Among the countless kitchen gadgets on the market today, you might not pay much attention to the electric skillet.
In fact, it very possibly makes you think of the old days in your mom or grandma’s kitchen when that was one of the highest tech devices available.
Things have changed:
The modern electric skillet (also known as an electric frying pan or portable skillet) has more to offer than many people realize.
Aside from merely acting as an additional cooking surface, electric skillets have several benefits.
For one, they maintain a more steady cooking temperature than a regular pan on the stove, making them ideal for high-temperature frying and griddle cooking.
They also are great at keeping food warm if you need to delay serving your meal or if you’re hosting a buffet.
Of course, they use less heat than a regular range, so they are more comfortable to use during those hot summer months when you can’t bear to turn on your oven.
So, now that we’ve got you thinking, “Hey, maybe I could use one of those,” the next question is, “How do I choose?”
We have reviewed the ten best electric skillets on the market today to give you a thorough overview of your options.
Read on:
We also walk you through the decision process, so that you know what options these appliances offer and what will best fit your specific needs. Making the wrong call here could cost you meals as well as money.
Electric Skillet Types
Covered/Uncovered
The vast majority of electric skillets come with some sort of lid. The lid helps seal in heat and moisture and speed up cooking time.
It depends on what you will be using the skillet for most of the time. The covered version can usually be uncovered so you get more versatility with the first option here.
Lidless versions are usually flat and are designed to work as griddles or crepe-makers. They can be either rectangular or round.
The amount of things you can do with an uncovered skillet is far less than with one that has a cover or lid, so keep this in mind when deciding which to purchase.
Material
Non-Stick is the most popular and common type of cooking surface that you will find on these skillets.
These coatings are the best for cooking meats, particularly if you are too busy to look after your skillet and maintain regularly.
There is a reason to avoid non-stick options, though:
If you prefer to avoid such chemical coatings, some manufacturers also make versions in ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel.
Think about this:
These electric skillets require you to maintain a non-stick surface by oiling or using another seasoning method. It can take a little more work, but with certain foods, it is by far the superior option.
Shape
Electric skillets come in either round, square, or rectangular shapes. Round skillets tend to have less surface area and thus less available cooking surface than other shapes.
They can either be flat for making crepes/tortillas/etc. or with sides and a lid for a more traditional style.
You will find rectangular shapes both in a flat griddle design and with traditional sides and lids. Square skillets are almost universally going to have both of these.
If you are likely to be cooking saucy dishes like soups and stews then having something to stop it running away is a huge advantage!
10 Best Electric Skillets
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Features
Glass Lids
Glass lids allow you to keep an eye on what you are cooking without disturbing the temperature inside the skillet. This can avoid that temptation to constantly lift the lid off to see how your dish is progressing.
Avoid that at all costs!
Opaque lids require you to lift them to check your food’s progress, which causes precious heat and moisture to escape and means you may be waiting a long time to eat your delicious stew.
Drainage Spouts
These spouts allow you to pour out the accumulated grease in your skillet while your meal is still cooking.
This helps reduce the amount of grease that ends up in your finished product, resulting in a healthier dish. Nobody wants to eat something completely drenched in oil or fat, and too much is bad for your heart too.
There’s more:
Once you’re done cooking, these spouts will infinitely improve your clean-up experience. It can be a nightmare cleaning down a skillet that has had something slow-cooked in there for a few hours.
We have been there before:
Instead of desperately trying to avoid dumping your just-cooked meal into the sink along with the grease you are trying to dispose of, you can toss the unwanted liquid without hassle.
This can make a massive difference if you plan to use your skillet a lot.
High Sides
Different manufacturers design their portable skillets with varying dimensions. This includes side height.
High sides are advantageous because they protect you from grease splatter. They also permit you to cook larger items, such as turkeys or roasts, that might not otherwise fit inside a skillet with shorter sides.
If you go for this option, you increase the versatility once more, although some dishes will not work as well in this type of skillet.
Safety Vents
It is very common for moisture to build up when you are cooking with an electric skillet. There are some things you need to think about when it comes to why these are a good feature to have.
Aside from being a potential safety hazard, steam can leak out of the sides and make a wet mess on your counter. It can also allow heat to escape in a way you don’t want for your dish bubbling away in there.
Some manufacturers offer adjustable steam vents on their models to solve this problem, and this is always a good option to have.
Without it, you lose control and lose quality in the end product as a result. Nobody wants a dry piece of meat for dinner.
Heat-Resistant Handles
This feature is a no-brainer. No one wants to try to maneuver around the kitchen with those annoying oven mitts anymore than they have to.
Even with an oven mitt to hand, this sort of task is daunting even to the most experienced home chef. Luckily there are many heat-resistant options on the market today.
You should try your best to prioritize electric skillet models that offer heat-resistant handles.
