Best Electric Skillet for Frying Chicken Evenly | Top Picks

Having worked with countless kitchen appliances over the years, I appreciate a piece of equipment that delivers consistent results without fuss. The Elite Gourmet EG2615 Electric Skillet promised a lot, and after putting it through its paces, I can confidently say it earns its spot on the counter, especially for those looking to expand their cooking capabilities beyond the stovetop.

Feature Deep Dive

• PFAS-FREE COOKING: Ceralast™ Ceramic Non-Stick

  In today’s kitchen, safety and durability are paramount. The Ceralast™ ceramic coating on this skillet is a significant plus. Not only is it PFAS-free, which is a non-negotiable for many, but its non-stick performance is genuinely impressive. Eggs slide right off, and even sticky sauces release with minimal effort. More importantly, it feels robust—scratch-resistant as advertised—which speaks volumes for its longevity in a busy kitchen environment. No peeling or cracking observed, which is often the downfall of lesser coatings.

• RAPID & EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION

  This is where the EG2615 truly shines. The fully embedded “Rapid Heat” element isn’t just marketing fluff; it brings the skillet up to temperature quickly and, crucially, maintains it across the entire cooking surface. Hot spots are a common complaint with many electric skillets, but this unit delivers remarkable uniformity. The adjustable control probe is precise, allowing for fine-tuning from a gentle simmer at 200°F to a searing 400°F. This consistent heating is a game-changer for everything from delicate crepes to perfectly browned proteins.

• VERSATILE MEAL PREP

  If you’re looking for an appliance that can truly multitask, this is it. Its deep dish design and excellent heat control make it incredibly versatile. I’ve used it for everything from a full breakfast spread (bacon, eggs, and pancakes all in one go) to a substantial one-pot pasta dinner, and even a large batch of fried chicken. It’s a workhorse that capably handles roasting, baking, and frying with equal competence, consolidating several cooking steps into one convenient vessel.

• LOCKS IN FLAVOR & Generous Capacity

  The tempered glass lid is more than just a cover; it’s a vital component for moisture retention. For braises, stews, or even just keeping food warm, it does an excellent job of sealing in steam and flavor, resulting in juicy, tender meals. The sheer size of the 15″ x 12″ x 4″ pan is also a major asset. With a 12.5 Qt capacity, it comfortably serves 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for family dinners, entertaining guests, or preparing larger quantities for meal prepping. This eliminates the need for multiple pots and pans, simplifying the cooking process.

• EASY TO CLEAN

  After a big meal, cleanup is often the last thing you want to tackle. The Elite Gourmet EG2615 addresses this effectively. Once the temperature probe is removed, both the skillet and its lid are dishwasher safe (top rack recommended). The Ceralast™ coating assists here too, ensuring minimal residue. The heavy-duty cast aluminum body feels durable and resisted warping, suggesting this unit is built to withstand regular use and machine washing without issue.

The Bottom Line

The Elite Gourmet EG2615 Electric Skillet is a robust and reliable kitchen appliance. Its standout features—the genuine PFAS-free non-stick coating, rapid and even heat distribution, and impressive versatility—make it a strong contender for anyone needing an extra cooking surface or a dedicated large-capacity pan. It’s particularly well-suited for families, frequent entertainers, or anyone looking to streamline their cooking and cleanup process. For its performance, capacity, and thoughtful design, it’s a solid investment that will quickly become a go-to tool in your culinary arsenal.

As someone who just wants to get a good meal on the table without a lot of fuss, the BLACK+DECKER Electric Skillet has been a solid addition to my kitchen. It’s not overly complicated, but it delivers on the core things you need from an electric skillet: cooking capacity, decent temperature control, and most importantly, easy cleanup.

Feature Deep Dive

Let’s talk about what makes this skillet practical. The temperature dial is straightforward, letting you set it anywhere up to 400 degrees. It’s not overly complex, which I appreciate, and the quick-release feature means you’re not fumbling with it when you’re done cooking. This leads directly into one of the biggest wins: easy cleanup. The non-stick surface actually works, preventing food from cementing itself to the bottom. Once you pop off that temperature control, you can fully submerge the skillet in water for washing. No more scrubbing off burnt-on bits; a simple wipe usually does the trick.

