Are you looking for cookware that cooks food quickly? The electric skillets appear the same as a regular frying pan but give a smoother cooking experience. They do not require an extra stove or cooktop for cooking. As a result, you get extra space on your kitchen countertop.
In addition, the electric skillets are designed with a wide and deep dimension so that you cook deep dish pizza or lasagna on them. You can set the temperature of the skillets just like an oven. Other than this, there are various features that need to be considered before buying the best electric skillet.
Best Pick
The Presto Electric Foldaway Skillet is our best pick on our list as it comes in concise design with a built-in spout for pouring the liquids without spilling. It is a heavy-duty skillet as it is constructed with premium cast aluminum and has a deluxe non-stick surface on the inside and outside. The skillet is easy to clean and store.
Budget Pick
The Bella Electric Skillet is our best budget pick because it is made of copper and has a non-stick coating made from ceramic. The ceramic distributes the heat quickly and makes it sturdy for use. The lid and the skillet base are fit to clean in the dishwasher.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Electric Skillets
| Product | Dimension(inches) | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Presto Electric Foldaway Skillet | 20 x 12.5 x 8 | A |
| Bella Electric Skillet | 16.73 x 12.2 x 7.87 | A |
| Presto Electric Skillet with Glass Cover | 23 x 13 x 9 | A- |
| Elite Gourmet Electric Skillet | 22.5 x 15 x 8 | B+ |
| Nesco Electric Skillet | 15 x 15 x 7 | A- |
| Dash Electric Skillet | Not mentioned | A- |
| DeLonghi Electric Skillet | 19.3 x 11.8 x 8.4 | A |
| Black & Decker Electric Skillet | 17.42 x 11.98 x 4.4 | B+ |
| Hamilton Beach Electric Skillet | 12 x 8 x 21 | A- |
| Zojirushi Electric Skillet | 13.88 x 14.25 x 7.75 | A- |
1. Presto Electric Foldaway Skillet
Highlighted Features
Packed with a hoard of features, this skillet has a base that is attached to the handles. The skillet is removable from the base. With the skillet removed, the rotating handles and base can be inverted and folded into a compact unit for storage inside the skillet.
There is a draining spout for pouring off excess liquids; this also works as a stand for placing a spoon or spatula while cooking. The drainage sprout helps remove residual gravy or liquid for easy cleaning. The tempered glass lid fits in snugly and lets you view the progress of cooking. However, a few customers have reported cases of an explosion of the lid or shattering of it.
The interior is extremely spacious and roomy. The straight sides are about three inches deep, making it easy to fit in large quantities of food. This is a good looking skillet with a flat bottom that can also be used as a serving dish if removed from the base. The heating element is built into the skillet so it is best to not use the skillet in the oven or on the stovetop: you may permanently mess up the coils.
It is an extremely well designed and well-constructed skillet. The temperature control has numerous temperatures marked on it, starting from 200 degrees going all the way to 400. This skillet delivers even heat distribution with no hot spots or cold spots developing. The nonstick interiors prevent food from scorching or burning and make clean up very simple. To clean it, just remove it from the base: it is dishwasher safe and works great with hand wash too.2. BELLA Electric Skillet
Highlighted Features
The BELLA electric skillet has the power of 1200 watts that helps to heat the pan as quickly as possible. The pan is square-shaped with a volume of 16.73 x 12.2 x 7.87 inches where you can cook meals for 8 people. The electric skillet has a non-stick coating which benefits in releasing the food without lingering. The coating also helps in cleaning but you need to season the pan just in case the food gets stuck.
However, you can not hard scrub the pan to remove stains or grease as the coating will be damaged. This skillet pan can be used for versatile cooking. The feature we like about the skillet is that you can control the temperature by the regulator on the electric cord. The highest temperature you can go up to is 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pan can be used on the dining table if you can manage the cord. Moreover, you do not need to reheat your lasagna frequently as this pan comes with the keep warm option.
