Our Top 5 Choices for the Best Ceramic Electric Skillet

If you are considering an electric skillet, it is likely you have noticed the two general categories of skillets: Teflon and ceramic. Electric skillets are a major help in the kitchen when it comes to providing an extra burner, reducing energy costs, and deep-dish frying or baking, but ceramic and Teflon both have their drawbacks and merits.

Nearly every new skillet these days is made with some type of non-stick coating, but the difference in certain chemicals is worth considering. In the end, you’ll want to evaluate how you’ll be using the skillet and weigh your expectations. In this article, we will be discussing the pros of ceramic coatings, as well as reviewing multiple products as we look for the best ceramic electric skillet.

In comparison to Teflon, the ceramic non-stick coating has been around for a relatively short time. However, it has gained massive popularity in that timeframe and it is certainly worth looking into. Teflon has been known through the years for its impressive non-stick capabilities, though consumers have also become aware of its tendency to peel and flake. Is ceramic stronger while remaining just as non-stick?

Non-stick cookware often utilizes chemicals called perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA for short. This chemical is also present in other processes such as food packaging and flame-resistant materials for repelling oils and grease. While this substance works beautifully for preventing cooked-on food, it is a known toxin and scientists are expressing concerns about human exposure to it in our food. Multiple gases are released when cookware with this coating is heated, and health professionals are beginning to connect links between the coating and long-term health effects. Research has suggested over time that using such types of non-stick cookware could possibly increase the risk of cancer and even a potential link to Alzheimer’s disease.

That being said, research has additionally suggested lately that ceramic may be a safer option for non-stick cookware. Ceramic is known as a non-reactive substance, which prevents it from releasing any compounds into food as it cooks. Gases are not released when the pan is heated, effectively keeping your food uncontaminated. Ceramic may not be as completely slick as Teflon, however, it remains a credible option for avoiding cooked-on food and has been used as non-stick with fantastic success.

A few companies are in the market of selling ceramic cookware and therefore claim that it’s incredibly stronger than Teflon cookware. Considering ceramic coating is still a relatively new product, time has yet to tell of its durability through the years. However, due to the compounds used in ceramic coatings rather than the chemicals in Teflon, ceramic is highly unlikely to flake. This fact alone means that more of the coating remains on your pan for continued use, and those chemicals will not end up cooking in your food. To that effect, ceramic cookware may indeed be more durable or successfully long-lasting than Teflon.

However, care in choosing the safest utensil must still be taken when using a ceramic pan. As metal whisks, spoons, and spatulas can scrape Teflon pans, ceramic can be similarly damaged. There is the possibility that ceramic may not scrape as easily as Teflon, though that could be due to the Teflon coating already flaking over time and with high heat. However, ceramic can still be damaged by metal utensils, so it is always a better idea to choose tempered plastic, silicone, or wooden utensils.

These days, even with the scientific evidence of the gases released from Teflon at high heat, most Teflon pans are still considered safe. Modern skillets produced with a Teflon coating will not release any compounds until they reach 570 degrees, and everyday cooking typically doesn’t involve such high temperatures. Considering this, any new electric skillet should be fairly safe health-wise when it comes to avoiding released toxins in your cooked food.

However, this doesn’t account for the flaking of the Teflon coating. Even modern Teflon pans will still begin to flake over time with use. These flakes will easily mix with your food. Research hasn’t shown for there to be a danger associated with ingesting these flakes, however, merely the knowledge of ingesting this chemical coating should be considered. As always, when Teflon pans begin flaking, they should be replaced.

That said, it may be helpful to consider ceramic electric skillets, as the ceramic coating is merely susceptible to scratching rather than flaking. Ceramic skillets may have the potential to save customers money by providing a longer-lasting product. Additionally, consumers may find a peace of mind knowing the coating will not end up in their food throughout the years of use.

Selecting the best skillet largely depends on your expectations and purpose for it. The aspects to consider for a ceramic skillet are nearly the same as if you were looking at Teflon skillets. These styles are made very similarly, with the largest difference being the non-stick coating. However, as you shop the market for the perfect ceramic electric skillet, we do have a few suggestions:

Ceramic offers a legitimate alternative to traditional Teflon non-stick coatings without the risk of flaking or exposure to chemicals. These skillets are effectively non-stick and have been seen as fairly durable. When we considered the most ideal features for ceramic electric skillets, it became apparent that dishwasher-safe options were preferable. The food involved with electric skillets is often messy and greasy, and the thought of skipping the brunt of that cleanup is certainly favorable.

Further, we noted that the ideal skillet would offer a vented glass lid for easy food monitoring and moderating steam buildup, as well as handles and knobs that remain cool during the cooking process for safe handling. Finally, it would be especially helpful for an electric skillet to feature a removable base for less bulk and difficulty when it comes to cleaning, regardless of whether the skillet is immersible or dishwasher-safe.

Considering these preferences, it has become clear that the best ceramic electric skillet is indeed the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Copper & Black Electric Skillet. While all of the skillets listed are excellent options, we feel as if this skillet comes closest to checking off each ideal trait.

The description of this skillet may not specify stay-cool handles, but as it is odd to find a modern skillet without this feature, we anticipate that the handles will likely remain safe to touch during use. The skillet is fully dishwasher-safe, includes a vented glass lid, and the frying pan itself can be completely removed from the base. This electric skillet has certainly impressed us and, in our opinion, it comes out slightly above the others.