Top 5 Best Electric Skillets Mar 15, 2020 yumme Equipment 0 If you need more cooktop space in your kitchen, an electric skillet is the perfect solution. Simply plug one of these things in and cook up a side while your main course simmers away on the stovetop. The market for these multi-purpose cooking appliances has grown considerably in recent years and there are now options to suit all needs and budgets. To help you find the best machine for your kitchen, here is our take on the top five best electric skillets in 2020. Check Out the Best Electric Skillet of 2020 at Amazon Best Electric Skillet Top 5 electric skillets of 2020: Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet De’Longhi BG45 Electric Skillet Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet Oster CKSTSKFM05 16-Inch Electric Skillet Rival CKRVSK11 11-Inch Square Electric Skillet You can find more details and electric skillet reviews below! Rank#1#2#3#4#5 Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Skillet De'Longhi BG45 Electric Skillet Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet Oster CKSTSKFM05 16-Inch Electric Skillet Rival CKRVSK11 11-Inch Electric Skillet Specifications Weight:8.6 lbs8.9 lbs8.5 lbs9 lbs5.3 lbs Dimensions:8 x 20 x 12.5 inches8.4 x 19.3 x 11.8 inches9 x 23 x 13 inches13.4 x 6.8 x 19.8 inches12.5 x 6.2 x 16.6 inches Skillet size:16" x 12"16" x 12"16" x 12"16" x 12"11" x 11" Skillet depth:2.75"3"3"3"2.5" Dishwasher safe:yesyesyesyesyes Removable base (for storage):yesnononono Pour spout:yesnononono Warranty:1 year1 year1 year1 year1 year Ratings Ease of use:5/54/55/54/53/5 Cleaning:5/55/55/55/55/5 Durability:5/55/54/53/53/5 5. Rival CKRVSK11 11-Inch Square Electric Skillet The Rival Electric Skillet is a simple product as a very affordable price. The 11-inch square cooking surface may be a little small for some, but it really benefits when taking advantage of the skillets dual function as a buffet server. Simple controls make it easy to use and both the pan and the lid are dishwasher safe for straightforward cleaning. The Rival is a no-frills product, but a good choice for those on a budget. 4. Oster CKSTSKFM05 16-Inch Electric Skillet, Black and Stainless Steel Oster is well known for producing reliable and affordable kitchen appliances and the cheaply priced Electric Skillet provides more than enough to satisfy the budget-conscious. Like the George Foreman, the Oster provides a 16 x 12-inch cooking surface and a tempered glass lid. There is also a temperature probe for easy temperature setting and adjustment, and cool touch handles for buffet serving. A thin aluminum base makes it slightly difficult to maintain a steady heat, but this is only a minor drawback. 3. Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover Next up in our list of electric skillet reviews is the excellent Presto 16-inch electric skillet. Presto is the leading name in skillets and this product really gets the job done in terms of both cooking and serving. A deluxe, non-stick surface – inside and out – ensures stick-free cooking and easy cleaning and the pan and lid are both dishwasher safe. Design is elegant and heat is even across the surface – a great choice. 2. De’Longhi BG45 Electric Skillet De’Longhi is well-known for making a range of healthy cooking machines for the kitchen, and the BG45 Electric Skillet carries on the brand’s reputation for producing quality goods. This 16 x 12-inch pan features a non-stick coating and an embedded heating element that helps keep the skillet heat balanced as you cook, although we’ve seen some rare reports of uneven heating. This elegantly designed product also comes with a tempered glass lid and adjustable steam vent for more precise cooking, and results are very consistent. 1. Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet Making a second entry in the list for Presto, the Electric Foldaway Skillet is everything that a skillet should be. Featuring Presto’s non-stick surface, a heavy-cast aluminum base and simple heating control, this machine is a must-have for any kitchen. Why this machine gets the nod over the BG45 though, is due to two design features: the built in spout for pouring liquids and fold down handles to detach the pan from the base for convenient under-counter storage. Also available in the Presto 07115 ceramic 12-inch version in addition to the 16-inch, this Presto is our best electric skillet available and the one most worthy of your dollars. 2020 Electric Skillet Buying Guide — How to choose the best electric skillet? Are you considering buying an electric skillet? Well, why wouldn’t you? It’s the age of convenience, after all. Gone are the days when you had to yield to conventional rules in life. Today, if you need something unique, you’ll surely find it on the market. Cooking is no different. Nonstick electric skillet has revolutionized the way you cook by providing either extra cooking space or a handy ”stove away from the stove.” When talking about convenience, cooking utensils really can’t get more accommodating than the electric skillet. After all, the only thing you need is a power source (and some food to cook). Why You Need an Electric Skillet Whether you’re looking to make a quick stir-fry or an elaborate three-course meal, electric skillets have got you covered. But, unlike the traditional pots and pans that go on the stove, these little helpers can lend you a hand anywhere. So, why do you need an electric skillet? Well, sometimes, you simply won’t have access to a kitchen. Should that stop you from cooking? Of course