Review: Farberware 12-Inch Electric Skillet – Your Countertop Culinary Solution

In today’s fast-paced world, having a versatile and reliable cooking appliance can transform your kitchen experience. An electric skillet is a powerful tool, providing an extra cooking surface that’s perfect for everything from quick weeknight meals to entertaining guests. Among the myriad options available, the Farberware 12-inch electric skillet frequently stands out for its blend of functionality, convenience, and affordability. But does it truly deliver on its promises? This in-depth review explores every aspect of the Farberware 12-inch electric skillet to help you decide if it’s the right addition to your culinary arsenal.

What is an Electric Skillet?

An electric skillet is a self-contained cooking appliance featuring a heating element built directly into the pan’s base, eliminating the need for a stovetop. This innovative design offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to cook virtually anywhere with an electrical outlet. From its humble beginnings as a simple heating device, the electric skillet has evolved significantly. Early models often featured stainless steel interiors, while modern electric skillets predominantly boast non-stick surfaces, making them easier to use and clean.

Farberware 12-Inch Electric Skillet: At a Glance

The Farberware 12-inch electric skillet is typically characterized by its square or round design, offering a generous cooking surface suitable for a variety of meals. Many popular models, such as the 12×12 inch ceramic non-stick version, come equipped with a host of user-friendly features. These include adjustable temperature controls that allow for precise heat management, a “keep warm” function to hold food at serving temperature without overcooking, and a durable non-stick coating, often ceramic. Designed with convenience in mind, it usually features a detachable power cord, cool-touch handles for safe handling, and a tempered glass lid that lets you monitor your cooking without losing precious heat.

farberware 12-inch electric skillet with glass lid, cool-touch handles, and temperature control

Advantages of the Farberware 12-Inch Electric Skillet

The Farberware 12-inch electric skillet brings several compelling benefits to any kitchen, making it a favorite for many home cooks.

Precise Temperature Control

One of the most significant advantages is its ability to offer precise temperature control. Unlike stovetop burners that can have hot spots, a good electric skillet aims for even heat distribution across its surface. This adjustable heat setting allows you to go from a gentle simmer to a high sear with confidence, ensuring your food is cooked consistently and to perfection. This precision is invaluable for delicate dishes like pancakes or for achieving a perfect crust on meats.

Non-Stick Performance & Easy Cleanup

The non-stick cooking surface, often ceramic-coated, is a standout feature for Farberware electric skillets. This coating ensures that food releases easily, minimizing the need for excessive oil or butter and promoting healthier cooking habits. Cleanup becomes a breeze as well; most food residue wipes away effortlessly. Many models are designed with a removable control unit, making the pan and its glass lid dishwasher safe, further simplifying post-meal tidying.

Versatility

The culinary possibilities with a Farberware 12-inch electric skillet are vast. It excels at a wide range of cooking tasks that might otherwise crowd your stovetop. You can use it to:

• Fry up crispy bacon and eggs for breakfast.
• Sauté vegetables to tender-crisp perfection.
• Simmer hearty stews and chilis.
• Braise meats to fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
• Prepare stir-fries with ease.
• Even bake desserts like dump cakes or brownies.

Its deep capacity is particularly useful for preparing large batches of food, making it ideal for family meals or entertaining.

diverse dishes cooking simultaneously in a large electric skillet for family meals

Portability & Convenience

The self-contained nature of the electric skillet offers exceptional portability. It acts as an extra burner that you can use anywhere an electrical outlet is available. This makes it a fantastic appliance for:

• Small apartments or dorm rooms with limited kitchen space.
• RVs and camping trips, expanding your outdoor cooking options.
• Buffet-style serving at parties or holiday gatherings, keeping dishes warm without occupying oven space.

Its lightweight construction further enhances its ease of movement, allowing you to effortlessly relocate it as needed.

“Keep Warm” Feature

Many Farberware electric skillets include a dedicated “keep warm” setting. This feature is a game-changer for meal timing and entertaining. It maintains food at a safe, warm temperature without continuing to cook it, ensuring that your dishes are ready to serve when you are. This prevents food from getting cold while you finish preparing other components of a meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the Farberware 12-inch electric skillet offers numerous benefits, it’s also important to consider its limitations and potential issues.

Heat Distribution Concerns

While many users praise the even heating of Farberware electric skillets, some customer feedback for certain models, particularly larger capacity ones, has occasionally noted “inconsistent heat” or “unreliable temperature control.” This can lead to uneven cooking, where some areas of the pan cook faster than others. It’s important to monitor cooking carefully, especially when preparing dishes that require consistent heat.

Durability of Non-Stick Coating

As with most non-stick cookware, the ceramic coating on Farberware electric skillets requires care to maintain its integrity. Using metal utensils can scratch and degrade the non-stick surface over time, diminishing its effectiveness and potentially leading to food sticking. While durable, it’s not indestructible, and careful handling with silicone or wooden utensils is recommended to prolong its lifespan.

Heating Element Connection

A less common but reported issue involves the heating element connection. Some users have experienced problems where the temperature control unit does not securely click into place or loses connection, leading to improper heating or power interruptions. This can be frustrating and indicates a potential quality control challenge with the unit’s assembly or design.