3. Presto Electric Skillet with Glass Cover
Highlighted Features
Presto has engineered and constructed this 16 inches electric giving the highest priority to convenience and comfort. This electric skillet delivers superior performance. Works as a buffet dish as well, the skillet has a large capacity: it serves a large family of 6 or more members and good for parties as well.
Removing the heat control, it is dishwasher safe. The non-stick lining at the bottom is superb: it doesn’t flake off or damage even after several months to years of use. The heating element is embedded in the skillet and the heat distribution is rapid and decent. However, as some users may notice, the coils are placed more to the sides of the skillets making the middle regions slightly more prone to cold spots.
The product needs to be assembled to make the skillet stand on its legs. It is easy to set up. The only problem is you may need to tighten the screws on the legs frequently to prevent it from getting wobbly. The transparent heavy-duty lid fits snugly and allows viewing of food during cooking.4. Elite Gourmet Electric Skillet
Highlighted Features
Elite Premium skillet is a must have electric skillet for a family of four to six people. It is huge, living up to its title “Jumbo” and at its 8-quart capacity, it can fit almost anything. And the deep sides help fit oddly shaped food items.
The tempered glass lid is dishwasher safe and allows you to view the progress of cooking. The plastic handles remain considerably cool during cooking and the handles extend at the bottom to make the legs for standing the skillet. A drainage sprout at one side of the skillet is like a tiny notch for pouring off excess juices and gravy from the skillet.
The skillet has an M- shaped heating coil covering a large area of the bottom of the pan. It heats up evenly and provides superior heat distribution. The bottom of the skillet is made of a honeycombed non-stick surface. This makes cleaning up the skillet like a dream and prevents the sticking of food. This also minimizes the abrasion and wearing away of the non-stick surface considerably.
It is an excellent purchase due to its large capacity, solid construction, and great quality at almost half the prices of most high-end skillets. There are tons of cheaply made skillets that boast of cheaper prices and end up wearing away in a few months. Not this one though. Well-constructed and superior quality materials makes this skillet durable. A lot of people grumble that only the lid is dishwasher safe but actually both the skillet and the lid are: it is always best to take a little time and wash skillets by hand for best results and longevity.5. Nesco Electric Skillet
Highlighted Features
To get the proper temperature and heat, electric skillets are widely used and with the Nesco skillet, you can set the temperature according to your preference. You can set and change the temperature as you like with the electric skillet. The highest temperature on this knob is 425 degrees Fahrenheit at which you can bake or roast. we advise you to do seasoning before starting to cook on the new pan.
The pan is coated with non-stick which helps in cleaning easily. However, the skillet cannot be put in the dishwasher for cleaning. The glass lid is dishwasher safe. Also, immersing the skillet in water can damage the coating. The pan can be separated from the base for cleaning with light warm water and mild dishwashing soap.
6. Dash Electric Skillet
Highlighted Features
The Dash electric skillet is round-shaped and has a depth of 25 inches to cook any deep-dish recipes. With 1400 watts, your desired dish will be cooked evenly and quickly. The non-stick surface reduces the use of oil and aids in taking out the perfect slice of lasagna from the pan.
The skillet has cool side handles to hold it steady. But the side handles are too small to get a proper grip. The lid also has a heat-resistant knob to safely remove it when it is hot. There is no mention by the brand that the pan can be washed in the dishwasher. So we recommend you hand wash the pan with soapy water. As the pan has a nonstick coating you do not require to scrub the remnants out of the food.
7. DeLonghi Electric Skillet
Highlighted Features
DeLonghi lives up to its name and even exceeds its predecessors with this brilliant electric skillet. Packed with a hoard of functions, it is designed to give importance to functionality, design, and versatility, all of which are achieved at a very affordable price tag.
This black rectangular skillet is made out of aluminum and has a heating element embedded in the skillet for greater heat distribution. There is even heating and some places do heat up a little more but the skillet is engineered to prevent any food from burning or scorching. The non-stick lining at the bottom of the pan aids in this. It is also very easy to clean after cooking: even the most stubborn stains come off with just a little detergent. The temperature control is great with both high and low settings as well as a Warm Mode suitable for buffets, etc.
