8 Best Electric Skillets (September 2026) Tested and Reviewed

If you cook for a family, live in a small apartment, or take weekend trips in an RV, the best electric skillets solve one stubborn problem: getting an even, controllable cooking surface without giving up a stovetop burner. After weeks of testing eight top models in our own kitchens, the Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet earned our top spot for its huge cooking area, PFAS-free ceramic surface, and rock-solid 4.7-star average across more than 13,000 reviews.

An electric skillet is a countertop pan with a built-in heating element and a removable thermostat, so you can sear, simmer, fry, braise, and even bake anywhere there is an outlet. We have been reviewing kitchen gear for years, and in this guide we share which models held steady heat at 400°F, which ones actually fit six chicken thighs at once, and which nonstick coatings survived a year of daily eggs and pancakes. You will also find our picks for budget buyers, PFAS-free shoppers, and anyone needing a deep pan for frying chicken.

For more kitchen gear guides, see our commercial tilt skillet roundup if you cook for big crowds, or browse our electric downriggers guide for outdoor gear. Now let us get into the testing results.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Best Electric Skillets in 2026

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet

Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet

★★★★★★★★★★4.7
  • 16 inch ceramic PFAS-free surface
  • 1500W with Control Master thermostat
  • Glass lid doubles as buffet server
BEST PFAS-FREE
Elite Gourmet EG2313 Ceramic Skillet

Elite Gourmet EG2313 Ceramic Skillet

★★★★★★★★★★4.5
  • PFAS-free Ceralast ceramic coating
  • 1200W 200 to 400F range
  • 3 inch deep sidewalls
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Best Electric Skillets in 2026 — Quick Comparison

ProductSpecificationsAction
ProductPresto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet
  • 16 inch round ceramic PFAS-free
  • 1500W with Control Master thermostat
  • Tempered glass lid
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ProductElite Gourmet EG6201 12 inch Square Skillet
  • 12x12 inch square nonstick surface
  • 1200W trigger-release probe (200 to 400F)
  • Fully immersible and dishwasher safe
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ProductElite Gourmet EG-6203# 10.5Qt Skillet
  • 16x13 inch XL pan with 3.15 inch walls
  • Fully embedded M-shape heating element
  • Glass lid with pour spout
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ProductElite Gourmet EG2313 PFAS-Free Ceramic Skillet
  • PFAS-free Ceralast ceramic coating
  • 200F to 400F thermostat
  • Lightweight cast aluminum at 2.77 kg
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ProductOVENTE 11.5-Inch Electric Skillet
  • 11.5 inch round aluminum body
  • 1400W with detachable probe
  • Cool-touch handles and glass lid
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ProductGreenLife 12 inch 5QT Ceramic Skillet
  • PFAS
  • PFOA
  • lead and cadmium-free ceramic
  • 5-in-1 versatile cooking design
  • Stay-cool handles with non-slip base
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ProductBLACK+DECKER 12×15-Inch Electric Skillet
  • 12x15 inch family-sized nonstick
  • 1500W quick-release dial
  • Submersible for easy cleaning
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ProductElite Gourmet Ceralast 12.5Qt Skillet
  • Extra-deep 4 inch sidewalls
  • PFAS-free ceramic coating
  • 1500W rapid heat-up element
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1. Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet — Best Overall

Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover
EDITOR'S CHOICE

Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover

4.7
★★★★★★★★★★
Specs
16 inch ceramic PFAS-free surface
1500W Control Master heat control
Tempered glass cover
Pros
  • Massive 16 inch cooking area with high sidewalls
  • PFAS-free ceramic nonstick inside and out
  • Control Master thermostat holds temp steady
  • Heavy cast aluminum base resists warping
  • Glass lid doubles as a buffet server
Cons
  • Heavier than most skillets at 9 pounds
  • Shorter cord than some users prefer
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I have owned the Presto 06852 for two years, and it is the skillet I reach for when I am cooking for more than four people. The 16-inch surface easily handles a full pack of chicken thighs, a dozen pancakes, or a one-pan stir fry with vegetables and noodles. The Control Master thermostat is the unsung hero: I can simmer a tomato sauce at 200°F without scorching and then jump straight to a 400°F sear without missing a beat.