Bulky for Storage

Despite being lightweight, the 12-inch size of the skillet can still present storage challenges in smaller kitchens. While it frees up stovetop space during cooking, finding a suitable spot in cabinets or on shelves can be tricky. Similarly, fitting the pan and lid into a dishwasher can sometimes be difficult due to their dimensions, even if they are technically dishwasher safe.

Not Oven or Broiler Safe

Like most electric skillets, the Farberware 12-inch model is not designed for oven or broiler use. This limits certain cooking techniques that might involve transferring a pan from the stovetop to the oven to finish cooking, such as searing a steak and then baking it. Its purpose is strictly for countertop cooking.

Comparing the Farberware 12-Inch Electric Skillet to Competitors

The electric skillet market is diverse, with brands like Presto, Cuisinart, Bella, Black+Decker, and Zojirushi offering various models. Farberware typically positions itself as a reliable and accessible option, often at a more budget-friendly price point compared to premium brands. While some higher-end models like Cuisinart’s might offer slightly more advanced temperature precision or heavier-duty stainless steel construction, Farberware generally delivers excellent non-stick performance and user convenience. For those seeking a dependable electric skillet without a significant investment, the Farberware 12-inch model provides strong value, particularly in its ceramic non-stick iterations.

Who is the Farberware 12-Inch Electric Skillet For?

The Farberware 12-inch electric skillet is a fantastic choice for a wide range of users:

• Individuals and Small Families: Its generous 12×12 inch cooking surface can comfortably accommodate meals for 2-4 people.
• Those Needing Extra Cooking Space: Whether your stovetop is full during holidays or you simply need an additional burner, this skillet provides flexible capacity.
• Small Apartments, Dorms, and RVs: Its portability and self-contained heating make it ideal where traditional kitchen facilities are limited.
• Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Offering a compelling balance of features and performance at an attractive price point.
• Home Cooks Prioritizing Easy Cleanup: The non-stick surface and often dishwasher-safe components greatly simplify the cleaning process.

Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Farberware Electric Skillet

To get the most out of your Farberware 12-inch electric skillet and ensure its longevity, follow these practical tips:

Usage

• Initial Setup: Before first use, wash the skillet and lid thoroughly. Ensure the temperature control unit is dry and securely inserted before plugging it in.
• Adjusting Temperature: Begin cooking at a medium setting and adjust as needed. Allow the skillet a few minutes to preheat fully before adding ingredients to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The “ready light” will usually indicate when the desired temperature is reached.
• Use Appropriate Utensils: Always use non-metal utensils (silicone, wood, or plastic) to protect the non-stick coating from scratches.
• Do Not Overfill: While spacious, avoid overfilling the skillet to maintain consistent heat and prevent spills.

Cleaning and Storage

• Cool Down Completely: Always allow the skillet to cool down fully before cleaning.
• Detachable Control: Remove the temperature control unit and power cord before washing the pan. Never immerse the control unit or cord in water.
• Dishwasher Safety: Many Farberware electric skillets have dishwasher-safe pans and lids. However, if space is an issue, or for best longevity of the non-stick coating, handwashing is often recommended. A soft sponge and mild dish soap are usually sufficient.
• Stubborn Residue: For any stuck-on food, fill the skillet with warm, soapy water and let it soak for 15-20 minutes before gently scrubbing.
• Proper Storage: Store the skillet and its lid in a dry place. Due to its size, you might need to find a dedicated spot in a larger cabinet or pantry.

“A well-maintained electric skillet is a happy skillet. Treat its non-stick surface with care, and it will serve you with effortless cooking for years.” – Admin, electricskilletguide.com

Conclusion

The Farberware 12-inch electric skillet offers a compelling package for home cooks seeking convenience, versatility, and easy cleanup. Its precise temperature control, robust non-stick surface, and helpful “keep warm” feature make it a valuable addition to any kitchen, freeing up stovetop space and enabling a wide array of cooking applications. While potential concerns regarding heat consistency in some models and the need for careful non-stick maintenance exist, its overall performance and affordability make it a highly recommended choice for everyday cooking. If you’re looking to simplify your meal prep and expand your culinary horizons, the Farberware 12-inch electric skillet is certainly worth considering. What culinary adventures will you embark on with your new electric skillet?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Farberware 12-inch electric skillet dishwasher safe?

Yes, most Farberware electric skillets feature a dishwasher-safe pan and lid, provided you remove the temperature control unit and power cord first. For best results and to prolong the non-stick coating’s life, handwashing is often recommended.

What can you cook in a 12-inch electric skillet?

A 12-inch electric skillet is incredibly versatile. You can cook a wide variety of dishes, including eggs, pancakes, stir-fries, stews, casseroles, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, and even some baked desserts. Its generous size makes it suitable for full family meals.

How do I prevent food from sticking in my Farberware electric skillet?

The Farberware electric skillet’s non-stick coating is designed to prevent food from sticking. Ensure you preheat the skillet to the correct temperature, use a small amount of oil or butter, and always use non-metal utensils to avoid scratching the surface.

What is the typical wattage of a Farberware electric skillet?

While specific wattage can vary by model, most standard Electric Skillets, including many from Farberware, operate within the range of 1000 to 1500 watts. This wattage ensures efficient heating and cooking performance for various dishes.

Can I replace the temperature control for my Farberware electric skillet?

Replacing a broken or lost temperature control unit is often possible, but it requires careful attention. You must ensure that the replacement controller is compatible with your specific Farberware model and that its wattage rating meets or exceeds the skillet’s wattage for safe operation.