not. If you are going camping, live in a dorm, or are vacationing in a hotel room without a kitchen, bring your electric skillet along. You won’t regret it. What’s more, electric skillets come in handy even when you do have a fully equipped kitchen. During the holidays, one stove isn’t enough for all the delicious treats you want to feast on. Having an electric frying pan provides extra cooking space. It can even keep the food warm while you’re setting the table or entertaining your guests. But that’s not all. A quality electric pan has a nonstick surface and allows for temperature control. With a heat gauge and an even heating surface, you’ll be able to cook complicated meals like a true pro. The Magic Behind the Electric Skillet Electric pans are power-operated — they have a resistor that turns power into heat. The thermostat, which is entirely under your control, regulates that heat. The main benefit of this appliance is that the heat distribution is even throughout the entire surface. In addition, you don’t even need that much electricity to use it. How Much Power Do You Need? On average, the best skillets use around 1500 watts or 120 volts. However, you can go as low as 1000 or as high as 1800 watts. Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs. If you’re an avid RV traveler, you might want to go with a lower-wattage version. But keep in mind that such low energy consumption usually entails a few flaws. For example, a low-wattage electric frying pan may lack features such as temperature control. The Battle of the Giants — Skillet vs. Frying Pan When it comes to the similarities, both of these flat-bottomed appliances can be used for searing or frying food — hence the similarities in the name (frying pans). However, the electric version has a better heat distribution system and usually offers you more space to work on. It also comes with a nonstick coating in most cases. The same can’t be said for the regular frying pan. Furthermore, the electric version, especially a large electric pan, usually has high sides that allow for more diversity while cooking food. More often than not, you can use it to both stir-fry and deep-fry food. Finally, there’s also a difference in the handles. An electric pan has two handles instead of one, and they are usually the “stay-cool” kind. What to Consider When Choosing the Best Electric Frying Pan An electric pan is a must in every household. It makes the entire cooking process easier, smoother, and more convenient. Still, you can’t just go out and get the first one you see — or at least we don’t recommend that. So how can you pick the best skillet out there? Efficiency and Versatility of Features Shape Just like anything in life, electric frying pans come in various shapes. You can go for the circular, oblong, or rectangular version. The rectangular pans usually offer more space. Therefore, if you’re looking for an appliance that will allow you to cook a large quantity of food (away from the stove), you might want to consider that option. Size Size and shape are codependent when it comes to electric frying pans. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can choose a size that fits your needs precisely since the diameter varies from 10 to 16 inches. However, if you need to use a small electric pan on a daily basis and would only use a big pan once or twice a year (for example, during the holiday season), you might want to opt for a smaller model. A big pan will eat up more electricity, essentially wasting it since you don’t need all that space. Materials You can pick and choose the materials your pan is made of, but know that every material has its own benefits and drawbacks. A stainless steel electric skillet is pricier than its aluminum counterpart, for example, because although aluminum heats up quickly, it doesn’t retain heat as well as stainless steel. The same goes for a copper electric skillet. Furthermore, a ceramic pan is more eco-friendly, not to mention easier to clean. Depth and Types of Cooking The sides are crucial when you’re cooking — the deeper the pan, the bulkier the food you can cook. That might not sound important when you’re thinking about breakfast foods like eggs and pancakes. But consider that once in a while, you might want to fry an entire chicken. With a deep-sided pan, you’ll be able to fit oddly shaped food into it. The depth of the pan determines its versatility. Still, no matter which pan you go for, it is likely to offer a variety of choices when it comes to cooking — frying, deep-frying, searing, sautéing, heating, grilling, simmering, etc. Heat Range and Balanced and Consistent Heating Because convenience and versatility are the main reasons you’re looking into electric frying pans, you must get one that has a wide heat range. As you know, some foods demand high heat, while others are best cooked on low to medium heat. However, sometimes, you have to start on high heat and finish on low (think of those juicy steaks), which is why the heat range is a crucial factor to consider. In general, you’ll want a skillet that allows for versatile heat control. Pick one that has more than three heat options (preferably five of them) that range from 200 to 450 degrees. Even better, choose one with a temperature gauge. One of the main benefits of electric pans is balanced heating. The entire surface gets evenly hot, and there are no hot spots like in a regular pan that you use on the stove. The best skillets have a heating system that allows for even heat distribution (like a heating conductor in an M