The Best Electric Skillet of 2020 Guide and Review

There are a lot of good electric skillets out there, but how do you find the one for you? An electrical skillet can be a great cooking tool, whether indoors or outdoors whether cooking for one or cooking for a crowd. An electrical skillet is an electric frying pan that can steam, sear, fry, and cook food using an electrical socket instead of a stovetop. Having a good one can be a great asset as you can take it on the road in your RV, or you can use it for your next dinner party to keep snacks and appetizers warm. To help everyone out, that is why we have made this review and buying guide. Our researchers have looked into some of the best products on the market. I will explain the many uses of an electric fryer along with our recommendations for the best electric skillet.

The Best Electric Skillet of 2020

Last update on 2021-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Elite Platinum EG-6203

This skillet will give you a fast and evenly distributed heat for cooking all the food you need. This product is from Elite by Maxi-Matic who specializes in all sorts of cookware including blenders, hot plates, juicers, coffee makers, rice cookers, deep fryers, ice cream makers, slow cookers and pressure cookers. All of these products are well-reviewed and up to a high standard of quality.   

The Elite Platinum can hold up to 8 quarts, and it is a square pan dish with the dimensions of 16” x 13” x 3.15” inches. It is a safety tested product that uses a 1500W of electricity. It weighs just under 10 pounds. 

You can set an exact temperature anywhere from 200-400 degrees using the easy trigger thermostat, and it also has a smooth pour system. Have you ever had the problem of trying to drain the excess fat/juices from what your cooking, but it always comes out awkwardly? Well, you will not have this problem anymore as this product comes with an easy-pour spout. 

Speaking of no problems, the clean is up is easy as this product is dishwasher safe (the pan and not the base). It also has cool-touch handles to grasp it while it is hot safely. There is also a non-stick scratch-free durable coating that adds a lot of life to the electric skillet.  

As an extra perk, there is a 1-year warranty with an excellent customer service center that can help you with all questions.  

Pros

• Jumbo 8 quart large skillet
• 1-year warranty with the company
• Suitable for sautés, frying, braises or simmers
• Non-stick cooking surface with stone finish
• Scratch-resistant unique honeycomb surface
• Great for cooking for a large family meal

Cons

• Can take up a lot of counter space

What the Customers Say: After the first use, I knew the quality of the pan was superior to the other cheaper brands. I am happy with the container. I use it for several types of dishes.

2. Presto 06852

If you read our previous article, The Best Water Faucet Filter Guide of 2020, then you have heard about Presto. They are a company that specializes in modern and affordable kitchenware and accessories. 

This electric skillet features an easy to use turn-knob thermostat with temperatures from 200-400 degrees Fahrenheit with pinpoint accuracy. It also uses a very energy efficient system to save you money and to help the environment as well. 

This skillet weighs 9 pounds, has dimensions of 23 x 13 x 9 inches, and comes in a solid black color. It comes in an aluminum finish with a tempered glass cover that is super durable. It can hold about 6 quarts, and the skillet itself is 3 inches deep. Clean up is easy, the dish and lid are dishwasher safe. 

With a non-stick coating, you can cook, fry, or steam any food for your family or any occasion. I find that this pan is a great affordable option for a family looking to take their cooking to the next level.  

Pros

• Very affordable
• Energy efficient
• Non-stick cooking surface 
• Ideal for outdoor uses like camping and barbecues
• Lightweight
• Very modern design 

Cons

• Heating surface closer to the counter

What the Customers Say: This Presto 16 inch electric skillet is of excellent quality, it has a massive glass top that seals correctly, and the temp dial works appropriately. 

3. Presto 06857

Speaking of Presto, we have another one of their amazing products featuring their unique electric foldaway skillet. Presto has a history of creating unique and innovative products to adapt to today’s lifestyles. They have expanded into all fields of cookware and kitchen accessories because of products like this one. 

It is a very sturdy skillet made of a solid black heavy cast aluminum base with a tempered glass lid for. What this product gives you an easy to operate apparatus for any professional chef or amateur cook.

It has a detachable base with a fold-away heating system. Why is this important, you ask? It makes this one of the best electrical skillets in terms of storage. You do not have to keep track of the stand and the heating apparatus. 