The 12″x15″ capacity is genuinely useful for family meals. I’ve used it for everything from a big batch of pancakes to a large skillet dinner, and it handles it well. Being able to remove the probe and take the entire pot directly to the table using the cool-touch side handles is a nice touch for serving, saving on extra dishes and making the whole process smoother. Finally, the tempered glass lid is exactly what you expect – it lets you keep an eye on things without lifting it constantly, which helps with even cooking and prevents splatters from making a mess of your countertop.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an electric skillet that performs its basic functions reliably and, critically, doesn’t add to your chore list with difficult cleaning, this BLACK+DECKER model is a strong contender. It’s a practical, no-nonsense appliance that handles family-sized portions and makes cleanup surprisingly painless. For the price and the convenience it offers, it’s definitely worth considering for everyday cooking.

Okay, so I’m not exactly a gourmet chef, but I’ve been trying to cook more at home. This Presto 12″ Electric Skillet has been an absolute game-changer for me! It feels like it was made for someone who wants to make good food without a lot of fuss. Everything about it just makes cooking feel less scary and more fun.

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Versatile Presto Electric Skillet: One Pan, So Many Meals!

This is probably the coolest part for me. I used to think I needed a million different pots and pans, but this skillet literally does it all. I’ve roasted veggies, fried eggs (perfectly!), grilled sandwiches, and even made a stew. It’s awesome for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and I can even bake in it. It’s like having a mini-kitchen on my counter!

Tempered Glass Cover: See What’s Cooking!

I love that I can actually see my food cooking without lifting the lid and letting all the heat out. The clear glass cover is super handy for keeping an eye on things, and the handle stays cool, so no accidental burns when I do need to check or stir. Plus, it looks pretty nice when I serve straight from the skillet to the table.

Premium Nonstick Surface: No More Stuck Food!

This is a lifesaver! Nothing sticks to this skillet, which means my food comes out looking great, and cleaning up is a breeze. I don’t have to scrub anything, which honestly used to be my least favorite part of cooking. It makes cooking feel so much less intimidating when you know cleanup will be easy.

High Sidewalls for Greater Capacity: Room for More!

I was surprised how much I can fit in this skillet! The high sides mean I can cook bigger portions for myself (hello, leftovers!) or for when I have a friend over, without having to dig out a huge pot. It really does help me avoid using my big oven or stove burners for a lot of meals.

Automatic Temperature Control: Cook it Right, Every Time!

This feature is a godsend for a beginner like me. I just set the temperature, and the skillet does the rest, keeping the heat exactly where it needs to be. I don’t have to constantly adjust knobs or worry about burning things, which makes me feel a lot more confident about getting my food cooked just right.

Easy Cleanup and Storage: So Simple!

Cleaning up is genuinely so easy. Once I take out the heat control, the whole pan can go right into the dishwasher, or I can wash it in the sink without any trouble because of the nonstick surface. And the built-in pour spout is a smart touch – it also acts as a little rest for my spoon or spatula, which is super convenient!

The Bottom Line

If you’re like me and want to cook more but feel a bit overwhelmed by all the kitchen gadgets, this Presto Electric Skillet is seriously perfect. It’s incredibly versatile, super easy to clean, and takes all the guesswork out of cooking. I’m already recommending it to all my friends who are just starting out in the kitchen. It makes cooking less of a chore and more of an enjoyable experience!

Putting the claims of the 8″ x 8″ Electric Skillet to the ultimate skeptical test.

Alright, another gadget promising to simplify my kitchen life. The Elite Gourmet EG808 electric skillet landed on my counter with a thud, and I approached it with the usual healthy dose of skepticism. An 8-inch square skillet? 600 watts? Dishwasher safe? Let’s see if this compact contender lives up to the hype, or if it’s just another piece of countertop clutter.

Feature Deep Dive

The Lid & Dimensions: Flavor Fortress or Space Constraint?

