An electric frying pan is a great addition to any kitchen.
The best electric frying pan can manage multiple styles of cooking, including (obviously) frying but also roasting, re-heating and more.
In a small home, you won’t have to store multiple kinds of cookware to get that versatility. If you lack a stovetop, this can be especially ideal.
But an electric skillet enhances any kitchen and expands the repertoire of any cook.
Here’s why.
It heats quickly and evenly, making meals easy and fast. It’s simple to cook with and most often has a non-stick surface, making it perfect for teaching the kids how to cook an egg without it burning or sticking to the pan.
In the summer, you can cook in it without heating up the entire kitchen by turning on the stovetop elements or the oven.
And, you can take it with you, perfect for those with campers, college students heading off to their dorms, and more.
So let’s look at the top choices, and then considerations for you as you pick your best electric frying pan.
See Our Best Electric Frying Pans
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| 1
Best For Low Budgets
1VonShef 1500W Electric Frying Pan
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| 2
Best For Higher Budgets
2Presto 06857 Electric Electric Frying Pan
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| 3 |
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| 4
Best Overall
4Tower Ceramic Electric Frying Pan
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| 5 |
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| 6 |
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1. VonShef 1500W Electric Frying Pan
- Square shaped cooking surface
- Mid-sized pan of almost 12X12 inches
- Aluminum body
- Heats to 465 degrees Fahrenheit (240C)
This is a good, multifunctional electric frying pan that’s square, at about 12 inches across.
That means it isn’t the largest you can buy, but a good choice for those who need a medium amount of cooking space.
The body is aluminum with a non-stick coating, so you’ll have to be sure to have the right utensils to prevent scratching it.
The thermostat is adjustable and will heat to 465 degrees Fahrenheit (240 Celsius). The lid is glass so you can watch the progress of your cooking, and it includes a steam vent.
Cool-touch handles make it easy to pick up and use to serve.
Specifications
Pros
- Glass lid with steam vent
- Cool-touch handles
- Adjustable thermostat control
- Non-stick coating
Cons
- Not as large as other options
- Temperature gauge under the handle is awkward
2. Presto 06857 Electric Electric Frying Pan
- Rectangular shape
- Non-stick surface
- Skillet detaches from heating base
- Glass lid
One of the bigger options among electric frying pans, this rectangular shaped pan is a total size of 20 inches with 16 inches of cooking space and a depth of almost 8 inches.
The heavy cast aluminum base is actually removable, making it easier to move the pan for serving. A pour spout on one corner allows you to easily pour out sauces or soups.
The spout can also be used to hold a spoon or spatula when cooking. Features a glass lid, non-stick surface, adjustable temperature control and stay-cool handles.
With the heat control removed, the skillet pan and cover are dishwasher safe. It also folds down in size to make it easy to store, as the base and handles fit inside the skillet pan to reduce its size in the cupboard or pantry.
Specifications
Pros
- Extra large size with 16 inches of cooking space and almost 8 inches deep
- Pour spout in one corner that can also be used as a spoon stand
- Remove the heat control and the pan and cover are dishwasher safe
- Handles fold in and the base fits inside the skillet for easy storage
Cons
- Might be too large and heavy for some users
- Temperature control under the handle is awkward
3. Quest 35500 Electric Frying Pan
- Non-stick surface
- Glass lid with steam vent
- Detachable power cord for serving
This round-shaped pan is a good size, at almost 16 inches across.
The surface is non-stick and the thermostat adjusts the temperature between 212-464 degrees Fahrenheit (100 to 240 degrees Celsius).
The lid is glass to watch your food cook, and it has a steam vent. The round shape means you can cook pizza, omelets and other round dishes as well as your favorite stir-fry, stew or steaks.
Detach the power cord and take the pan right to the table for serving.
Specifications
Pros
- Round shape lets you cook some interesting items, like making quiche or reheating pizza
- Good size for a variety of items, at almost 16 inches across
- Adjustable temperature control gets as hot as 464 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
- Some people prefer a square shape, especially for serving
4. Tower Ceramic Electric Frying Pan
- Square shaped pan
- Glass lid
- Detachable power cable
This square-shaped pan has a decent sized cooking surface, at about 12 inches across. The ceramic cooking surface means you can cook with little to no oil.
The adjustable thermostat allows you to control your cooking temperature and the detachable power cord and rubberized cool-touch handles let you take the pan to the table for serving.
A glass lid lets you watch the progress of your meal.
Specifications
Pros
- Cooking capacity of 12 inches (30 centimeters)
- Rubber cool-touch handles
- Ceramic cooking surface
Cons
- Only the lid is dishwasher safe
5. Elgento Non-Stick Electric Frying Pan
- Square shape
- Adjustable heat control has five settings
- Glass lid
- Steam vent
Good sized square pan at 12X12 inches of cooking space. The coating is non-stick and the thermostat is adjustable with an indicator light.
The heat control is also removable, and the base has cool touch plastic legs with non-slip feet, so you can take it to the table for serving without worrying about burning or scratching your table top.
Handles are also cool-touch for easy cooking and carrying. Features a glass lid with a steam vent.
Specifications
Pros
- 12 X 12 inches of cooking space
- Cool-touch handles
- Cool-touch plastic legs make it ideal for serving
- Heat control includes an indicator light
Cons
- Temperature control is under the handle, which can be awkward
6. YesUK Laptronix Electric Frying Pan
- Round shape
- Glass lid
- Non-stick coating
This round pan has a good cooking area of 16.5 inches and is about 2 inches deep.
