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Learn & WatchSubmitCook Up A Storm With The Best Electric Skillet
Published: 13 Jan 2023Perfectly golden crumpets with oozing butter, decadent crostini, and mouthwatering meatballs – I was always amazed at what my grandmother could do with an electric skillet. She didn’t have much kitchen space, but we never arrived without a feast prepared with that one handy kitchen gadget. Whether you’re cooking for one in a dorm or an entire family in a big home, this piece of equipment offers a no-fuss, no-mess cooking solution. Some models even double as a serving dish. Unlike a pot or roasting tray, the skillet can go straight from cooking to the table with style. We’ve listed the hottest electric skillets in 2023 to help you choose a device that will last years and meet your cooking requirements. In addition, check out the guide below to learn about practical features you will want to look out for when choosing the best skillet for your needs.
Show contentsPremier Electric Skillets Worth Considering in 2023Buyer's Guide to Finding the Highest-Rated Electric Skillet
From fried eggs and French toast to meatballs and stir-fry, an electric skillet is versatile, easy to use, safe, and compact. No need for pots, pans, and a stovetop, this gadget has it all in one, making it perfect for tight kitchen spaces and convenient when you don’t feel like a big mess. You’ll want to choose your device carefully to ensure it has all the features you need. It’s often worth paying that little bit extra for non-stick, high-quality materials than getting something that won’t last even a year. Here’s what you need to consider when buying the best electric skillet for your home.
Skillet Size and Shape
Electric skillets come in various shapes and sizes including round, square, rectangular, and oval designs. The size you choose will depend on how many people you plan to cook for. Opt for a deep. Higher edges also allow you to stir and cook liquid items without spilling and make it easier to cook larger roasts or whole chickens.
Some skillets plug directly into a power socket while others are composed of two separate elements being the thermo-control base panel and the actual cooking skillet. The unit with a separate base and pan allows you to place the skillet in the dishwasher since the electrical components are not attached to the pan itself.
Square or rectangular units generally offer more cooking space than round ones. A small unit will be ideal for frying one or 2 eggs but might not be the best choice if you’re preparing a number of steaks or whole chicken for the family.
Regardless of the shape and size you choose, electric skillets offer a faster and convenient way to whip up a meal.
Material
Ensure that the device you choose has a non-stick coating. These are generally Teflon-coated aluminum or stainless steel.
The device should also have thermoregulators that distribute heat evenly to ensure your food cooks equally no matter where it is positioned in the pan. This also allows the pan to hold a consistent temperature.
Handles
Check whether the skillet has handles and if it does, that they are heat resistant. Some skillets can be removed from the cooker base, which means you’ll need to use a heating pad or hot pot pad when placing the dish on the table. Other designs set the skillet on legs. These should also be heat resistant so no damage is caused to the area where the unit is placed.
Temperature Control
Some skillets allow you to change the heat setting on a dial from 1 to 10, getting hotter as the numbers increase, while others may show you the temperature. Check the maximum temperature that the skillet heats to. This should be at least 400°F. Although units with lower max temperatures will still do the trick for small items, it’s more efficient to get something that will heat quickly and effectively.
You also want to check that you can change the temperature to more than just 2 or 3 settings. You will want a wide range of temperature options depending on what you are cooking and how far into the cooking process you are. Adjustability and temperature control are key.
Lid
A glass lid is ideal since it allows you to see your food cooking. The lid should have a heat-resistant handle as well as ventilation holes to prevent pressure from building up inside which can cause liquids to spill out the sides.
Drainage Spout
If you’re only planning on making grilled sandwiches and scrambled eggs a spout may not be necessary, however, it is a useful feature for making gravy, pouring soup, broth, or grease out of the pan. Designs with a spout generally incorporate one lipped edge on the skillet wall for mess-free pouring.
Warranty
The electric skillet should have at least a one-year warranty.
Cleaning
Always disconnect the electrical components before cleaning the skillet. Be careful not to get any water on the adaptor. Skillets that are separate from the thermo-control base are sometimes dishwasher friendly. The base should be wiped with a damp cloth but never submerged in water. It is similar to a blender where you can wash the jug but need to keep the electrical base component free from contact with water.
Never scrub the non-stick surface with hard sponges and don’t try to scrape off any stuck pieces of food with a knife. This will scratch the surface and remove the non-stick coating. If there is stubborn dirt, soak it in soapy water to soften it before washing it with a scratch-free sponge or cloth.
Storage
If the unit is fairly big, you may want to check if any of the components fold up for storage. Some units allow the base or legs to fold for a compact storage solution when not in use.