The marketing claims: “LOCK IN FLAVORS and moisture with the clear, tempered glass lid. The 8” x 8” x 2” pan dimensions let you fry chicken and prepare deep dish pastas.”

My take: A lid is a lid. Yes, it’s clear and tempered glass – which is nice for peeking – but does it magically lock in flavors any better than, say, a metal lid? Doubtful. As for the dimensions, 8″ x 8″ x 2″ deep… “deep dish pastas” feels like a stretch unless you’re serving a very small party of one, maybe two. And frying chicken? Unless you’re talking about a single small breast or two tenders, you’re going to be seriously crowding this pan. It feels more suited for single servings of, well, simpler things.

Non-Stick Surface: The Initial Honeymoon

The marketing claims: “Non-stick cooking surface quickly releases food for a no-fuss quick and easy clean up.”

My take: Every non-stick surface is fantastic on day one. And indeed, the EG808’s surface performed as expected initially. Pancakes flipped effortlessly, eggs slid right out. The real test for “non-stick” is six months down the line, after numerous cooking sessions and washes. Will it hold up? Most budget non-stick surfaces tend to falter under sustained pressure. So, for now, it’s performing, but my long-term outlook is cautiously pessimistic until proven otherwise.

Simplifying Meal Time: “Perfectly Sized” for Whom?

The marketing claims: “SIMPLIFY MEAL TIME with our perfectly sized electric skillet. Enjoy fluffy pancakes, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and flavorful stir fried veggies.”

My take: “Perfectly sized” is highly subjective. For a dorm room, a small studio apartment, or a single person, perhaps. For a family of three or more, this is a supplementary appliance, not a primary “meal simplifier.” You can make fluffy pancakes and grilled cheese in literally any skillet. “Flavorful stir-fried veggies” is less about the skillet and more about your technique and ingredients. Again, the 8×8″ size limits the quantity, making it inefficient for more than one or two portions of stir-fry.

Build Quality & Clean-Up: Dishwasher’s Double-Edged Sword?

The marketing claims: “DISHWASHER SAFE for fast, easy clean-up upon removal of the temperature control unit. Thick cast aluminum body with Black lacquer finish resists rusting or warping for added resilience.”

My take: Dishwasher safe is always a bonus, assuming you remember to remove the electric control. However, my skepticism extends to how well that non-stick coating will fare with repeated, high-heat dishwasher cycles. Many a non-stick pan has met an early demise this way. The “thick cast aluminum body” is good; it feels sturdy enough, and aluminum doesn’t rust, so that claim holds true. The “black lacquer finish” seems fine, for now. No warping yet, but it’s only been a short test period.

Safety & Power: 600 Watts of “Rapid Heat”?

The marketing claims: “SAFETY TESTED ETL listed 600 watt/120V electric skillet is ideal for home kitchen use and cool-touch knob and handles make this an essential and thoughtful housewarming or wedding gift.”

My take: ETL listed? Great, that’s standard for safety. “600 watts” for “rapid heat up”? That’s where my eyebrows raise. While it does eventually get hot, I wouldn’t call the heating “rapid” compared to higher wattage units or a gas stove. It’s adequate for gentle cooking but don’t expect to sear a steak quickly. The cool-touch handles are a standard and appreciated safety feature, no complaints there. As for being an “essential and thoughtful gift,” that’s pure marketing fluff. It’s a small electric skillet; decide for yourself if it’s essential for anyone.

The Bottom Line

The Elite Gourmet EG808 is a compact, no-frills electric skillet that performs the basic functions it promises – cooking things in a non-stick pan. It’s reasonably well-built for its price point and the dishwasher-safe feature (minus the control unit) is convenient, though I remain wary of its long-term impact on the non-stick coating.

Its “perfectly sized” nature makes it suitable for single servings or very small portions. If you need a secondary cooking surface for eggs, pancakes for one, or small sautéed dishes, and you understand its limitations in terms of size and raw power, then it might find a place in your kitchen. Just don’t expect it to replace your main stove or handle family-sized meals. It’s an okay performer, but certainly no game-changer or “essential” item in my book.