Imagine this: you want to whip up a quick and delicious meal after a long day, but your stovetop is already packed with other pans. Or maybe you’re looking for a way to cook a variety of foods without making a mess of your kitchen. If this sounds familiar, then an electric skillet might be your new best friend!
Choosing the perfect electric skillet can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many brands, sizes, and features to consider. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder which one will actually make cooking easier and tastier. You want a skillet that heats evenly, is easy to clean, and can handle everything from searing chicken to making fluffy pancakes.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a great electric skillet and show you exactly what to look for. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident in choosing the right electric skillet for your kitchen and your cooking adventures.
Our Top 5 Electric Skillet Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Electric Skillet Detailed Reviews
1. Elite Gourmet EG-6203# Extra Deep 16″x13″x3.2″ (10.5Qt.) Scratch Resistant
Rating: 9.1/10
The Elite Gourmet EG-6203# Extra Deep Electric Skillet is a kitchen game-changer! Its large size and deep design make it perfect for cooking family meals. You can whip up everything from pancakes to stir-fries with ease. This skillet is built to last and makes cooking and cleanup a breeze.
What We Like:
- Extra deep and large (16″x13″x3.2″) so you can cook lots of food.
- The marbleized honeycomb non-stick surface is super durable and won’t scratch.
- It heats up fast and evenly thanks to the special M-shaped heating element.
- Cleanup is a snap because it’s dishwasher safe and fully immersible.
- The easy-pour spout helps you drain extra liquids without making a mess.
- The tempered glass lid locks in moisture and flavor.
- It has an adjustable temperature control for perfect cooking every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the non-stick is durable, some users might find it still requires careful handling to maintain its longevity.
- The black lacquer finish, while attractive, could potentially show fingerprints or smudges over time.
This electric skillet makes cooking for a crowd simple and enjoyable. It’s a versatile tool that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
2. Presto 07117 12″ Electric Skillet with glass cover
Rating: 9.1/10
The Presto 07117 12″ Electric Skillet with glass cover is a fantastic kitchen helper. It can do so many things, like roasting, frying, grilling, stewing, and even baking! This makes it super handy for all sorts of meals, from your morning eggs to a big dinner.
What We Like:
- It’s very versatile and can cook many different types of food.
- The tempered glass cover lets you see your food as it cooks and has a cool handle.
- The nonstick surface means food won’t stick, making cooking and cleaning a breeze.
- The high sides give you more space to cook bigger meals.
- The automatic temperature control keeps your food at the perfect heat.
- It’s easy to clean because it’s dishwasher safe after removing the heat control.
- It has a built-in pour spout and a spot for your spoon or spatula.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the nonstick surface is great, some users might find it doesn’t last forever with very heavy use.
- The temperature control, while automatic, might not have as many fine-tuning options as some professional chefs might prefer.
This Presto electric skillet is a real game-changer for busy kitchens. It makes cooking and cleaning up easier, so you can spend more time enjoying your delicious meals.
3. Elite Gourmet EG808 8” x 8″ Non-stick Electric Skillet
Rating: 8.7/10
The Elite Gourmet EG808 Electric Skillet is a handy kitchen appliance that makes cooking easy and fun. Its compact size is great for small kitchens or dorm rooms. You can whip up breakfast favorites like pancakes, or even cook a whole meal like fried chicken. The non-stick surface means food won’t stick, and cleaning is a breeze.
What We Like:
- The tempered glass lid helps lock in flavors and moisture, so your food stays juicy.
- The non-stick cooking surface makes food release easily, which means less scrubbing for you.
- It’s dishwasher safe (just remove the temperature control unit!), making cleanup super fast.
- The 8” x 8” size is perfect for cooking for one or two people.
- It heats up quickly, so you can start cooking right away.
- The cool-touch knob and handles keep you safe while cooking.
- It’s a thoughtful gift for housewarmings or weddings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 600-watt power might be a bit slow for very large batches or thicker foods compared to higher wattage models.
- While it’s great for many dishes, very deep frying might be limited by the pan’s depth.
This skillet is a versatile tool that simplifies meal preparation and cleanup. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a convenient way to cook a variety of dishes.
4. Elite Gourmet EG6201 Extra Deep 12″x12″x3.2″ (7.5Qt.) Scratch Resistant Dishwasher Safe
Rating: 9.2/10
The Elite Gourmet EG6201 Extra Deep Electric Skillet is a versatile kitchen tool that makes cooking for your family a breeze. Its large size and deep design allow you to cook a variety of meals, from fried chicken to pasta, all in one convenient pan. The non-stick surface and dishwasher-safe design mean cleanup is quick and easy after your meal.
What We Like:
- The 12″x12″x3.2″ extra-deep pan holds a generous 7.5 quarts, perfect for feeding 6-8 people.
- It cooks food evenly with rapid heat thanks to its fully-embedded heating element.
- The marbleized non-stick coating is very durable and releases food easily for simple cleanup.
- Cleanup is a snap because the skillet is dishwasher safe and fully immersible once the temperature control is removed.
- The scratch-resistant surface means you can cook without worrying about damaging the pan.
- It comes with a clear, tempered glass lid to lock in moisture and flavors.
- Safety is a priority with ETL listing, splatter-proof walls, and cool-touch handles.
- It includes a 1-year warranty and U.S.-based customer support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The temperature control probe, while allowing precise heat settings, can sometimes be a bit finicky to attach and detach.
- While the non-stick is durable, extremely aggressive scraping with metal utensils could potentially still cause damage over time.