Premier Electric Skillets Worth Considering in 2023
1Presto Foldaway Skillet
– Best OverallCheck On AmazonThis 16-inch electric skillet features a convenient fold-away design for easy storage when not in use. When you’re ready to start cooking, unfold the handles, clip the skillet onto the base, and set the temperature as desired. Once the full unit with the base is set up, the length, including the handles, will take up 19.81 inches of counter space with an 8-inch height. The black heavy cast aluminum base has an interior and exterior non-stick coating which prevents burning, sticking, and makes cleaning a breeze. With a tempered glass lid and a heat-resistant handle, the skillet is ideal to double up as a serving dish. The pan is just under 16 inches long, 11.87 inches wide, and has a good wall height of 2.87 inches to prevent splatters and spills.
Pros- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Built-in spout for the mess-free pouring of sauces and cooking juices
- Foldaway design for space-saving storage
- Can be used for cooking and as a serving dish
Cons- You may find the unit slightly too big if you’re only cooking for one
2Presto 16-Inch Skillet
– Runner-UpCheck On AmazonThe Presto 06852 features a simple and convenient, yet very classy design. This handy appliance allows you to whip up a meal for the whole family in no time at all. Its heavy cast 16-inch aluminum base has high side walls with plenty of cooking capacity. The pan is attached to 4 base legs that prevent countertop damage and allow it to be used as a serving dish. Its heat control dial plugs directly into the device making it portable, lightweight, and easy to store. In addition, a non-stick coating covers the interior and exterior of the pan for easy cleaning, and no-stick cooking.
Pros- The clear tempered glass lid allows you to see inside
- Heat-resistant handles for safety
- The pan can be used for cooking and as a serving dish
- Large size with high side edges offers optimal cooking space
Cons- No pouring spout
3Presto Ceramic Skillet
– Honorable MentionCheck On AmazonFor stews, casseroles, stir-fry, pancakes, roasts, and grilling, this ceramic unit is more energy-efficient than a stovetop burner or oven and cooks faster too. The 16-inch pan features a durable heavy cast aluminum base with ceramic non-stick coating on the interior and exterior. Its high edges offer superb cooking capacity, so don’t be shy with servings. The heating temperature ranges up to 400°F and is easily adjustable on the temperature dial. Safety features include heat-proof side handles as well as a tempered glass lid with a heat-proof top handle.
Pros- Non-stick coating for easy cleaning
- The 4-Legged design keeps the hot cooker off the counter surface
- Large cooking capacity
- Heat resistant handles for safe use
Cons- Although the unit can be used as a serving dish, it doesn’t look as elegant as other designs to place on a dining table
4Presto Griddle & Skillet
– Best Electric Cooking SetCheck On AmazonIf you don’t have an oven or stove at home, this is the perfect alternative. Even if you do, this electric cooking set is more energy-efficient, easy to clean, and cooks faster. The 19-inch griddle is incredibly easy to use and the non-stick surface makes it convenient to cook healthy meals with less grease, but still get a great sear. Cook eggs, bacon, burgers, pancakes, and more. The unit includes a drip tray and features a 254-square-inch heavy cast aluminum base. The accompanying electric frying pan has a 16-inch non-stick aluminum base set on 4 base legs. The temperature dial can heat up to 400°F and unplugs easily allowing you to use the pan conveniently as a serving dish once the cooking is done.
Pros- Get a griddle and skillet in one purchase
- Energy-saving cooking
- Non-stick surfaces make healthy cooking and cleaning a breeze
- The skillet comes with a perfect fit, tempered glass lid
Cons- There is no integrated pouring spout in the skillet design
5Presto 11-Inch Skillet
– Best Small SkilletCheck On AmazonThe Presto 06620 is the ideal cooking device if you’re only cooking for one to 4 people. Its 11-inch size is an unobtrusive addition to a dorm or smaller kitchen space. Roast, fry, grill, and make a stew in this practical and convenient non-stick device without worrying about spending hours cleaning up. The black base is accompanied by a white EverNu plastic lid that won’t dent, chip, or warp. Heat-resistant handles make it easy to transfer the skillet to the table and keep your food warm inside.
Pros- High edges allow you to make casseroles, and stews without spilling
- Easy-clean non-stick surface
- Compact 11-inch size
- Keep your food warm by using the skillet as a serving dish too
Cons- If you’re cooking for a large family, the 11-inch size may be on the small side
People Also Asked
Q: Can I bake in an electric skillet?A: Units that have a skillet separate from the thermo-control base can sometimes be used in the oven as well. This means you can start your dish by frying components on the heated base and then transfer the dish into the oven for baking. Skillets that have an electrical component attached to the pan should never be placed in the oven.
Q: How long does an electric skillet last?A: Depending on how often you use the skillet and how well you care for it, it should last over 5 years.
Q: Which is more energy efficient: an electric skillet or a stovetop burner?A: An electric frying pan uses less energy than a stovetop burner. It also doesn't heat up your kitchen as much during cooking.
The Cuisine Review Team’s in-depth guides and product reviews are designed to help you pick the best products for a beautiful and professional-grade kitchen and dining room. The Cuisine Review Team curates this content, and Cuisine’s editorial staff is not involved. Cuisine at Home is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.