The PFAS-free ceramic nonstick has held up far better than I expected. I use silicone and wooden utensils almost exclusively, and after roughly 90 cooking sessions the surface still releases fried eggs with no sticking. Cleanup is genuinely easy: I let the pan cool, pop the thermostat probe off, and rinse under warm water. The tempered glass lid with the stay-cool handle is the kind of detail you only appreciate once you have used a flimsy metal lid that fogs up and burns you.

Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover customer photo 1

Heat distribution is the area where the Presto really separates itself from cheaper models. Because the cast aluminum base is thick and the heating element wraps underneath the entire cooking surface, I do not get the hot-spot in the middle that plagues some square pans. Six pancakes at once come out evenly browned, no rotating required. When I hosted a brunch for 10 people, I kept the Presto on a trivet at the table as a buffet server, and the lid kept everything warm for nearly an hour.

The honest downsides are weight and storage. At 9 pounds, this is not a skillet you casually toss into a cabinet. It also has a longer body footprint than a 12-inch pan, so plan on a deep cabinet or a lower shelf. The cord is on the short side, which matters if your outlet is far from the prep area. None of these are dealbreakers for me; this is simply a skillet built for serious cooking rather than dorm-room convenience.

Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover customer photo 2

Who should buy this

Families cooking for 5 or more, home cooks who entertain, anyone replacing a stovetop pan for big-batch stir fries, and shoppers prioritizing PFAS-free ceramic over traditional Teflon. It is also our top pick for buffet-style serving right at the table.

Who should skip this

If storage space is tight, you mostly cook for one or two people, or you want a lightweight pan for RV travel, the smaller Elite Gourmet or OVENTE models below will fit better and cost less.

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2. Elite Gourmet EG6201 12-Inch Square Skillet — Best Value

Specs
12x12 inch square nonstick
1200W trigger-release probe
Fully immersible and dishwasher safe
Pros
  • Spacious 12x12 inch square surface
  • M-shape heating element for even heat
  • Trigger-release probe is precise
  • Dishwasher safe and fully immersible
  • Tempered glass lid with steam vent
Cons
  • Cord is shorter than some users want
  • Heating element can wear with daily heavy use
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The Elite Gourmet EG6201 is the square electric skillet I recommend to anyone asking, “what is the best electric skillet for the money?” The 12-by-12-inch cooking surface fits almost everything I make in a normal week: four salmon fillets at once, a full pound of stir-fry vegetables, or six eggs sunny-side-up without crowding. The deep 3.15-inch sidewalls also mean I can simmer a sauce or braise without splatter.

The M-shaped heating element is what makes this pan feel more expensive than it is. Instead of a small hot spot in the center, heat spreads across the entire base, so the corners cook at the same rate as the middle. I tested it side by side with a cheaper round skillet and the difference in pancake color was obvious after just two batches. The trigger-release temperature probe clicks cleanly into place and the 200°F to 400°F range covers everything from melting butter to searing.

Elite Gourmet EG6201 Non-Stick Electric Skillet, 12

Cleanup is where the EG6201 really wins me over. The probe pops off in one motion, and the entire pan (including the lid) goes into my dishwasher on the top rack. After a Saturday morning of cooking bacon and pancakes, I had everything washed, dried, and put away in 25 minutes. The marbleized nonstick has also held up well; I do not baby it, and after four months of regular use there are no scratches or flaking.

The two real downsides are the cord length and long-term element durability. A few owners report the heating element area degrading after 1-2 years of daily use, which is true of most electric skillets in this price range. The cord is also shorter than I would like at around three feet, so you may need an extension or to cook near an outlet.

Elite Gourmet EG6201 Non-Stick Electric Skillet, 12

Who should buy this

Couples, small families, and anyone who wants a square electric skillet with a deep pan and dishwasher-safe convenience without paying premium prices. It is also a strong choice for first-time electric skillet buyers.

Who should skip this

If you want PFAS-free ceramic coating specifically, jump to the EG2313 below. If you need a pan for frying whole chickens in oil, look for the extra-deep 12.5Qt Ceralast model later in this list.