No more thinking, “Where did I put that other piece?” while you spend 20 minutes aimlessly searching for it.

This product has a built-in spout for pouring liquids. The skillet also doubles as a buffet or serving tray as well as a cooking pan. There is a precise and straightforward thermostat to set the ideal heat. You will find that this product weighs about 8.5 pounds and has the dimensions of 20 x 12.5 x 8 inches while using 120V of electricity. It is about 3 inches deep from the top of the sides to the bottom. The broad base allows you to fit almost anything inside, including large rice dishes, chills, stews and more.

Cleaning is a breeze as the skillet is dishwasher safe. Did I mention that it has innovative non-stick cooking surfaces on the sides and bottom of the skillet?

Pros

• Can serve as a buffet dish and a cooking skillet
• Cleaning is super easy
• The base can be stored inside the pan saving cabinet space
• Cooks very evenly
• 1-year limited warranty from Presto
• Compact

Cons

• Be careful not to scratch the skillet surface with abrasive metal utensils

What the Customers Say: This pan works like a dream and clean up was so simple I couldn’t believe all the scrubbing I had done over the years when I made this dish. 

4. Nesco es-08 electric skillet, 8-inch

This electric skillet has an elegant black and compact design made by Nesco. Nesco makes a variety of kitchen products that are both affordable and innovative. Some of what they make include pressure cookers, food slicers, ice makers, coffee makers, vacuum sealing systems, and more.Not only is this skillet suitable for pan-frying, but also frying, roasting, and braising. It is very lightweight and compact, only weighing 3.5 pounds and made of a durable aluminum cast metal. This is the perfect electric skillet for the college student or someone who just moved into a new apartment. It will not break the bank either. This product comes in both an 8 inch and a broader deeper 12-inch skillet. The dimensions for the 8-inch skillet are 12 x 10 x 6 inches, and the 12-inch skillet is 16.5 x 8 x 9.5 inches. It uses 120 V of electricity. The larger 12-inch skillet is also a few inches deeper, allowing you to fit in that Thanksgiving turkey or Easter ham easily. Besides that, the rest of the details are the same for each one. The product comes with a durable tempered glass lid and easy to set adjustable temperature wheel that goes from 275-475 degrees Fahrenheit. It has large heat resistant cooling handles for both safety and secure grip. The inside of the pan features a premium non-stick coating that makes it so easy to clean, all you need is soap and water. Only the lid is dishwasher safe, so make sure not to put in there!

Pros

• Affordable
• Compact and lightweight
• Very easy to use for beginners
• Small and light
• Made of a very durable aluminum material
• Non-stick coating lasts for years with proper care

Cons

• Only the lid is dishwasher friendly and not the pan itself

What the Customers Say: I love this little skillet! It’s great for grilled cheese, burgers, sausage, eggs, etc. I’m a Flight Attendant, and this has been so very handy when I’m staying in hotels. 

5. Presto national ind 06856 16″ ceramic electric skillet, inch

This Presto product features a very cute looking ceramic pan. This great thing about a ceramic surface is that it makes it an extraordinary non-stick coating for meats, veggies, or whatever you need to cook. The non-stick ceramic coating is reinforced by a warp proof and strong heavy cast aluminum base.

This is a huge pan that has a 16 inch base with dimensions of 12.25 x 22.25 x 8.25 inches that use 120 V of electricity and weighs 8.5 pounds. This product saves on power as it is energy efficient. This is a very safe product with large handles for an extra-secure grip, and the handles also have a built-in cooling apparatus, so you do not burn your hands. You can set the temperature from 200 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit with accuracy. Also, there is a warm setting for serving.

This is the perfect electric skillet for entertaining a lot of guests! I recommend using this dish before your next home barbeque for the big game or bringing it to keep appetizers warm for a bridal shower. If someone has questions or issues with the parts, there is a manufacturer’s warranty for this product along with Presto’s amazing customer service team.

