This $8 Kitchen Tool Makes My Dad Feel Like a Pro

My dad has never been much of a cook. Growing up, his culinary contributions were…let’s say, limited. He could scramble eggs, boil hot dogs, and butter toast with the best of them, but beyond that, the kitchen wasn’t really his favorite place. Then he became “Papa,” and things shifted a little. He didn’t suddenly turn into a celebrity chef, but he did find his signature dish — one he’s spent the last decade or so perfecting. In our family, we affectionately call them “Papa pancakes.” No, they’re not some treasured family recipe or gourmet brunch staple. They’re made with a boxed pancake mix, and he owns that completely. But somehow, when he makes them, they’re magic — fluffy, golden, just crisp enough at the edges, and full of more chocolate chips than can be considered reasonable. My kids go wild for them.

Of course, every great pancake maker needs the right baking tool, and for my dad, that tool is a very specific spatula.

Vovoly Silicone Pancake Spatula

Dad loves this long-handled, heat-resistant silicone spatula for its thin, flexible edge — making easy work out of every flip. It slides under even the stickiest pancakes without tearing them apart, won’t scratch nonstick pans, and has just enough give to keep things light and airy. He swears it’s the only spatula that crisps the edges without overcooking the middle. The wide head can even handle the biggest, floppiest pancakes without tearing or folding. That extra surface area gives just the right support for a smooth and confident flip. No mid-air disasters, no sticky batter mess. It’s my dad’s secret weapon.

Watching my dad make pancakes for my kids is one of those sweet rituals that has become something incredibly meaningful, especially as he’s gotten older. He stands at the stove in his worn pajama pants, hamming it up for the kids while they hover around, waiting to argue over who gets the first one off the griddle. Thanks to this spatula, he flips with exaggerated flair, usually narrating his movements, then tops them with far too much maple syrup as the kids squeal with delight. It’s ridiculous and absolutely adorable.

My dad might not be the grandparent who bakes cookies or builds backyard forts, but he’s the one who makes Saturday mornings special, and this simple spatula is the tool that makes that happen. It has done more than flip pancakes for our family. It’s helped create years of warm, silly, syrup-drenched memories my kids will never forget.

More Pancake Tools to Shop at Amazon

Pyrex Mixing Bowl Set

OXO Measuring Cup Set

ChefAide Measuring Spoons Set

Hoewina Spatula Set

Presto Electric Griddle

At the time of publishing, the price was $8.