When shopping for an electric skillet, you’ll find that they come in many different shapes and sizes. Electric skillets are a type of frying pan that gets plugged into an outlet. They prepare meals without the use of a stovetop. Before buying one of these versatile kitchen appliances, there are a number of factors that you should consider. Each electric skillet serves a specific goal. If you know what you want, then the shopping process will be much easier.
After extensively reviewing and comparing dozens of different models of electric skillets, we chose three units that we consider to be the cream of the crop.
Best Overall: Zojirushi EP-RAC50 Gourmet d’Expert Electric Skillet
The Zojirushi EP-RAC50 Gourmet d’Expert is, in our opinion, the best electric skillet currently on the market. It is our top pick and we give it our highest recommendation. This 1350-watt, multi-functional electric skillet comes with two different inserts: a skillet insert for grilling meats/veggies and a pot insert for making stews and soups. Both inserts are coated with a very high quality titanium-ceramic non-stick material.
Additionally, the cooking pans are a deep 2.5″ and have broad 12″ cooking surfaces, allowing you to sautee or grill very generous quantities of your favorite foods. The Zojirushi EP-RAC50’s heating elements, which are located at the base of the unit, distributes heat very evenly throughout the skillet’s surface. Additionally, its temperature dial gives you a great deal of control over the unit’s heat output – you can set it to as low as 176 degrees or as high as 430 degrees.
We mentioned earlier that this was a multi-functional appliance; that’s because the cooking pan inserts can be detached from the base and placed directly on to your stovetop, allowing you to switch between the two at any time for added versatility and convenience. The Zojirushi Gourmet d’Expert also has a tempered glass lid that will allow you to keep a constant eye on your food, and the built-in handles always stay cool no matter how hot the skillet gets. Priced at just under $140, this isn’t the cheapest electric skillet around, but it’s well worth the investment if you care about quality and convenience. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Value: Cuisinart CSK-150 Oval Electric Skillet
If you’re looking to get the best “bang for your buck,” look no further than the Cuisinart CSK-150. This powerful 1500-watt electric skillet measures 17″ x 13″ x 9″ and provides a 12″ x 15″ nonstick cooking surface that is made from high-quality, brushed stainless steel. Its large surface gives it a considerable advantage over other electric skillets on the market. The Cuisinart CSK-150 cooks food very evenly and heats up rapidly as well. It also has a temperature control dial with an indicator light that can be adjusted from “warm” to a maximum temperature of 450 degrees.
This excellently designed and constructed oval-shaped electric skillet has relatively high sides that go up approximately 2.5″. This is an important feature when it comes to cooking large quantities of food, as ingredients can be allowed to simmer without them spilling out over the pan. Another advantage is that it’s really easy to clean this skillet’s surface, which is fully dishwasher safe. Additionally, this electric skillet has a see-through glass lid, which makes it very easy to monitor your food as it’s cooking. Furthermore, the glass lid has a stainless-steel rim with large handles that stay cool to the touch, making it easy for you to transport the skillet from one place to another. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Budget Model: Presto 06852 Electric Skillet
If you’re looking for something affordable but don’t want to sacrifice too much in the way of quality, then the Presto 06852 is your best bet. It’s priced very affordably at just under $60, making it great for people with limited budgets. The Presto 06852 was designed for people who just need a simple electric skillet that will get the job done without any frills, gimmicks or hoopla.
Although the Presto 06852 doesn’t have all the latest and greatest “bells and whistles” like some of the higher end models on the market, it’s still a fairly good electric skillet, especially when you take into consideration how cheap it is. This versatile electric skillet can be used for roasting, griddling, baking and braising. Additionally, this glass-covered, jumbo-sized skillet has a large 16″ wide cooking surface and is easy to use, clean and maintain.
It is especially great for when you want to serve food “buffet style” right from the skillet, as it can keep food warm until your guests arrive. This skillet is made out of heavy-cast aluminum and has a relatively good non-stick surface that is vastly superior to the Teflon that you would normally find on other, cheaper models. You’ll also find that clean-up is a cinch – just place the skillet in your dishwasher and your’re done. Read reviews on Amazon >
How To Select The Best Electric Skillet
Your Cooking Style
The first thing you should think about is your cooking style. If you cook a lot of soups or stews, then you should choose an electric skillet with a glass lid. This allows you to view the contents of the pan without lifting the lid. Since soups are generally cooked at a low temperature, you don’t want to release heat by removing the lid. If you make meals that only take a few minutes to cook, then a plastic lid will be fine. Also, do you do a lot of cooking that leaves behind heavy residue? If so, you should probably consider getting an electric skillet that is made out of stainless steel.
Temperature Controls & Heating Power
You will also want to think about temperature controls. Some skillets have a high and low heat option, while others have a warm setting. Picture the way you prepare meals to figure out how to incorporate temperature controls into your cooking. If you like to deep-fry, then you will need a skillet that can reach at least 450 degrees. Skillets that only go up to 400 degrees are adequate for stir-frying, but may not have the heating power for deep frying.
Shape & Size
Another important consideration is size and shape. Since electric skillets are made in a number of ways, there are multiple options to choose from. Most skillets are between 10 and 16 inches in diameter. When picking a size, figure out what kind of food you will be making. Not only that, but you’ll also need to determine how much counter space you have. Electric skillets typically come in three different sizes: square, rectangular or oval.
Cleaning Method
How an electric skillet is cleaned is another important factor to consider. If you don’t like to wash dishes by hand, then pick an electrical skillet that can be placed in the dishwasher. Not all skillets are dishwasher safe. In fact, some can only be cleaned with a rag and solution.
Your Budget
The final thing you’ll want to consider is your budget. Determine how much money you’re willing to spend on an electric skillet. Setting a price range helps narrow down the options by filtering out the ones you know you can’t afford. Never purchase an electric skillet just because it’s inexpensive. The same thing goes for choosing the most expensive one. You are more likely to find the right one for you when keeping an open mind.
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