Cookware

Plug-In Extra Burner: Our Guide to the Best Skillet Electric

Electric skillets compared by size, top temperature, coating and cleanup, from the 16-inch Presto to All-Clad, Zojirushi and budget Elite Gourmet.

A square grill pan of salmon on a white portable burner in the middle of a dinner table, seen from above
A plug-in burner and pan set in the middle of the table.

Every restaurant kitchen runs out of burners at some point, usually at the worst moment, and the fix is always the same: something that plugs in. At home, an electric skillet is that extra burner. It browns a batch of fajita peppers while the stove is full of rice and beans, keeps carnitas warm on a buffet table for two hours, and goes to the dining table so people can serve themselves straight from the pan.

It is a simple appliance: a deep pan with a heating element in the base and a thermostat that holds whatever temperature you dial in. The differences between models are in the size, how hot they get, what the cooking surface is coated with, and whether you can wash the pan without fear of soaking the electrics. This guide compares the electric skillets worth buying on those points, using the makers’ specifications and the Amazon listings.

Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports.

Quick verdict: which electric skillet to buy

For most kitchens the best skillet electric pick is the Presto 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover: a big 16-inch cast aluminum pan with high sides, a 1,500-watt element, a ceramic nonstick surface Presto describes as PFAS-free, and a pan that is fully immersible once the heat control is removed. If you want stainless steel and a pan that can go in the oven, the All-Clad 7-Quart Stainless Electric Skillet is the premium choice. For hot pot, steaming and the highest heat, the Zojirushi Gourmet d’Expert EP-RAC50 reaches 480°F, and on a budget the Elite Gourmet 12-Inch Ceramic Electric Skillet reaches 450°F and goes in the dishwasher.

The table compares the five we would point most cooks to first. All nine skillets are reviewed in full below it.

Five electric skillets side by side

One pick for each kind of cook, with the size, top temperature and cleaning each maker or listing states.

Electric skillet Best for Size & max temp Cleaning (per maker) Buy on Amazon
Family meals, buffets, an extra burner 16 in; max temp not stated by Presto Immersible with control removed View on Amazon
Searing, braising, oven finishing 7 qt; insert oven safe to 600°F Cooking insert dishwasher safe View on Amazon
Hot pot, steaming, tabletop grilling 12 in x 2.5 in deep; 480°F Disassembles for cleaning View on Amazon
Cooks who want everything in the dishwasher 12 x 15 in; 400°F Pan, lid and base dishwasher safe View on Amazon
Small budgets, higher heat 12 x 12 in; 450°F Dishwasher safe and immersible View on Amazon

Product images from Amazon. Size, temperature, power and cleaning details are as stated by each maker or its Amazon listing; check the listing before you buy.

What an electric skillet does better than a stovetop pan

An electric skillet’s thermostat is its main advantage. On a stove you set a flame and the pan’s temperature drifts as food goes in and comes out; an electric skillet’s control switches the element on and off to hold the number on the dial. That makes it good at the jobs that need steady, moderate heat for a long time: pancakes in batches, keeping a braise at a simmer, frying in shallow oil, or holding food warm for a party without scorching the bottom.

The other advantage is where it can go. It plugs into any outlet, so it works on a patio, in a dorm room, or on the table for fajitas, where the pan itself becomes the serving dish. Our guide on how to eat fajitas explains why the sizzle at the table matters, and the best fajita skillet guide covers the cast iron platters restaurants use for it.

A wide stainless pan of stewed meat and vegetables on a tabletop burner, surrounded by plates
A pan kept hot on the table, where everyone serves themselves.

Where it falls short

Most of the skillets here top out around 400°F, and nearly all are nonstick, so they are not built for the ripping-hot sear of a cast iron pan. The heating element sits in one ring or pattern under the pan, so heat across the surface depends on the design; Nuwave, for one, advertises a reworked element to reduce cold spots. And it takes counter space: a 16-inch pan plus its handles needs a good stretch of counter.

Our picks for the best skillet electric

These nine skillets cover the ways home kitchens use one: a big all-rounder, a premium stainless model, a multi-cooker for hot pot, models that go entirely into the dishwasher, a fold-away for small storage, a digital model for precise temperature, two budget picks and a compact pan for one or two. Each lists the same eight specifications, taken from the maker or the Amazon listing.