They will allow you to grab your skillet and drain, move, or wash your appliance without fear of burning your hands.
You may think you would never make that kind of mistake, but so does everybody until it happens to them. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your skin.
Locking Lids
Locking lids provide an extra measure of security when cooking. They prevent the lid from sliding or falling off when you want to transport food in your electric skillet.
At times, they can be a little awkward to remove when required, but the benefits outweigh the downsides in our experience.
Temperature Control
Some electric skillet models display their temperature options with low, medium, and high settings only. Others offer an adjustable Fahrenheit dial, which allows you the opportunity to tweak and adjust throughout the cooking process.
Remember:
Cooking is all about control, the more you have, the better the result will be.
Additionally, some models come with an indicator light to notify you when the skillet has reached the indicated temperature and time control to alert you when cooking has ended.
This can be a lifesaver if you are cooking something that takes a while and get distracted by other things going on in the house around you.
Dishwasher Safe
Some brands of electric skillets claim to be dishwasher safe.
While it may be technically true that they can survive a round in the dishwasher, it is generally advised to wash your electric skillet by hand if at all possible.
Subjecting your appliance to the dishwasher runs the risk both of discoloring the bottom of the pan and possibly degrading whatever non-stick coating you might have on the cooking surface.
Detachable Parts
Electric skillets with detachable parts make life so much easier. Besides facilitating the cleaning process, they also make storage more convenient.
Best Electric Skillet Brands
Presto
Presto is an American company that was founded in 1905 in Wisconsin. It has a strong history of “firsts” in the small kitchen appliance industry, including the “Presto” Pressure Cooker, which was proudly displayed at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
In 1948, they developed the first steam iron to use tap water, and in 1956, they revolutionized electric cooking with their introduction of the first complete line of fully submersible electric cooking appliances.
Today, they offer an extensive line of small kitchen appliances that includes a variety of electric skillet options to meet every customer’s specific needs.
Nesco
Another Wisconsin company, Nesco, got its start in 1931 when they invented the Original Roaster Oven. The company was integral in promoting the use of electricity in rural homes in those early days.
Today, Nesco has diversified its offerings but remains focused on small kitchen appliances.
They focus on stylish designs that are relied upon for durability, trusted for their performance, and endeared for their delicious results.
In the company’s own words, “Life is an occasion worth celebrating, and we’re dedicated to being your key ingredient.”
Evaluation Criteria
Before purchasing an electric skillet, there are many things to consider.
Material Quality
There are skillets which provide heat-resistant handles. These can come in handy when it comes to safety and convenience.
Many of the electric skillets that are currently on the market are constructed from aluminum while others are made using stainless steel.
The cost of these stainless steel items can also be more expensive than the aluminum. The Presto 06857 is constructed using a heavy aluminum material.
Price
The first thing to always consider before purchasing the best electric skillet is to recognize the cost range of various models on the market and choose which price you are prepared to pay.
The reason for this point is recognizing an establishment on your present expenses as well as which features that may be required the most of your electric skillet.
Select a suitable model that is inexpensive as well as providing the precise features based upon your demands.
If you do not, you will discover that you will waste money on redundant merchandise.
Various bonus features that may not benefit your needs should be excluded out of your standards when selecting an electric skillet. This will help you save money for any other needs you may have.
However, if you are unsure of what functions of a merchandise is appropriate for your using intent, you should examine these options in order to discover some criticisms from users and professional cooks.
Durability
While observing the numerous types of electric skillets, you should contemplate one that is assembled from strong resources such as stainless steel.
However, stainless steel is thought of being more expensive. If you find that you are on a budget, you will find that hard aluminum works as well, but does not last as long.
Size and Shape
When searching for an electric skillet, it is a worthy notion to deliberate features such as size and shape of the cooking instrument.
There is an assortment of shapes of a skillet; some can be rectangular, while others may be circular or square.
It is best to select a piece which is an appropriate size and shape for your desire.
Many skillets found on the market range in size between ten and sixteen inches, so it is important to contemplate what size you will need founded upon what kind of food you will be making while using the skillet.
Another factor to consider is how many people you will serve while cooking because, smaller or larger sized skillets is appropriate for various purposes.
Temperature Control
You will find that there are some models on the market that come with temperature control, which allows you to adjust the heat from high to low.
Other models only have a warm setting and contain detailed measurements.
If you desire to use your skillet to deep-fry, then you will need a model that can achieve at least 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, skillets that only reach up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit is appropriate for pan- or stir-frying.
Cleaning and Maintenance
An imperative reason for attention is what cleaning process is appropriate for the skillet.
There are some models that provide heat control separate from the pan, making it dishwasher safe, there are others on the market that may require proper cleaning with a rag.
