The Presto 06857 Foldaway is my top pick for the best electric frying pan.
Picture this: it’s a weeknight, you have hungry guests, and your oven is full. You need a fast, even-cooking surface that won’t hog counter space or heat up the whole kitchen. An electric frying pan solves that. It gives you a large, steady cooking surface, easy temperature control, and cleanup that doesn’t scare you off. I’ve cooked hundreds of meals on electric skillets and learned which models hold heat, resist sticking, and last through real kitchen life. In this guide I share honest, hands-on reviews of top picks so you can pick the best electric frying pan for your needs.
Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway…
Roast, fry, grill, stew, bake, make casseroles and more Removable base for easy cleaning and storage Handles fold down to detach pan from base With the handles folded in, the…
Elite Gourmet EG-6203# Extra Deep…
DISHWASHER SAFE and fully immersible in your sink for fast, easy clean-up upon removal of the temperature control unit. Thick cast aluminum body with Black lacquer finish resists rusting or…
Elite Gourmet EG6201 Extra Deep…
DISHWASHER SAFE and fully immersible in your sink for fast, easy clean-up upon removal of the temperature control unit. Thick cast aluminum body with Black lacquer finish resists rusting or…
Presto 16″ Foldaway Skillet
I used the Presto 16″ Foldaway for months in a small apartment kitchen. The large surface fits a full batch of pancakes or a family-size stir-fry. It heats evenly and keeps a steady temperature, which makes searing and simmering simple. The foldaway legs are a clever touch; they save cabinet space and make storage easy.
Cleanup is easy because the cooking surface resists heavy sticking when I follow basic care tips. The lid locks in heat well during slow-simmer tasks. I found the build durable and suitable for heavy weekday use. If you need a roomy, stable surface, this model performs like a full stovetop pan.
Pros:
- Large 16″ surface fits family portions
- Even heating for consistent browning
- Foldaway legs save storage space
- Sturdy glass lid retains moisture
- Simple temperature control dial
- Durable construction under regular use
Cons:
- Bulky when in use—needs counter space
- Plastic handle can feel warm with long use
- Nonstick may wear after several years of heavy use
My Recommendation
I recommend the Presto 16″ Foldaway Skillet for cooks who want a roomy, reliable best electric frying pan that stores easily. It’s ideal for families, brunch hosts, and anyone who likes one-pan meals. The even heat and large surface make it a go-to for pancakes, stews, and pan-seared meats.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Large families | Big 16″ surface handles larger meals |
| Weekend brunches | Even heat keeps pancakes and eggs consistent |
| Small kitchens | Foldaway legs reduce storage footprint |
Elite Gourmet 16″ Extra Deep Skillet
I picked up the Elite Gourmet 16″ extra deep skillet for large batch cooking. The depth is its standout feature. I used it for chili, paella, and deep-fry batch tasks. It handled liquids and sauces without splatter or overflow.
The non-stick surface stood up to frequent stirring and high heat when I followed care directions. The pan has a pour spout and tempered glass lid that make serving quick and mess-free. I especially liked the adjustable temperature which held steady during long cooks.
Pros:
- Extra-deep profile for stews and large sautés
- Adjustable thermostat for precise control
- Pour spout simplifies serving and draining
- Tempered glass lid for easy monitoring
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleanup
- Scratch-resistant coating performs well
Cons:
- Heavier than shallow skillets
- Large size may be overkill for singles
- Coating needs gentle utensils to avoid damage
My Recommendation
This Elite Gourmet 16″ extra deep skillet is my pick for people who need a versatile best electric frying pan that doubles as a small cooker and pot. If you cook soups, stews, or serve for many, this model saves time. I found it reliable for batch cooking and weekend meal prep.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Batch cooking | Deep basin holds larger volumes |
| Soups & stews | Consistent heat and lid retention |
| Entertaining | Easy pour spout and serving features |
Elite Gourmet 12″ Extra Deep Skillet
I use the Elite Gourmet 12″ extra deep skillet when I need a compact but capable cooker. It fits on a crowded counter and still handles family meals for two to four. The nonstick surface made frying fish and quick stir-fries painless during my testing.
The glass vented lid helps me control steam and reduces splatter. I liked the adjustable temperature knob; it allowed me to go from a boil to a low simmer with confidence. This model feels like a compact version of a full skillet without losing utility.
