The Surprising Reason You Need an Electric Skillet in Your Kitchen

Alexa HackfortUpdated: Mar. 09, 2023

Electric pan with meat of pork on the table. Independent auxiliary skillet for cooking any place.

NataliAlba/Shutterstock

Look beyond the stovetop! Here's why the electric skillet is staking a claim as one of the most valuable kitchen appliances.

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If you’re convinced an electric skillet is only good for dorm room cooking, it’s time to reconsider! Sure, they’re great for small spaces that don’t have fully functioning kitchens, including RVs and tiny houses. But this handy countertop appliance deserves a spot in your kitchen, too. The reason? Consistent cooking temperature.

P.S. Don’t forget to read up on all you need to know before buying an electric skillet, too.

Consistency Is Key

With a wide range of heat settings, typically 175º to at least 400º, electric skillets allow you to cook almost anything. But the best part about electric skillets is that they hold a consistent heat.

Unlike traditional stovetops, which may have hot spots and uneven heat, electric skillets consistently keep the temperature you set. Not only are they great for pan frying and sauteing, that consistent heat is ideal for deep frying doughnuts, chicken, potatoes and fish in the skillet. If you’re new to deep frying, check out our best tips for deep frying at home.

Electric skillets are also perfect for all your breakfast favorites. Omelets, french toast and pancakes benefit from even heat, so you’ll get perfectly cooked breakfast foods every time.

Plus, the precise temperature gauge allows for low-heat poaching, including fish or eggs. Try it out on this tomato-poached halibut recipe.

It’s Party Ready

If the consistent heat isn’t enough to sway you, consider how handy the electric skillet is during parties and holidays. If your stovetop is full, the electric skillet offers extra cooking space. Thanks to its handles and wide base, it’s also a convenient way to transport food to parties and can be used as a chafing dish during potlucks.

Speaking of potlucks, here are 13 potluck etiquette rules to follow!

And Summer Friendly, Too

Another bonus? Electric skillets won’t heat up your whole kitchen on a hot day the way the oven would. By using less energy than the stovetop, an electric skillet is a cooler—and cheaper—way to cook in the summer.

Ready to check out electric skillets? Here’s the one we recommend.

Here's What to Make in Your Electric Skillet

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Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet, Black

via amazon.com

If you want dinner made quick, an electric skillet is the ultimate tool to add to your kitchen inventory. You can cook or fry anything on the go, making it the perfect accessory for parties and potlucks. Need some savory electric skillet recipes? Here are the best deep-fried dishes to make tonight! And don't miss these other quick dinners to make in your electric skillet.

Springtime Beignets Berries Exps Tham17 199933 C11 10 1b 10

Springtime Beignets & BerriesI've always loved beignets, but never thought I could make them myself. Turns out they're easy! Sometimes I'll even make a quick berry whipped cream and pipe it inside for a fun surprise. —Kathi Hemmer, Grand Junction, Colorado