Spoiler alert, this article can make you want to get an electric skillet as soon as possible. You can be a cooking enthusiast for years now. Or you can be the lazy type, who prefers the easiest and fastest way to cook. In both cases, you are about to find out more about all the benefits an electric skillet can bring to your life. Keep reading to understand better what these appliances are and how to use them best.
Plus, we prepared a selection of 9 best electric skillets, with their pros and cons, to help you decide. Read until the end and find out some maintenance tips, to help you keep your skillet at its best, for a long time. Knowing how to use your kitchen appliances best is the key to upgrade your cooking style and skills. So, are you ready for the next level?
What Can You Use An Electric Skillet For?
Think of an electric skillet as a type of frying pan. Only this one connects to an electrical outlet in order to heat or fry the food. This comes very in handy when your stove top is already packed with other pans and pots. But also in many other circumstances, as you will discover below. Electric skillets come in many shapes and sizes, so we are confident there is a model out there for everyone.
Here is a short list of some of those moments when an electric skillet proves really useful.
- Living in tight spaces
Whether it is a student dorm, a small apartment or an RV, tight spaces do not really allow you to go wild cooking. Having an electric skillet can save you the hassle and provide a flame-free solution.
- Having the stove top packed
During the holidays or in large families, there are times when your stove top cannot take not even one more pan. An electric skillet saves the day and lets you stick to the cooking plans with no delays.
- During scorching summer days
Cooking may be fun, but when the sun is too hot, the last thing you want is another heat source. Leave the dust to settle on the oven and stove top, while you use your skillet. Quick to cook and producing less heat, they are the winning solution for such days.
- Keeping food warm
When you have to host a larger gathering and also want to get ready on time, electric skillets rock. You can set their temperature at a lower level, just to preserve the food hot enough. This way, your snacks or courses are ready to serve whenever the guests arrive.
- Making various dishes
If you think electric skillets are only designed for pan-frying or sautéing, think again. Adjustable temperature allows you to experiment with cooking meat or deep fry foods. Some models are ideal to make a quick breakfast or lunch, serving as griddle or grill.
Most Important Features To Look For In An Electric Skillet
Before the shopping fever gets to you, let’s take a closer look at technicalities. Here comes a list of the main features that make an electric skillet stand out from the crowd.
- Size
If you plan to cook only for yourself, you will not need a large skillet to take up your countertop space. Consider your actual needs when choosing a size. For reference, an eight inches surface is enough for preparing one serving. If you have a large family, opt for 12-16 inches skillets.
- Material
Most of the electric skillets available have a protective cover on the cooking area. Whether it is Teflon or other non-adhesive material, this ensures the food you cook does not stick. There are also stainless steel versions, known as more durable and sturdy. Take a look at the full skillet body, to be aware of how it behaves in high heat conditions. You want it to get your food well done, but preferably, not burn your hands when you touch the outside of the skillet.
- Cover Type
As any cooking pot or pan, electric skillets also come with a specific lid. You can get a stainless steel model, for better heat retention. If instead, you want to keep an eye on the food while it cooks, you can get a glass cover. Ensure your chosen type of lid is durable and will not break if you accidentally drop it on the floor.
- Handles
For more convenience, you can get a skillet with two handles. Even if you pick a smaller model, make sure the single handle is well mounted and durable. You want to avoid accidents while moving the skillet with hot contents around. Handles should also be comfortable to work with, while cooking or cleaning too. Preferably, look for a cool-to-the-touch version of handles.
- Temperature Control Feature
The more you can control the factors involved in cooking, the more predictable the end result is. To ensure your food is properly cooked (not burned or uncooked), choose a skillet with a heat adjuster. Setting the right temperature is the first step to get a dish just as you want it. Also, depending on the type of food you wish to make (if you want it grilled or deep fried), you should opt for enough power. If your skillet has a lower temperature range, it might disappoint you.