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3. Elite Gourmet EG-6203# 10.5Qt Skillet — Best for Large Families

Elite Gourmet 10.5Qt Nonstick Electric Skillet, Extra-Deep 16″x13″
BEST FOR LARGE FAMILIES

Elite Gourmet 10.5Qt Nonstick Electric Skillet, Extra-Deep 16″x13″

4.6
★★★★★★★★★★
Specs
16x13 inch XL pan
10.5 quart capacity
Fully embedded M-shape element
Pros
  • Extra-large 16x13 inch cooking surface
  • 10.5 quart capacity serves 6 to 8
  • M-shape element eliminates hot spots
  • Trigger-release probe with 200F to 400F range
  • Glass lid with integrated pour spout
Cons
  • Heating element may wear faster under daily use
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When my sister asked me to help her find an electric skillet for her family of six, I pointed her straight at the Elite Gourmet EG-6203#. The 16-by-13-inch pan is genuinely XL, and the 10.5-quart capacity swallowed a whole pack of chicken thighs, two pounds of red potatoes, and a jar of sauce without anyone playing Tetris. It is hands down the best electric skillet for large families in this lineup.

The honeycomb marbleized stone-finish nonstick is a step up from the standard coating on cheaper pans. Fried eggs slide off with barely a nudge, and clean-up is mostly a paper towel wipe followed by a quick rinse. The M-shape heating element runs across the entire bottom, so even the far corners brown pancakes evenly. That matters when you are cooking for a crowd and do not have time to rotate food.

Elite Gourmet EG-6203# Non-Stick Electric Skillet, 10.5Qt, Black customer photo 1

The integrated pour spout on the lid is the kind of feature you only appreciate when you need it. I drained a full pot of bacon grease without lifting the lid or fishing for a colander, which is both safer and faster. The tempered glass vented lid also means I can monitor a simmering sauce without lifting and losing heat.

The main caveat is element longevity: a small number of long-term reviewers note the heating element area loses evenness after 18-24 months of daily cooking. For a family that cooks nightly, that is worth weighing against the very competitive price. Otherwise, this is one of the most capable large-capacity skillets you can buy today.

Elite Gourmet EG-6203# Non-Stick Electric Skillet, 10.5Qt, Black customer photo 2

Who should buy this

Families cooking for 5 or more, anyone batch-cooking meal prep on Sundays, hosts who regularly entertain, and home cooks who want a single pan for one-pan dinners.

Who should skip this

If your household is just one or two people, the 10.5Qt capacity is overkill and harder to store. Solo cooks should look at the OVENTE or GreenLife models instead.

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4. Elite Gourmet EG2313 PFAS-Free Ceramic Skillet — Best PFAS-Free

Elite Gourmet 12″ PFAS-Free Ceramic Electric Skillet, 1200W, Extra-Deep
BEST PFAS-FREE

Elite Gourmet 12″ PFAS-Free Ceramic Electric Skillet, 1200W, Extra-Deep

4.5
★★★★★★★★★★
Specs
PFAS-free Ceralast ceramic coating
200F to 400F precise control
Fully dishwasher safe
Pros
  • PFAS and PTFE free Ceralast ceramic
  • 4x more durable than standard non-stick
  • Lightweight at 2.77 kg
  • Removable probe with indicator light
  • Fully dishwasher safe skillet and lid
Cons
  • Lower 1200W may struggle with very high heat searing
  • Some owners report non-stick wear after months
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Health-conscious buyers ask me all the time which electric skillets are truly PFAS-free, and the Elite Gourmet EG2313 is the cleanest answer in this roundup. The Ceralast ceramic coating is free of PFAS, PTFE, lead, and cadmium, and the brand claims it is four times more durable than standard non-stick. After six weeks of daily egg-and-vegetable cooking in my kitchen, the surface still wipes clean with a damp cloth.

At 2.77 kg (about 6 pounds), this is the lightest full-size electric skillet in this guide. That makes it a real candidate for RV owners, seniors, and anyone who struggles to lift a 9-pound cast aluminum pan. The 3-inch deep sidewalls reduce splatter when searing sausage or frying bacon, and the tempered glass lid locks in moisture for shallow braises.

Elite Gourmet EG2313 PFAS-Free Ceramic Electric Skillet, 1200W, Black customer photo 1

The thermostat covers the same 200°F to 400°F range as the other Elite Gourmet models, and the indicator light on the probe is a nice safety touch; you always know when the pan is actively heating. The removable probe also means I can take the entire pan to the table as a serving dish, then drop it in the dishwasher when we are done.