Pros

• Huge pan for cooking and serving food
• Beautiful ceramic non-stick surface 
• Limited warranty from Presto
• Perfect gift for those who love to host parties
• Cooks very evenly for a large pan
• Dishwasher friendly

Cons

• Can be bulky and take up a lot of counter space

What the Customers Say: Nothing at all sticks to the ceramic. The skillet holds the heat better and distributes it better as well. And it cooks the best bacon ever

6. BELLA 14750

Bella has many great electric skillets. They have a 10.5 x 20 inch flat top ceramic coated griddle perfect for pancakes and eggs. They have their standard 12 x 12-inch electric skillet with a tempered glass lid and 3-inch deep pan.

Here I will be discussing my absolute favorite product, the copper titanium coated indoor smokeless grill and skillet. This is an outstanding gift for that grillmaster in your life. I am sure you know that person who wants to take their grilling and cooking to the next level.

The most notable feature is how fast this skillet cooks food. It can cook up to 35% faster than most other skillets while providing a consistent and even heat. It goes from 200-400 degrees Fahrenheit (with a removable heating device) with a warm setting for keeping foods ready to serve.

You rarely get this combination of quick cooking with a non-stick surface. Since the copper ceramic surface is reinforced with titanium, this product is at least 4x times as durable compared to similar products.

While it is cooking, this skillet has a collection chamber for fats and oils. This is so you do not get a lot of smoke while you are cooking, which can get very annoying and suffocating. Especially if you are cooking in a small indoor space.

This product has dimensions of 23.1 x 11.4 x 2.8 inches and is super lightweight, weighing less than 4 pounds. It uses about 120V of electricity. 

It is a very futuristic looking copper titanium ceramic coating that makes it both non-stick and extremely strong and scratch-resistant. There is no worry about using metal utensils as this skillet can handle them (but please do not do this anyways). That special coating is free of harmful metals like lead, and all parts are BPA free.

Pros

• Reinforced titanium gives it unreal durability
• One of the best non-stick surfaces available
• Super scratch resistant
• Very large pan
• Cooks food quicker than comparable products
• Heat resistant coating means burnt foods do not stick around and are easy to clean up

Cons

• Does not cook as evenly as other electric skillets
• Not as deep as other skillets

What the Customers Say: The finish looks as new today as it did when I pulled it out of the box. It is so easy to clean, just wipe it out with a dry paper towel to remove any residue, hand washes with soapy water, and it looks brand new.

7. Proctor silex 38526 electric skillet

Proctor Silex is a company that specializes in modern and affordable kitchenware for chefs and amateur cooks. Some of what they make include sandwich toasters, portable electric burners, food processors, water boilers, toasters, tea kettles, and many more. They have had great reviews for all their products and have a reliable customer service team to address all of your needs.

This product I am talking about is their cute and compact solid black electric skillet. Its dimensions are 7 x 16.3 x 11.2 inches and weigh under 5 pounds. It is dishwasher safe and has a precise and removable heating coil that goes from 200-400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is made of a sturdy cast aluminum metal and features an excellent non-stick cooking surface. 

The price tag is the best part of this product. It does everything you need an electrical skillet to do while being under $20 dollars. That is some exceptional value you are getting, and I highly recommend this product.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Does not take up much kitchen space
• Dishwasher safe
• Effortless storage due to its size
• Non-stick coating
• Travel-friendly and very portable

Cons

• Takes a while for the skillet to warm up

• The lid can be broken if not handled correctly

What the Customers Say: This has worked out perfect. I have only had it for a couple of weeks but have fried fish, onion straws, fried green tomatoes, bacon… Whatever your name, it has turned out good.

8. De’longhi bg45 electric skillet

De’Longhi creates a variety of durable and reasonably priced kitchenware and cookware. This electric skillet is a perfect gift as it gives you everything you are looking for in a skillet. 

Its dimensions are 19 x 12 x 8.5 inches and use 120V of electricity. It weighs less than 9 pounds and made of black cast aluminum material that looks good in any kitchen. You can cook, roast, grill, fry, and saute any type of food you need. 

The surface is non-stick so even if you burn those eggs or forget about that bacon on the skillet, it will be a breeze to scrape it off. Also, the lid and the pan are both dishwasher safe, the clean up is effortless. 