1. Presto 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover – Big Pan, Steady Heat

Best overallPresto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover

Presto has sold this model for many years, and it is the shape most people picture when they hear “electric skillet”: a big 16-inch pan with high sidewalls, a tempered glass cover, and Presto’s Control Master heat control, which Presto says maintains the cooking temperature automatically. The base is heavy cast aluminum, which Presto calls virtually warp-proof, and the element is rated at 1,500 watts on 120 volts.

Presto now describes the cooking surface as ceramic nonstick inside and out, and PFAS-free. The size is the real reason to buy it: 16 inches gives room for a family-size batch of fajita vegetables, pancakes or a braise, and the high sides keep oil and sauce in. The listing says it doubles as a buffet server, which is how many households use it for parties.

Cleaning is easy once the heat control is unplugged, because Presto says the pan is fully immersible without it. Presto’s own page does not give a top temperature in degrees or say whether the pan is dishwasher safe, so we list both as not stated.

Why we like it

  • Big 16-inch pan with high sidewalls, per Presto
  • Heavy cast aluminum base Presto calls virtually warp-proof
  • Fully immersible with the heat control removed
  • Tempered glass cover with a stay-cool handle

Key specifications

Model 06852
Size 16-inch
Power 1,500 W, 120 V
Max temp Not stated by Presto
Coating Ceramic nonstick, inside and out (PFAS-free, per Presto)
Lid Tempered glass, stay-cool handle
Cleaning Fully immersible with heat control removed; dishwasher not stated
Warranty 1-year limited

Why we recommend it

It suits families, anyone who hosts and needs a big warm pan on the buffet, and cooks who want a second large burner for weeknight dinners.

Skip it if counter or cabinet space is tight; the fold-away Presto below stores smaller.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Large capacity with high sides
  • Automatic temperature control
  • Easy to wash in the sink

Cons

  • Top temperature not stated by Presto
  • Takes a lot of storage space

Check price on Amazon

2. All-Clad 7-Quart Stainless Electric Skillet – Bonded Metal, Oven-Safe Insert

Best premiumAll-Clad Electrics Stainless Steel and Nonstick Surface Skillet 7 Quart 1800 Watts Temp Control

All-Clad’s electric skillet sits in the top price tier, and its build explains why. The listing describes a cooking insert made of bonded metal for even heat, riveted stainless steel handles, a nonstick coating on the cooking surface and a 7-quart capacity. The element is rated at 1,800 watts, the most powerful on this list, which helps the pan recover heat when cold food goes in.

The detail that sets it apart is the insert. All-Clad says the cooking insert, without the plug or cord, is safe in the oven or broiler up to 600°F and in the dishwasher. That means you can sear on the base, then slide the pan under the broiler to brown the top of a frittata or a skillet of enchiladas, which no other skillet here allows.

The listing does not give the top temperature of the control or describe the lid, so we list both as not stated. All-Clad gives a 2-year warranty, twice what most electric skillet makers offer.

Why we like it

  • 1,800-watt element, per the listing
  • Insert oven and broiler safe to 600°F
  • Insert is dishwasher safe
  • 2-year warranty

Key specifications

Model 10942220992
Size 7 qt
Power 1,800 W
Max temp Not stated (insert oven safe to 600°F)
Coating Nonstick over bonded stainless
Lid Not stated in listing
Cleaning Cooking insert dishwasher safe
Warranty 2 years

Why we recommend it

It suits a cook who uses an electric skillet several times a week and wants it to brown well and finish dishes in the oven.

Skip it if you only need an occasional party pan; the Presto does that for far less.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Most powerful element here
  • Insert goes in the oven, broiler and dishwasher
  • Longest warranty on this list

Cons

  • Top price tier
  • Control’s top temperature not stated

Check price on Amazon

3. Zojirushi Gourmet d’Expert Electric Skillet EP-RAC50 – Deep Pan, Flat Plate, Steamer

Best multi-cookerZojirushi EP-RAC50 Gourmet d'Expert 1350-Watt Electric Skillet

Zojirushi’s skillet is built for cooking at the table. It comes with two cooking pans: a deep-dish inner pan for soups, hot pot, sukiyaki and fondue, and a flat plate with a titanium- and ceramic-enhanced nonstick coating for grilling. An adjustable-height steaming plate and a tempered glass lid are included, and Zojirushi says the deep pan can also be used directly on a stovetop burner.