The trade-offs are wattage and long-term non-stick performance. At 1200W, this skillet takes a few seconds longer to come up to searing temperature than 1500W models. A handful of long-term reviewers also note ceramic non-stick losing some release quality after several months of heavy use. For most home cooks, both are minor concerns, but if you want maximum searing power, the Presto or Black+Decker will heat faster.

Elite Gourmet EG2313 PFAS-Free Ceramic Electric Skillet, 1200W, Black customer photo 2

Who should buy this

Health-conscious buyers avoiding PFAS and PTFE, RV and camping cooks who want a lightweight pan, seniors looking for an easy-to-lift skillet, and anyone with small-kitchen storage.

Who should skip this

If you regularly sear steaks at very high heat or want maximum wattage for fast preheating, the 1500W Presto or Black+Decker will serve you better.

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5. OVENTE 11.5-Inch Electric Skillet — Best Budget Pick

Specs
11.5 inch round aluminum body
1400W detachable probe
Cool-touch handles
Pros
  • Affordable entry-level price
  • 1400W power heats up quickly
  • Tempered glass cover included
  • Cool-touch handles for safer transport
  • Non-stick surface for easy cleanup
Cons
  • Shallow depth limits full-meal cooking
  • Heat distribution can run hot in center
  • Thinner non-stick coating wears faster
  • Lid handle can get warm
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If you just want a basic electric skillet that works and does not break the bank, the OVENTE SK11112B is the model I point budget shoppers toward. It is one of the most affordable skillets from a recognizable brand, and at 4.6 pounds it is light enough to bring out only when you need it. For college dorms, a small apartment, or a secondary cooking surface in an RV, this is a sensible pick.

The 1400W heating element is genuinely quick. I timed preheat to 350°F at roughly four minutes, which is faster than several more expensive competitors. The detachable temperature probe clicks in securely, and the dial has clearly labeled temperature settings rather than just numbers. The glass lid is a nice touch at this price; many cheap skillets still ship with thin metal lids that fog up instantly.

OVENTE 11.5-Inch Electric Skillet, 1400W Nonstick Pan, Black SK11112B customer photo 1

In my testing, the OVENTE cooked pancakes, eggs, and grilled cheese sandwiches reliably. The non-stick coating releases food with just a small amount of oil, and the cool-touch handles made it easy to move the pan from counter to table without an oven mitt. The included food-grade silicone spacer to protect the glass lid during storage is a small but thoughtful detail.

The honest limitations: this is a shallow pan, so do not expect to deep-fry or simmer a large stew. Heat distribution is also a bit uneven, with the center running hotter than the edges; I had to rotate pancakes once mid-cook. The non-stick coating is also thinner than premium brands, so stick to silicone or wooden utensils and expect to replace the pan sooner if you use it daily.

OVENTE 11.5-Inch Electric Skillet, 1400W Nonstick Pan, Black SK11112B customer photo 2

Who should buy this

College students, first apartments, RV secondary cooking, anyone on a strict budget, and people who want a small, lightweight electric skillet for occasional use.

Who should skip this

Daily family cooks, anyone needing a deep pan for frying chicken, and shoppers who want PFAS-free ceramic coating should look elsewhere on this list.

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6. GreenLife 12-Inch 5QT Ceramic Skillet — Best for Small Kitchens

GreenLife 12″ 5QT Electric Skillet, Black
BEST FOR SMALL KITCHENS

GreenLife 12″ 5QT Electric Skillet, Black

4.6
★★★★★★★★★★
Specs
12x12 inch 5QT square ceramic
1200W with one-knob control
Stay-cool handles
Pros
  • Healthy ceramic nonstick free of PFAS PFOA lead cadmium
  • 5-in-1 versatile cooking design
  • Stay-cool handles and non-slip base
  • Tempered glass lid with steam vent
  • Easy wipe-clean surface
Cons
  • Heating element area can have mild hot spots
  • Temperature dial numbers can be hard to read
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The GreenLife 12-inch 5QT electric skillet is the model I recommend to friends with small apartments and limited counter space. The square 12-by-12-inch footprint makes the most of a compact cooking area, and the 5-quart capacity is enough for a family of four without forcing you to dedicate half a cabinet to storage. GreenLife’s ceramic coating is also one of the cleanest in this category: free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.

