Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian swear by this innovative kitchen appliance – it makes mornings easier and more fun

Serena Williams's metallic kitchen is a wonder to look at, but it's what's inside that counts. Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, uses the Dancakes electric griddle to turn their beautifully designed space into the heart of the home. More than a kitchen appliance, the griddle becomes a heartwarming family activity.

Ohanian has taken to Instagram with a series he's taken to calling 'Papa Pancakes,' where he showcases the colorful pancake art he creates for his and Serena's daughters, Olympia and Adira. The tech entrepreneur uses squeeze bottles with a variety of colors of pancake batter to 'draw' seemingly endless creative shapes on the griddle. In one video, he creates pancakes that look like burger ingredients; in another, the pancakes are chicken and waffles; in another, Olympia becomes the pancake artist, drawing her own shapes. The videos are unbelievably cute, and they showcase that a tool can transform the way we use our kitchens

'Design is a huge part of how we feel in our homes, but home tech can be just as important,' says Jennifer Ebert, interior design expert and digital editor at Homes & Gardens. 'Spaces are more than how they look; they are also what we do in them. By using a griddle to establish a family tradition, Ohanian is bridging the gap between design and action.'

If you hope to test your pancake art prowess, The Dancakes Griddle is the perfect tool for the job. It has a temperature control bumper to prevent it from getting too hot against the arms and allow little ones to jump in and try their hand at making art. The kit also comes with several squeeze bottles, helping to accomplish the impressive precision work embodied in Ohanian's designs.

Shop H&G's Favorite Pancake Griddles

The avid pancake chef needs a bit more than a non-stick pan to hone their craft. Though the Dancakes Electric Grill is a great option, it's not the only wonderful griddle on the market. Our editors scoured Amazon to find the best quality, best value, griddles for your kitchen. The Presto 07047 is an ultra-affordable pick, clocking in at just over $30. We love the Dash Griddle. Not only is it on sale for Prime Day, but the dishwasher-safe grill plate makes cleaning it a dream. The Bella Electric Griddle is an Amazon Bestseller, and our top pick for a large griddle: it can fit up to 8 pancakes or eggs, perfect for families.

A kitchen is more than a room: it's the heart of the home. Carefully choosing appliances that reflect how you and your family use the space can make all the difference. Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian's pancake griddle is the perfect inspiration.