It has the widest temperature range here, from a 176°F keep-warm setting up to 480°F, from a 1,350-watt element. The cooking surface is 12 inches across and 2.5 inches deep, and the whole unit measures 17-5/8 x 15 x 8-1/8 inches with the deep pan in place. Zojirushi says it disassembles for easy cleaning, has stay-cool side handles and a magnetic power cord, and is ETL listed.

It sits in an upper price tier for a 12-inch pan, so it makes sense mainly if you will use the hot pot and steaming parts.

Why we like it

  • 176°F to 480°F range, per Zojirushi
  • Deep pan, flat grill plate and steaming plate included
  • Magnetic power cord; ETL listed
  • Deep pan can go on a stovetop burner, per Zojirushi

Key specifications

Model EP-RAC50
Size 12-inch diameter, 2.5 in deep
Power 1,350 W, 120 V
Max temp 480°F
Coating Titanium- and ceramic-enhanced nonstick (flat plate)
Lid Tempered glass
Cleaning Disassembles for cleaning; dishwasher not stated
Warranty 1-year limited

Why we recommend it

It suits a household that cooks hot pot, shabu-shabu or fondue at the table and wants the same appliance for grilling and steaming.

Skip it if you mainly need a big frying surface; the 12-inch pan is smaller than the 16-inch Presto.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Highest top temperature here
  • Three cooking surfaces in one
  • Low keep-warm setting

Cons

  • Upper price tier for its pan size
  • Dishwasher use not stated

Check price on Amazon

4. Hamilton Beach Durathon Ceramic Electric Skillet, 12 x 15-Inch – Lift-Off Pan, All Dishwasher Safe

Best for easy cleanupHamilton Beach Durathon Ceramic Electric Skillet with Removable 12x15” Pan

Hamilton Beach separates the pan from the heating base, which solves the main cleaning problem with electric skillets. The 12 x 15-inch skillet lifts off the base so you can carry it to the table, and Hamilton Beach says the skillet, glass lid and base all go in the dishwasher once the cord is removed. The rectangular pan gives 180 square inches of cooking surface, enough for a family’s stir fry or a full batch of pancakes.

The cooking surface is Hamilton Beach’s Durathon ceramic nonstick, which the maker says is four times more durable than traditional nonstick, will not crack or peel, and is PTFE and PFOA free. The temperature adjusts from 200°F to 400°F, with the low setting for keeping food warm. The skillet is reversible on its base, so the cord can come off either side, which helps in a kitchen where the outlet is in an awkward spot.

Hamilton Beach’s page does not list the wattage or warranty; retailer listings give 1,500 watts and a one-year limited warranty, which we note as retailer figures.

Why we like it

  • Pan, lid and base all dishwasher safe, per Hamilton Beach
  • Pan lifts off the base for serving
  • 180 sq. in. ceramic nonstick surface
  • Reversible design for cord placement

Key specifications

Model 38531
Size 12 x 15 in (180 sq. in.)
Power 1,500 W (retailer listings)
Max temp 400°F
Coating Durathon ceramic nonstick (PTFE and PFOA free, per Hamilton Beach)
Lid Tempered glass
Cleaning Skillet, lid and base dishwasher safe
Warranty 1-year limited (retailer listing)

Why we recommend it

It suits anyone who has put off using an electric skillet because the washing up was awkward.

Skip it if you want heat above 400°F; the Elite Gourmet and Zojirushi go higher.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Everything goes in the dishwasher
  • Serve straight from the lifted-off pan
  • Large rectangular surface

Cons

  • Tops out at 400°F
  • Wattage and warranty not on the maker’s page

Check price on Amazon

5. Presto 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet – Folds Down to Store

Best for small storagePresto 06857 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet

This is the big Presto with a clever twist. The handles fold down to release the pan from its base, and with the handles folded in, the base fits inside the pan, so a 16-inch skillet stores in roughly the space of the pan alone. Everything else matches the standard model: a 16-inch pan with high sidewalls, a tempered glass cover, the Control Master heat control and a 1,500-watt element on 120 volts.

Presto describes the finish as PFAS-free ceramic nonstick, inside and out, and says the pan is fully immersible once the heat control is removed. Like the standard model, Presto does not give a top temperature in degrees or a dishwasher rating, and it carries a one-year limited warranty.

Because the base separates, you can also take the pan to the table without the heating base, which keeps the table tidier when the skillet is the serving dish.