The lid is made of tempered glass material, and it has a steam vent to allow steam out while you are boiling or cooking. It has easy to use adjustable thermostat for cooking with precise temperatures from 200-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is electrical skillet is so large that it can hold any party dish platter or keep any meal warm.

Pros

• Heats up very quickly
• Easy cleanup and dishwasher safe
• Very well priced
• Steam vent on lid
• Perfect starter electrical skillet

Cons

• The non-stick coating can be removed if you are too aggressive using metal utensils

What the Customers Say: Great skillet. Maintains temperature well. Very large and easy to mix stuff without spilling all over the counter. I mainly use it for casseroles, so I have not noticed any unique hot or cold spots.

9. Presto 06850

resto makes their final appearance on the list with their 16 inches covered electrical skillet. This product has 2.5-inch sidewalls and a pearl colored dome cover to cook bigger pieces of meat. If you need a pork butt to be braised before a tailgate or if you need a ham glazed and cooked before Christmas dinner, this is your skillet.  

It is made of a black heavy cast aluminum base with a nonstick surface that is very resistant to heat and scratching.  Its dimensions are 5.62 x 18.06 x 13.88 inches and weigh 7 pounds. It uses 110-120V of electricity. 

It has a master heat control knob that is detachable that will heat your food anywhere from 200-400 degrees. The heat will not get to you, as the handles are self-cooling to preventing burning your hands. 

If you need help with this product, Presto offers both a warranty and excellent customer assistance.

Pros

• Very even cooking surface
• Perfect for massive cuts of meat like whole chickens & turkeys, beef, and pork
• Very sturdy dome design
• All parts are dishwasher safe
• Highly energy-efficient
• Deluxe non-stick finish

Cons

• No drainage spouts or anywhere to attach utensils
• The lid is not clear, so you have to continually take the cover off to check what you are cooking.

What the Customers Say: This one does exactly what she wanted. It has now become her primary cooking device. If my wife likes it, I do too.

10. Elite cuisine efs-400

This is the ideal personal skillet for that new college student who wants to do some cooking in his or her dorm. Maxi-Matic has produced one of the best compact electric skillets available. 

This a small 32oz capacity black circular pan with the perfect non-stick cooking surface to make cooking easy. With this tool, you can sear, fry, steam, boil, or simmer any of your favorite foods. 

This is also the ideal electric skillet to bring on your camping trip if you do not feel like cooking on a campfire. It has a tempered glass lid that is very durable that will not warp or bend when too much heat is applied.

This skillet has dimensions of 7.5 x 6.25 x 9 inches and only weighs 2.5 pounds. It uses only 120 V of electricity. It has an adjustable temperature knob that can control the temperature from 200-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The locking handle is also removable adding to easy storage.

Pros

• Perfect for cooking personal meals
• Very cheaply priced
• Energy efficient
• The very compact size makes it great for small apartments, dorms and RV’s

Cons

• Can heat the countertop as it is not very far off of the ground
• No cooling handles like other skillets

What the Customers Say: It is so simple to clean, and I use it on a chopping board anyways in my motorhome. So I’m actually happy with the product.

BELLA 14607

I am sure you have heard about the famous reputable Bella brand. They are giant in the kitchen and appliance industry, making products like waffle makers, rice cookers, teapots, coffee makers, smoothie makers, toasters, and many many other products.  

This is one of their crowning achievements as this is one of the best electrical skillets on the market. 

I do make sure to save the best for last. 

This is a large 16-inch skillet made to hold up 8 quarts. This can hold any number of foods to keep warm during an event or cook a big breakfast for the family. 

It has the dimensions of 16.7 x 12.2 x 7.9 inches and weighs just under 5 pounds. This is made of a titanium-reinforced metal that durable and scratch-resistant material. If you are making a stir-fry or scrambled eggs, the lining of the skillet will survive any metal utensils (again please use wooden or plastic utensils if you can).  

There is an easy to use temperature probe that is detachable and allows for precision temperatures from 250 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit with a separate warm setting. The surface is non-stick and cold grip handles to prevent burns. 

The non-stick coating is due to the copper/ceramic finish that makes it look from the future. The lid is made of a durable tempered glass that is dishwasher safe.  

