Buying Guide for the Best Biggest Electric Skillet
When choosing the biggest electric skillet, you're likely looking to cook for large groups, prepare multiple dishes at once, or need versatile countertop cooking. Picking the right skillet isn't just about size—considering how you'll use it, what you'll cook, and your available kitchen space is also important. Focus on the key specs to find a skillet that matches your cooking style and needs for both everyday meals and special occasions.Cooking Surface SizeCooking surface size is the actual usable area where your food will sit and cook. This is a crucial spec because it determines how much food you can prepare at once. Surface sizes typically range from around 12 inches (good for 2-3 people or small kitchens) up to 16 or even 18 inches for the biggest models (great for families or batch cooking). If you often cook for many people or want to sear, fry, or grill large items like pancakes, steaks, or stir-fries, a skillet on the larger end is more suitable. For smaller households or occasional use, a mid-sized or smaller skillet might suffice.
DepthDepth refers to how high the sides of the skillet are. Deeper skillets are important if you want to prepare foods with liquids like stews, casseroles, or deep-frying—these generally offer more flexibility. Shallow skillets are easier for frying, flipping, or sautéing but limit how much food or liquid you can use. If you want an electric skillet for more than just sautéing, opt for a deeper model to avoid spills and make it suitable for a wider range of dishes.
Wattage/PowerWattage is how much power the skillet uses to heat up, usually measured in watts. More wattage means the skillet can heat faster and maintain higher or more consistent temperatures, which is helpful when searing or cooking large amounts of food. Lower-wattage models use less power but might heat more slowly and be better suited for smaller portions or gentle cooking, such as keeping food warm. Think about the types of meals you make: if you cook lots of meat or big batches, go for higher wattage; for lighter or less frequent use, lower wattage can work.
Material and Nonstick CoatingMost electric skillets are made from materials like aluminum or stainless steel, often coated with nonstick surfaces. The material impacts how evenly the skillet heats, with aluminum heating quickly and stainless steel being more durable. Nonstick coatings make for easy food release and clean-up but can wear down over time. If you want effortless cleaning and easy flipping of delicate foods, a high-quality nonstick surface is best. If you are okay with a bit more maintenance and want longevity, consider skillets with thicker construction and sturdy, quality coatings.
Temperature Range and ControlsTemperature range refers to the minimum and maximum heat settings the skillet can achieve. Wide temperature ranges give you more flexibility to cook different foods—low settings are good for simmering or keeping food warm, while higher settings are ideal for searing and frying. Look for a skillet with an easy-to-use and precise control, such as a dial or digital panel. If you like cooking various dishes, make sure your skillet can reach both low and high temperatures comfortably.
Lid Type and FeaturesThe lid keeps heat and moisture inside the skillet, which is important for simmering or steaming. Some skillets have glass lids, allowing you to check your food without opening the lid and losing heat; others have vent holes to let excess steam escape. If you plan to make soups, stews, or dishes that require close watching, a glass lid is helpful. Vented lids help control moisture and prevent overflow, which is handy for high-moisture recipes.
Handles and StorageHandles affect how easy and safe it is to move the skillet, especially when it's full and hot. Larger skillets need sturdy, heat-resistant handles that are easy to grip. Consider storage as well: the biggest skillets can take up significant countertop or cupboard space. If you have limited space, check whether the handles are cool-touch, detachable, or collapsible for easier storage.