Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Electric Skillet

Last updated on January 21, 2024
Best Electric Skillet

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Electric skillets have long been associated with activities like frying chicken and making pancakes. However, some of today’s electric skillets pack in much more versatility. With the right electric skillet, you can avoid firing up the oven or stove, potentially saving money on your utility bill. This is especially true if you buy a skillet designed for energy efficiency.

In addition to saving energy, electric skillets can be very convenient. Some skillets allow you to use them as buffet servers, which means when you’re cooking for a large group, you can merely put it on “warm” and set it on the counter to allow your guests to serve themselves. Best of all, when you’re finished using it, you can simply slip it into a kitchen cabinet or closet.

Cleaning your skillet can be a bit more complicated than typical pots and pans. There are heat controls on skillets that shouldn’t be submerged in water. It’s important to consult the user manual that comes with your skillet for cleaning instructions. With many skillets, you can detach the part that comes into contact with food and put it in the dishwasher.

Most of today’s skillets have nonstick surfaces that make cleanup a breeze. However, there are specific instructions with nonstick coatings. The most well-known nonstick brand, Teflon, is especially prone to flaking off with heavy use. To extend the life of the coating, you should avoid using metal cooking utensils or cooking spray. However, you may find that a little butter or cooking oil can enhance your pan’s nonstick features.

Newer types of ceramic nonstick coating boost durability and give you a little more protection if you use metal spatulas and spoons. Many safety-conscious consumers also like that ceramic nonstick technology doesn’t leach chemicals into the food. However, experts say the concerns about chemicals in Teflon mostly referred to those manufactured before 2013. Today’s coatings have been proven safe for use in cooking.

One feature that doesn’t get as much attention during griddle shopping is the lid. If you plan to use your griddle as a buffet server, a glass lid can make it easy to see what’s inside without lifting the lid. Some lids are also vented, which lets steam escape. Without that feature, you’ll have to occasionally lift it to let steam out to ensure the food inside cooks properly. Some griddles even have adjustable vents on the lid, which can come in handy for controlling the level of steam escaping.

Our Picks For The Top Electric Skillets

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Elite Gourmet Aluminum Trigger-Release Electric Skillet, 16-Inch

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Elite Gourmet

Aluminum Trigger-Release Electric Skillet, 16-Inch

When preparing meals for friends or a large family, you'll want to go with this 10.5-quart electric skillet. It's constructed using multiple layers to provide durability, scratch resistance and quick food release. The skillet is nice and deep and features a built-in pour spout and a handy glass lid.

Overall Take

Large CapacityYou'll find this electric skillet comes in a choice of mint, dark gray, black, red or blue gray.

 Runner Up

Ovente Portable Adjustable Temperature Electric Skillet, 12-Inch

Ovente

Portable Adjustable Temperature Electric Skillet, 12-Inch

Available in black or copper, this electric skillet is designed to impress. It's constructed using a durable aluminum that also does an excellent job of heating your food evenly. There are five temperature settings, as well as a glass lid for cooking everything from chicken and vegetables to pancakes and eggs.

Overall Take

Economical PickYou'll love the budget-friendly price tag on this electric skillet.

 We Also Like

BELLA Copper Electric Skillet With Lid, 12-Inch

BELLA

Copper Electric Skillet With Lid, 12-Inch

Unlike Teflon-coated skillets, which can wear out with misuse, this electric skillet uses ceramic nonstick technology. To further enhance durability, the surface is coated in titanium. However, this type of coating isn't dishwasher safe, so you'll need to wash this skillet by hand. In our test kitchen, we loved that it can double as a serving dish ...

Overall Take

Durable and HandyA ceramic surface, reinforced with titanium, means the nonstick coating on this electric skillet won't wear off with excessive use.

 Strong Contender

De’Longhi BG45 Even Cooking Nonstick Electric Skillet, 16-Inch

De'Longhi

Even Cooking Nonstick Electric Skillet, 16-Inch

Master chefs will love this electric skillet, which has an adjustable vent to let just the right amount of steam out to keep your food tasty. The aluminum body will keep it from wearing out even with regular use. The stay-cool handles provide extra safety while cooking.

