Electric Skillets, Woks and Griddles

Skillet, wok or griddle: the shape follows the food

An electric skillet is a wide, straight-sided pan with a lid, suited to frying, braising and one-pan meals; the cooking area is often about 12 inches across. A wok has a deep bowl for stir-frying and tossing food, and an electric griddle is flat for pancakes and eggs. Divided hot pots and buffet servers hold broth or sauces at the table. Capacity is quoted in quarts or liters, so compare it with the number of people you cook for.

Power runs from about 600 W for small skillets to 1500 W for large ones; higher wattage recovers heat faster when cold food hits the pan. On many models the thermostat is a detachable probe control, which must be removed before washing, and the pan itself should never be submerged with it attached. Check that the lid has a steam vent and that the handles stay cool to the touch.

Coatings, materials and cleanup

Aluminum bodies heat evenly and stay light, stainless steel resists scratching, and carbon steel woks season like cast iron. Non-stick and ceramic coatings release food with little oil, but metal utensils scratch them, and a scratched or flaking surface should be replaced; some listings advertise PFAS-free coatings, so read the description if that matters to you. Glass lids let you watch the food. Wash by hand unless the manual allows a dishwasher, and dry the heating base completely before use.

Questions about Electric Skillets, Woks and Griddles

Can I wash an electric skillet in the sink?

Remove the temperature probe or control first and never immerse it. On many models the pan can then be washed in the sink; check the manual for whether the base is fully submersible, and dry all electrical contacts before reconnecting.

What size electric skillet suits a family?

A skillet about 12 inches across, or a capacity of around five quarts, cooks a one-pan meal for a family of four. Smaller 1.5 to 2.5 liter pans suit one or two people. Pick a deeper pan if you braise or simmer sauce.

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

It holds a set temperature with a thermostat, which helps for pancakes, fried chicken and slow braising, and it frees a burner. A stovetop pan heats faster and sears harder. An electric skillet is a convenient extra on a crowded counter or in a room without a stove.