How to Choose the Best Electric Skillet – Buyer’s Guide

Looking for electric skillet reviews and ratings? Well you’ve come to the right place. On this website, you’ll find honest reviews of the best electric skillets on the market. So check out my reviews, and also be sure to read my tips on how to select the best electric skillet.

Electric skillets are a type of frying pan that gets plugged into an outlet. They prepare meals without the use of a stovetop. These versatile kitchen appliances come in different shapes and sizes. Before buying one, 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 easier.

Five Factors to Consider When Purchasing an Electric Skillet

Budget. The first thing to think about is your budget. Determine how much money you have to spend on the skillet. Setting a price range helps narrow down the options that 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 a good one when keeping an open mind.
Size and Shape. Once a budget is set, pick a 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 also need to determine how much counter space you have. As for the shapes, they usually come in 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 solution and a rag.
Temperature Controls. 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 good for stir-frying.
Cooking Style. In addition to temperature controls, you will also need to think about your cooking style. If you cook a lot of soup and stew, 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. Besides that, imagine how much residue your meals leave behind. If you leave behind a lot of residue, consider getting an electric skillet that is made from stainless steel.

Must-Have Features

Glass Lids. Glass lids are an ideal feature because they allow you to see food through the top of the skillet. You don’t have to remove the lid to check on your food. As a result, the heat stays locked inside and the cooking process doesn’t get interrupted.
Drainage Spouts. Drainage spouts are another great feature to look for. They allow you to pour out the broth or grease from your meal. This makes the cooking process easier. You won’t have to worry about accidentally dumping your meal in the sink while you’re draining the grease. Not only that, but it also makes the process safer.
Locking Lid. A locking lid is another component that is worth the extra money. It makes it easier to transport your food from location to the next. If you’re moving the electric skillet from the kitchen to the dining room, a locking lid will make the process seem effortless.
Non-Stick Coating. Non-stick coating is also a must-have feature. The skillet should have a non-stick feature on the inside, as well as the outside. Your food won’t stick to the pan, which will make it easier to clean. In addition to that, look for an electric skillet that is made of warp-proof material. Warp-proof pans are more durable and last for longer.
Adjustable Steam Vent. Find a model with an adjustable steam vent on the lid. The vent helps ensure that no liquid spills occur. Without an adjustable steam vent, pressure begins to build. This causes liquid to leak out of the sides of the electric skillet.
Heat-Resistant Handles. Heat-resistant handles are also a useful feature. Since you won’t need to use an oven mitt, they make the cooking process simpler. Not only that, but they are also safer than regular handles. You can pick up the skillet without burning your hands.

Buying Tip: When shopping for an electric skillet, look for one with high sides. This will allow you to accommodate larger amounts of food. Along with that, higher sides make it easier to deep-fry and braise. If you have awkward food shapes, they are more likely to fit better in a high-sided pan.

What is the Best Electric Skillet?

An often asked question that we get here is what the best electric skillet is. We’ve been asked this so many times that we’ve decided to put up our own list of our top electric skillet recommendations for 2017. These are, in our opinion, the finest electric skillets on the market.

1. Best Electric Skillet: Cuisinart CSK-150 1500-Watt Electric Skillet

2. Also Recommended: Cuisinart CSK-250 GreenGourmet Electric Skillet

3. Another Great Choice: Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet

Tips on Using Your Electric Skillet

For those of you who’ve already made the leap and bought an electric skillet, here are some tips to keep in mind when cooking with your electric skillet at home. Following these suggestions will help ensure that you get the most out of your electric skillet, and it will help you protect your newly acquired investment, so that it will last you as long as possible.

If your electric skillet has Teflon or a non-stick coating, then use a wooden spatula. Always make it a point to stick with the wooden utensil. Otherwise, you may scrape the coating. Use care because the Teflon can get into your food. Not only that, but a wooden spatula ensures that the non-stick coating lasts for longer.
If your electric skillet has non-stick coating, make sure to clean it with a mild detergent. If there is stubborn grime on it, then you may need to let it soak in water over night. This is the best way to loosen dirt. Don’t damage the surface while cleaning the skillet.
Preheat the skillet before adding any oil. If you have a stainless steel electric skillet, let it preheat on low for five minutes. After that, you can add the oil and increase the heat to medium. This method ensures that your food is cooked properly.