I cooked crepes all winter in Telluride, CO and to make a traditional, thin crepe perfectly you need a spreader.
You can use gravity if your pan has handles, but even then, it will be thicker and full of bubbles like your average
pancake. With a spreader, you can make the true, French crepe that is thin and gorgeous. It takes a certain coordination
to master the "rake". And, it's a technique that will impress anyone watching.
I never used a flat-head spreader so I can't state an opinion to which is better. But I will say, you probably won't need
any more than two spreaders for an entire lifetime. Yes, being wood, it will have a lifespan if not cleaned properly. In
fact, you'll want some wood glue around for any two-piece, wood spreader because moisture will affect the connection
eventually. I always washed mine by hand immediately after use to limit exposure to moisture. Never put these in a dish
washer or let them soak in a sink full of water.
Tips: before spreading any batter, dip the spreading bar in some water first so it's damp, not dripping wet. If you don't
wet your spreader first, it will get coated with batter quickly and be tougher to remove later. You could even hit it with
a light spray of Pam or just a quick rub of oil, too.
Crepes are fun and perfect for entertaining. Plus, kids LOVE crepes, especially with Nutella! Make sure to add fresh berries
or create some savory versions which always impress.
Have fun. Au revoir.