When I was in college, the electric skillet was a worthwhile investment. With the cafeteria not always on point and my dorm lacking a stove, I was able to cook up my favorite meals in no time flat. Electric skillets are underrated appliances that are portable, efficient, and ideal for small spaces. In this guide, we will explore the best electric skillets of 2024 that offer flexible cooking options and convenient features. The Presto Foldaway Skillet tops the list thanks to its foldaway design and built-in spout. Say goodbye to relying on the stove and hello to electric skillets!

From fried eggs and French toast to meatballs and stir-fry, an electric skillet is versatile, easy to use, safe, and compact. No need for pots, pans, and a stovetop, this gadget has it all in one, making it perfect for tight kitchen spaces and convenient when you don’t feel like a big mess. You’ll want to choose your device carefully to ensure it has all the features you need. It’s often worth paying that little bit extra for non-stick, high-quality materials than getting something that won’t last even a year. Here’s what you need to consider when buying the best electric skillet for your home.

Skillet Size and Shape

Electric skillets come in various shapes and sizes including round, square, rectangular, and oval designs. The size you choose will depend on how many people you plan to cook for. Opt for a deep. Higher edges also allow you to stir and cook liquid items without spilling and make it easier to cook larger roasts or whole chickens. Some skillets plug directly into a power socket while others are composed of two separate elements: the thermo-control base panel and the actual cooking skillet. The unit with a separate base and pan allows you to place the skillet in the dishwasher since the electrical components are not attached to the pan itself. Square or rectangular units generally offer more cooking space than round ones. A small unit will be ideal for frying one or two eggs but might not be the best choice if you’re preparing several steaks or whole chicken for the family. Regardless of the shape and size you choose, electric skillets offer a faster and more convenient way to whip up a meal.

Material

Ensure that the device you choose has a non-stick coating. These are generally Teflon-coated aluminum or stainless steel. The device should also have thermoregulators that distribute heat evenly to ensure your food cooks equally no matter where it is positioned in the pan. This also allows the pan to hold a consistent temperature.

Handles

Check whether the skillet has handles and if it does, that they are heat resistant. Some skillets can be removed from the cooker base, which means you’ll need to use a heating pad or hot pot pad when placing the dish on the table. Other designs set the skillet on the legs. These should also be heat resistant so no damage is caused to the area where the unit is placed.

Temperature Control

Some skillets allow you to change the heat setting on a dial from 1 to 10, getting hotter as the numbers increase, while others may show you the temperature. Check the maximum temperature that the skillet heats to. This should be at least 400°F. Although units with lower max temperatures will still do the trick for small items, it’s more efficient to get something that will heat quickly and effectively. You also want to check that you can change the temperature to more than just two or three settings. You will want a wide range of temperature options depending on what you are cooking and how far into the cooking process you are. Adjustability and temperature control are key.

Lid

A glass lid is ideal since it allows you to see your food cooking. The lid should have a heat-resistant handle as well as ventilation holes to prevent pressure from building up inside which can cause liquids to spill out the sides.

Drainage Spout

If you’re only planning on making grilled sandwiches and scrambled eggs a spout may not be necessary, however, it is a useful feature for making gravy, pouring soup, broth, or grease out of the pan. Designs with a spout generally incorporate one lipped edge on the skillet wall for mess-free pouring.

Warranty

The electric skillet should have at least a one-year warranty.

Cleaning

Always disconnect the electrical components before cleaning the skillet. Be careful not to get any water on the adaptor. Skillets that are separate from the thermo-control base are sometimes dishwasher-friendly. The base should be wiped with a damp cloth but never submerged in water. It is similar to a blender where you can wash the jug but need to keep the electrical base component free from contact with water. Never scrub the non-stick surface with hard sponges and don’t try to scrape off any stuck pieces of food with a knife. This will scratch the surface and remove the non-stick coating. If there is stubborn dirt, soak it in soapy water to soften it before washing it with a scratch-free sponge or cloth.

Storage

If the unit is fairly big, you may want to check if any of the components fold up for storage. Some units allow the base or legs to fold for a compact storage solution when not in use.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Presto Foldaway Skillet
• Runner-Up: Presto 16-Inch Skillet
• Honorable Mention: Presto Ceramic Skillet
• Most Effective: Chefman Indoor Electric Grill Pot And Skillet
• Best Electric Cooking Set: Presto Griddle & Skillet
• Best Small Skillet: Presto 11-Inch Skillet

Reviews

Best Overall

Presto Foldaway Skillet

Pros	Cons
Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning Built-in spout for the mess-free pouring of sauces and cooking juices Foldaway design for space-saving storage Can be used for cooking and as a serving dish	You may find the unit slightly too big if you’re only cooking for one

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Runner-Up

Presto 16-Inch Skillet

Pros	Cons
The clear tempered glass lid allows you to see inside Heat-resistant handles for safety The pan can be used for cooking and as a serving dish Large size with high side edges offers optimal cooking space	No pouring spout

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Honorable Mention

Presto Ceramic Skillet

Pros	Cons
Non-stick coating for easy cleaning The 4-Legged design keeps the hot cooker off the counter surface Large cooking capacity Heat resistant handles for safe use	Although the unit can be used as a serving dish, it doesn’t look as elegant as other designs to place on a dining table

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Most Effective

Chefman Indoor Electric Grill Pot And Skillet

Pros	Cons
Versatile cooking options  Non-stick cooking surface  Adjustable temperature control	Limited cooking space

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Best Electric Cooking Set

Presto Griddle & Skillet

Pros	Cons
Get a griddle and skillet in one purchase Energy-saving cooking Non-stick surfaces make healthy cooking and cleaning a breeze The skillet comes with a perfect fit, tempered glass lid	There is no integrated pouring spout in the skillet design

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Best Small Skillet

Presto 11-Inch Skillet

Pros	Cons
High edges allow you to make casseroles, and stews without spilling Easy-clean non-stick surface Compact 11-inch size Keep your food warm by using the skillet as a serving dish too	If you’re cooking for a large family, the 11-inch size may be on the small side

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