Skillet Size:
The size of the skillet is the most important factor in deciding whether it fits your needs or not. If you live by yourself then a standard 12” skillet is enough to cook one person meals. For two or more people, choose something a bit bigger like a 14” one. 16” skillets are the biggest available size which is ideal for family meals or thanksgiving dinner.
Non-Stick:
Non stick is a must have for any electric skillets. As it is tough to season electric skillets, having a non stick one makes the cooking process really effortless. It is also easy to cheam and maintain. Look for something that is PTFE and PFOA free.
Deep Dish:
Whether you frequently cook soups or other curry items or not, it is always a good choice to buy a deep dish skillet. This gives you the space to try various recipes in one pot without creating a mess.
Glass Lid:
A lot of electric skillets do not come with a glass lid. Stay away from them as they show cheap quality. Having a glass lid allows you to cook properly. Tempered glass lid is more preferable than clear ones. Look for an air vent and preferably a pour spout.
Dishwasher Safe:
Having a dishwasher safe electric skillet is really helpful as most of them are quite heavy and hard to carry around. This saves time and energy especially when you use your skillet on a daily basis.
Stay Cool Handles:
You might not have thought about this until it’s too late. Stay cool handles are so necessary as it lets you have fun while cooking without having to worry about any accidental burns. Always check for this feature before purchasing your skillet.
Temperature range:
It is better to buy a skillet that carries a wide range of temperature. Something that goes upto 400 degree Farenheight is really helpful if you like to stir fry or deep fry a lot. Look for skillets that let you specify the temperature. It’s better to not buy ones that only have three options like warm, medium and hot.
Warranty:
As electric skillets are quite an investment, it is wise to buy something that comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. This will save you a lot of headaches and hassle in the long run.
FAQ
01. What is the best rated electric skillet?
The best rated electric skillets include Presto 16” Electric skillet and Presto 16” Foldaway skillet. The Zojirushi Gourmet d’Expert is also on the best selling list for years on amazon. These are the most popular because of their ease of use, compact size, versatility and affordability.
02. How do you season an electric skillet?
Most electric skillets do not need additional seasoning because of the ceramic layer on top. However, some cast iron electric skillets require light seasoning from time to time. To season your electric skillet, always use peanut oil instead of olive oil or vegetable oil.
Apply a small amount to a paper towel and spread evenly on the warm surface of your skillet. Make sure to not have any oil dripping or layering heavily on the surface. Raise the temperature upto 350°F or 175°C.
When the pan begins to smoke, turn off the knob and let it completely cool down. Once cool, wipe away the excess oil.
03. Are electric skillets worth buying?
Yes they are. Most fancy kitchen appliances are a gimmick and do not really help you with anything. Electric skillets however, are a must-have according to many professional chefs. Some of the advantages of using electric skillets include.
- You can cook anywhere with an outlet. This gives you freedom and convenience especially if you live in a small apartment.
- The steady and even heat distribution makes it much better than a pan on the stove.
- The non-stick ceramic surface is really great for making eggs. You can make your entire breakfast in one pan.
- It can be used for a variety of items. You can roast, grill, braid, fry and even steam on your skillet.
- They last much longer than average pots and pans. So you see, you can’t really go wrong with an electric skillet for your cooking needs.
04. Can I deep fry on electric skillets?
Electric skillets have a high heat setting which makes them a great alternative for deep fryers. If you buy something like Zojirushi Gourmet Electric Skillet you will get enough capacity to make all of your fries in one batch instead of several. The high walls make it ideal to contain a large amount of oil without spillage.
You can easily make at-home donuts using your electric ceramic skillet. Just heat the oil to 375° and fry your donuts a few times until it gets a golden brown exterior. So you see how having an electric skillet can double as a deep fryer.
05. Does an electric skillet use less electricity than a stove?
This depends on the type of electric skillet you are using. Most good quality skillets use less energy than a conventional stovetop. Electric skillets are also a good choice for confined kitchens as they do not heat up. You can carry your electric skillet anywhere you want.
The Verdict
Electric skillets are the ultimate kitchen gadget for those who like to try out new recipes in an efficient way. There is just something about cooking your meal in one pot and enjoying it piping hot while it sits in the middle of your dining table.
We have picked all these skillets carefully reviewing each one of them individually. All of them are incredibly durable, affordable and functional in terms of quality and design.
Now it’s up to you to choose which one is best suited for your life and daily needs.
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