The best electric frying pan, also called an electric skillet, is a kitchen appliance used to pan fry, deep fry, steam, grill, or sauté foods. Electric skillets are very easy to use; All I need is a recipe, and once I've prepared all ingredients, I plug my skillet into a power source for it to conduct heat, and I will be ready to cook.
Electric frying pans come in different sizes and shapes and have different additional features you can choose from. They are ideal for small and large families and are sold at affordable prices. In many instances, the best electric frying pans help you save energy more than other cooking appliances in your home.
If you are looking to buy the best electric skillet, I will share my best five on the market from the best cookware brands and review them in deep detail so you understand the pros and cons of each. I will also let you know a few tips to help you buy the best skillet.
Before we start, here is a quick overview of my top electric skillets. My first choice is the Presto 16-inch Electric Frying Pan, which has a surface large enough for my family. Furthermore, the skillet has fold-down arms, allowing me to keep it in cabinets comfortably. My next choice is the BELLA Skillet which gives me just the controls I need up to 450 Degrees Fahrenheit and further has cool-touch handles for safety. My third choice is Nesco, which is my go-to every time I want to prepare a small dish.
Best Electric Frying Pan for Easy Food Preparation
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1. Best Overall Electric Skillet: Presto 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet
- Heavy cast aluminum base features a deluxe nonstick surface,...
- Built-in spout for pouring liquids from skillet doubles as a...
- Fold down handles to detach skillet pan from base. with handles...
- Dimensions: 19. 81" x 12. 25" x 8. 06"; Pan dimensions: 15. 75" x...
- Tempered glass cover & stay-cool handles allow skillet to double...
Whenever I have a large group to cook for, this 16-inch Presto electric skillet is my go-to. With its large cooking surface, I am able to prepare many types of foods in it and even use it in the oven to bake lasagnas and more.
Image Source: gopresto.com
Presto features a heavy cask aluminum base with a premium non-stick coating, which ensures I can cook all foods evenly without them sticking on the surfaces. Additionally, the non-stick coating is easy to clean and maintain.
This electric foldaway skillet also comes with an anti-scratch tempered glass lid for observing meals as they get cooked. On one side, it also features a pour spout that can double as a spatula holder. The skillet comes with cool-touch handles on each side, which can also fold down.
I can easily remove the skillet pan for cleaning in the dishwasher by folding down the handles. Furthermore, the thermostat control probe is removable for cleaning the appliance.
Presto electric frying pan supports a temperature of up to 4oo°F, which allows it to handle different cooking modes, including deep frying. Since the lid has no vent, I have to ensure I uncover the lid slowly and with a potholder to prevent burn injuries on my hands or from the trapped steam.
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2. Best Non-Stick: BELLA Electric Ceramic Titanium Skillet
- HUSSLE-FREE COOKING: From breakfast to dinner and everything in...
- FOR FAMILIES: Roast, fry, steam or use it as a buffet server......
- ULTRA DURABLE: This electric griddle pan is 8 times more durable...
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE: No more guesswork or burnt food. With our...
- EASY CLEAN-UP: No more scrubbing and scraping! The titanium...
This 12-inch electric skillet heats faster and cooks 30% faster than other non-stick types, making it my second-best pick. Furthermore, it comes with a 1200-watt heating system and an easy-to-use thermostat control that allows 300°F to 450°F variables.
Image Source: dontwasteyourmoney.com
BELLA is made with a cast aluminum base and finished off with copper titanium coating for longevity. The good-looking skillet fully immerses in water, so cleaning after use is a breeze for me. It also comes with a dishwasher-safe tempered glass lid with a handle.
On each side of the skillet are cool-touch handles that make handling the appliance easy and safe. The skillet is an ideal multi-functional kitchen appliance I can use to fry, saute, roast, and steam food during a party. The temperature controller gives me the option to keep food hot after it is cooked. However, reaching and rotating the controller itself can be tough since it is located under the handle.
Apart from the difficult-to-see temperature controller, the only other drawbacks of this electric frying pan are that it is not dishwasher safe (only the lid is). It also comes with a short power cord that limits my flexibility in the kitchen.
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3. Best Small: Nesco ES-08 Electric Skillet
- 8-Inch electric skillet with deep interior for roasting or frying
- Easy to read, adjustable temperature control
- Nonstick interior for easy cleanup
- Sturdy glass lid with stay cool handle and safety vent
- Wash the skillet with a soft soapy dish cloth. Rinse well and...
Nesco is my top pick for small meals. It is an 8-inch skillet with a rectangular shape and is small enough to take up minimal space on my kitchen counter.