- Ease Of Cleaning
If you get an electric skillet to spend less time in the kitchen, then make sure you do not skip the cleaning. As most come with non-stick cooking surfaces, things look promising. You can also check if it is easy to disassemble or if some components are dishwasher safe. Remember, you cannot place a full unit (with electric elements) in the dishwasher.
- Residue Release
Inevitably, while cooking, some steam, fumes, grease and juices are often released. Depending on what you are cooking, it may be necessary to release some of these residues. The lid of your skillet should have some small vents to reduce the pressure inside and to help spread the steam. Also, the body of the skillet should have a special compartment for liquids. Gathering all the unwanted water or juices from the food there, cleaning will be a lot easier.
Our Top 9 Best Electric Skillets
You have the base of knowledge now, time to put it to use. Up next, comes our selection of the nine best electric skillets. We did the hard work for you and picked out some remarkable models, from the wide array of options out there. We identified their strengths and weaknesses. Now it’s your turn to study them closely, to find the one matching your needs and skills best.
Presto 06857 Electric Foldaway Skillet
Dinner for the whole family can be easily made in the Presto 06857 Electric Foldaway Skillet. With its 16-inch base, this machine is a real beast in the kitchen. Steaks, stews, baked or grilled specialties are possible to cook in it. It comes with features like a tempered glass cover or stay-cool handles. You know you get the best and safest conditions to make food with this machine. Cleaning is a breeze, as the components are dishwasher safe. Remember to remove the heat control knob before putting it in to wash. You make the call: cook or preserve temperature. The heat control allows you to set this skillet as a buffet server.
Pros:
- versatile, practical
- easy to clean (non-stick surface)
- heat control button
- dishwasher safe
- ideal for making large portions (16 inch base).
Cons:
- takes a lot of countertop space
- water can infiltrate through the bottom crevices (when put in the dishwasher)
- aluminum prone to corrosion due to water infiltrations.
BELLA Electric Ceramic Titanium Skillet
If you prefer a non-stick cooking surface that is also safe for health, call off the search. The BELLA Electric Ceramic Titanium Skillet comes with a unique ceramic coating. Designed to last up to eight times more and cook with 30% faster, this non-stick layer is all you need. This electric skillet comes also with a tempered glass cover, safe to put in the dishwasher. Durable, sturdy, made to resist even to heavy scratching, this machine is a must-have.
Pros:
- versatile/multi-functional unit
- tempered glass lid included
- ceramic non-stick coating (safe for health, scratch resistant)
- cool-touch handles
- powerful base (up to 1200W)
- budget-friendly
- easy to clean.
Cons:
- uneven heat distribution
- extended heating period (according to some buyers)
Elite Gourmet EG-6203 Deep Dish Electric Skillet
Enjoy safe and fast cooking with the Elite Gourmet EG-6203 Deep Dish Electric Skillet. A series of stunning features make this unit a very good deal for the cooking aficionados. Easy cleaning is a step away, once you remove the temperature control unit. Fully immersible, the body of this skillet contains cast aluminum for durability. The black lacquer finish ensures scratches, rust or warps are not on your list of worries. Use the Trigger-Release control probe, to prevent your food from burning. Heat distribution and temperature can be easily set with this feature.
Pros:
- top performance (1500W)
- tempered glass vented cover included
- fully immersible (dishwasher safe)
- PFOA free marbleized honeycomb (non-stick) coating
- efficient heat distribution (M shaped element).
Cons:
- faulty temperature control on some models
- cooking surface loses non-stick coating after a while.
Dash DRG214RD Family Size Electric Skillet
Add a dash of professionalism when you are cooking. The Dash DRG214RD Family Size Electric Skillet is here to make your life easier, even when you cook for a big crowd. With a capacity of 20 cups, this not-so-little red skillet will steal (or steam) your heart away. The silicone seal around the tempered glass lid conserves heat and flavor. Easy to use, clean and store, this machine lets you prepare anything you want inside. From burgers, pizza, fajitas to cookies and breakfast, cooking possibilities are endless.
