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But how do you choose the one that will work well for you? Well, that's why we're here - to guide you through the process.
Without further ado, let's check out the best electric skillets on the market today:
1.Best Skillet Overall - Presto 16-inch
You might be looking for a kitchen appliance that is versatile. If yes, then consider this skillet from Presto.
This one is a must-have appliance in your kitchen due to numbers of great reasons. It is a 16-inch glass covered electric skillet, known to be one of the best options on the market today.
As it is extremely versatile, it could be used for griddling, roasting, braising, baking and a lot more. Regardless of its jumbo size, it is still easy to use, maintain and clean
If you want to serve food buffet style, then this one is a good choice as it will keep the dishes warm. It is so easy to cook on this skillet since it is made of heavy cast aluminum and its non-stick surface is vastly superior to Teflon. Along with that, clean-up is a cinch too. This skillet will also allow you to make tasty sandwiches, hamburgers, fish fillets and more.
Pros
Cons
Folks who are looking for the best electric skillet in terms of heat distribution should take a look at this model from Cuisinart.
2. Cuisinart GreenGourmet - Best Non Stick Surface
This is considered to be one of the best options in terms of this company’s products.
Having a diameter of 14 inches, the pan’s size is decent. It provides the user with a generous 150 sq. inches of cooking surface, suitable for preparing all your favorite foods.
This is a very useful kitchen appliance which you will use a lot and enjoy for a very long period of time.
This will prove that you definitely get what you pay for. This high-quality, electric skillet will be a perfect addition to your kitchen.
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The next model excels in terms of design, and if you are in search of an aesthetically good product, then check out this skillet.
3. Cuisinart CSK-150 - A Great Choice
This Cuisineart skillet could easily cook delicacies that range from mouth-watering pancakes to some of the most delicious chuck roasts.
It is simply the best option to do that, and it also has a number of great features which would probably make you want to own it.
It features 1500-watts of power and provides 12 by 15 inches of non-stick cooking surface made from brushed stainless steel.
The large surface helps to cook foods evenly, and wonderfully heats them up too. There is also a temperature control dial along with an indicator light which can easily be adjusted from lower heat to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
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If you are a buyer who considers safety then this model is the best choice since it features handles that are always cool and will not lead to burning your hands.
4. Oster 16-Inch Skillet
As a relatively inexpensive skillet, it offers large cooking surface and also some of the best features that an electric skillet could provide but it falls short quite badle badly at others.
You could place it anywhere as long as there is a nearby electrical outlet, and due to its portability, it is much more preferable to the traditional frying pan unless yo care for the quality of your food.
Because of its large cooking surface you could cook all your favorite meals. The handles of this product never get hot, even when you set the temperature to highest and no matter how long you cook.
Aside from that, this electric skillet will heat up very fast. This feature is definitely important for those who want to whip a quick meal, because it will save you a lot of time in terms of pre-heating.
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5. Oster DuraCeramic - Best Ceramic Coating
Those who are shopping with a limited budget might find this one to be the right choice.
It offers the basics of a common electric skillet along with an added feature of a ceramic finish.
It is designed with an innovative and unique Dura Ceramic non-stick coating which could last four times longer compared to the standard non-stick coatings, and it won’t peel and flake either. Exceptional performance and long lasting durability are guaranteed.
This model also features a big cooking vessel that enables you to prepare dishes on the countertop conveniently, without the need for a traditional stove. There are some other, great features too including adjustable temperature control, and a tempered glass lid with a steam vent, as well as cool touch handles..
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So How Does An Electric Skillet Work?
Have you ever heard about an electric skillet? Well, it is known as the combination of the main features of a stove and a range. There is a coiled heating element under the main surface of the pan providing heat, and a temperature control knob allowing you to manipulate both the duration and intensity of the heat.
Along with that, electric skillets have ample sides that can hold the food ingredients and provide more heat to the surface area of the food as it cooks. This electric appliance can sit on the counter and be plugged into the outlet, therefore making it convenient to use it whenever you want it.
An electric skillet incorporates an electric heating element under the frying pan which it uses to cook food. Skillets reaching high temperatures have the ability of deep frying along with sautéing and pan-frying.
What Are The Must-Have Features?
Now that you have learned what electric skillet is, it would be good to consider the features that this appliance should have. Some of the must-have features of electric skillets are:
Glass Lid
These are an ideal feature as they could allow you to see the food through the top of the skillet. There is no need of removing the lid for you to check the food. This will result in heat staying locked inside and you won’t interrupt the cooking process.