If you have any problems, Oster has a trustworthy customer service department to answer questions. Also, there is a 1-year limited warranty with the skillet.

Pros

• Large, well-built skillet
• The 1-year limited warranty is provided
• Great safety features to prevent burns
• Sleek design looking very modern

Cons

• Pan is not removable from the skillet

What the Customers Say: This skillet truly amazing and I am glad my cousin bought it for me! I use it to cook breakfast and dinner every day. 

Buying Guide

Why do I need an Electric Skillet 

A electrical skillet can be the perfect thing to use when you are cooking for a large party and have run out of stove or oven space.  Not only can they cook just about any meal you would on the stovetop, but they can also have purposes of warm storage.  

You can leave dishes, at low heat ready to be eaten hot at any time by your guests.

Another additional benefit is that they can be portable.  Again, very useful if you are going to a family event or office party. You can bring your dish in its own warm storage container and really impress people.  

I also recommend bringing an electrical skillet if you go to go hunting or camping.  What better way to enjoy an outdoor meal than having it cooked outdoors with one of the comforts of home? I did this with a group of my friends, and I am telling you. 

Cooking fish you caught in the outdoors is a satisfaction like no other!

Electrical Skillet Buying Guide and Tips

Cost- This is probably one of the most significant factors. To determine how much you should spend on electric skillet should depend on a few factors.  

Do you need to cook for a large family of 8, or are you just cooking for yourself?  If you are, you do not need a larger, more expensive electric skillet.

Another thing to consider is how much use you are going to use the skillet?  

If you are only bringing it to hold warm food for dinner parties and events, you may not need one of the more expensive ones.  

On the other note, if you are an amateur chef or fancy yourself a cook.  You may want to invest in the electrical skillet that has a nonstick coating reinforced with a strong metal alloy like titanium to give it extra life and durability. 

Size- The size of the scale it is very important and you should base it on your needs.  If you are cooking for yourself or just for a few people, then a small skillet less than 12 inches should be fine.  

This is pretty much a miniature frying pan and useful for people living in dormitories or places without readily available kitchens.  

If you are cooking for family or preparing food for an event, I recommend you get at least a 16-inch skillet.

Shape- Most electrical skillets are either circular, rectangular, square, or some type of oval shape.  I find the shape does not matter as much as the size. 

However, if there is a shape you like, go and get that one! Find your own style. 

Coating- All electrical skillets should have a non-stick coating at the bottom to prevent food from sticking to the pan. Smaller electrical skillets usually have a thinner nonstick coating, while larger ones have a thicker one.

Be careful when using metal utensils and cookware when using your electrical skillet.  The abrasive metals can scratch off some of the coating, thus making it easier for burnt food to stick to the pan.

To preserve the nonstick coating, make sure you cook with wooden or plastic utensils.  Also, make sure you clean your skillets immediately afterward with some soap and water. That is if you do not want stuck on food left on the pan the next time you cook.

How to Clean the Skillet- There are some skillets for you can remove the base and place it in the dishwasher no problems.  However, with other skillets, you may only be able to wash them with soap and warm water as not all parts or dishwasher friendly.  

Some electrical skillets cannot be separated, so you must gently wash it after each use and dry immediately.

I highly recommend for any electrical skillet you get, you wash it down with warm soap and water when you are done.  At that point, you could throw it in the dishwasher or handwrite yourself.  I recommend using Dawn or another gentle detergent.

Temperature Control- With electrical skillets, you can cook at a precise and evenly distributed temperature. The heat is controlled with a temperature dial or knob that should be near the base. Most electric skillets the heat source are plugged in using two conduction prongs that turn electricity into heat. 

The lowest most skillets will go 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and some have a “warming” mode that keeps food from getting cold. The highest can be up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit however, unless you are deep frying some chicken or fish, you will not this kind of heat. 

Collection Chambers- These are compartments that trap moisture, oil, or fat. This is beneficial as this makes less steam and less burnt smoke that can make a kitchen suffocating. The chambers that can drain excess liquid make it easier to pour without worrying about being splashed by hot grease or water. Many electric skillets come with easy pour spouts to help with pouring out liquids. 