Adjustable thermostat goes up to 464 degrees Fahrenheit (240 degrees Celsius).
Features a non-stick coating and a glass lid. If you don’t mind the unique round shape, you can cook different items like large pancakes, or reheat pizza.
Specifications
Pros
- Adjust the heat up to 464 degrees Fahrenheit
- 16+ inches across for a good cooking area
- 2 inches deep
Cons
- Round shape isn’t for everyone
Electric Fry Pans Buying Guide
Electric Frying Pan Brands
Electric frying pans are made by a number of well-known companies, such as Argos and Lakeland. Your final decision may be based on brand name if you have experience with a specific or favorite company.
Our reviews included frying pans made by two of the top companies for electric skillets, Tower and Vonshef, along with several others, so that you have options if brand name is important.
Features
Here are the most important features to consider when looking at electric frying pans.
Non Stick Coating
Our electric frying pans that we selected all included non stick coating. This makes them easy to use and easy to clean.
Don’t worry about eggs sticking to the pan while the bacon cooks alongside. Let the kids learn to cook without worrying about a messy clean-up.
And electric frying pans are popular for campers (assuming you camp where there’s a power source) as so many different dishes can be cooked with one pan, and cleaned up easily at the campsite.
Great Heat Distribution
One of the benefits of an electric frying pan is the heat distribution. Since the heating elements are underneath the cooking surface, the heat flows throughout the cooking area.
That’s better and more efficient than a stovetop, where crooked elements and bent pans can conspire against your best heating efforts.
Cool Touch Handles
The frying pans we reviewed all featured cool touch handles. These are ideal when cooking, so you can hold the pan without needing oven mitts.
It’s also great for serving, whether you serve where you cook or carry the pan to the table.
Adjustable Thermostat
One of the big benefits of cooking with an electric frying pan is the adjustable temperature.
Being able to control the temperature settings right on the pan is what makes them ideal for taking along in a camper, for instance.
You don’t need a stove or BBQ to cook a variety of items as you can adjust the heat from warming to up to 450+ degrees Fahrenheit in most instances.
The temperature control is attached to the power cord, and usually features a dial to adjust the heat setting.
Tempered Glass Lid
The electric frying pans we reviewed all had tempered glass lids.
This allows you to watch the progress of the dish without taking off the lid, the same as a halogen oven, which can release a lot of heat and affect your cooking time.
Most of them also included an integrated steam vent on the lid.
This provides for faster and more efficient cooking, because it keeps heat in while releasing excess steam.
Shape
This may not seem like a big deal, but you may have a preference for the shape of your electric frying pan.
Some prefer square, which has the advantage of being a bit easier to serve stir-fry or rice with the edges and corners.
Some prefer round, like an electric pizza oven, because then round foods can be cooked, like a big omelet; a pizza can be reheated; and a round Dutch baby or giant pancake will please the kids.
Finally, there is the option for a rectangular frying pan, which tends to be the largest size. But not everybody wants a big pan. So shape may or may not matter to you.
Power Cord
Electric frying pans most always have detachable power cords, making it easy to unplug them for serving and cleaning.
Placement of the power cord attachment varies, however.
Some of the pans we reviewed, typically the square or rectangular ones, have the power cord connection under the handle, which can be awkward to see and use.
The round ones typically have the power hookup separate from the handle attachment.
Dishwasher Safe
It isn’t typical for electric frying pans to be dishwasher safe, since they have the power cord attachment that shouldn’t be immersed in water.
We did review one option that can go in the dishwasher, because the skillet detaches from the heating base.
Most of the glass lids are dishwasher safe.
The good news is that the non-stick surface means that most electric frying pans are easy to hand wash, or wipe clean if you’re on a caravan or camping trip.
Size & Capacity
This will be an important consideration when choosing your electric frying pan.
If you have a large family or want to take your frying pan to potlucks, you will want to look at the rectangular options, or one with a large cooking surface.
Others will want a smaller pan, whether that’s to fit in the pantry, to easily take along when traveling or camping, or because you’re only cooking for one or two people.
Another factor is capacity, in which the depth of the pan can be important. If you’ll consistently be cooking large stir-fry portions, for instance, you may want a deep pan to allow you to stir all the contents without spilling.
Material
Most of the electric frying pans we reviewed are made of aluminum. This is better than stainless steel at conducting heat and ensuring even heat distribution.
The frying pans we chose all featured a non-stick coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
All of our choices are eligible to be the best electric frying pan for you, which is why your decision should come down to the factors that are most important to you:
- Size and capacity: if you’re cooking for one and want it to store easily in the pantry, your choice will be different than someone with a large family or those who cook large meals on a regular basis.
- Shape: for some people, round is preferable to square or rectangular.
- Brand: those loyal to Tower will want a Tower frying pan and nothing else.
Our Verdict
Electric frying pans are easy to cook with and so versatile. Use them to serve at a potluck, where the food will stay hot while everyone dishes up.
Use them in a dorm room, camper, or even a tenting site that has power. Use them in the summer so you don’t heat the whole kitchen.
And, this one cooking pan can provide you with many options for cooking many different dishes.
With our guide to the best electric frying pan, you’ll be able to find the right one for your family, your kitchen, or your camper – or one that’s perfect for all of them!