Why we like it

  • Base nests inside the pan for storage
  • Same 16-inch, high-sided pan as Presto’s standard model
  • PFAS-free ceramic nonstick, per Presto
  • Fully immersible with the control removed

Key specifications

Model 06857
Size 16-inch
Power 1,500 W, 120 V
Max temp Not stated by Presto
Coating Ceramic nonstick, inside and out (PFAS-free, per Presto)
Lid Tempered glass, stay-cool handle
Cleaning Fully immersible with heat control removed; base removable
Warranty 1-year limited

Why we recommend it

It suits apartment kitchens and anyone who wants a big skillet for parties but has nowhere to keep one.

Skip it if you want the simplest possible design; the folding handles are one more part to look after.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Compact storage for a 16-inch pan
  • Removable base for cleaning and serving
  • Large capacity

Cons

  • Top temperature not stated
  • Dishwasher use not stated

Check price on Amazon

Diced red and orange peppers with onions cooking in a dark nonstick pan
Peppers and onions softening in a nonstick pan.

6. Nuwave Medley XL Digital Electric Skillet – Temperature in 5-Degree Steps

Best digital controlNuwave Medley XL Digital Electric Skillet

Most electric skillets use a dial marked in rough 50-degree steps. The Nuwave Medley XL has a removable digital control with a display and a knob that sets the temperature in 5-degree steps, from 100°F to 425°F, and shows “OFF” when you are done. That precision is useful for jobs where a few degrees matter: holding frying oil steady, cooking pancakes in batches, or keeping a cheese dip warm without breaking it.

The pan holds 7 quarts and has high sidewalls. Nuwave says it has added heat shields and an embedded M-shaped heating element to spread heat more evenly. The cooking surface is Nuwave’s G11 Duralon ceramic nonstick, which the maker describes as PFAS-free and scratch-resistant, and a glass lid is included.

The listing does not state the wattage or how to clean the pan, so read the manual before you put it in water. Nuwave gives a one-year warranty.

Why we like it

  • Digital control from 100°F to 425°F in 5°F steps
  • 7-quart capacity with high sidewalls
  • Ceramic nonstick Nuwave describes as PFAS-free
  • Glass lid included

Key specifications

Model Medley XL
Size 7 qt
Power Not stated
Max temp 425°F
Coating G11 Duralon ceramic nonstick
Lid Glass
Cleaning Not stated; control is removable
Warranty 1 year

Why we recommend it

It suits a cook who fries, makes candy or holds sauces warm and wants to set an exact temperature rather than guess at a dial.

Skip it if you want clear cleaning instructions before you buy; the listing does not give them.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Most precise temperature setting here
  • Large capacity
  • Low 100°F setting for warming

Cons

  • Wattage not stated
  • Cleaning guidance not in the listing

Check price on Amazon

7. Elite Gourmet 12-Inch Ceramic Electric Skillet – Hotter Than Most, Dishwasher Safe

Budget pickElite Gourmet 6 Qt Electric Skillet

Elite Gourmet’s 12-inch square skillet sits in the budget tier, and on paper it does not give up much. The listing describes a thick cast aluminum body with a fully embedded heating element, a 12 x 12-inch pan 2.15 inches deep, a 1,200-watt rating and a tempered glass lid. The removable control probe sets temperatures from 250°F to 450°F, higher than most skillets at any price.

The cooking surface is Elite Gourmet’s Ceralast ceramic coating, which the maker describes as PFAS-free and scratch-resistant. Cleaning is the easiest on this list after the Hamilton Beach: with the probe removed, Elite Gourmet says the pan is dishwasher safe and fully immersible in the sink.

The square shape fits more pancakes or sandwiches than a round pan of the same width, but 2.15 inches of depth is shallow for braises. Elite Gourmet sells a deeper 3-inch version if you cook saucy dishes.

Why we like it

  • 250°F to 450°F range, per the listing
  • Dishwasher safe and fully immersible
  • Embedded heating element in a cast aluminum body
  • Tempered glass lid

Key specifications

Model EG2212
Size 12 x 12 in, 2.15 in deep
Power 1,200 W
Max temp 450°F
Coating Ceralast ceramic (PFAS-free, per Elite Gourmet)
Lid Tempered glass
Cleaning Dishwasher safe and immersible with probe removed
Warranty Not stated

Why we recommend it

It suits a cook on a budget who wants more heat than the usual 400°F and a pan that goes straight into the dishwasher.

