Pancakes vs Waffles: The Ultimate Clash

The ultimate standoff between waffles and pancakes have long gone unresolved, and though both breakfast foods are tasty and delightful, it seems like the world will never ever come to an agreement. I have chosen to bring this decision to the grounds of Sequoyah’s high school and tally students’ preferences. Before we settle the debate of waffles vs pancakes once and for all, I would like to share my personal opinion. Here are a handful of reasons why I think pancakes are better than waffles.

1. Syrup fits better with pancakes

Have you ever eaten a waffle with little mini pools of syrup, and do you remember how annoying that was? Pancakes are flat so the syrup can travel many places and not just land in one tiny square when poured.

2. Pancakes go better with butter

Because of their shape, pancakes allow butter to be easily spread without the hassle of it getting stuck in the holes of a waffle, or that wretched scraping sound of the knife on the waffle. 

3. Pancakes are fluffy, like a pillow in your mouth

I believe that the softness of a pancake is the remedy for a bad day and a great start to a lazy morning. They are easier to digest and keep you fuller for longer, and they are so light that they practically float on air!

4. Pancakes can be cooked in fun shapes, and are better for toppings and add-ins

If you think about it, waffles are only commonly seen in one shape: a circle. But pancakes can be shaped into symbols or animals or people. Plus, it isn’t socially acceptable to add chocolate chips and blueberries in waffles, but in pancakes it is. This allows for a wider variety of tastes and textures.

Finally…

5. Pans are easier to clean than waffle irons

Even though waffle irons don’t need to be cleaned after every single use, they’re still a pain to clean because of the tiny squares that are hard to get into. But with pancakes, the cleanup is much more efficient because pans are flat and smooth. 

When asked to vote between two options of waffles or pancakes, 83 Sequoyah students responded…

Waffles: 29 votes

Pancakes: 22 votes

Both/no preference: 32

Though Sequoyah’s student body is fairly divided on this issue, waffles edged out pancakes in the final tally. I interviewed two very passionate individuals to help settle the debate once and for all. When asked why she was a supporter of pancakes, Chloe Zavistovski ‘24 believes that pancakes are fluffier than waffles, noting that their texture is “softer, soothing, nice, and warm.” She also claimed that pancakes are “like a cake, but a breakfast food.” And though I very much agree with Zavistovski’s opinion, Aden Lopez ‘24 said that waffles have greater structural integrity and hold syrup “much better.” He observed that they “don’t get soggy as fast as pancakes,” and therefore that you can enjoy eating them for longer. 

Taking what we know from the votes and people’s personal opinions, it is evident that texture plays a big role in one’s preference for pancakes or waffles. If you enjoy crispy textures you’re most likely a waffle person. But if you enjoy soft, fluffy textures, you’re probably a pancake person. Regardless, my hope is that people on both sides of the issue will find a way to live in harmony.