Electric skillets are frying pans that are heated by plugging them into an outlet. They provide an even heating surface and come in various sizes and shapes. They can have temperature control, non-stick surfaces, and a “keep warm” feature. However, they should be used with caution around small children and not placed on the stovetop.
An electric skillet is just as it sounds, a frying pan or skillet that instead of being placed on the stove is heated by plugging it into an outlet. The best skillets provide an even heating surface, not always the case with stovetop cooking.
The electric frying pan can be round or square. A very popular variant is the electric wok, which makes frying quite simple. In the past many stoves featured a center plate, which was useful for making pancakes or French toast, but now to save space, few stoves offer this feature. A hot plate, similar to a frying pan, may be just the thing for cooking pancakes, due to its even heat characteristics. Pan-fried pancakes on the stovetop are often difficult because the pans often have hot spots.
Electric skillet sizes can be as little as 12 inches square or a 12-inch diameter round skillet. Some can be considerably larger, about 18 inches per side or 18 inches in diameter. They’re actually quite useful when they can be bought in this size, because it usually exceeds the diameter of pans you can put on a stove. Make sure you have enough room to safely accommodate one of the larger pans.
The electric frying pan can be equipped with temperature control, non-stick surface and dishwasher safe. Don’t forget to remove the plug that plugs into the wall before putting it in the dishwasher! Some even have a “keep warm” feature, which allows food to be kept slightly warm, similar to a chafing dish, if dinner has to be delayed. This warming function allows electric frying pans to work well for buffets.
Most electric skillets are made from aluminum with non-stick coatings. Some may be stainless steel. Don’t forget that with any nonstick coating, you shouldn’t use metal stirring or serving utensils, as these will scratch the coating. If your coating is starting to flake off, it’s time to get a new pan.
If you have small children, you should be careful when using an electric skillet, and any area where you plan to use it should be off-limits. Keep the pan away from the edge of the counters so little hands can’t accidentally pull it down. When using an electric skillet, the stovetop may seem like the natural place to place it. But, if you’re cooking other things on the stove or in the oven, this additional heat could pose a fire hazard. A safer method is to cook with the skillet near the stove, but not on the stovetop.
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