Are you tired of uneven, torn crepes and endless frustration in the kitchen? Imagine effortlessly creating perfectly thin, golden crepes every time, right in your own home. The Girmi Electric Crepe Maker TS36 promises to transform your breakfast or snack routine, making delicious crepes a simple pleasure rather than a culinary challenge. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall value of the Girmi TS36, helping you decide if this innovative appliance is the missing piece in your kitchen arsenal.
The quest for the ideal crepe maker often leads home cooks down a rabbit hole of traditional pans, bulky griddles, and handheld gadgets, each with its own learning curve. The Girmi TS36 steps in with a unique dipping design, aiming to simplify the process and deliver consistent results. But does it truly live up to its promise of easy, perfect crepes? Let’s explore everything you need to know about this intriguing electric crepe maker.
Girmi Electric Crepe Maker TS36: An Overview
The Girmi Electric Crepe Maker TS36 is designed for anyone who loves crepes but seeks a simpler, more consistent method of preparation. This compact appliance quickly heats up, allowing you to produce soft, perfectly golden crepes in just minutes. It’s an ideal choice for a nutritious breakfast, a quick dessert, or a healthy snack for the entire family.
Key specifications for the Girmi TS36 include an 800W power output, ensuring rapid and even heating across its 20 cm (approximately 7.87 inches) diameter non-stick cooking surface. What truly sets this model apart is its innovative “dip-and-cook” functionality. Once warmed, you simply invert the hotplate directly into a shallow tray of batter for a few seconds, then flip it back to cook. This method aims to eliminate the guesswork of spreading batter, a common challenge with traditional crepe pans. Beyond crepes, the Girmi TS36 is versatile enough to heat tortillas, wraps, pancakes, and even muffins, making it a multi-functional addition to a smaller kitchen.
Girmi TS36 electric crepe maker with a cool-touch handle and non-stick cooking surface.
Key Features and Performance of the Girmi TS36
Understanding the core features of the Girmi TS36 reveals its appeal, particularly for those new to crepe making or seeking maximum convenience. Its design prioritizes ease of use and consistent results.
Non-stick Surface and Dipping Mechanism
The most distinctive feature of the Girmi TS36 is its excellent non-stick cooking surface, combined with the innovative dipping method. This combination is engineered to help you achieve thin, evenly cooked crepes with minimal effort. The batter adheres to the heated surface cleanly, and the non-stick coating ensures easy release, preventing tearing often associated with less forgiving surfaces. Cleanup is also simplified; a quick wipe with a damp cloth after the appliance has cooled is usually all that’s needed. This dipping style allows for a perfectly uniform layer of batter every time, which can be challenging to achieve with a spreader on a flat griddle.
Power and Heating Efficiency
Equipped with an 800W heating element, the Girmi TS36 heats up rapidly, allowing you to start cooking almost immediately after plugging it in. This quick heat-up time is crucial for efficient cooking, especially when preparing multiple crepes. The consistent temperature maintained by the power supply controller helps ensure that each crepe cooks evenly, preventing hot spots and promoting that desirable golden-brown finish. The working light also signals when the appliance is ready for use, adding to its user-friendly design.
Ease of Use and Ergonomics
The “prepare, dip, and cook” process is incredibly straightforward, making the Girmi TS36 particularly appealing for beginners. The cool-touch handle allows for safe handling, even when the cooking surface is hot, facilitating the dipping and flipping action. The 360° rotation capability means you can easily maneuver the crepe maker into the batter from any angle, accommodating both left and right-handed users. This intuitive operation significantly reduces the learning curve typically associated with mastering crepe making.
Compact Design and Versatility
With a 20 cm plate diameter, the Girmi TS36 is compact, making it suitable for smaller kitchens or those with limited counter space. Its dimensions (380 x 80 x 200 mm) also contribute to easy storage. While the smaller size produces crepes ideal for individual servings or lighter snacks, it also means it might not be the best choice for making very large crepes or for commercial use. However, its ability to heat various flatbreads like tortillas, wraps, and even small pancakes and muffins adds to its overall utility, making it a versatile appliance for quick meals and snacks.
Girmi TS36 vs. Other Crepe Maker Types: A Comparative Look
When considering the Girmi Electric Crepe Maker TS36, it’s helpful to understand how it stacks up against other types of crepe makers available on the market. Each design offers different advantages, catering to various user preferences and skill levels.