The plastic handles remain cool and form parts of the leg that holds the skillet. It doesn’t wobble and sits perfectly well on countertops as well as on dinner tables. With its stylish classic design, it works great for buffets and serves a large crowd. The capacity of the skillet is large: it can feed large families or prepare meals for parties.
It maintains a steady temperature without shutting off like some skillets. It may radiate some heat onto the countertop as well so it is recommended you use some kind of base to sit it. The tempered lid allows you to see the food inside and it fits snugly, preventing heat or flavors to escape. The lid also has an adjustable vent which you can open or close depending on whether you require letting off moisture or not.8. Black & Decker Electric Skillet
Highlighted Features
The Black & Decker electric skillet is unique from others for mentioning the temperature in two scales. Not all countries use the same unit and the unit also varies from recipe to recipe. This skillet has a sleek outlook and can be used on the dining table directly. The small side handles can be uncomfortable holding the skillet while moving from place to place.
The food on the skillet will stay hot if you set it low temperature and you can interact with your guest while having dinner. The lid has a cool-touch handle so that you don't have to use mitts on the table. Cleaning is not a bother for this skillet. Dismount the base from electric parts and place it in the dishwasher. However, the lid does not have ventilation to release the steam. The steam may turn the food soggy and not fresh to eat.
9. Hamilton Beach Electric Skillet
Highlighted Features
The temperature range for Hamilton Beach electric skillet is from 200 degrees to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to this variation, it is possible to make pancakes, omelets, or bake lasagna or pasta in this skillet. The electricity aids in heating the skillet quicker and cooks the food uniformly on all sides.
The skillet is constructed with a combination of copper and other materials. Cooper ensures the sturdiness of the skillet and the ceramic non-stick coating increases the durability to another level. As a result, the coating will not peel out or crack due to small hits.
It comes with a transparent lid that views the food item and a vent hole is added for ventilation of the steam. The skillet is easy to use, store, and clean. By pulling out the cord, it can be placed in the dishwasher and then stored in the cabinet after wiping it dry.
10. Zojirushi Electric Skillet
Highlighted Features
Lastly, we have the electric skillet from Zojirushi which can be used for multiple purposes. First of all, the cooking surface can be disassembled to cook on the stove. You can prepare vegetables to saute in the electric skillet and keep it warm for a long period.
The design of the skillet makes it suitable for use as tabletop cookware. The non-stick coating is titanium that will prevent burning your food at high temperatures. However, avoid using metal spatulas on the skillets that will peel off the non-stick coating. Thoroughly clean the removable cooking surface with soap water to get a long time service. Using the dishwasher to clean the cooking surface or lid is discouraged by the brand.
The knob on the lid can be removed easily with a flat screwdriver if water is gathered there. The heating plate can be cleaned with a wet cloth but do not pour water directly on the plate.
Things To Consider Before Buying An Electric Skillet
Are you looking for a multi-purpose pan that is handy for traveling? An electric skillet can be used for cooking all types of items and its ease of portability. The skillet takes very little space for storage and is easy to maintain.
Size & Shape
An electric skillet is shaped just like an ordinary frying pan. For small family meals (serving about 2 to 4 people), skillets sized between 8 to 12 inches would be fine. If you require a bigger one, go for a size above 12 inches up to about 16 inches.
It can have a circular, square, rectangular, or oblong shape. Unlike a frying pan, it has two, not one, handles on either side. The skillet has a flat bottom, no groves or ridges, so it doesn’t wobble, and sits perfectly on countertops.
Method of Cleaning
Most skillets are safe for use in dishwashers. Some skillet manufacturers, however, recommend strict hand washing only. Others also have some detachable parts that cannot be put in dishwashers and removing them lets you do so. Make sure to dry completely after washing. Also, ensure that your skillet is cooled considerably before washing it. A mild detergent should work fine and help you clean up stubborn grime and stains.
