Which Crêpe Stick or Spreader Should You Choose for Perfect Crêpes?
The spreader (called a "rozell" in French) is the flat, toothless stick used to spread crêpe batter evenly on a griddle.
There are two main types of rozell: flat and round.
The Flat Spreader
I like to call this one "the deadly spreader."
Why? Because it almost made me give up on crêpes altogether.
It stood alone in the kitchen where I trained, and I believed it was my ally. Why would I doubt it?
And yet, every time I used it… holes in the batter, tears, frustration.
Sometimes I’d scoop up too much and end up with thick patches. Sometimes too little — and couldn’t even complete the circle. Betrayal!
In short, I strongly advise against learning crêpe-making with a flat stick, because it's very tricky to control how much pressure you apply on the griddle to spread the batter evenly.
Instead, try a round spreader, even if it’s not the “traditional” tool!
Once you’ve mastered the motion and your hand is steady, you can go back to the flat spreader — it works beautifully for buckwheat batter, and also for wheat flour if you like a slightly thicker crêpe.
Flat spreaders are typically made from boxwood or beech.
You’ll often find one included in the starter kits that come with new crêpe makers.
It’s also the tool that allows for the thinnest crêpes — once mastered.
The Round Spreader
Given everything I’ve said above… you can probably guess where I’m going with this.
Unless you have exceptional dexterity, go with the round spreader.
The weight of the wooden stick is designed to apply just the right amount of pressure on the batter — no need to push.
Your hand simply guides the motion — and the magic happens.
Round spreaders are available in boxwood, beech, but also in stainless steel or silicone.
For a 35 cm crêpe maker, a spreader of 18 cm is recommended.
With a 40 cm griddle, go for a spreader between 18 and 20 cm.
And for a 48 cm diameter, choose one between 20 and 22 cm.
Over time, with repeated wetting and drying, wooden spreaders can start to warp.
Don’t hesitate to replace them — a new wooden spreader costs just €2 to €3 online, and they’re often sold in pairs.
At Metro or Amazon, you can even get a pack of 5 spreaders for €9.
Here’s a video in French with even more insights about crêpe spreaders:
The Water Tray
Where there’s a crêpe spreader, there’s a water tray — essential for cleaning the stick between each crêpe.
Personally, I use recycled plastic containers like the ones used to package loaf cakes (about 20 cm long, 10 cm wide, and 7 cm high).
These trays often come into contact with the hot griddle and can get damaged by the heat —
but since they’re reused packaging, replacing them costs nothing!