Skip it if you cook for a big family; 12 inches is smaller than the 16-inch Presto models.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Low price tier
  • Higher top temperature than most
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Shallow 2.15-inch pan
  • Warranty not stated in listing

Check price on Amazon

8. Dash Family Size 6-Quart Ceramic Electric Skillet – Simple Three-Level Dial

Simplest to useDASH Family Size Electric Skillet with Lid

Dash keeps things simple. Its family-size skillet has a 14-inch round cooking surface that holds 6 quarts, a tempered glass lid, easy-grip side handles and a removable temperature control probe with a dial that runs from low to high rather than in degrees. The listing suggests it for stir fry, pancakes, pasta and fajitas for a crowd.

The surface is Dash’s CleanCoating ceramic nonstick, and Dash recommends a quick hand wash. The probe detaches for cleaning and for more compact storage. Dash gives a one-year warranty, and the listing says a second year is available if you register the product with Dash’s rewards program.

Dash does not state the wattage or the top temperature, which makes it hard to compare with the others on heat; buy it for ease of use rather than for searing.

Why we like it

  • 14-inch, 6-quart round pan
  • Simple low-to-high dial
  • Ceramic nonstick surface
  • Warranty extendable to two years with registration

Key specifications

Model DRG214C02 (Cream)
Size 14-inch, 6 qt
Power Not stated
Max temp Not stated (low-to-high dial)
Coating CleanCoating ceramic nonstick
Lid Tempered glass
Cleaning Hand wash; probe removable
Warranty 1 year; 2 years with registration

Why we recommend it

It suits a first electric skillet for a family or a college kitchen where simple controls matter more than precise ones.

Skip it if you want to know the exact temperature; the dial has no degree markings in the listing.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Easy controls
  • Good size for a family
  • Extendable warranty

Cons

  • Power and top temperature not stated
  • Hand wash only, per the listing

Check price on Amazon

9. Elite Gourmet 2.5-Quart Compact Electric Skillet, 8 x 8-Inch – Small Kitchens and RVs

Best compactElite Gourmet 2.5 Qt Compact Electric Skillet

Not everyone needs a 16-inch pan. Elite Gourmet’s compact skillet is an 8 x 8-inch square pan with 4-inch-deep sides and a 2.5-quart capacity, sized for one or two people, a dorm room, an RV or an office kitchen. At 600 watts it draws far less power than the full-size models, which helps on circuits that trip easily.

The removable thermostat runs from 200°F to 400°F, and an indicator light shows when the set temperature is held. The nonstick is a multi-layer coating over a heavy cast aluminum body, and Elite Gourmet asks for wooden or silicone utensils only. With the probe removed, the skillet and its vented glass lid go in the dishwasher. The listing says it is ETL certified and backed by a one-year limited warranty.

The deep sides make it useful for one-pot pasta, a small braise or a few eggs and a quesadilla in the morning.

Why we like it

  • Compact 8 x 8-inch pan with 4-inch sides
  • Low 600-watt draw
  • Skillet and lid dishwasher safe
  • ETL certified, per the listing

Key specifications

Model EG808
Size 8 x 8 in, 4 in deep, 2.5 qt
Power 600 W, 120 V
Max temp 400°F
Coating Multi-layer nonstick
Lid Vented tempered glass
Cleaning Skillet and lid dishwasher safe with probe removed
Warranty 1-year limited

Why we recommend it

It suits a single cook, a small apartment or anywhere a full-size skillet would be too big or draw too much power.

Skip it if you cook for more than two; 2.5 quarts fills quickly.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Small footprint, deep sides
  • Low power draw
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Small capacity
  • Coating needs wooden or silicone tools

Check price on Amazon

How to choose an electric skillet for your kitchen

Five things decide whether an electric skillet earns its counter space. In order of importance:

1. Size and shape

Think in people. A 16-inch round (Presto) or 12 x 15-inch rectangle (Hamilton Beach) feeds a family; 12 inches suits two to four; the 8-inch Elite Gourmet is for one or two. Square and rectangular pans fit more pancakes or tortillas per batch than round ones. Measure where it will live, too, since handles add several inches.

A glass lid over tofu, green beans and vegetables cooking in a nonstick pan
A glass lid lets you check the food without letting the heat out.

