# Waffles vs. Pancakes **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 12, 2010, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859 "2010-10-12T04:01:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/61 "2010-10-12T19:44:57Z")
> [@MissTake](#): > > Depends on whether they’re real waffles or those goofy Belgian waffles. > Made on my 1960’s waffle iron? Better than pancakes. > Made on the cheap Belgian waffle iron? Pancakes are better. I gotta go along with this. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/62 "2010-10-12T20:50:43Z")
> [@Oredigger77](#): > > I love waffles with deep pockets to hide butter and syrup in. Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside nothing can beat them. I enjoy a good pancake and some day would like to try a sourdough pancake. > > It depends on my mood and how hungry I am which one I order at restaurants because there is less food in a waffle then a similar diameter pancake but people look at you funny when you order more then one. Still voted Waffles. I grew up in Alaska on sourdough cakes. It’s all my mother would make; she had a batch of starter in the cupboard that went back many, many years. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/63 "2010-10-12T21:03:48Z")
> [@MissTake](#): > > Depends on whether they’re real waffles or those goofy Belgian waffles. > Made on my 1960’s waffle iron? Better than pancakes. > Made on the cheap Belgian waffle iron? Pancakes are better. Hmm. I own one waffle iron, and I _thought_ I’d used it to make both Belgian (yeast) and American (baking powder) waffles. What am I missing? ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/64 "2010-10-12T21:09:36Z")
Pancakes. Especially the way I make them. Fried in butter, makes them a little crispy on one side, and I’m not one to have single-function take-up-space gadgets in my kitchen if I can help it. Pancakes are delicious, and I just don’t prefer waffles enough to bother with a waffle iron. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/65 "2010-10-12T22:32:53Z")
> [@Suburban\_Plankton](#): > > > [@Hades](#): > > > > Waffles, right? > > Wrong. > > Apparently I am in the minority. Fortunately, that in no way diminishes the fact that I am correct. You are correct. Flapjacks ftw. ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/66 "2010-10-12T23:05:01Z")
> [@Max\_the\_Immortal](#): > > > [@Freudian\_Slit](#): > > > > Soggy boggy pancakes or crisp waffles with squares for capturing the syrup? I think I know my answer. > > The squares _do not_ capture syrup. They keep the syrup out, so it just runs off. Pancakes absorb and hold all sorts of toppings; if you think they’re “soggy boggy” you must be making them wrong. > > Waffles keep their toppings separate, with each forkful strangely segregated: waffle as well as some butter (most of which hasn’t even melted because the waffle got cold too fast) as well as what little syrup didn’t just run off onto the plate. Pancakes are about synthesis; each forkful is warm, buttery, syrupy goodness that is more than the sum of its parts. Topping variation (such as blueberry or chokecherry syrup instead of maple syrup) produces a new and exciting synthesis. This gastronomical alchemy is impossible with waffles, so pancakes are the clear winner. Put much better than I ever could. Plus, you can make pancakes easily and quickly while camping. Waffles? Uh-uh. ---
**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/67 "2010-10-12T23:18:06Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > **Alienhand, Antigen, ArchiveGuy, aruvqan, Aspidistra, CanvasShoes, Cunctator, dalej42, Der Trihs, doocoo, elfkin477, firstname, gladtobeblazed, KarlGrenze, Kiros, Max the Immortal, Moonlitherial, Not a Platypus, Race Harley, Rushgeekgirl, sandra\_nz, shiftless, Sigmagirl, Silophant, Skammer, Strinka, Suburban Plankton, Tamerlane, Weedy, wmulax93** : losers. Yep. All losers. IN THE DUMB CONTEST!!! AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Pancakes, for every right thinking Earthling. Best wishes, hh ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/68 "2010-10-12T23:19:16Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Flapjacks ftw. {Breaks friendship with **Snowboarder Bo** } ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/69 "2010-10-12T23:22:10Z")
I don’t think it’s a good question. Pancakes and waffles are both wonderful in very different ways. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/70 "2010-10-12T23:22:44Z")
> [@Max\_the\_Immortal](#): > > The squares _do not_ capture syrup. They keep the syrup out, so it just runs off. Anyone else mystified by this remark? **Max** , [here’s a picture of waffle squares clearly retaining syrup](http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/waffles.jpg). What are _you_ talking about? > [@Max\_the\_Immortal](#): > > Waffles keep their toppings separate, with each forkful strangely segregated: waffle as well as some butter (most of which hasn’t even melted because the waffle got cold too fast) as well as what little syrup didn’t just run off onto the plate. Pancakes are about synthesis; each forkful is warm, buttery, syrupy goodness that is more than the sum of its parts. I prefer my dishes (not just waffles, but most things) to maintain some distinction between components. Not _segregation_–more like multiculturalism, where there’s mixing and melding going on, but the elements are still largely recognizable. I hate fully-puréed soups, for example. ---
