I love my cast iron skillets. I love my cast iron dutch ovens. Heck, I even have a non-stick skillet I love, but since we've been without a stove for the last several months, my favorite pan isn't your traditional find. It's my electric skillet and at this point we're BFF's for life.
I've praised this particular piece of equipment in the past and although I mocked it heavily before it entered my kitchen, I have no idea how I lived without it. It's instantly hot, easy to clean and cooks rice like it's nobody's business! There hasn't been a single meal or preparation style we've thrown at it that it couldn't handle and it's been our most functional tool in the kitchen outside of our toaster oven.
My husband's Grandparents always had one in their kitchen and still do today and now I know why. Not only does it make the best fried chicken and gravy, but it also is perfect for quick blanching vegetables or frying up an egg for a late night sandwich. Yes, there's many great pans floating around, but mine — it's electric!
• Find it: Rival 11" Electric Skillet for $21.88 from Walmart.
Related: How An Electric Kettle & Electric Skillet Saved Thanksgiving
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Ugh. My MIL uses one of these daily. Cleaning it is SUCH a chore. I mean, really really cleaning it. Any tips to cleaning yours? I may employ them the next time we visit.
I used one of these in law school when I didn't have a full kitchen. Man it was so useful. I could cook anything in there. Plus, one pot to clean.
LovieDovie - The first tip is to wipe it out as soon as it's cool enough to do so. We can skip a few washes if we do so, but for the most part we simply unplug, fill it with hot water. Let it sit for 5 minutes and we've yet to have anything that hasn't rinsed clean right away after the quick soak!
I love using the electric frying pan on my island, which faces toward the dining table and the TV. My favorite dish to make in it is risotto, since that is a good half hour of stirring. When I'm done, the skillet goes back into the pantry, and I have my nice large empty counter back. The best of both worlds versus having a cooktop in the island.
years ago the then bf & i moved into an unfurnished apartment--meaning no stove, refrigerator, or other amenities. we did just fine for the year we were there with an electric skillet & a microwave. didn't miss having a stove at all--but forward 20 years, and i like my conventional kitchen just fine.