Pancake mix & Griddle

Following on from the pancake syrup thread, I have for years been looking for pancake mix and a flat griddle.

Growing up I used to make pancakes on a flat, unridged square griddle, I believe 12 inches in length and width.  I haven't been able to find a griddle like that ANYWHERE in the UK, except for John Lewis, who wanted £55 for their basic model.  Anyone out there know the type of pan to which I'm referring, and where I could pick one up?

Also, I've not been able to find proper pancake mix (you know what I mean, fluffy American pancakes) anywhere but Selfridges, who want £8 for a box of Bisquick.  Anyone know a good source for it?

When I was looking for a double-size, double-sided (one side flat, one ridged) griddle, I turned up a few square ones on Amazon.co.uk.

I haven't been able to find a smooth griddle either, just round pancake pans.  I do have a griddle back in the states that spans across 2 burners and I have every intention of bringing it back here with me the next time I'm there.

As for mix, I've seen Bisquick at Waitrose a time or two, for about £2.50 or £3, but it was a tiny box and it still wasn't quite the same for some reason.  I've taken to just making my own pancakes from scratch since I moved here.  I've always been a Bisquick girl, and so has my mother, so it was some uncharted territory.  It took a bit of time and a few disappointments before I found a recipe I liked, but it's dead easy and I actually like them better than Bisquick.

I've been using this recipe: http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/8994/fluffy-pancakes.aspx But I don't bother with the vinegar.  Just milk and melted butter together.  I also put in a touch of vanilla extract. Delish.

Does it really need to be square? Wouldn't a round one do the same thing? Just asking because that's what we use in Wales to make Welsh cakes - aka griddle cakes. Try looking for a bakestone, perhaps.

I saw a round one, 10" diameter at M&S for about £20. That might work for you, or until your next trip to the States, you could bring one back.

I prefer the square one myself - you can make pancakes in 2 opposite corners and small breakfast sausages in the two other corners. I'm making myself hungry now 

My mother in law always buys Krusteaz mix (I think that is the brand) at Costco for her waffles and pancakes in the UK.  It's a huge bag, but it will last you a long time and it's certainly not as expensive as Selfridges, assuming you have other things you would buy from their to make the membership worth it.

The Waitrose in my neighborhood has both Betty Crocker Shake to Make Pancake Mix in Traditional and American style and Betty Crocker Biskquick Multi-Purpose Baking Mix.  The pancake mix was £1.49 and the Bisquick was slightly more but nowhere near £8.

While it's rectangular and not square, this is similar to what I bought -- reversible griddle.  I never use the ribbed side, but the flat side is nice and large for pancakes, french toast, grilled cheese.  I have a round cast iron pan, too, but I like more room so my husband and I can both have hot food at the same time!

Krusteaz belgian waffle mix is on my bring-back list.  My recent from-scratch concoctions have been...lackluster.  I'm leaving this to the experts!

That looks good, but it wouldn't work for me for several reasons, first that we have a halogen hob and I don't know if the heat would get to the griddle as it would be slightly raised.  And also, we have 2 big, 2 small burners that are diagonal, so the griddle would end up spanning one tiny and one giant burner

i may just pick one up in sears next time im in the states. . .

You can't find pancake mix? Why not just make your own, flour, eggs, milk

I only remember seeing the ridged square ones in the UK.  I used a huge round crepe TFAL pan for my pancakes in the UK. 

One trick you might try for a ready made pancake mix is to buy a UK one (sometimes for Yorkshire puds even) and add come baking powder. 

Bisquick is available in larger Tesco and Sainsbury's or at least it was when I lived there.   

Or like several others have mentioned make your own.  You could mix a big batch of it and just need to add milk and egg.

American Soda http://www.americansoda.co.uk Has the mix for £3.47