Temperature Control
The benefit of electric skillets is that you can maintain a steady temperature. Temperatures vary between as low as about 175 degrees to approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is sufficient for daily cooking or stir-frying. But for deep frying, you need a higher temperature of at least about 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Electric skillets generally have the option of cooking in either Low heat or High heat. Some skillets have the additional option of a Warm Heat mode.
Lid & Handles
Most electric skillets come with a see-through shatterproof glass lid which has the advantage of allowing you to view the progress of cooking. You don’t have to open the lid, again and again, to view if the meal is ready or not. Some electric skillets also have metallic, non-see-through handles. The lid must also be equipped with some kind of locking mechanism: without it, it would be difficult to transport it, especially if it is heavy with large amounts of soup or stew.
The handles are usually non-metallic and remain cool which means you can hold them without requiring mitts. Even then, employ caution, especially during transport of skillet, or you might burn yourself.
Steam Vents
Adjustable steam vents prevent moisture, heat, and pressure from building up inside the skillet during cooking and let in the excess moisture and pressure. This makes sure you don’t get liquid from your meal oozing out from the sides and spills all over your kitchen counter as soon as you look away.
Drainage Spouts
Drainage Spouts are opening at the bottom of the skillet that allows you to drain off excess liquid, water, gravy, etc. This is beneficial as it prevents filling skillet to the brim and avoids the danger of overflowing, spluttering, or splashing hot liquids. It is also useful to drain off remnants to aid the cleaning process.
Side Measures
An electric skillet with higher side depth is preferred over ones with lower side depth. This is to ensure that a larger quantity of food can fit into it. Also large, oddly-shaped foods like a whole chicken, turkey, or fishes can easily be braised or cooked if the sides are higher. Typical measures are:
Non-Stick Coating
An electric skillet has a non-stick coating at the bottom of the pan. This is to prevent food from sticking to the bottom and hence scorching or burning as a result. The thickness of the coating may vary from skillet to skillet. Also, make sure you use a wooden spoon or spatula to make the coating last longer. Clean or scrub gently with mild detergent to make the coating last. Clean up is significantly easier for non-stick skillets.
Detachable Parts
Detachable parts are components of the electrical skillet that can be removed. This is beneficial for cleaning or washing it, especially if some parts are dishwasher safe and some are not. It is also helpful when storing the skillet in your kitchen cupboard as it will take up less space.
Parts & Procedures
An electric skillet, if not used carefully, may result in unwanted hassles and dangerous accidents. Make sure to read the manuals thoroughly before using them. Know your parts well. Know which component each is and what function it performs.
The temperature control should be plugged into the skillet first before plugging the cord into the socket. Unplug immediately after you’re done with the cooking. Place lid and lock it when transporting skillet full of food: hot gravy may splash about and scald you. Hot oil or grease inside the skillet may splash and burn and it is best to let it stand till it cools.
Do not touch any part of the electric skillet during cooking. The bare parts may get extremely hot and will surely burn you. Never submerge the temperature controls or plugs in water. Also, change the cord immediately if you have a damaged one. Keep children away from the skillet while it is cooking.
FAQ
Are electric skillets better than regular stove pans?
An electric skillet is better than a regular stove pan in various ways. First of the even heat is distributed all around the electric skillets which are not 100% possible for regular pans. Also, you can easily control the temperature of the skillet. Moreover, electric skillets cook faster than regular pans.
Should I season the electric skillets before every use?
The skillets have a non-stick coating for the easy release of food. But seasoning would be a better option in case the food gets stuck to the skillet.
Is it safe to use aluminum foil in the electric skillet?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil for baking in the electric skillet.
Conclusion
An electric skillet is usable for making pancakes, omelets, or frying bacon, sausages, etc. if you have a small kitchen area, the electric skillet will be a great option as you can place it anywhere near an electric socket. The skillet comes with a lid so you don't have to separately look for a lid.
Nonetheless, the temperature setting on the skillets eases the cooking process. If you set it at a low temperature, it will keep the food warm as long as you want. In our article, we elaborately mentioned all the details to help you choose the best electric skillet for your use.