Image Source: 9t05toys.com
Nesco is made with die-cast aluminum, with the cooking space finished off with a Premium Whitford non-stick PFOA-free coating. It also features a sturdy glass lid that allows me to observe food as it cooks inside the skillet.
This electric frying pan allows adjustable temperature control using the thermostat temperature control. With the ideal temperature range, I am able to sear, roast, fry, steam, and even bake my favorite foods.
Nesco also comes with cool-touch handles on the sides and a glass lid for safe handling. The appliance is easy to clean with warm soapy water, and the glass lid is dishwasher friendly.
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4. Best Large: Elite Gourmet 16-Inch Rectangular Electric Skillet with Tempered Glass Lid
- DISHWASHER SAFE and fully immersible in your sink for fast, easy...
- PFOA FREE marbleized honeycomb non-stick is more durable than...
- RAPID + EVEN HEAT from our fully-embedded M-shaped heating...
- LOCK IN FLAVORS and moisture with the clear, tempered glass lid....
- SIMPLIFY MEAL TIME with our family sized 10.5-quart electric...
Thie EG-6203 electric skillet is my best for cooking for at least six people. It measures 16" x 13" x 3.15" and features a PFOA-FREE marbleized honeycomb cooking surface which is ideal for flipping and stirring but not so much for searing.
Image Source: shopelitegourmet.com
However, the non-stick cooking surface is scratch-resistant and, therefore, strong and durable. It is supported by a thick aluminum cast body that resists warping or rusting. This skillet is splatter-proof with deep 3015-inch walls and, thus, an essential home kitchen appliance.
The electric frying pan comes with cool-touch handles on the sides to protect my hands against burns. Additionally, it also comes with a tempered glass lid to lock in flavors and nutrients. The lid features a steam vent and a pour spout for draining excess juices from food.
Elite Gourmet comes with a fully embedded heating element that enables rapid and even heat distribution throughout the pan for even cooking. The Trigger-Release control probe lets me pinpoint my ideal temperatures of between 200-400°F for better cooking.
While it is a great electric skillet, it comes with a flaw. The non-stick cooking surface comes with a honeycomb texture that does not make cleaning the appliance easy. Also, the pour spout leaves a mess on my counter sometimes, and the cool touch handles can heat up reasonably when using high temperatures.
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5. Best Multi-Functional: Zojirushi Gourmet d’Expert 1350-Watt Electric Skillet
- 1350-watt multi-functional electric skillet with tempered glass...
- Titanium-ceramic nonstick-coated flat plate for grilling
- Deep-dish inner pan for making soup or fondue; adjustable-height...
- Adjustable temperature control; stay-cool side handles; recipes...
- Measures 15 by 17-1/2 by 8-1/8 with the pan, 1-year limited...
My electric skillet for different functions is this Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert electric skillet model. It has two cooking plates for deep-frying and grilling. It sports a stainless steel outer material, while the inside of the cooking surface is a ceramic surface enhanced with a non-stick coating.
Image Source: zojirushi.com
The skillet comes with a detachable power cord, a user manual, and a temperature variable of 176°F (Keep Warm) to 480°F. Through the skillet's tempered glass lid, I am able to observe the cooking process without unnecessarily opening the pan.
With this electric skillet, I can cook at the dining table or disassemble the pans to use on the stovetop burner. When using the deep pan for soups and fondues or the flat plate for veggies and more, I can use the adjustable steaming vent for even, safe, and healthy cooking.
The skillet comes with cool-touch handles for carrying it without a burn risk. As a non-stick cooking surface, the skillet is easy to clean once to disassemble the different parts.
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Factors to Consider Before You Buy the Best Electric Skillets
Image Source: cuccinapro.com
A good electric skillet allows easy, consistent, and fast cooking, making them vital for any home. Additionally, electric skillets helped me discover more recipes, and now I enjoy a better food menu.
When looking to buy the best electric frying pan, these are the best features to consider to get the best deal.
a) Effective thermostat control
All the best electric skillets need to have a thermostat control you can use to regulate temperature settings.
Before buying an electric skillet, understand where the thermostat control is located for ease of use. Additionally, understand if the control is removable or fixed to the appliance. This feature determines how easy it will be to clean the electric skillet. Electric skillets with detachable thermostats are easier to clean since they can be immersed in water.
b) Stay-Cool handles
Before paying for the best electric frying pan, ensure it comes with two ergonomic handles that are heat resistant. This is an essential feature that guarantees your safety and ease of use.
c) Tempered glass cover
A glass cover allows you to monitor the cooking process in the skillet without unnecessarily opening the pans. It also helps preserve the flavors and nutrients since it won't let moisture escape.