This electric skillet simplifies meal preparation and cleanup, making it a valuable addition to any home kitchen. It’s a great choice for busy families or anyone who wants an easy way to cook delicious meals.
5. GreenLife 12″ 5QT Square Electric Skillet
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready to whip up delicious meals with the GreenLife 12″ 5QT Square Electric Skillet! This versatile skillet is designed to make cooking easier and healthier. Its beautiful blue color will add a pop of style to your kitchen. From breakfast to dinner, this skillet can handle it all.
What We Like:
- HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK: The nonstick coating is PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium-free, making your meals safer.
- 5-IN-1 DESIGN: It can sear, sauté, griddle, stir-fry, steam, roast, and bake – a true kitchen multitasker!
- SPACIOUS CAPACITY: The 5QT size and 12”x12” surface cook enough food for your whole family.
- QUICK & EVEN HEATING: The aluminum base heats up fast and cooks food evenly.
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE: A simple knob lets you easily set the perfect cooking temperature.
- VERSATILE FOR ANY MEAL: Make anything from pancakes and eggs to chicken stir-fry and hamburgers.
- SECURE GRIP: Cool-touch handles stay comfortable and give you a secure hold.
- NON-SLIP BOTTOM: The stable legs have a non-slip grip to keep the skillet from sliding.
- COOK & LOOK: The glass lid lets you see your food as it cooks without losing heat.
- EASY CLEANUP: Just wipe it clean after cooking!
What Could Be Improved:
- The scratch-resistant coating is great, but always be careful with metal utensils to prolong its life.
This GreenLife electric skillet is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It simplifies cooking and delivers great results every time.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: The Electric Skillet Buying Guide
An electric skillet is a versatile kitchen tool. It can fry, bake, steam, and even sauté. If you’re looking for a new appliance to make cooking easier and faster, an electric skillet might be just what you need. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
- Adjustable Temperature Control: This is super important. You need to be able to set the exact temperature for different foods. Some skillets have a dial, while others have digital buttons.
- Non-Stick Surface: A good non-stick coating makes cooking and cleaning much easier. Food won’t stick, and you won’t need as much oil.
- Lid with Steam Vent: A lid helps trap heat and moisture. A steam vent lets some steam escape, which is good for certain cooking methods.
- Deep Cooking Surface: A deeper skillet can hold more food. It’s also better for recipes that involve sauces or need more space for ingredients.
- Cool-Touch Handles: These handles stay cool even when the skillet is hot. This makes it safer to move the skillet around.
- Detachable Power Cord: This makes cleaning and storing the skillet much simpler.
Important Materials
What makes a good electric skillet?
Most electric skillets have a cooking surface made of metal. This metal is usually aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum heats up quickly and evenly. Stainless steel is durable and won’t rust.
The cooking surface will have a non-stick coating. Look for coatings that are PFOA-free and PTFE-free. These are considered safer for your health.
The lid is often made of glass. This lets you see your food as it cooks. The handles are usually made of heat-resistant plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a skillet great or not so great?
Good Quality:
- A strong, even heating element makes food cook consistently.
- A durable non-stick coating that lasts a long time.
- A sturdy lid that fits well.
- A reliable temperature control that stays accurate.
Lower Quality:
- Uneven heating can burn food in some spots and leave it undercooked in others.
- A non-stick coating that wears off quickly.
- A flimsy lid that doesn’t seal properly.
- Temperature controls that are hard to set or don’t work right.
User Experience and Use Cases
How can I use an electric skillet?
Electric skillets are great for many things. You can cook breakfast foods like pancakes and eggs. They work well for stir-fries and sautéing vegetables. You can also bake small cakes or casseroles in them.
Many people use them for one-pot meals. This means you cook everything in the skillet. It’s a good option for small kitchens or when you don’t want to use your oven.
They are also perfect for camping or RV trips. They provide a convenient way to cook without a full kitchen setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main advantage of an electric skillet?
A1: The main advantage is its versatility. It can cook many different types of food, and it’s easy to control the temperature.
Q2: Are electric skillets safe to use?
A2: Yes, when used properly. Always make sure the handles are cool before touching them and that the skillet is on a stable surface.
Q3: How do I clean an electric skillet?
A3: Most electric skillets can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge after the cooking surface has cooled. Some have detachable parts that are dishwasher safe.
Q4: Can I use metal utensils in an electric skillet?
A4: It’s best to avoid metal utensils, especially on non-stick surfaces. Use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils to protect the coating.
Q5: What size electric skillet should I buy?
A5: The best size depends on how many people you usually cook for. A 10-inch skillet is good for 1-2 people, while a 12-inch or larger is better for families.
Q6: Do electric skillets use a lot of electricity?
A6: They use electricity to heat up, similar to other cooking appliances. The amount used depends on the wattage and how long you cook.
Q7: Can I put my electric skillet in the dishwasher?
A7: Only if the manufacturer states it is dishwasher safe. Most electric skillets have an electrical component that cannot be submerged in water.
Q8: What is the ideal temperature range for an electric skillet?
A8: Most electric skillets can reach temperatures from around 150°F (65°C) for keeping food warm, up to 400°F (205°C) for searing.
Q9: Can I use an electric skillet for deep frying?
A9: While some deeper skillets can handle small amounts of oil for shallow frying, they are not designed for deep frying large quantities of food.
Q10: What’s the difference between an electric skillet and a frying pan on the stove?
A10: An electric skillet has its own heating element, so you don’t need a stove. It offers more precise temperature control than many stovetop pans.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.