Overall Take

Tastiest ResultsThe adjustable vents on this electric skillet let you control the amount of steam that escapes.

What to Look For

  • Before you start shopping, think about what you’ll be cooking on your new griddle. Today’s models have much more versatility than the skillets your parents and grandparents likely used. That means you can keep the stove and oven powered off and save electricity. Consider a skillet that will fry, roast, grill, stew and bake, which means you can even make cakes in it, in addition to casseroles and stews. With the BELLA 12-inch Electric Skillet With Glass Lid, you can fry, bake, sauté, steam and more. The skillet allows you to make items like ratatouilles and risottos in addition to traditional skillet foods like pancakes and omelets.
  • You should also consider capacity. If you’re only cooking for yourself or a small family, this likely won’t matter, but it can still help to be able to squeeze large quantities of food onto the cooking surface at once. Some skillets measure 16 X 12 X 2.75 inches. If you plan to regularly make fried chicken on your grill, the BELLA 12-inch Electric Skillet With Glass Lid is built for it, with the ability to hold up to 12 drumsticks at once.
  • When you’re finished with your skillet, storage will immediately become an issue. Consider a model that is built for storage. Simply fold the arms down and nest all the parts together to slide it into a cabinet. They also tend to be lightweight, so taking them with you to events is easier than with many other skillets.
  • One pesky thing about electric skillets is that they can tend to be uneven in the way they cook. Check for a unique heating control. This ensures your food cooks evenly, then stays heated once you put it in warming mode.
  • Many of today’s skillets allow you to use them as buffet servers, which comes in handy if you’re cooking for a group. Simply set the skillet on a counter or table and let your guests serve themselves.
  • Moving an electric skillet once it’s hot can be dangerous, so it’s important to pay close attention to the user manual. Go with skillets that have handles that stay cool while you’re cooking, allowing you to touch them without oven mitts. The body and control box will likely still be hot, though, so use caution when touching those areas. The handles on other models can be shaky, so it may not be wise to carry it with food inside.
  • Look for a model that also has a nonskid base to prevent it from moving around while you’re cooking. If the base gets so hot, it can be dangerous for your countertops, so you may want to use it on your stovetop.
  • The legs on the BELLA 12-inch Electric Skillet With Glass Lid are large, providing extra stability while you work. The legs also stay cool, protecting your countertops. The outside of this model also has a coating that helps it stay cool, providing further protection.
  • If you’ve ever owned a skillet, you know how long they can last with proper use. Go with a skillet that resists rust, which is useful for something you’ll be washing every time you use it.  Models made from aluminum provide many years of use.
  • Unfortunately, Teflon-coated surfaces don’t last forever. Even with careful use, you may find the nonstick surface begins to peel. With the BELLA 12-inch Electric Skillet With Glass Lid, you’ll not only get ceramic nonstick technology that resists wear, but it’s also coated with titanium for extra staying power. This surface provides eight times the durability of traditional nonstick coatings.
  • The best thing about nonstick surfaces is that they make cleanup easier. One major downside of the BELLA 12-inch Electric Skillet With Glass Lid is that it’s not dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to hand wash it after each use.
  • A clear lid is always handy to have, especially if you plan to set your griddle up buffet-style.
  • Another important feature on a griddle lid is a vent. This can help keep steam from becoming trapped, which can improve the taste of some foods. The vent on some models is adjustable, letting you control the amount of steam that escapes.
  • Some skillets have an attached spout that serves as a handy rest for your spoon or spatula. They also have a drainage spout designed to remove excess grease and broth.

More to Explore

The basic concept of a griddle began with the cooking surface itself. Metal griddles have a long history of use among many cultures, including in Mexico, where clay griddles are used to cook tortillas and toast foods like seeds and nuts. Originally, griddles were built using brick, stone or clay. But the first Teflon-coated electric grill hit the market in the 1960s, allowing consumers to make the same delicious foods they’d tasted in diners, where larger griddle surfaces were used. You can buy non-electric griddles that you use on your stovetop, but electric griddles remain popular as a way to cook a variety of foods.

More to explore