Locking Lid
This is another worthy component of an electric skillet. It makes it a lot easier to transport the food from one location to next
Drainage Spouts
This component allows you to pour out the broth or the grease from the meal. It makes your cooking process a lot easier because there is no need to worry about accidentally dumping the meal in the sink while you drain the grease.
Steam Vent
It is advisable to find a model with this feature as it would help in ensuring that no liquid spills will happen. Without this feature, pressure might start to build causing the liquid to leak out of the sides of the appliance.
Non-stick Coating
This should be present on the inside as well as the outside. The food will not stick to the pan making it a lot easier to clean afterwards. It’s a good idea to look for an electric skillet which is made of warp-proof material as they are a lot more durable and could last longer too.
Heat-Resistant Handles
This feature makes the cooking process a lot more hassle-free since it eliminates the need for an oven mitt. Also, they are safer to use compared to regular handles allowing you to pick up the skillet without burning your hands.
Bear in mind these features that should have in your electric skillet.
Benefits
Aside from cooking versatility, there is a certain number of benefits that this appliance provides, and these include a compact shape and size. Though it uses the same technology as the electric skillet, taller sides allow for more food to be cooked at once.
Anything that can be cooked on the range or in the oven could also be handled by this appliance, so it wouldn’t limit your options. But, since it is so compact, easy to wash and quick to heat up, it would indeed give you some extra convenience.
There are some that use the skillet as an addition to the stove top or when in need of more cooking space. However, some use it as a stand-alone appliance to prepare entire meals. It is perfect for stir fries, stews, and sautéed entrees. Also, this product saves both cost and power usage.
And finally, the portability of this electric skillet will allow you to cook like at home, even when you take it camping or to some places without access to a kitchen.
How To Choose?
Aside from learning about the must-have features and the advantages of an electric skillet, there are certain factors that should be considered as you search for the best model for you.
1. Consider Your Budget
Think about your budget first. Consider the amount of money that you are willing to spend on this appliance. Setting the price range will help in narrowing down your options.
2. Ease of Cleaning
Another important thing to consider is how the electric skillet is cleaned. If you don’t want to wash dishes by hand, then choose a skillet that could be placed in the dishwasher, because not all models are dishwasher safe.
3. Shape and Size
Since these appliances are made in different ways, there are numbers of options to choose from. When picking a size, simply figure out the kind of food you want to make. You should also determine the counter space that you have available. When it comes to shapes, they can be oval, square and rectangular.
4. Temperature Controls
Some of the skillets have a low and high heat options but some others have a warm setting as well. Simply think about the way that you prepare your meals in order to figure out what temperature controls you need. If you like to deep-fry, then you might need a skillet which can reach a temperature of least 450 degrees. Stir-frying is the specialty of skillets as it needs only 400 degrees.
5. Cooking Style
Besides temperature controls, you might also need to think about the meals you wish to prepare. If you cook a lot of stews and soups then choose one with a glass lid. This would allow you to view the contents without having to remove the lid. If you are into making meals that only take a few minutes then a plastic lid could be good. Stainless steel is the proper pick if you leave a lot of residue behind.
Indeed, bear in mind these factors as you plan to purchase electric skillet.
How To Best Use It? A Few Tips
For some tips on how to use the electric skillet properly, consider the following:
1. Always Use a Woodern Spatula
If the appliance has Teflon or non-stick coating then use a wooden spatula. If not, you might scrape the coating, and Teflon could get into the food, which is not desirable. A wooden spatula will make sure that the coating lasts a lot longer.
2. Always Cleani With a a Non-Abrasive Cleaners
If it has a non-stick coating make sure to clean it with a mild detergent only. In case of stubborn grime on it, let it soak in the water overnight. Be careful not to damage the surface as you clean the skillet.
3. Try To Pre-Heat The Skillet Before Use
Prior to adding any oil, preheat the skillet. If you have a stainless steel model, let it preheat on a low temperature for about five minutes. After that, you could add the oil and increase the heat to medium as this would ensure that the food is properly cooked.
Electric Skillets FAQ
What kinds of utensils are safe to use when cooking with electric skillets?
Is it normal for the electric skillet to have an odor and smoke once I turn it on?
How should I clean an electric skillet?
Why doesn’t the skillet start working when I plug it in ?
Final Words
In many situations, an electric skillet is a great addition to your kitchen. These days, there is a great number of them on the market, and you could surely find one that would suit your preferences and needs. Whether you are preparing food at home or some other place, the best electric skillet offers the versatility you need to cook with ease.
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