity: If you prioritize a long-lasting appliance over a lower upfront cost.
It might not be the best fit for casual users who only make crepes occasionally or those with very limited kitchen counter space.
Tips for Optimal Use and Longevity
To get the most out of your Waring WSC160X and ensure its longevity:
- Initial Seasoning is Crucial: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for the initial seasoning of the cast iron surface. This establishes a natural non-stick layer.
- Regular Maintenance: After each use, allow the machine to cool, then wipe the cooking surface clean with a damp cloth and mild soap (if necessary). Dry thoroughly and apply a thin layer of cooking oil to re-season lightly, preventing rust and maintaining non-stick properties.
- Master the Thermostat: Take time to experiment with the temperature dial to find the perfect setting for your specific crepe batter and desired cooking results. Note down your ideal settings for consistency.
- Proper Batter Consistency: Ensure your batter is smooth and free of lumps. A thin, consistent batter is key for effortless spreading and perfectly cooked crepes.
- Use Included Tools: The provided batter spreader and spatula are designed to work with this machine and are vital for achieving optimal results.
Conclusion
The Waring Commercial Heavy Duty Crepe Maker WSC160X is undeniably a powerhouse in the world of crepe making. Its robust construction, even heat distribution, and consistent performance make it an exceptional tool for producing professional-quality crepes, whether in a bustling commercial kitchen or a highly active home setting. While it demands a higher initial investment and some commitment to cast iron maintenance, its durability and superior results justify the cost for serious users. If you’re looking for a reliable workhorse that will consistently deliver perfectly cooked crepes for years to come, the WSC160X is a solid contender worthy of your consideration.
Is the Waring Commercial Heavy Duty Crepe Maker WSC160X the ultimate professional-grade crepe maker you’ve been searching for?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Waring WSC160X suitable for home use?
Yes, while designed for commercial settings, the Waring WSC160X is well-suited for home use, particularly for dedicated home chefs who frequently make crepes or entertain large groups. Its professional quality and durability provide an excellent experience for discerning home users.
How do I season the cast iron surface of the crepe maker?
To season the cast iron surface, clean it thoroughly, then apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point cooking oil (like vegetable or grapeseed oil) over the entire surface. Heat the crepe maker to a medium temperature until the oil begins to smoke, then turn it off and let it cool. Repeat this process a few times to build up a durable non-stick layer.
What is the maximum temperature of the Waring Commercial Crepe Maker?
The Waring Commercial Heavy Duty Crepe Maker WSC160X features an adjustable thermostat that can reach temperatures up to 570°F (approximately 300°C), providing precise heat control for various crepe recipes and desired browning.
What accessories come with the Waring WSC160X?
The Waring WSC160X includes a stainless steel batter spreader and a stainless steel spatula, both essential tools for spreading batter thinly and flipping crepes on its 16-inch cooking surface.