The best electric skillets you can buy

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 comes with stay-cool handles so you won't burn yourself, and a hard plastic lid keeps the steam in to cook your food. Presto claims that this skillet can make meals for up to four people, but from what buyers and experts are saying, it's better suited for one- or two-person meals.

IdeaHacks found it's ideal for making fast, easy meals for small families due to its compact size and affordability. However, the reviewer did note that it's not very deep, which rules out making soups. Daring Abroad rated this pan highly because it's heavy-duty, versatile, user-friendly, cost-effective, and heats up quickly. The reviewer also liked the deep lid, which can increase the cooking area for items like whole chickens.

The Presto 11-inch Electric Skillet has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. Buyers appreciated that this model is the right size for cooking single meals for one person or two. People also commented on how versatile the pan is for slow cooking, grilling, broiling, steaming, and frying because it heats evenly and quickly. Also, it allows you to precisely control the temperature.

There were complaints about users having trouble with baking cakes in the skillet and the nonstick surface flaking off after prolonged use.

Pros: Inexpensive, versatile, accurate and even heating

Cons: Questionable durability of the nonstick coating, compact

The Cuisinart GreenGourmet Nonstick Electric Skillet features a 14-inch diameter ceramic-based, petroleum-free, nonstick interior cooking surface. The exterior is made of die-cast stainless steel, and the unit has a tempered glass lid so you can watch your food cook without the heat escaping. With the probe-removed, the pan is dishwasher-safe.

Cuisinart claims this 1,800-watt appliance can braise, simmer, griddle, fry, or sear with little to no butter or oil. The temperature gauge goes up to 450 degrees. With your purchase, you get a little booklet with recipes. Cuisinart backs the quality of the CSK-250WS with a three-year limited warranty.

Cozzy gave the skillet high ratings because it has deep sides, reaches temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, comes with a recipe book, and it heats up quickly. The negatives they noted were that the thermostat may not be accurate and the skillet is quite heavy. It was runner-up on Daring Abroad's list of the "10 Best Electric Skillets" because of its see-through lid, simple temperature adjustment, and effortless cleanup. Yet, they didn't like that the handles got quite hot.

Around 83% of the buyers on Amazon who reviewed the skillet gave it 4 or 5 stars. Reviewers note that this model is more reliable than past Cuisinart electric skillets, such as the CSK-150. It heats up quickly, maintains a consistent temperature, and features durable nonstick coating. People also appreciate how easy it is to clean.

There were a few complaints about how bulky it is. Plus, several buyers commented that the heat dial is not accurate.

Note: This item has been discontinued by Cuisinart, however, it is available on Amazon as a refurbished product from the manufacturer at nearly half-off its original price. It's backed by Amazon's Renewed guarantee, which will refund your money if the product does not work as advertised within a 90-day period.

Pros: Large capacity, heats up quickly and evenly, effortless cleanup, three-year warranty

Cons: Fairly heavy, takes up a lot of space, the temperature gauge appears to be inaccurate

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. The flat plate 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 accessory. This is great for shellfish, steamed buns, and vegetables.

The Gourmet d'Expert 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.

The Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert is at the top of Cozzy's list of best electric skillets because it features a tempered glass lid, a durable cooking surface of titanium-ceramic, a heat gauge with a broad temperature range, and it comes with two cooking pans. On the downside, the glass lid is not under warranty and the unit is bulky.

Around 75% of the people who reviewed the Zojirushi Electric Skillet on Amazon gave it 5 stars. One buyer used this appliance to replace a burner on their gas stove that went kaput. Reviewers also like using the skillet to make hash browns and the pot for soups.

Buyers did warn others to check that the cord is connected to the base. It's designed to come free if someone trips on the cord 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 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 adjust the heat using the thermostat that is attached to the removable cord. This skillet is backed by a one-year limited warranty in case you have any problems.

Kitchen Byte likes that it's affordable, is dishwasher-safe, has an adjustable steam vent, and features Teflon coating. However, the reviewers were turned off by the sometimes uneven cooking and the large size. BestElectricSkillet performed a thorough review of this skillet and appreciated the easy usability, the die-cast aluminum body, and the tempered glass lid.

Of the people who reviewed the De'Longhi Electric Skillet on Amazon, 87% rated it positively. Buyers like the even and fast heating, large interior surface area, and appreciate the presentation. Many reviewers mentioned that it did a good job of keeping food warm and could essentially double as a chafing dish. Other buyers mentioned that the pan and lid are easy to clean.

The only complaints were that the nonstick coating does not last. You can increase the lifespan of the nonstick coating by handwashing the pan with a Teflon-safe sponge.

Pros: Die-cast aluminum body with Teflon coating, adjustable steam vents, even heat distribution

Cons: Questionable durability of the nonstick coating