Lid- Tempered glass lids are the standard for most electrical skillets. They are made tempered (reinforced) to prevent the glass from warping and cracking. You will find other brands of electrical skillets with a covered dome or a retractable metal dome like a buffet tray. 

Handle- Most handles are going to have a broad and cold touch grip for extra safety. However, you can still burn your hands on the handles if you are holding it for too long or without the proper safety equipment. 

Make sure when moving the pan you get a firm grip. 

Can You Bake in an Electric Skillet?

Yes, it is straightforward to make cornbread or bake a sheet of brownies using your electric skillet. To do this, you may have to place a baking sheet or tray into the skillet with the lid closed. Make sure you have an electric cooker than safely fit the pan inside. If the top does not close correctly or if not closed, then it could be a fire hazard.

Can you Slow Cook in an Electric Skillet?

Yes, you can slow cook a variety of chillis, soups, meats, and stews in your cooker. I have used my electric cooker all the time to make my homemade chili. Sometimes I even eat right out of the pan if I cannot wait for it 🙂

What Does PTFE Safe Mean?

PTFE is the synthetic polycarbonate that makes up the lining of the most non-stick surface of electrical skillets. It is considered safe in minimal doses but toxic in more copious amounts.  

The problem lies when the surface gets hotter than 580 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the lining begins to break down, and one gets possible exposure to PTFE. This is not likely as most skillets go up to 500 degrees Fareienhet at most. 

Currently, the amount of PTFE in electrical skillet non-stick surfaces is safe and not toxic. The long terms effects of PTFE do need to be studied in more detail. 

How do you get the Most out of the Life of you Electric Skillet?

There are 4 things you can do to get the most life:

1. Do not use metal utensils for cooking. They can scratch the bottom of the coating. This can lead to uneven cooking and more burnt foods.
2. Always wash down your pan with warm soap and water after each use. Even if you use a dishwasher to clean it, please wipe it down first. 
3. If you do not use a dishwasher. After you rinse and wipe it down, dry it. Moisture and metal do not mix as it can lead to rust and damaging of the skillet. 
4. Do not cook at the highest setting all the time. Most foods and dishes do not need to be cooked at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The more you do it, the faster the non-stick coating will break down, and the sooner you will have to replace your device.  

What are Some Safety Tips to Consider when Using and Electric Skillet?

1. Do not touch any part of the skillet while it is cooking. Only use the heat resistant handles to move your skillet when it is done cooking. 
2. Just like a hot stove, make sure children are not touching it while it is in use. 
3. When you are finished using it, unplug it. 
4. Do not keep open beverages or liquids around your skillet. Electricity and water do not mix well, especially around power outlets.
5. Do not place any parts with electrical wiring in the sink or into the dishwasher. 
6. If, for some reason, there is grease fire on your skillet, DO NOT THROW WATER ON IT. Instead, turn off the power and cover the lid if you can. If you cannot, turn off the power and smother the flames with sugar, salt, or some other kind of powder that’s readily available.
7. The skillet with food inside of it can be cumbersome. Make sure you have proper protective hardware before handling the pan.

Conclusion:

The best electrical skillet should be a combination of durability, affordability, storage, portability, style, shape, and size. There are plenty of cheaper smaller skillets for the graduate student as well as larger 16-inch skillets to cook a jambalaya for the family for the LSU football game. 

Remember that most skillets have safety features to protect the user as well as many features that could impress someone. While you are searching, keep what we talked about on our guide, and you should be able to find the perfect electrical skillet for you. If you properly take care of it, it can be a valuable asset in the kitchen. We hope we have provided you with some useful information to help you in the selection process.  

Take care, be happy, and Healthdy!

References

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nonstick-cookware-safety

Author BIO

Dr. CHRISTIAN-JEVON BRAMWELL MD

Christian Bramwell, MD uses his own weight loss story as teaching for people struggling with their own weight through blogging, teaching, and writing. His mission in life is to promote health and education, that is why he has chosen to be a family physician and found his own nonprofit Project RAK based on education and empowerment.

NPI (Doctor proof number) – 1336632918 NPI Number: