An electric skillet is a special pan that utilizes electricity to fry and heat food.
These units are versatile and useful, but not all are good as advertised.
This article will review the best air fryers under $100 and what to consider when buying an air fryer.
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How to Choose the Best Electric Skillet
What makes an electric skillet better than its competition?
Our experts searched the market up and down to find top-rated pans, and here are the factors considered in the process.
Does It Have a Non-Sticky Cooking Surface?
The first thing to consider is that an electric skillet should come with a non-stick cooking surface.
That guarantees multiple benefits, including that the entire food preparation process will be easier. Apart from that, the surface will last longer, and it will be simpler to clean.
Many manufacturers use ceramic coatings to ensure the surface is non-sticky.
Some will add extra layers from titanium or copper, which can improve scratch resistance. That is convenient if you use a spoon or other utensils while cooking or serving.
Cooking Capacity
When it comes to cooking capacity, the electric skillets vary significantly.
Some manufacturers mention a cup-wise capacity, while others simply provide the depth and cooking surface measurements.
An average electric skillet will have a cooking area with a 12-inch diameter. If you are often cooking for yourself, you can manage with a smaller unit than that. On the other hand, those who want to prepare meals for large parties should look for a 16-inch skillet.
A skillet should have a couple of inches of depth. The deeper the pan is, the more cooking space available. It also makes serving easier and helps to keep the entire process mess-free.
The largest skillet can prepare dishes for up to six people at once.
Power and Temperature Settings
Electric skillets are surprisingly powerful and capable of achieving high-temperature levels fast. Their power can vary from 500W to 1,500W or higher. Whatever you choose, they will be capable of reaching 400-450F temperatures, but less powerful units could take more time.
You want an electric skillet that allows you to choose the desired temperature setting. Although most units only allow several different adjustments, it will increase the pan’s versatility. Please note that these units are mostly for fast cooking, such as frying or sautéing.
Other Features to Consider
Here are some other details that could help you choose the best electric skillet:
- Lid – most lids are made of tempered glass. The knob should remain cool to the touch to prevent any mishaps during the cooking process.
- Base – the base should be made of durable and long-lasting materials. It should have legs and rubber feet to ensure optimal stability.
- Weight – a light unit might be easier to move around.
- Cleaning process – at least some components should be suitable to wash in a dishwasher.
- Design – colors and the overall appearance should fit your taste.
Top Electric Skillet Brand Comparison
[wptb id=4738]Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet
The first thing you notice about the Presto Electric Skillet is that it has a unique design.
That is because of the leg shape, which ensures a distinctive appearance, but also the necessary stability.
Unfortunately, the quality of the construction could be better. It is also not the easiest to store the unit since it takes more space due to the unusual leg shape.
However, if you don’t mind those minor flaws, you will realize that this product delivers plenty of bang for the buck.
For starters, it guarantees a low power with the 1,500W heating element.
The element is not only powerful but also durable and will serve you for a long time. The heating distribution is even, and hot spots are almost non-existent.
The manufacturer puts all this power at your control. You use the temperature dial to choose the desired heat settings. Thanks to that, you can use the skillet for a wide range of meals, and always cook them perfectly.
The capacity of the unit is impressive since it comes with a 16-inch base and high sidewalls. It is another element that ensures maximum energy efficiency when using this skillet.
You can cook for multiple persons at once, and the entire process is simple. The handles and the lid knob remain heat-resistant at all times.
The cooking surface is non-sticky and of high quality. You will also find that the cleaning process is simple, especially because the entire unit is dishwasher-friendly.
All that you need to do is to remove the dial control, and you can wash the device in the machine.
Pros
- A durable and powerful heating element
- The high-quality non-stick cooking surface
- The entire unit is dishwasher-friendly
- Adjustable temperature makes it easy to find the optimal heat level
Cons
- Not the easiest to store due to the leg shape
- The legs could be more durable
Elite Gourmet EG-6203
Elite Gourmet EG-6203 is a skillet that features a unique honeycomb pattern of the cooking surface.
This unique platform contributes that the area remains non-sticky, and the marbleized coating helps to achieve that goal.
The textured surface is also easier to clean, which makes the maintenance process more convenient.
You will only need a bit of oil when cooking with this electric skillet. It comes with a tempered glass lid, which retains flavor and moisture.
All juices head to the integrated spout, and you can drain them whenever needed. You will appreciate the recipe book that comes with the unit, as it will give many different ideas for the upcoming meals.
The product features a generous cooking surface. You can pick between the standard and the XL version of the item, and the latter offers a 16” x 13” x 3.15” pan, which is enough to cook for a large family. The excellent depth and the high splatter-proof wall also make serving easier.
You won’t find many skillets more powerful than this one since it comes with 1,500W of power.
The handles and knob are heat-resistant, so there is no danger of burning your hands. As for the maximum temperature, it is set at 400, while the lowest heat setting is 200F.
During the cooking process, you will notice that there are some hot spots on the cooking surface. However, you will learn how to maximize the unit’s potential quickly.
The cleaning process is simple, and the lid is dishwasher-friendly. However, you cannot submerge the base into the water because of the attached heating element.