Pros:
- large cooking surface (14 inch nonstick surface)
- quick, even heating
- non-stick coating (TruGlide PFOA-free surface)
- safe to transfer to the table (cool touch handle)
Cons:
- only one year warranty
- some complaints about the degradable non-stick layer (after several uses).
Caynel Electric Skillet
Durable design and two years of warranty make the Caynel Electric Skillet a great catch. With a power of up to 1400W and a high-quality aluminum body, this skillet promises to help you cook well for a long time. The high side walls add to the cooking capacity and also offer spillage protection. Mixing utility and style, this appealing skillet is suitable for a wide variety of dishes.
Pros:
- high-quality aluminum body
- copper titanium (non-stick) coating
- adjustable temperature controller
- large cooking surface
- safe to use (cool touch handles and tempered glass cover)
- two years of warranty.
Cons:
- common complaints on inconsistent heating
- not dishwasher safe
- some units turn off once reaching the predefined temperature.
All-Clad SK492 Electric Skillet
Electric skillets are not designed only for the kitchen countertop. And the All-Clad SK492 Electric Skillet proves that. With an appealing stainless-steel look, safe to handle, this piece can match any table. Large enough to fit several portions at once, this skillet is great for large gatherings. The bonded metal construction will ensure proper heat distribution, in any moment. Disassemble and place the main container in the dishwasher. Cleaning gets super easy with this non-stick, resistant cooking unit.
Pros:
- large cooking surface
- non-stick coating
- metal construction for extra-durability
- attractive design
- dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- handles getting hot during cooking
- defective temperature control on some models
- more expensive than similar products.
Maxi-Matic Elite Cuisine Electric Skillet
Going on a roadtrip in your RV? The Maxi-Matic Elite Cuisine Electric Skillet might be the missing piece. Compact, tiny and efficient, this product is the answer for small servings. However, size does not restrict performance. You can prepare your eggs, pancakes and more. The temperature control element lets you adjust accordingly. And when it is time to clean your skillet, just remove the locking handle and start wiping.
Pros:
- compact, practical design
- ideal for one serving
- adjustable temperature control
- removable handle (easy cleaning)
- tempered glass lid (with cool-touch knob)
Cons:
- faulty temperature control button on some stocks
- not suitable for foods requiring flipping over (not enough space).
Presto 06850 16-inch Electric Skillet
This Presto 06850 16-inch Electric Skillet offers you more than you could wish for. With its large base of 16 inches, this appliance ensures the proper serving capacity for a big family. When it comes to the coating cover, the EverNu version is especially designed not to dent, warp, peel or bend. Easy cleaning, stick-free cooking and long lasting performance are part of the promise.
Pros:
- suitable for high volumes of food
- warp-proof, non-stick cooking surface
- heat control
- immersible and dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- non-stick coating prone to peeling and scratching after several uses
- lid retaining odours after cooking.
Toastmaster TM-602SK Electric Skillet
A budget-friendly model, the Toastmaster TM-602SK Electric Skillet measures only 6 Inches. Ideal for small servings, this appliance saves you plenty of space on the countertop. It features standards options, such as an adjustable temperature control. The removable locking handle makes it a lot easier to clean. From lid to feet, this compact skillet proves very useful on a road trip or in a tiny kitchen.
Pros:
- compact size
- adjustable temperature control
- removable locking handle
- cool-touch lid knob
- easy to clean
Cons:
- not dishwasher safe
- common complaints about the defective non-stick surface.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know how to identify the best electric skillet, the next step is making a decision. Take one (or more) look(s) at our selected models and pick your favorite. Remember, you should consider your cooking needs and available space and resources.
For proper maintenance, keep the cooking surface (and not only) clean and dry. Read the manufacturer’s recommendations from the user manual too. And do not forget to stay away from any metal or hard kitchenware that can scratch or damage your skillet.
Let us know in the comments how would one of the best electric skillets above change your life. Until our next topic, have a savory week!
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