If you're using a skillet or griddle: When using butter or oil to grease the pan, take a paper towel and carefully wipe away any excess. There shouldn't be any pools of butter/oil in the pan, only a lightly greased surface. These little pools are what give your pancakes an uneven, splotchy look. So next time just use a paper towel! If you're using a nonstick pan: No need to grease the pan, just put the batter in and you're good to go!