Table Comparison
| Feature/Type | Girmi TS36 (Dipping Electric) | Traditional Electric Griddle Crepe Maker | Stovetop Crepe Pan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very High (dip-and-cook method simplifies spreading) | Moderate (requires manual batter spreading with a T-stick) | High (requires skill in heat management and batter swirling) |
| Crepe Consistency | Excellent (uniform batter thickness from dipping) | Good (depends on spreader skill and griddle consistency) | Varies (highly dependent on user skill and pan quality) |
| Versatility | Good (crepes, tortillas, small pancakes/muffins) | Excellent (crepes, pancakes, eggs, bacon, general griddle use) | Good (crepes, general frying, can be oven-safe depending on material) |
| Portability | High (compact, cool-touch handle for movement) | Moderate (usually larger, heavier base) | High (lightweight pans are very portable) |
| Cleaning | Easy (non-stick surface, wipe clean) | Easy (non-stick surface, wipe clean) | Varies (non-stick easy, cast iron requires seasoning/care) |
| Temperature Control | Automatic with power supply controller | Dial-based temperature control for precise adjustments) | Relies on stovetop control |
| Price Range | Mid-range (around €40-€50) | Mid to higher-end (depending on size and features) | Low to High (from basic non-stick to high-end cast iron) |
Electric Griddle Crepe Makers
These are perhaps the most common electric crepe makers, featuring a flat, heated surface (often 10-12 inches in diameter) with a raised lip. You pour batter onto the surface and use a T-stick or spreader to create thin crepes. While they offer precise temperature control and can be quite versatile for cooking other griddled foods like pancakes and eggs, they require a certain level of skill to spread the batter evenly. The Girmi TS36’s dipping method bypasses this manual spreading, offering a more foolproof way to achieve consistent thinness.
Stovetop Crepe Pans
Stovetop pans come in various materials, including non-stick, cast iron, enameled cast iron, and carbon steel. They offer excellent control over the cooking process for experienced cooks, but they rely entirely on your stovetop’s heat and your ability to swirl the batter quickly and evenly. While some, like cast iron, are incredibly durable and can reach very high temperatures, they often require more maintenance (e.g., seasoning for bare cast iron) and can be heavier. The Girmi TS36 eliminates the need for stovetop compatibility and provides a self-contained heating solution.
The Girmi TS36 stands out with its unique dipping approach, making it an excellent bridge for those who desire the convenience of an electric appliance without the manual spreading challenge of a flat griddle or the skill requirement of a stovetop pan.
Who is the Girmi Electric Crepe Maker TS36 For?
Choosing the right crepe maker depends heavily on your lifestyle, cooking habits, and expectations. The Girmi Electric Crepe Maker TS36 is uniquely suited for several specific types of users.
The Beginner Crepe Enthusiast
If you’ve always wanted to make crepes but felt intimidated by the technique, the Girmi TS36 is an ideal starting point. Its intuitive “dip-and-cook” design largely removes the most challenging part of crepe making: achieving an even, thin batter spread. You simply dip the hotplate, and the machine does the work of coating it uniformly. This drastically reduces the learning curve and builds confidence, allowing you to focus on mastering your batter recipe and fillings.
Individuals and Small Households
With its 20 cm cooking surface, the Girmi TS36 produces crepes that are perfect for individual servings or for a small family. It’s excellent for preparing a quick breakfast for one or two, or for whipping up a few dessert crepes. If you’re not planning to feed a large crowd or require very large crepes for elaborate savory dishes, this size is efficient and minimizes food waste. Its compact footprint also makes it suitable for kitchens with limited storage and counter space.
The Convenience Seeker
For those who value speed and minimal fuss in the kitchen, the Girmi TS36 delivers. It heats up quickly, and the cooking process itself is fast, often taking mere seconds per side. This means you can have fresh, hot crepes ready in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods. The non-stick surface ensures easy food release and makes cleanup a breeze, further contributing to a convenient cooking experience. It’s perfect for busy mornings or impromptu snack cravings.
Budget-Conscious Buyers
Positioned at a recommended price point of around €40.90, the Girmi TS36 offers an accessible entry into the world of electric crepe makers. It provides specialized functionality without a hefty investment, making it a smart choice for those who want a dedicated crepe appliance without breaking the bank.
However, the Girmi TS36 might not be the best fit for:
- Large Families or Commercial Use: The 20 cm plate size might be too small for high-volume cooking or very large crepes.
- Professional Chefs: While easy to use, it lacks the precision temperature control and large surface area often desired in professional settings.
- Those Seeking Extreme Versatility: While it can heat other flatbreads, its primary design is for crepes. A larger electric griddle might offer more diverse cooking options for items beyond thin flatbreads.
Ultimately, the Girmi TS36 excels at simplifying crepe making for the average home cook, emphasizing ease, consistency, and quick results in a compact, affordable package.
Tips for Perfect Crepes with Your Girmi TS36
Even with an easy-to-use appliance like the Girmi TS36, a few expert tips can elevate your crepe-making game, ensuring consistently perfect results every time.