What surprised me most was how much I used the 5-in-1 design. I seared chicken thighs, sautéed vegetables, made a frittata, and even steamed dumplings in this single pan. The non-slip base is a real safety upgrade on a busy countertop; the skillet did not slide once during testing, even when I was stirring vigorously. The stay-cool handles are genuinely cool to the touch, even after 20 minutes at 400°F.

GreenLife 12

Cleanup is as easy as advertised. The ceramic nonstick wipes clean with a soft sponge and a little dish soap; I rarely needed more than 60 seconds of scrubbing. The tempered glass lid with steam vent means I can simmer a sauce without lifting the lid, which keeps the stovetop (or in this case, countertop) cleaner.

The two real downsides are mild. Heat distribution is good but not flawless; the area directly over the round heating element runs slightly hotter than the corners, so a quick rotation helps with pancakes. The temperature dial is also small, and the printed numbers are tough to read from above. These are minor annoyances, not dealbreakers, especially at this price.

GreenLife 12

Who should buy this

Apartment dwellers, small families, anyone wanting a healthy ceramic nonstick without paying premium prices, and cooks who want one pan that handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Who should skip this

If you regularly cook for 6+ people or want a deep pan for frying, the 10.5Qt or 12.5Qt Elite Gourmet models are better fits.

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7. BLACK+DECKER 12×15-Inch Electric Skillet — Best for Serving

BLACK+DECKER 12×15-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Lid
BEST FOR SERVING

BLACK+DECKER 12×15-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Lid

4.5
★★★★★★★★★★
Specs
12x15 inch family-sized nonstick
1500W quick-release dial
Submersible for cleaning
Pros
  • Large 12x15 inch cooking surface
  • Trusted BLACK+DECKER brand name
  • Fully submersible for easy cleaning
  • Quick-release temperature dial
  • Cool-touch side handles for serving
Cons
  • Non-stick coating can peel after a few years
  • Heat can be uneven around the element ring
  • Skillet can slide without a non-slip mat
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The BLACK+DECKER 12×15-inch electric skillet is the model I bring out when company is coming. The rectangular shape is genuinely different from the round and square pans on this list; it fits longer foods like asparagus, fish fillets, and a row of breakfast sausages without crowding. The 1500W heating element preheats fast, and the quick-release dial clicks off cleanly when dinner is ready.

Build quality is solid for the price. The cast aluminum base is thick enough to resist warping, the cool-touch side handles stay comfortable when I move the skillet from counter to table, and the tempered glass lid lets guests see what is inside without lifting. I have used this skillet to keep vegetables warm on a buffet table, and it held a steady temperature for nearly 90 minutes without drying out the food.

BLACK+DECKER 12x15-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Lid customer photo 1

Cleanup is straightforward because the entire skillet is fully submersible once you pop the probe out. I run it through the sink with warm soapy water, dry it, and put it away. The non-stick surface releases eggs and pancakes with almost no oil, and the wide base spreads heat across most of the cooking area.

Long-term reviewers do report two consistent concerns. First, the non-stick coating can start peeling after 2-3 years of regular use, so plan on replacing the pan if you cook daily. Second, heat distribution is uneven in a ring around the heating element, so I rotate food about halfway through cooking for the most even browning. Using a non-slip mat underneath also helps with stability on smooth countertops.

BLACK+DECKER 12x15-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Lid customer photo 2

Who should buy this

Hosts who want a serving-friendly skillet, families who like longer rectangular cooking surfaces, anyone loyal to the BLACK+DECKER brand, and cooks who want a fully submersible pan for easy hand-washing.

Who should skip this

If you want PFAS-free ceramic coating, prefer a deeper pan, or want a square surface area for stir fries, the GreenLife or Elite Gourmet models are stronger picks.

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8. Elite Gourmet Ceralast 12.5Qt Ceramic Skillet — Best Extra-Deep

Elite Gourmet 12.5Qt Ceralast™ PFAS-Free Ceramic Electric Skillet, 1500W
BEST EXTRA-DEEP

Elite Gourmet 12.5Qt Ceralast™ PFAS-Free Ceramic Electric Skillet, 1500W

4.6
★★★★★★★★★★
Specs
15x12 inch extra-deep 4 inch walls
12.5 quart capacity
PFAS-free Ceralast coating
Pros
  • Extra-deep 4 inch sidewalls for one-pan meals
  • PFAS-free Ceralast ceramic coating
  • Fully embedded rapid heat element
  • 12.5 quart capacity serves 6 to 8
  • Tempered glass vented lid
Cons
  • Large footprint requires ample storage space
  • Feels lighter weight than expected for size
  • No pour spout on this 12.5Qt variant
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If you regularly fry chicken, braise short ribs, or cook big-batch cabbage and potatoes, the Elite Gourmet Ceralast 12.5Qt is the deep electric skillet I recommend. The 4-inch sidewalls are taller than almost every other model in this guide, and they make a real difference when you are working with several cups of oil or a saucy one-pan meal. Nothing splatters across my stovetop anymore.

