The Best Electric Woks, Skillets and Frying Pans
Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Nonstick, 12 Inch, 16 Inch or Mini Models
Electric skillets (frying pans) and woks combine an electric hot plate with a cooking surface.
They are convenient and versatile, taking up little space and allowing for some portability. Close integration with the heating element means that better temperature control is possible than with a conventional hot plate.
Fine temperature control and high sides (2 to 3 inches) means that electric skillets can be used for baking, stews, deep frying, roasting, casseroles, fondue and steaming (optional steamer plates are available).
Woks have curved bottoms and will not work well on a hot plate or induction stove. For electric cooking with woks, an electric wok is the only choice.
Popular brands of electric skillets and woks include Presto, Rival, Cuisinart, Farberware, Sunbeam, Villaware, Hamilton Beach, Circulon, Aroma, Breville (Gourmet), Wolfgang Puck and West Bend. Prices range from $50 to a few hundred dollars.
Basics of How to Choose Electric Skillets and Woks
The most important decision is whether or not to choose a nonstick model. Nonstick models are usually made out of lightweight aluminum, though stainless steel is sometimes used. Conventional non nonstick models will use stainless steel.
A plain stainless steel surface isn't that difficult to clean if enough oil is used. One alternative is to season the surface with a layer of burned oil, the way cast iron skillets and woks have been seasoned for centuries. Nonstick is convenient, but requires the use of wooden or silicon stirrers. Durability of the nonstick surface can vary a lot depending on the manufacturer.
Heat distribution should be even. Unfortunately this is difficult to gauge from specifications alone, though thicker pans should be better. For skillets, oil-core models are claimed to have more even heat distribution.
A glass or metal cover is standard, useful to reduce splatter and retain heat. Glass covers allow easy monitoring of cooking progress, but metal is more durable. Some covers have adjustable steam vents to reduce condensation dripping down the inside of the cover.
A temperature control dial is standard (some small mini models may have only one fixed temperature setting). The lowest temperature should be around 150 degrees Fahrenheit to allow the skillet to be used as a food warmer. Some models can't go that low, with simmer as their lowest temperature. Maximum temperature should be above 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Power can reach 1500 watts for larger models.
The pan should be capable of full immersion in water for easy cleaning. The temperature control unit is usually removable to allow this.
Other useful features include
- A long power cord. Cord lengths range from 2 to 6 feet.
- An On/Off switch and power indicator light.
- Rubber legs to hold the pan steady when stir-frying.
How to Choose Electric Woks
For woks, bigger is better. This is to prevent food from being thrown out during the scoop, flip and stir maneuvers common in Asian stir-fry cooking. High searing temperatures are important in stir-frying. This means that more powerful (around 1500 watts) is also better.
Electric woks may be slightly smaller than conventional versions: 14 inches in diameter (5 or 6 quarts) versus 16 inches or more.
How to Choose Electric Skillets
Electric skillets can be round, oval, square or rectangular. The best shape is a matter of personal preference, though square skillets take up less space. Sizes range from 7 to 20 inches wide, with 12 and 16 inches being popular.
Unlike woks, skillets should be flat. Lower quality skillets can bulge in the middle, especially after a few uses. This causes the oil to run to the sides, requiring constant stirring to keep the oil evenly distributed.
The heating element is usually hidden, embedded inside the bottom of the pan. Some skillets have removable pans, with a swappable flat plate and deep pan.
Smaller mini 7 inch skillets may have the heating coil exposed at the bottom of the skillet. They can cause burns if accidentally touched. They should never be used over wooden or plastic surfaces.
The Best Electric Woks and Skillets
Peeling nonstick surfaces and uneven heat distribution are common complaints. Paying more for a premium brand helps but is no guarantee.
An Internet search for user reviews will quickly turn up quality electric cookware, and reveal duds to avoid.
Electric Woks are Used Like Normal Woks
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