2. Top temperature and power

Most skillets stop at 400°F, which is plenty for frying, pancakes and simmering. If you want a harder sear, look at the Elite Gourmet 12-inch (450°F) or the Zojirushi (480°F). Wattage tells you how quickly the pan recovers when cold food goes in: the All-Clad’s 1,800 watts is the most here, the compact Elite Gourmet’s 600 the least.

3. Coating

Almost every electric skillet is nonstick. Several makers on this list (Presto, Elite Gourmet, Nuwave, Hamilton Beach) describe their ceramic coatings as free of PFAS or PTFE; we report those as the makers’ claims. Whatever the coating, use wooden or silicone tools and avoid running an empty pan at its highest setting.

4. Cleaning

This is the difference you will notice every day. Never put the temperature control in water. The best designs let you remove the control and then immerse the pan (Presto, Elite Gourmet) or put the pan in the dishwasher (Hamilton Beach, Elite Gourmet, All-Clad’s insert).

5. Lid, cord and warranty

A glass lid lets you watch food without letting out the heat. A removable or magnetic cord (Zojirushi) is safer on a crowded table. Warranties run from one year (most) to two (All-Clad, and Dash with registration). Look for a UL or ETL safety listing on the box or listing; Zojirushi and the compact Elite Gourmet state one.

How we chose these nine electric skillets

We started from what a working kitchen wants from a plug-in pan: enough room for the job, a thermostat that holds heat, a surface food releases from, and a pan that can be cleaned without risking the electrics. We searched for electric skillets sold on Amazon in the United States from makers we could identify, checked availability with Amazon’s product data, and kept only models that were in stock when we wrote this. For each one we took the size, power, temperature range, coating, lid, cleaning and warranty from the maker’s site or its Amazon listing, noted where a figure came only from a retailer, and wrote “Not stated” where we could not find it. We have not cooked with these skillets for this guide, and we do not quote prices because they change.

A cook turning pieces of meat with tongs on a round tabletop grill pan ringed with vegetables
Cooking at the table, one of the jobs a plug-in pan does well.

Electric skillet questions, answered

What is the best electric skillet for everyday use?

For most homes, the Presto 16-inch: it is big, simple, holds temperature automatically, and washes in the sink once the control is removed. If you would rather put the pan in the dishwasher, choose the Hamilton Beach Durathon.

What is the best electric skillet for frying?

Choose one with a high top temperature and good power so the oil recovers quickly: the All-Clad (1,800 watts), the Elite Gourmet 12-inch (up to 450°F) or the Nuwave Medley XL, whose 5-degree steps make it easy to hold oil at a set temperature. Fill no more than the maker allows, and never leave hot oil unattended.

What do Consumer Reports and America’s Test Kitchen say about electric skillets?

We could not find a current electric skillet review from America’s Test Kitchen, and we could not read Consumer Reports’ or Good Housekeeping’s electric skillet pages directly for this guide, so we do not summarize their picks. If you see their verdicts quoted elsewhere, check the original page, since models change often.

Is an electric skillet better than a frying pan on the stove?

It is better at steady, even, long cooking and at being moved to the table; a stovetop pan is better at very high heat and searing. Many kitchens use both. If you mainly want a better stovetop pan, our best saucepan guide and the best non stick pan ceramic picks cover the stovetop side.

Can you make tortillas or quesadillas in an electric skillet?

Yes. A flat, square skillet at medium-high heat works much like a comal for warming tortillas and making quesadillas. If you make them often, a dedicated appliance may suit you better; see our guides to the best electric tortilla maker and the best quesadilla maker.

Our final pick for the countertop

Buy the Presto 16-inch if you want one electric skillet that handles family dinners and parties. Choose the All-Clad for power and an oven-safe insert, the Zojirushi for hot pot and high heat, the Hamilton Beach if everything must go in the dishwasher, the Presto Foldaway for small storage, the Nuwave for exact temperatures, the Elite Gourmet 12-inch on a budget, the Dash for simple controls, and the compact Elite Gourmet for one or two people.

On a budget? See our guide to the best value electric skillets.

For the stovetop side of the kitchen, start with our guide to the best saucepan and the best value saucepan picks. If tortillas are the reason you want a plug-in appliance, see the best electric tortilla maker and our best comal for electric stove guide. Or skip the cooking tonight: see the menu and call to order.

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