Electric Skillets and Woks Buying Guide

Electric Skillets and Woks

Electric Skillets

Electric skillets  are a useful addition to anyone's kitchen. They are compact, easy to use, and they save time. While other cooking devices keep you guessing when it comes to the amount of heat they are producing, electric skillets tell you exactly what temperature your food is cooking at. If chosen wisely, they can be a great buy. But when deciding you must remeber that there is little difference between a skillet you use for nearly everything and one you hardly ever bring out of the cabinet. Here are a few tips to get you on the right track.

Features

  • Keep in mind, plastic lids can stain when cooking tomatoes.
  • Lids with large viewing windows, allow you to see that your skillet is taking care of business.
  • Dishwasher safe is a good thing to keep an eye on if you hate to hand wash.
  • Non-stick Teflon coating makes cleaning simple.
  • The warming function is not a standard feature on all machines.
  • Temperature controls are a must.
  • Fast warm up.
  • Even heat distribution (especially important in larger skillets).

Electric Woks

A wok  is a tricky item to buy, and you should never buy one on impulse alone. If you are a wok  purist, you wouldn't dream of buying an electric wok , but for those of us in between, an electric wok can be a great thing to own and great way to practice whole new style of cooking.

Features to Look For

  • Woks might include a tempura rack  and a steam rack  for facilitating a variety of cooking uses. They may also come with utensils, which may be nice for someone who is just starting up their kitchen collection and doesn't own any yet. Otherwise, spend the money on the wok itself and not the extras.
  • For cooking large quantities at once, make sure your wok can handle at least 6 quarts. Larger capacities also allow for cooking other items besides stir fry, such as curries and soups or stews. These larger models may take up more counter space, but that is not really an issue unless you keep the wok out all the time.
  • Dishwasher safe models facilitate cleaning and make wok cooking more convenient. Likewise, you may want to pick one with a non-stick coating, for easier cleaning.
  • Glass tops are nice because they allow you to see what you are cooking and keep down splattering.
  • A sturdy base minimizes the chances of slipping, spilling, or tipping.

Top Manufacturers

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