For your best electric skillet, ensure the lid is made with tempered glass. It is stronger than conventional glass, so it won't break under high temperatures or the first time you accidentally drop it.
Also, ensure the glass lid features a steam vent that will let excess pressure escape. This feature will prevent you from burn injuries and also prevent a messy kitchen.
d) Size
It would be best for you to understand the size you need for your electric skillet. You can choose from the following;
- Small-Sized Electric Skillets: These are ideal electric skillets if you are looking for a cooking capacity for three people at most. They come with a cooking area of between 6 and 10 inches wide and are ideal for dorms, small apartments, and RVs. You can also buy one if you need a portable electric skillet.
- Medium-Sized Electric Skillets: These skillets come with a cooking area of between 12 and 14 inches wide and can produce servings for at least four people.
- Large-Sized Electric Skillets: They have a cooking area of at least 16 inches and can prepare meals for a larger group of people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Frying Pans
Image Source: cookedbest.com
1) Are electric frying pans any good?
An electric skillet offers an all-in-one convenience for preparing a meal because it combines a stove and a pan. Furthermore, the skillets use less electricity compared to kitchen ranges. Electric frying pans can do many kitchen tasks for a wide variety of recipes for everyday meals.
Electric frying pans are safe for use in the kitchen with their stay-cool arms and are more flexible than other cooking methods. Electric frying pans complement other cooking forms, like gas or electric ranges, when hosting guests.
2) What are the best 5 electric skillets?
- Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Frying Pan
- BELLA Electric Ceramic Titanium Skillet
- Nesco ES-08 Electric Skillet
- Elite Gourmet 16-Inch Rectangular Electric Skillet with Tempered Glass Lid
- Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert 1350-Watt Electric Skillet
3) Which one is the best electric frying pan?
Presto is the best electric frying pan because of its size, which is large enough for a family-sized meal. The product further has foldable handles, which makes storing it easy. The nonstick cooking surface on the skillet makes it easy to cook with and even easier to clean.
It has a removable pan that is dishwasher friendly and a heavy base for safe cooking on the kitchen counter. Presto has a wide temperature range and different cooking modes, including deep-frying, making it possible to cook many recipes.
4) What is the difference between a frying pan and an electric skillet?
A frying pan is a cooking surface you can use on top of a stove, while an electric skillet is a standalone pan and stove, all in one. An electric skillet can cook everything you can cook on the frying pan, only that you do not need a stove or electric range when using the electric skillet as it has its own source of heat.
Most electric skillets are not dishwasher safe, but some have removable pans that can get inside the dishwasher. On the other hand, most frying pans are dishwasher friendly.
5) Does an electric frying pan use less electricity?
Averagely, electric skillets use 1500 watts of electricity compared to ranges and stoves that can use up to 3000 watts. This makes the electric skillet cheaper to use on average.
The amount of electricity you use will largely depend on how often you use the skillet and how long you cook. Regardless, electric skillets are cheaper.
6) What are the benefits of an electric pan?
Homogenous Cooking: The electric skillet heats evenly on the cooking surface, making the food cook more homogenously compared to conventional frying pans.
Heat Control: Most electric skillets have heat regulation knobs, making cooking food at different temperatures possible.
Varied Recipes: Electric pans allow for an array of recipes other than foods that are fried. For instance, you can sautee foods, make pan-fries, pizzas, fried chicken, and other recipes.
Time-Saving: The electric frying pan heats up quicker than traditional pans. This makes pan-frying foods much faster, especially when used at the maximum temperature.
No Oil Needed: With an electric pan, you can cook certain foods without using oil.
Compact Storage: Electric skillets save more space compared to other electric heaters and ovens. Furthermore, you can move around with the electric skillet and even use it in an RV, making it an easy pick for convenience.
7) Are nonstick pans healthy?
Image Source: inthekitch.net
Generally, nonstick surfaces are safe for use. According to the American Cancer Society, it provides no proven human risk. However, in case of doubts, there are other alternatives to the non-stick pans, including the following;
- Cast aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Silicone cookware
- Stoneware
- Cast iron
8) How long can you use a non-stick pan?
In the past, you would expect to use non-stick pans for two to three years. However, pans with a non-stick surface can last up to seven years.
Final Thoughts
The electric skillet with a nonstick coating is an asset that will make your kitchen look exquisite. The non-stick electric pan has a lot of advantages, including easy storage, an available temperature dial that allows for a desired temperature, a large cooking space, faster cooking, and more.