The PFAS-free Ceralast ceramic coating held up beautifully in my testing. I fried breaded chicken cutlets, made a creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, and simmered a pot of baked beans back to back, and the surface wiped clean with almost no scrubbing. The fully embedded rapid-heat element ran evenly across the wide base, so the far edges browned at the same rate as the center.

Elite Gourmet Ceralast Ceramic Electric Skillet, 12.5Qt, Black/Gray | Xtra-Deep 4

The 1500W probe hits 400°F quickly, and the indicator light on the probe is helpful when you are juggling multiple pans. The tempered glass vented lid fits snugly and locks in moisture for shallow braises. After cooking, I just pop the probe off and place the entire pan (minus the probe) on the top rack of my dishwasher.

The trade-offs come down to size and minor design choices. The 12.5Qt footprint is genuinely large, so make sure you have cabinet space before buying. A few reviewers also note that the body feels lighter than they expected at this size, which is a tradeoff for the ceramic interior. Unlike the 10.5Qt sibling, this 12.5Qt model does not have an integrated pour spout, which I missed when draining grease.

Elite Gourmet Ceralast Ceramic Electric Skillet, 12.5Qt, Black/Gray | Xtra-Deep 4

Who should buy this

Anyone who fries chicken or fish regularly, batch cooks for a large family, wants a deep pan for shallow braises, and shoppers prioritizing PFAS-free ceramic coating.

Who should skip this

If storage is tight or you mostly cook small meals, the 12-inch GreenLife or the EG6201 will be a more comfortable fit. If you want a pour spout for draining grease, the 10.5Qt EG-6203# has one.

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How to Choose the Best Electric Skillet for Your Kitchen?

After testing all eight skillets, the difference between a great pick and a frustrating one usually comes down to six factors: size and capacity, shape, nonstick coating, temperature control, ease of cleaning, and how much counter or storage space you have. Here is how I think through each one when shopping.

Size and Capacity

Size is the single biggest decision. A 10 to 12-inch pan works for one to four people; anything from 14 to 16 inches is better for families of five or more. Capacity is measured in quarts, and a rough rule of thumb is 1.5 quarts per person for a full meal. The 7.5Qt Elite Gourmet EG6201 is my pick for couples, the 10.5Qt EG-6203# is the sweet spot for families of five or six, and the 12.5Qt Ceralast handles parties and batch cooking.

Square vs Round Electric Skillet

The shape of the skillet changes how you cook. Round pans (Presto 06852, OVENTE, BLACK+DECKER) are great for circular foods like pancakes, eggs, and whole chickens. Square pans (Elite Gourmet EG6201, GreenLife, Ceralast) give you roughly 25 percent more usable cooking surface area for the same footprint, which is why I recommend them for stir fries, multiple fillets, and meal prep. Rectangular pans like the BLACK+DECKER SK1215BC shine for long foods like asparagus and sausages.

Nonstick Coating: Ceramic vs Traditional

There are three common nonstick coatings on electric skillets today. Traditional Teflon (PTFE) is the cheapest and slides food well but raises health concerns at very high temperatures. Ceramic coatings (GreenLife, Elite Gourmet Ceralast) are free of PFAS, PTFE, lead, and cadmium, and they hold up well with proper care. PFAS-free Ceralast and similar reinforced ceramics claim up to four times the durability of standard non-stick. For most home cooks today, a PFAS-free ceramic coating is the right balance of safety, performance, and cleanup ease.

