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How Do I Choose the Best Electric Skillet?

D. Nelson
D. Nelson

An electric skillet is basically a frying pan that can be plugged into an electrical outlet to heat, as opposed to heating it over a range. To choose the best electric skillet, your first step should be to do a little window shopping in which you price different models and determine what you are wiling to pay. This decision should be based not only on your budget, but also on the features you need to get the most out of your skillet. If you choose a skillet because it is inexpensive without it having the right features for your needs, you might actually find that you are wasting money instead of saving it, since you might not have much use for this skillet. When choosing an electric skillet, it also is a good idea to use objective consumer reviews and to find a brand or retailer your trust, or cooking expert from whom you can get advice.

When shopping for an electric skillet, it is common for a person to consider factors such as the size of this cooking device. It also is common for people to consider the shape of a skillet, since some electric skillets might be circular, while others might be square or rectangular. How an electric skillet is cleaned is another important factor that many consumers consider, since some skillets might be dishwasher safe, while others might need to be cleaned with solution and a rag. The specificity of temperature control varies among electric skillets as well. Some skillets might have settings such as "high heat" and "low heat," while other skillets might have settings based on specific measurements of temperature, along with a "warm" setting.

Chef
Chef

As when shopping for any consumer product, it is important to find consumer resources you trust when shopping for an electric skillet. Some consumer publications, for example, provide readers with objective product reviews and do not publish advertisements so that they can present opinions without bias. Many people like to use online consumer review forums, but these can be tricky since you never can be sure who is posting on them. For example, a person who wants to sell his or her electric skillets might write positive reviews of certain products and provide links, thereby drawing traffic to his or her webpage.

When searching for the best electric skillet, it might be a good idea to find a culinary arts professional whom you trust. This can be someone whose books and articles you read or a person whom you know personally. Find out which kind of electric skillet these people whom you respect use and find out why they think this product is the best.

Discussion Comments

anon994502

I think that De'Longhi BG45 Electric Skillet and Nesco Classic Roaster Oven, Porcelain Cookwell 4818-14 are the best electric skillets. These skillets have large cooking surface and extra-wide temperature settings.

serenesurface

I'm very happy with my electric skillet. In fact, I have been using my stove top less and less lately. I basically asked everyone I know for recommendations and went with the brand most suggested. It's working very well.

The advantages of an electric skillet is that it heats very evenly and it's super easy to clean. I've also noticed that it cooks food faster but still evenly. I've made eggs, pancakes, stew and even lasagna in it. I was not sure about the lasagna. I thought it might not work but it did and turned out great!

fify

@ZipLine-- Unfortunately, finding a good electric skillet these days is a challenge. I read reviews and did some research before I bought mine. But I was still disappointed.

Mine was a non-stick skillet but the coating began to peel after some time. I didn't feel that it was safe to use anymore and couldn't return it either.

I also recommend making sure that the skillet has sturdy rubber feet. Because metal feet or no feet can make the skillet slide around while stirring food.

ZipLine

I'm shopping for an electric skillet and haven't made up my mind yet. I'm trying to save on energy and I want a skillet that has multiple heat options. I want one that gets very hot for things like frying and searing. But I also want a low temperature setting just to keep food warm without cooking it further. It looks like it's going to take some time and research to find the perfect one. I have no intention of wasting money by buying something I can't use. So I'm willing to spend a little extra for a product that will last many years.

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      Chef