The Presto 06857 is one such electric skillet that allows for the skillet pan and cover to be removable and dishwasher safe as long as it is detached from the heat control.
The Oster CKSTSKFM12W is one such model that does not come with a removable pan and will require to be wiped down.
Furthermore, it is not dishwasher safe and is unwise to submerge the skillet or the temperature control probe.
However, it may be a better choice for you to avoid skillets that need hand-washing if you like spending a lot of time cleaning.
Glass Lid
These kinds of lids are a perfect showcase when it permits you to look at your food while it is cooking.
The glass lid is a great asset to have because electric skillets are inclined to warm food in high temperatures and this lid will allow you to keep an eye on your food before it begins to burn.
Some of the electric skillets found on our list come with tempered glass lids such as, Presto 06857, Proctor Silex 38526, De’Longhi BG45, Aroma Housewares ASP-137, and the Nesco ES-12.
User Reviews
It is relatively essential to discover any consumer reviews about the products that you mean to buy, but always consider which review is exposing the true operating experience without partiality.
Any reviews that have both positive and negative aspects are great to take into consideration.
Using reliable websites such as Amazon will aid you in finding the appropriate electric skillet that you desire.
There are many reviews from customers that give unbiased opinions and tie in their positives as well as negatives.
Warranty
When looking for a good warranty policy, make sure that it guarantees the manufacturer will mend or exchange any undesirable damages during the time period.
Features
After reflecting some elements for purchasing an electric skillet, you will want to understand which features are great for an original product.
Non-stick Coating
Non-stick coating is another feature that every cook should have.
With this feature, food will not stick to the pan. This aids significantly in the cleaning process.
This feature will also help your skillet to be more durable and have a longer life span.
Adjustable Steam Vent
An adjustable steam vent guarantees that no liquid can spill out during cooking.
Heat-Resistant Handles
These handles make the cooking practice easier because you are capable of picking up the skillet without having to worry about being burned.
Storage
Space saving for storage is a great feature for any cook to have.
For example, the Presto 06857 contains fold down handles that detach from the skillet pan and the base and handles that fold in the base while the handles store within the skillet.
What Type of Food to Cook with Electric Skillets?
With an electric skillet, there are many things you can make ranging from breakfast foods to dinner, as well as desserts.
Cooking meals this way also allows you to save time without having to clean up so many bowls as well as pots and pans after you are finished making your dish.
A great advantage that an electric skillet provides is that it can maintain a steady temperature more effectively than when cooking using a pan on your stove.
Electric skillets are perfect to use for frying anything such as doughnuts as well as cooking pancakes.
Another advantage that an electric skillet provides is that it does not heat your kitchen up as a stove does, so cooking during the summer helps keep the temperature of the room down.
There are many delicious lunches and dinners you can make using an electric skillet.
You can cook any type of meat using one, such as beef, poultry, and fish. You can also use it to stir-fry your favorite vegetables.
Using your electric skillet to roast up your favorite vegetables such as squash, green beans, bell peppers, peas, jalapeno peppers, zucchini, eggplant, carrots, and garlic are a great way to give yourself with a delicious dish as well as provide a nutritious meal that offers crucial vitamins and minerals to your diet.
You can also serve up some delicious and creative dinners such as beef stroganoff, skillet lemon chicken with capers, vegetable soup, skillet lasagna, pork chops, skillet meatball, chicken and broccoli stir fry, shrimp, cilantro chicken, parmesan chicken, jambalaya, chicken cordon bleu, and so much more!
For desserts, you can look forward to pies, cakes, and more.
Tasty Recipes
Some tasty recipes worth trying are listed below.
Barbeque Chicken
For this recipe, the ingredients you will need include barbecue sauce, one cup of vinegar, two teaspoons of sugar, two teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup of ketchup, a teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon of dry mustard, a ½ teaspoon of pepper, and a teaspoon of paprika.
Mix all of your ingredients together.
First, you will need to preheat your electric skillet to 360 degrees as well as add oil.
Cook your chicken, making sure all sides are brown for approximately twelve to fifteen minutes.
Next, take out your chicken and empty the excess oil. Then you will want to set the dial to 260 degrees and place the chicken back in your electric skillet, as well as smothering it in your barbeque sauce.
Cover and cook for twenty minutes turning the chicken adding more sauce. Next, replace the cover and open vent.
Keep cooking the chicken for an additional fifteen to twenty minutes.
Cheese Broccoli Rice
Ingredients
For this tasty recipe, the ingredients you will need include:
□ ¼ cup of butter
□ 1 stalk of chopped celery
□ 1 medium chopped green pepper
□ 2 cups of fresh and chopped broccoli
□ 1 cup of long grain uncooked rice
□ 2 ¼ cups of water
□ 1 11oz can of condensed cheddar cheese soup
□ ½ teaspoon of crushed dried basil
□ ¼ teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- First, you will want to melt your butter using medium heat.
- Next, add your green pepper and celery. Stir fry these ingredients for three minutes before adding your rice and broccoli. You will want to stir fry this mixture for an additional three minutes.
- Now, mix in your water, soup, salt, and basil.
- Then you will want to bring your mixture to a boil.
- Finally, you will want to reduce the heat and cover while allowing it to simmer for approximately twenty minutes or until the rice and broccoli are finished. Make sure to stir frequently.
Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
For this delicious dessert, the ingredients you will need include:
□ 2 cups of sugar
□ 3 teaspoons of butter
□ 1 cup of evaporated milk
□ 1 12oz jar of crunchy peanut butter
□ 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- First, you will want to set your skillet to 340 degrees
- Next, you will need to add your butter, evaporated milk, and sugar, making sure to stir the mixture until it is brought to a boil. Allow the concoction to boil for approximately five minutes, stirring frequently.
- Next, turn off your electric skillet and add your vanilla as well as peanut butter. You will need to stir until your peanut butter is completely melted.
- Next, pour your creation into a lightly greased or buttered 8”x8” pan.
- Allow to cool and then cut into squares and serve!
FAQs
Q: What are electric skillets and why would I need one?
Electric skillets are kitchen appliances which are capable of functioning as both cookware and tableware.
They are especially useful since they enable you to prepare food using a variety of methods including grilling, frying, streaming and even baking while taking up minimum space in your kitchen.
Q: What features should an ideal electric skillet come with?
An ideal electric skillet should come with a temperature regulation feature. It should also be capable of preparing food using a wide range of methods. not unlike your oven.
Additional features which would also come in handy include stay cool handles, steam vents and a resilient coating which is also free from harmful substances.
Q: How do I clean it?
To properly clean your electric skillet, make sure that it has cooled completely. Make sure to unplug the cord from the wall outlet as well as detach the temperature control from your electric skillet.
Always wash the pan using hot and soapy water. While the pan needs to be soaked and hand washed, the lid may be washed on either the top or bottom rack of your dishwasher.
However, if you prefer to wash by hand, make sure to use a nylon scouring pad or a sponge along with liquid dish detergent.
Make sure that you do not treat with any abrasive cleaners or metal pads because they will damage the non-stick coating. Lastly, all you need to do is simply rinse your appliance and then dry.
Q: How safe are they for dishwasher use?
Their suitability in this regard depends on their manufacturer. Some providers manufacture appliances which can be cleaned using this method while others recommend the use of a soft sponge and a warm soapy solution.
Q: What can you cook using an electric skillet?
Electric skillets let you cook the same assortment of foods as a standard frying pan. You can cook anything from morning breakfast frittatas to steak fajitas as well as a pan roasted hen.
An electric skillet offers the convenience of cooking one pan dishes.
Q: What operations should be considered when obtaining an electric skillet?
The first things to contemplate are shapes and size. Electric skillets provide a lot more cooking surface matched to standard frying pans, as well as can be found in various sizes and shapes. Such shapes include square, circular, and rectangular.
With this in mind take into attention what this model will cost as well as how much counter space it will require.
Also, keep in mind for a simple clean up, you will want to look at models that have a non-stick interior or a two-piece style that is detachable and dishwasher safe.
Similarly, you will want to contemplate a model with a vented glass cover, because it helps uphold the interior stress down, avoiding liquids from running over.
Q: What kinds of utensils are recommended for use while cooking with an electric skillet?
Due to the non-stick coating, it is preferred that you only use wooden, plastic, or nylon utensils in order to prevent scratching of the non-stick surface.
Q: Is it normal for one to have smoke accompanied by an odor when it is turned on?
During the first use of this type of appliance, because of the manufacturing process, it is not uncommon for some minor odor and/or smoke.
This is somewhat common with various heating appliances; therefore, it typically is not a cause for alarm.
Q: Why won’t my skillet start working even while plugged in?
There are several reasons for why this could happen. However, the most common reason could be because the controller for the temperature may not be inserted appropriately into the socket in the appliance.
To avoid this mistake, be certain that the temperature control is firmly implanted into the skillet’s side.
It is suggested that in order to obtain the best results, you should always make sure to insert the temperature control into the element before plugging it into electrical outlet.
Then modify the temperature control to your desired setting.
The Verdict
As you can see, electric skillets are very useful. They can solve a range of kitchen issues you might have and are easily stowable for when you don’t need them.
The variety of styles and features have increased greatly since the electric skillet’s early days, which can make choosing the best model for you a bit of a struggle.
Luckily, each of the ten appliances we have reviewed is a fantastic option, and we have laid out the pros and cons clearly to facilitate your decision-making.
So, assess your particular needs, check out the options, and get cooking!