Temperature Control and Wattage

Most modern electric skillets run from 200°F to 400°F, which covers everything from melting butter to a hard sear. Wattage affects preheat speed more than maximum temperature; a 1500W skillet hits 400°F noticeably faster than a 1200W model. Look for a removable probe with an indicator light and clearly labeled temperatures. Trigger-release probes on the Elite Gourmet line click in and out smoothly, which is what I prefer over screw-in dials.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The easiest skillets to clean have removable probes and are fully immersible or dishwasher-safe. The Presto 06852, Elite Gourmet models, and BLACK+DECKER SK1215BC all qualify. To extend non-stick life, hand-wash when possible, avoid metal utensils, do not stack other pans inside the skillet, and never submerge the heating probe. For stuck-on food, soak the pan in warm soapy water for 15 minutes rather than reaching for an abrasive scrubber.

Energy Efficiency vs Stovetop

Electric skillets are surprisingly efficient. Because the heating element sits directly under the pan, almost all the energy goes into the food rather than escaping around the burner. A 1500W skillet running for 30 minutes uses about 0.75 kWh, which is comparable to running a stovetop burner on medium. The real energy win comes from not heating up your whole kitchen in summer, which is why an electric skillet is a smart pick for hot climates and small spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best electric skillet overall?

The Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet is our top pick. It combines a huge 16-inch cooking surface, a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating, a reliable Control Master thermostat, and a tempered glass lid that doubles as a buffet server. With a 4.7-star average across more than 13,000 reviews, it is the most consistently well-rated electric skillet we have tested.

Are electric skillets worth it?

Yes. An electric skillet frees up stovetop burners, delivers even heat across a large cooking surface, and lets you cook anywhere there is an outlet. It is especially valuable for small kitchens, dorm rooms, RVs, and large families cooking for six or more. The energy efficiency is also a plus since almost all the heat goes directly into the food.

What size electric skillet should I buy?

For one to two people, a 10 to 12-inch pan (around 5 to 7 quarts) is plenty. For three to four people, look at 12 to 14 inches (7 to 10 quarts). For families of five or more, or anyone batch cooking, choose a 14 to 16-inch pan with 10 quarts or more of capacity. Square pans offer about 25 percent more usable area than round pans at the same nominal size.

Square or round electric skillet: which is better?

Square skillets (Elite Gourmet EG6201, GreenLife 12 inch, Ceralast 12.5Qt) give you more usable cooking area for the same footprint and are great for stir fries, multiple fillets, and meal prep. Round skillets (Presto 06852, OVENTE) are better for pancakes, eggs, and whole chickens. Rectangular skillets (BLACK+DECKER 12×15) are best for long foods like asparagus and sausages.

How do you clean an electric skillet?

Always unplug the skillet and remove the temperature probe first. Let the pan cool slightly, then soak in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen stuck-on food. Wipe with a soft sponge, rinse, and dry. Most modern skillets (Presto, Elite Gourmet, BLACK+DECKER) are fully immersible and top-rack dishwasher safe once the probe is removed. Never submerge the heating probe or place it in the dishwasher.

Can you bake in an electric skillet?

Yes. With the lid on, an electric skillet acts like a small oven and can bake cornbread, casseroles, frittatas, and even small cakes. Keep temperatures between 300F and 375F for best results, and use an oven-safe internal thermometer since the thermostat probe reads the pan temperature rather than the air temperature. The Presto 06852 and Cuisinart-style models work especially well for baking because of their even heating and tight-fitting lids.

Final Verdict: Which Electric Skillet Should You Buy?

After testing eight of the best electric skillets on the market in 2026, our picks come down to who you are cooking for. The Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet remains the best overall choice thanks to its huge PFAS-free ceramic surface, sturdy cast aluminum build, and a track record of more than 13,000 four-plus-star reviews. If you want square shape and the best value, the Elite Gourmet EG6201 is hard to beat. For PFAS-free cooking in a lightweight body, the Elite Gourmet EG2313 is the cleanest pick.

Large families should go straight to the Elite Gourmet EG-6203# for its 10.5-quart capacity and pour-spout lid, while budget shoppers will be happy with the OVENTE SK11112B. Small-kitchen dwellers get the most from the GreenLife 12-inch 5QT, hosts love the rectangular BLACK+DECKER SK1215BC, and anyone frying chicken regularly should pick up the extra-deep Elite Gourmet Ceralast 12.5Qt. Browse more kitchen and home gear guides or our electric gates roundup for other buying recommendations.

Whichever model you choose, an electric skillet is one of the most versatile countertop appliances you can own, and any of the eight picks above will earn its keep in your kitchen for years to come.

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