- The best electric skillets provide even heat distribution, can cook a variety of dishes, and make clean up effortless.
- The Presto 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet has all of these characteristics. Plus, it can handle large meals and its parts nest within each other for compact storage.
While you may not think you need an electric skillet if you primarily cook on a traditional kitchen stove, you may be surprised to learn how versatile these kitchen tools really are.
You’ll certainly find one handy if you live in (or vacation in) an RV, tiny home, or another living arrangement with limited kitchen space, such as a dorm room
Or, perhaps you need to keep food warm during a potluck, or a way to cook side dishes for holidays when stove space comes at a premium. They’re also quite useful in summer when hot, humid temperatures make using the stove or oven unbearable.
Electric skillets are mainly designed for pan-frying and sautéing as they offer precise heating and temperature gauges. They also brown meat nicely, deep fry foods, and serve as a griddle for morning favorites. Many manufacturers also offer electric skillet accessories that allow you to steam or grill.
In our search for the best electric skillets, we chose those that are easy to clean, offer versatile functions, and boast a track record of performance.
Here are the best electric skillets:
- Best overall: Presto 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet
- Best on a budget: Presto 11-Inch Electric Skillet
- Best multi-functional skillet: Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert 1350-Watt Electric Skillet
- Best for even heat distribution: De'Longhi Electric Skillet
Updated on 7/17/2020 to edit the prices, titles, and remove references and ratings from third-party sites, because we've found them to be unreliable in the past.
The best overall
If you are looking for an affordable electric frying pan that can cook large meals evenly, the Presto 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet is your best choice.
The Presto 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet is made of heavy cast aluminum that is nonstick on both the exterior and interior and can reach temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pan measures approximately 16 by 12 by 2.75 inches on the interior, and has a built-in spout that helps with venting, pouring, and serves as a spoon rest. The lid is made of tempered glass, and the handles stay cool so you can handle them without oven mitts.
The Electric Foldaway Skillet gets its name from how easy it is to store. Simply detach the handles and base and then nest them in the pan. The pan and cover are dishwasher safe, just be sure to remove the heat control.
It's large enough to serve a big family, cooks as well as a stovetop pan, heats easily and quickly, and is easy to clean and store away. Presto also backs the skillet with a one-year limited warranty.
Pros: Heats evenly, parts nest together for compact storage, large capacity
Cons: Non-stick coating deteriorates after several uses
The best on a budget
The Presto 11-Inch Electric Skillet can quickly roast, grill, broil, steam, and fry small meals with minimal cleanup, all at an affordable price.
The Presto 11-inch Electric Skillet features a nonstick cooking surface that is easy to clean and requires little to no oil or butter. The "Control Master" heat control knob maintains temperatures between "warm" (about 175 degrees) and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The appliance heats evenly and quickly and allows you to precisely control the temperature. It also comes with stay-cool handles so you won't burn yourself, and a hard plastic lid that keeps the steam in to cook your food.
Presto claims this skillet can make meals for up to four people, but we think it's best suited for fast and easy one- or two-person meals due to its compact size and affordability.
Pros: Inexpensive, versatile, accurate and even heating
Cons: Questionable durability of the nonstick coating, compact
The best multi-functional skillet
The Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert 1350-Watt Electric Skillet comes with two pans giving it the versatility to serve as a standard skillet as well as a deep-sided pot.
There are two main features that set the Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert 1350-Watt Electric Skillet apart from other models. First, it comes with two pans. The deep-dish inner pan is designed for soups, gumbo, braised roasts, fondue, hot pots, and the like. There is also a flat plate that has a ceramic surface with a titanium-enhanced nonstick surface. It's mainly for grilling and frying seafood, eggs, steak, bacon, and similar items.
The other feature that sets it apart is the vented steamer accessor, which is great for shellfish, steamed buns, and vegetables.
The Gourmet d'Expert also has a tempered glass lid for monitoring your meal's progress, and the unit's heat ranges from "keep warm" (176 degrees) to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Zojirushi offers a one-year limited warranty with this product.
Just make sure that the cord is connected to the base. It's designed to come free if someone trips on it to avoid burn hazards. However, it's easy to accidentally not plug it in all the way and come back to find your meal is no closer to being ready.
Pros: Titanium-coated cooking surface, comes with two pans, heats up to 480 degrees
Cons: Expensive, the size makes it difficult to store
The best for even heat distribution
The De'Longhi Electric Skillet does an excellent job of getting up to temperature quickly and maintaining a consistent distribution of heat throughout the pan.
The body of the De'Longhi Electric Skillet is made of die-cast aluminum, which tends to conduct heat well for even distribution. The aluminum is covered with a layer of Teflon, which De'Longhi claims is dishwasher-safe, but if you want to prolong the life of the coating, it's best to wash it by hand.
The input power is 1,500 watts and the skillet reaches temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You may adjust the heat using the thermostat that is attached to the removable cord. The skillet is also backed by a one-year limited warranty in case you encounter any problems.
It also does a good job of keeping food warm and can easily double as a chafing dish.
Pros: Die-cast aluminum body with Teflon coating, adjustable steam vents, even heat distribution
Cons: Questionable durability of the nonstick coating
What to look for in an electric skillet
Most electric frying pans, as they are also commonly known, have the same basic design: a circular or rectangular pan, a tempered glass lid, and a power cord that comes unattached easily when yanked so you don't have a Three Stooges-style mishap if you accidentally trip over it. The heat settings generally range from around 175 degrees Fahrenheit to at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Aluminum is the most common material used in electric skillets and they're usually covered by a non-stick coating of Teflon. You typically don't want to use metal utensils on your pan because it can wear away the nonstick coating, which is a common problem with this appliance in the long term.
There are few game-changing unique features that set a skillet apart from another. So, when shopping for the best option for your needs, focus on size and performance. Many models suffer from uneven heating. Others do not maintain a consistent temperature over time. Others still do not live up to their "nonstick" credentials. Therefore, you need to do your research before you buy.
Check out our other great cookware guides
The best electric kettles
Electric kettles boil water faster than a watched pot on your stove, and the best ones even offer adjustable temperature settings to ensure that the water is just right for your delicate tea leaves. Here are the best electric kettles.
The best dutch ovens
Dutch ovens are built to last and can be used for cooking a variety of foods, including pot roasts, stews, and breads. The best dutch ovens offer solid construction, varied color options, and sturdy handles that are easy to grip. These are our top picks.
The best cookie cutters
A great set of cookie cutters makes those delicious holiday treats even more of a pleasure to make and share. These are the best cookie cutters.
The best loaf pans
High-quality loaf pans cook your baked goods evenly, release them with little fuss, and are made of heavy-duty materials. These are the best loaf pans.