Master Your Batter Consistency
The foundation of a great crepe is the batter. For the Girmi TS36, a thin, smooth batter is crucial for successful dipping. Aim for a consistency similar to heavy cream. If your batter is too thick, it won’t adhere properly to the plate or will result in overly thick crepes. If it’s too thin, it might tear easily. After mixing, always let your batter rest in the refrigerator for at least one to two hours, or even overnight. This allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid and prevents a rubbery texture, resulting in more tender crepes. Remember to give it a good whisk again before use.
Preheat and Lightly Grease
Before you begin cooking, ensure your Girmi TS36 is fully preheated. The working light will indicate when it’s ready. Even with its excellent non-stick surface, a very light greasing can further improve crepe release and contribute to a beautiful golden finish. Use a pastry brush or a paper towel dipped in a small amount of butter or oil to lightly coat the cooking surface. Wipe away any excess to avoid a greasy crepe.
Perfecting the Dipping Technique
The dipping action is key to using the Girmi TS36 effectively. Once the plate is hot, quickly but smoothly invert the cooking surface directly into your shallow bowl of batter, holding it there for just a few seconds until a thin layer coats the entire surface. The batter container should be wide enough to accommodate the 20 cm plate. Then, swiftly turn the crepe maker right-side up and place it back on its base to cook. This rapid movement ensures an even coating and helps achieve the signature thinness of a crepe.
Person demonstrating the dipping technique with a Girmi TS36 crepe maker into a bowl of batter.
Know When to Flip and Remove
Crepes cook very quickly, especially on a well-heated surface. The first side will typically cook in about 30 seconds. Look for the edges to crisp slightly and the surface to appear dry and opaque. You might also notice dissipated steam. Use the included spatula, or another thin, flexible spatula, to gently lift the edge and check for a golden-brown color before flipping. The second side usually takes even less time, around 10 to 20 seconds. Overcooking can make crepes brittle, so keep a close eye on them.
Simple Cleaning and Storage
One of the great advantages of an electric crepe maker like the Girmi TS36 is its easy cleanup. Always unplug the unit and allow it to cool completely before cleaning. Once cool, simply wipe the non-stick cooking surface clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh detergents, which can damage the non-stick coating. For the body, a dry or slightly damp cloth will suffice. Store your Girmi TS36 in a dry, safe place where it won’t get knocked around, ensuring its longevity.
“The magic of an electric dipping crepe maker lies in its simplicity. It empowers even the most hesitant home cooks to achieve café-quality crepes, removing the intimidation factor of traditional spreading techniques.” – Chef Antoine Dubois, Parisian Creperie Owner
Conclusion
The Girmi Electric Crepe Maker TS36 is a standout appliance for anyone looking to simplify and perfect the art of crepe making at home. Its innovative dipping mechanism, combined with an efficient 800W heating element and excellent non-stick surface, makes it incredibly easy to produce consistently thin, golden crepes every time. Whether you’re a beginner intimidated by traditional methods or a seasoned cook seeking added convenience, the TS36 offers a user-friendly and reliable solution. Its compact design and versatility to prepare other flatbreads further enhance its appeal, all within an accessible price point.
If you dream of effortlessly enjoying fresh, homemade crepes for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack, the Girmi TS36 is a worthy consideration. It promises to transform your culinary experience, making delightful crepes a regular, stress-free indulgence. Why not elevate your kitchen with this clever device and discover the joy of perfect crepes today?
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Girmi Electric Crepe Maker TS36 unique?
The Girmi TS36 stands out with its innovative dipping design, where you invert the heated cooking plate directly into a shallow bowl of batter. This method ensures a perfectly thin and even coating of batter every time, simplifying the process and making it very user-friendly, especially for beginners.
Can the Girmi TS36 be used for more than just crepes?
Yes, beyond its primary function of making thin, delicious crepes, the Girmi TS36 is also suitable for heating a variety of other flatbreads. You can use it to warm tortillas, wraps, and even make small pancakes or muffins without burning, thanks to its non-stick surface and consistent heating.
How quickly does the Girmi TS36 heat up and cook?
The Girmi TS36 boasts an 800W heating element, allowing it to heat up very quickly, so you can start cooking almost immediately. Crepes themselves cook in a matter of seconds per side, typically around 30 seconds for the first side and 10-20 seconds for the second, making it ideal for quick meals.
What is the ideal batter consistency for the Girmi TS36?
For optimal results with the dipping method, your crepe batter should be thin, resembling the consistency of heavy cream. This allows it to coat the hot plate evenly. It’s also recommended to let the batter rest in the refrigerator for at least one to two hours before cooking to achieve the best texture.
Is the Girmi TS36 easy to clean and store?
Yes, cleaning the Girmi TS36 is straightforward due to its non-stick cooking surface. After unplugging and allowing it to cool completely, simply wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth. Its compact design, with a 20 cm plate and dimensions of 380 x 80 x 200 mm, also makes it easy to store in most kitchens.