Sometimes all you need is sufficient space on your stovetop to cook. Other times, you may not even have the stove to cook on.
As such, you might need a compact and versatile cooking companion. And that’s where the electric skillet comes in.
These compact appliances cook just like the normal electric cookers and can be used anywhere as long as there is an electrical outlet.
However, not all skillets work equally well. For this reason, we have prepared an in-depth guide that features the top 7 best electric skillets and what factors to consider when purchasing one.
Our Top 7 Picks
1. Aroma Housewares ASP-137
When it comes to grilling, simmering, or steaming with minimal effort, what you need is an electric skillet that takes up a minimum of your space – and the Aroma Housewares Asp-137 does just that.
First, the skillet comes with a removable temperature control probe that lets you adjust the temperature up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This full-range temperature control provides you with the possibility of cooking at low or high-temperature ranges.
Moreover, the skillet includes an auto-shutoff feature that ensures safe cooking. If your food is ready and you’re not around, this feature automatically shuts off the skillet ensuring that your meal doesn’t burn.
With the ASP-137, there’s no limit the number of meals you can prepare – from Chinese Hot Pot to grilled proteins. One notable healthy option is that you can steam vegetables and meat on the raised grill surface allowing fats to drip away in the process of cooking.
Best of all, this super pot is quite spacious and has a deep large capacity that ensures that your family’s needs are well taken care of. So, regardless of the size of your family, the ASP-137 has got you covered.
Cleaning is also a breeze thanks to the non-stick surface which makes it easier to clean after use. This ensures that it stays stain-free and perfect for daily use. You can also clean it on a dishwasher but you have to remove the electrical parts.
2. BELLA 14607 Electric Skillet
The Bella 14607 Electric Skillet introduces an added touch of versatility and convenience to your kitchen.
Featuring 1200 watts of power, the Bella 14607 heats up relatively fast and has excellent heat distribution thanks to the Special Ceramic Copper Titanium coating. The coating also reduces cooking time to 30% as compared to skillets with a standard non-stick coating.
What’s more, the ultra-durable coating has the capability to resist temperatures of up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit and is free of lead, PTFE, PFOA and other toxic compounds hence safe for your health.
In terms of space, BELLA does a pretty good job. The 12-inch by 12-inches capacity is perfect for delicacies such as risotto, paella, and meatballs with tomato sauce. It’s also capable of fitting up to 10 chicken drumsticks, which is quite commendable.
When the meal is ready, you can serve it straight from the skillet. This means you can use it to serve a buffet meal.
You’ll also love the length and design of the handles. The unit features convenient cool-touch handles for easy handling and a tempered glass lid with a handle at the top that lets you view your meal while it’s cooking.
Cleaning is also easy thanks to the copper titanium coating properties that prevent food from sticking on the surface.
3. Presto 06857 Electric Foldaway Skillet
Designed for excellence, Presto Electric skillet is a great addition to people who have small kitchen spaces.
Made from heavy cast aluminum, this electric skillet measures approximately 16 by 12 by 2.15 inches and can handle temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pan has an inbuilt spout that aids in pouring and venting. The outer lead is made from tempered glass and both of its handles stay cool so that you don’t have to worry about getting burnt.
With this skillet, you can cook nearly anything since it has a non-stick surface and an adjustable temperature control system that lets you set the required temperatures based on what you’re cooking. This means that you don’t have to worry about under-cooking or over-cooking your food since you have all the control in your hands.
Cleaning this skillet is also easy since both the pan and the cover are dishwasher safe. All you have to do is remove the heat control.
4. Proctor Silex 38526 Electric Skillet
If you are looking for an electric skillet that offers the advantages of a frying pan without having to switch on the electric cooker, then the Proctor Silex is the best choice for you.
Whether you want to cook pork chops for dinner or grill cheese for breakfast, the Proctor Silex can handle the task. This skillet heats up quickly and evenly in minutes which helps you cook faster, no matter the meal you are preparing.
Moreover, it comes with an adjustable heat feature with a temperature range of between 200 degrees Fahrenheit and 400 degrees Fahrenheit that lets you keep your food at a serving temperature on a buffet.
What’s more, this affordable electric skillet comes with a robust glass lid that fits perfectly on the 144-square inch cooking surface allowing you to see your food as it cooks. The stable feet also lets it sit comfortably on your kitchen countertop.
Best of all, the Proctor Silex comes with cool-touch handles and a non-stick cooking surface, which makes it easy to clean. All you have to do is remove the temperature control and clean the lid and the skillet with hot soapy water. You can also wash it in a dishwasher to save time.
The manufacturer recommends the use of wooden or plastic utensils with this skillet so as to prolong its lifespan.
5. NESCO ES-08 Electric Skillet
If you are looking for an electric skillet that can take care of your cooking needs while the chef in you rests, then the Nesco ES-08 is the ideal skillet for you.
Measuring 8-inches on each side, this square shape electric skillet this electric skillet can handle just about any cooking task thrown in its way even baking. Its small cooking surface ensures that it heats evenly and that food is cooked without being burnt.
What’s more, it sports 1800 Watts of power which makes it quite powerful and features an easy to read adjustable temperature control that ensures fast and consistent results.