shape, for example, that heats up the entire surface). What’s more, the shape of the pan — a wide bottom surface with straight deep sides — is also helpful when it comes to heat distribution. Variations in Quality Not every pan is made in the same way. As we have already mentioned, they are quite versatile when it comes to performance and efficiency. But what about the features? Which are a must-have, and which ones are just nice bonuses? Nonstick Coating As mentioned, some materials have natural nonstick properties. Stainless steel offers this feature as a given, for example. However, other pans can also have a nonstick surface because most of them come with a protective coating, usually a Teflon one, that prevents the food from sticking to the pan. A nonstick exterior is also a nice bonus. Sometimes, cooking gets quite messy, so having the exterior nonstick coating is beneficial. At the very least, it shortens the cleanup process. Still, not every nonstick coating has the same durability. A Teflon coating is often porous, and you have to be really careful while cleaning it. That’s why some people prefer a ceramic coating — it offers the same results but isn’t that hard to clean. Build Quality The durability of a skillet depends on the materials and the manufacturing process. As you probably know, cast iron skillets can last for decades if you maintain them properly. The same goes for the electric versions. Since iron pans aren’t that common, know that aluminum, stainless steel, and ceramic versions all have different durability levels but can still last you for many years to come. Nevertheless, it’s also essential to pay attention to the material the base is made of. Your pan won’t see many years of use if the base cracks or gives in to time. Even with a stellar pan surface, your skillet will be nothing but a has-been if you don’t choose a sturdy base. We recommend an aluminum one because it’s exceptionally durable. Warranty Even though there’s little chance that your skillet will malfunction, we still recommend that you look into the warranty before going through with the purchase. Whether you’re looking for a big or small electric skillet, know that a two or three-year warranty is the norm. Added Features There’s more to a skillet than the frying surface — or at least there should be. We recommend going for the option that suits your needs the most. However, here’s everything a great skillet can (and should) have. Stay-Cool Handles Because an electric frying pan has two handles instead of one, it’s easy to move around. But, that won’t do you any good if the handles are too hot to grab, right? So, always check the material of the handles to see if they will get hot while you’re cooking. Transparent Lid Having a pan with a transparent lid is beneficial for several reasons, the first one being that you don’t have to keep removing the lid to see if the food is ready. Furthermore, it’s lighter than its non-transparent counterparts, which makes transport easier. However, there’s something to be said about metal lids as well. A metallic top is more durable than a tempered glass lid, simply because it’s more difficult to shatter accidentally. You can work around this by choosing a model that has a shatterproof glass lid, of course. It’s also vital that the lid has a locking mechanism. The entire point of an electric skillet is that it’s mobile. Therefore, you have to be able to secure the cover for transport. Finally, a vented lid is a nice feature to have, as well. An adjustable steam vent lets out excess heat and vaporized liquid. Nobody likes soggy meals, so a vent is a must-have. Drainage Spout The benefits of a drainage sprout are twofold. Its name already hints at the fact that it allows you to drain excess liquid while you’re cooking. That, in turn, prevents the splashing of hot liquid or overflowing. Yet, that’s not all, as the sprout also makes the cleaning process easier. When you’re done, you can soak the pan and then drain the water through the sprout, thus avoiding a messy kitchen. What Else to Look For How Easy It Is to Store A good skillet will be easy to store. There’s no use in getting an appliance that’s mobile and yet too bulky to keep in a small kitchen. Thus, we recommend opting for a pan with a removable base and a detachable power cord. Both of these features make storage easier, especially when you don’t have a lot of room (like in a dorm room or an RV). How Easy It Is to Clean Cleaning after cooking is always a nuisance, especially if you were making something extra juicy. This may pose a problem when choosing an electric skillet, as some pans don’t have detachable parts, so they aren’t dishwasher-safe, while others are specifically meant to be washed by hand. You shouldn’t even soak them, which lengthens the entire cleaning process. Price Of course, you must always consider your budget when deciding which skillet is the best one for you. Big skillets that have the most features are usually not the most affordable. Extra features, such as the nonstick quality coating, temperature control, and lid vents, will add on to the overall price. Therefore, carefully consider your needs and adjust them to your budget accordingly. A Few Parting Words Now that you have all the necessary information, you can make an educated decision and choose the best electric frying pan for you. Try to take into account everything that we have presented to you and do some research to figure out which brand and model will be a great purchase and allow for some truly happy, effortless cooking!