Pros:
- Compact footprint fits smaller counters
- Extra depth for sauces and larger portions
- Vented glass lid reduces splatter
- Adjustable temperature for versatile cooking
- Dishwasher-safe parts simplify cleanup
- Scratch-resistant interior holds up well
Cons:
- Not as roomy as 16″ models for big groups
- Handles can get warm during long cooks
- Nonstick still needs gentle utensils
My Recommendation
If you want a small but capable best electric frying pan, this Elite Gourmet 12″ model fits the bill. I recommend it for couples, dorm kitchens, and anyone with limited space. It balances depth and compact size and gave me solid results for weeknight dinners.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Couples | Good capacity without bulk |
| Small kitchens | Compact footprint saves space |
| Quick dinners | Fast heat and even surface |
Presto 12″ Electric Skillet
I keep a Presto 12″ electric skillet as my backup cooktop for holidays and overflow. It’s reliable and quick to heat. I used it to keep sides warm while the oven worked, and it performed well without any fuss.
The glass cover traps heat nicely and the control dial is simple to use. I liked that it’s lightweight and easy to move. For anyone who needs a dependable, no-frills best electric frying pan, this Presto is a smart, budget-friendly choice.
Pros:
- Quick, steady heat-up time
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Affordable price for reliable performance
- Glass cover helps retain moisture
- Good for keeping food warm during gatherings
Cons:
- Smaller surface limits batch sizes
- Basic controls lack precision for delicate tasks
- Nonstick will need replacing after heavy use
My Recommendation
I suggest the Presto 12″ Electric Skillet for cooks who want a compact, reliable best electric frying pan on a budget. It excels as a warming station and for small family meals. I found it dependable during holiday overflow and simple weeknight use.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Budget shoppers | Great value for reliable use |
| Occasional hosts | Perfect for keeping sides warm |
| Small households | Compact and easy to store |
Presto 16″ Electric Skillet
The Presto 16″ Electric Skillet is a classic model I tested for big family meals. It gives a true full-size cooking surface. I used it for large roasts, one-pan meals, and big pancakes during family brunch days. The heat distribution was solid and predictable.
Its glass cover locks in moisture for good braises. The control dial is easy to read and adjust. I noticed it holds heat well, which cuts cooking time slightly compared to smaller pans. For sheer capacity and steady results, it’s a dependable option.
Pros:
- Large cooking area for big meals
- Consistent heat retention and distribution
- Durable tempered glass cover
- Simple, reliable controls
- Great for batch breakfasts and parties
Cons:
- Heavy when full—needs two hands
- Takes more counter space than smaller units
- Simple thermostat lacks digital precision
My Recommendation
The Presto 16″ Electric Skillet is my go-to when I need a large best electric frying pan that behaves like a stovetop. I recommend it for large families and people who cook for groups. It delivers consistent results and handles heavy use without fuss.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Large gatherings | Roomy surface handles big batches |
| Meal preppers | Good heat retention speeds cooking |
| Home cooks | Reliable, simple controls for easy use |
FAQs Of best electric frying pan
What should I look for when buying a best electric frying pan?
Look for even heating, durable nonstick coating, a tight-fitting lid, and easy temperature controls. Size matters—pick 12″ for small households and 16″ for families. I also check for dishwasher-safe parts and sturdy handles.
Is an electric frying pan safe for daily use?
Yes. I use them daily. They are safe when used on flat surfaces and with the cord and controls kept dry. Follow manufacturer guidelines and avoid metal utensils on nonstick surfaces to prolong life.
Can I use metal utensils on these skillets?
Generally no. I avoid metal tools to protect the nonstick. Use silicone or wooden utensils to keep the surface scratch-free. This extends the life of the best electric frying pan significantly.
How do I clean and maintain an electric frying pan?
Allow the skillet to cool, then wash the pan and lid per instructions. Many models have dishwasher-safe inserts. I hand-wash the heating base if needed and dry everything completely before storage.
Do electric frying pans use a lot of electricity?
They use moderate power, similar to a single large electric burner. I find they are energy-efficient for one-pan meals since they heat quickly and maintain steady temperatures. Use a timer to avoid unnecessary power use.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want the most versatile, space-saving option, the Presto 06857 Foldaway is my top pick for the best electric frying pan. It balances size, heat control, and storage very well.
For big batches choose the 16″ Presto or Elite 16″. For compact kitchens go with the Elite 12″ or Presto 12″. Each model fills a distinct need and delivers solid value.