Its compact design makes it a perfect choice for couples or small families of 3-4 people. It’s also very light to carry since it only weighs less than 3.6 pounds, making it an excellent choice of cooking device for students in dormitories or camping enthusiasts.
In terms of safety, the skillet is designed with heat-resistant touch handles and a sturdy tempered glass lid that prevents you from getting burnt. Better still, the pan is made with die-cast aluminum for enhanced durability and its interior is non-stick for easy clean-up.
The unit is dishwasher safe, but you do not have to use a dishwasher since it’s relatively small and you can clean it in a breeze even if you use it to cook every meal.
6. Cuisinart CSK 250
When it comes to Cuisinart and kitchen appliances, there’s literally no slowing down.
Featuring 1800 Watts of power, Cuisinart CSK 250 can simmer, fry, or braise your meals in little to no time.
With a 14-inch cooking surface, the electric skillet can heat to temperatures of up to 450 degrees. The cooking surface is also large enough to let you simmer your cabbage salad without it popping off the pan.
What’s more, the skillet comes with a recipe booklet to help you prepare your family’s favorite meal every day. You can also use the booklet to teach yourself how to prepare other dishes.
When it comes to cleaning, the CSK 250 is dishwasher safe. This means that you can clean it automatically using a dishwasher while ensuring that you are taking care of the nutrition and health needs of your family.
7. De’Longhi BG45 Electric Skillet
The De’Longhi BG45 is another electric skillet that merits a place in your kitchen. Just like you’d expect from a good quality product, the De’Longhi BG45 has received numerous positive reviews on Amazon from hundreds of satisfied customers around the globe. But what makes this unit stand out?
First, this unit measures 15-inches long, 11.5-inches wide, and 3-inches deep. This is a big enough cooking surface that can comfortably prepare a meal for a large family. Moreover, the skillet heats up pretty fast thanks to the 1500 Watts of power and the die-cast aluminum body that ensures even distribution of heat.
With this skillet, you can prepare all kinds of meals such as grills, roasts, and baked foods. The tempered glass lid allows you to see as your food cooks and also know when the contents are ready.
Just like the NESCO ES-08, this unit features dual cool-touch handles that are resistant to heat. If you are a safety mindful person you’ll find these handles to be quite interesting since they are not only safe, but also comfortable such that you won’t need oven gloves to transport the food.
Unlike range burners or ovens, this unit is energy efficient and comes with an embedded heating element that guarantees even cooking at the shortest possible time. Furthermore, it integrates a pour spout that can be used as a spoon rest or a spatula.
It’s non-stick cooking surface makes it easy to clean. You can also clean it in a dishwasher. This helps save time that you’d have otherwise used when washing it manually.
How to choose the best electric skillet
Versatile kitchen appliances such as electric skillets come with different features that might suit or not suit your cooking habits. Therefore, when shopping for an electric skillet, there are some things that you’ll need to consider before spending your hard-earned bucks on an electric skillet.
Size
Electric skillets come in varying sizes from smaller ones to bigger ones that go up to over 40 centimeters. When it comes to size consider the number of people in your family. The larger the family, the larger the skillet and vice versa.
Shape
In addition to size, it also vital to consider the shape of the skillet. Skillets come in different shapes ranging from square, oblong, circular, and rectangular. Oblong and square units accommodate more content since they offer a large space compared to circular units.
Construction material
Consider a skillet that’s made from a durable and non-stick material such as aluminum and copper. While there are models that are made from stainless steel, these models tend to fetch a higher price tag.
Handles
You do not want to buy a skillet that you’ll have to use oven gloves when handling it. When shopping, consider a skillet with heat resistant handles and legs. Heat resistant models are safer and make cooking more convenient.
Temperature controls
The main reason for having an electric skillet is to simplify your cooking. Therefore, to simplify your cooking you’ll need a skillet with adjustable temperature controls that’ll suit different types of meals and keep your food warm as it awaits to be served.
Cleaning
A good skillet should be easy to clean both manually and with a dishwasher. Consider models that are non-stick and ones that come with a removable thermal control panel. Ideally, consider a skillet with a removable AC adapter to prevent accidents from happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between an electric skillet and an electric griddle?
While the two appliances do a similar job, their fundamental difference lies in their design. The electric griddle, for example, has no vertical sides and hence suited for cooking pancakes and other foods that require flipping. The electric skillet, on the other hand, has sidewalls and hence suited for steaming, grilling, and baking.
How hot does an electric skillet get?
Although temperatures vary from unit to unit, most skillets can get up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I clean an electric skillet?
An electric skillet is very easy to clean, all you’ll have to do is put the skillet into a dishwasher or wash it manually. But be careful not to use cleaning products or pads that can cause the non-stick surface to peel.
Why is the electric skillet not heating up?
Chances are that you have not turned on the skillet or it’s not plugged into an outlet. Another reason may be that the temperature control is missing. If none of the above is out of order, the best thing is to contact the manufacturer’s customer service.
Wrapping up
An electric skillet is an important addition to your kitchen appliances and buying it especially for the first time can be daunting. However, with the necessary information, you can make a buying decision in a matter of seconds. We hope that this guide will help you make the best buying decision.
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