**Author:** ![Regallag\_The\_Axe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/regallag_the_axe/32/445_2.png) [@Regallag\_The\_Axe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Regallag_The_Axe)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/71 "2010-10-12T23:29:49Z")
[WAFFLES!](http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/451490) In all seriousness, if someone asks me this question, my answer is likely to be ‘yes’. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/72 "2010-10-12T23:36:57Z")
Waffles? Are you fucking kidding me? Waffles are for communists. Waffles can burn in hell. The correct answer is pancakes. ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/73 "2010-10-12T23:58:47Z")
> [@UncaStuart](#): > > Pancakes for sure. Buttermilk pancakes with butter only, unbesmirched by the excessive sweetness imparted by syrups and fruit. +1 ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/74 "2010-10-13T00:16:17Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > **Max** , [here’s a picture of waffle squares clearly retaining syrup](http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/waffles.jpg). What are _you_ talking about? I understand what he’s saying. As you can see, the syrup is on top of the waffle, and if you break one of the little squares, the syrup will all pour out. In a pancake, the syrup goes into the pancake. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_the\_Immortal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Max\_the\_Immortal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_the_Immortal)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/75 "2010-10-13T01:06:39Z")
> [@Captain\_Amazing](#): > > > [@spark240](#): > > > > **Max** , [here’s a picture of waffle squares clearly retaining syrup](http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/waffles.jpg). What are _you_ talking about? > > I understand what he’s saying. As you can see, the syrup is on top of the waffle, and if you break one of the little squares, the syrup will all pour out. In a pancake, the syrup goes into the pancake. Exactly. On the left waffle we see syrup in two squares. The much-touted crispiness of the waffle has prevented the syrup from soaking in; the syrup is still fundamentally on the exterior of the waffle. The nearer squares of the waffle remain syrup-free and probably downright dry. After a similar syrup application, a pair of pancakes would be veritably infused with maple goodness. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/76 "2010-10-13T01:40:40Z")
Buckwheat waffle. From Roscoe’s. I am immune to your taunts and jeers! ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/77 "2010-10-13T01:40:47Z")
> [@Ike\_Witt](#): > > I’m going to throw a wrench in the works and say French Toast. As the OP, I intentionally did not include French Toast as that would obviously get all the votes. I wanted to keep \*some \*semblance of a competition. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/78 "2010-10-13T01:43:05Z")
> [@Captain\_Amazing](#): > > > [@spark240](#): > > > > **Max** , [here’s a picture of waffle squares clearly retaining syrup](http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/waffles.jpg). What are _you_ talking about? > > I understand what he’s saying. As you can see, the syrup is on top of the waffle, and if you break one of the little squares, the syrup will all pour out. In a pancake, the syrup goes into the pancake. Making it gloppy gunk. Waffles stay crisp and delicious. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/79 "2010-10-13T01:57:03Z")
I didn’t vote, since I like them both. But, I have to say that the '49er flapjacks at the Original Pancake house beat any waffle ever made. They are also better than any other pancake anywhere, so I can understand how someone who hasn’t ever had them might think that waffles win hands-done. Sadly, all of this is off the menu for me now…☹ ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859/80 "2010-10-13T02:05:09Z")
That depends very much on my mood. For instance, swedish pancakes are like crepes and delicious. I love them with cinnamon sugar and butter. But pecan waffles with warm maple syrup are wonderful too. Then again, corn pancakes are a really great start to a hardworking day. Waffle ice cream sandwiches are decadent. But then so are chocolate chip pancakes. And have you ever had an apple pannekoeken? It really is the best way to start a cold-weather holiday. Provided you end it with a Belgian waffle and chocolate syrup. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waffles-vs-pancakes/556859.md?page=5)