Pros
- The high sidewalls ensure additional cooking capacity
- Powerful and capable of cooking meals fast
- The honeycomb pattern provides maximum resistance to sticking
- Built-in spout for draining off excess juices
Cons
- Not possible to submerge the base in the water
- Uneven heat distribution with notable hot spots
Dash DRG214AQ Family Size Rapid-Heat Electric Skillet
Do you need to cook a fantastic meal for a large party quickly? Dash DRG214AQ allows you to prepare a dish for up to six people at once.
The manufacturer describes its capacity as 20-cup, which turns into a 25-inch deep skillet with a cooking surface that has a 14-inch diameter.
It only takes checking out the measurements to understand this electric skillet is large. You can prepare anything you want, ranging from pizza and pancakes to burgers and stir fry.
The unit won’t lose a second more than necessary to reach the set temperature. Thanks to the incredible 1,440W power capability, it can reach 450F in a couple of minutes.
You can control the temperature with the dial at the side of the unit. However, it is not a classic dial because it only comes with three heat settings – low, medium, and high. Please note that even the low setting is quite hot, which means this skillet isn’t the best choice for slow cooking.
The quality of construction is decent. You will notice that the cooking surface is non-sticky and durable, but the device itself might get a bit wobbly. That is why you should position it carefully whenever you use it.
As expected, the lid is made of tempered glass, and its knob is heat-resistant. The same is true for the handles, which guarantees that the device can be used safely. Thanks to the silicone seal, the lid helps to retain moisture and flavor.
It is worth noting that you can choose between three color combinations – aqua, black, and red. That ensures everyone will find their favorite easily.
Pros
- A huge cooking surface that can serve up to six people
- Pick between three different color combinations
- Adjustable temperature with the maximum heat set at 450F
- The silicone seal helps to capture moisture and flavor
Cons
- Not the best choice for slow cooking options
- It might get a bit wobbly
BELLA (14607) Electric Skillet
Many users who tried BELLA Electric Skillet consider it a premium cooking device, and for good reasons. For starters, this is a large skillet that offers a generous cooking surface.
That means you can prepare meals for multiple members of the household at once. However, the main advantage of this unit lies in its specific coating.
The manufacturer used a non-stick ceramic coating that some users might even find slippery. As soon as you learn how everything works, you will appreciate that nothing can stick to the surface. The coating also has a reinforcing copper titanium layer.
Its purpose is to secure maximum scratch resistance and strength. That ensures the coating remains in perfect condition for a long time.
It also simplifies the cleaning process because it will be easy to remove any residue from the base.
The skillet features a base of cast aluminum and a tempered glass lid.
It remains cool to the touch, as well as the knobs on the sides, which means the handling will be easy. On top of that, you can place the lid in a dishwashing machine.
You will find that the Bella electric skillet comes with multiple cooking functions.
That includes frying, sautéing, steaming, and roasting your food. It is possible to activate the “Keep Warm” mode, but please note that it is a bit stronger than usual.
Due to the 1,200W of sheer power, even that mode reminds more of simmering than keeping food warm.
Make sure that you position the skillet close to an electrical socket. The cord is relatively short, and it might not be the safest option to use an extension cord.
Pros
- Durable non-stick ceramic coating
- Versatile skillet with multiple cooking functions
- Incredibly fast at heating up and cooling down
- Easy to handle and clean
Cons
- The cord is a bit shorter than expected
- “Keep Warm” setting seems more like simmering
Elite Gourmet Personal Nonstick Stir Fry Griddle Pan Non-stick Electric Skillet
Elite Gourmet designed an entry-level electric skillet that features a real bargain deal. That makes the product suitable for students or those looking for an affordable solution to use in RVs and camping. The item’s compact size makes it portable and easy to move from one location to another. Once again, that goes in favor of those who plan to use it in dorm rooms and users who want to move it frequently.
The skillet is also suitable for small kitchens, and those who don’t want this product taking plenty of space. It is worth noting that you have a maximum available cooking area with this unit. Its general size is 8.5 inches, and 7.5 inches is the surface designed for preparing food. The surface is non-sticky, which is convenient and perfect for beginners who aren’t that experienced in meal preparation.
As for the power, the skillet’s maximum is 650W, but the device doesn’t have temperature control. That means it will reach high temperatures in minutes. It also has the potential to cook and burn food quickly, which is why you need to be around all the time.
The product comes with a tempered glass lid, which ensures that moisture and flavors are locked. The vent releases steam and the knob remains cool to the touch so that you don’t burn yourself. You will also appreciate that the lid is dishwasher-safe.
Elite Gourmet Electric Skillet is as simple as it can get. You only need to press a single button to activate it and start cooking food. The ETL certificate ensures that the unit meets all safety regulations.
Pros
- A compact-sized electric skillet
- Fast in achieving high temperature
- A generous non-stick cooking area
- Safety ETL certificate
Cons
- No temperature control available
- It can burn food quickly, which is why it requires constant attention
Summary
You should never forget that the best electric skillet is the one that meets all your needs.
That is why it is smart to begin by assessing your expectations and picking the product accordingly.
Our experts selected the top five skillets in the market, and you can’t go wrong by choosing any of them.