Ever followed a recipe that casually instructs you to “let it simmer,” and you’ve just sort of… guessed? You’re not alone. Let’s be honest, many of us just turn the heat down and hope for the best. But understanding What Is The Simmer Function truly means, especially on your electric skillet, is the key to unlocking a world of flavor. It’s the secret handshake for tender meats, rich sauces, and soups that taste like they’ve been cooking for days (in a good way!). This guide will demystify simmering and turn your electric skillet into your most trusted culinary sidekick.
What Exactly is Simmering? Let’s Break It Down
So, what is simmering? In the simplest terms, simmering is a gentle cooking method that uses a constant, low heat to cook food in liquid. The ideal simmering temperature is just below boiling, typically between 185°F and 205°F (85°C to 96°C).
You’ll know you’ve hit the sweet spot when you see small, lazy bubbles gently breaking the surface of the liquid every second or two. It’s not the frantic, rolling chaos of a boil; it’s more like a calm, steady hot tub for your food. Think of it this way: boiling is for rapidly cooking pasta, while simmering is for coaxing deep, complex flavors out of a chili or stew over time.
The Magic Behind Your Electric Skillet’s Simmer Function
Why is an electric skillet particularly good for this? It all comes down to one word: control. Unlike a stovetop that can have hot spots and fluctuate wildly, a modern electric skillet is designed for precision.
“The core advantage of an electric skillet’s simmer function lies in its thermostat,” notes appliance engineer, John Carter. “It constantly measures the temperature of the cooking surface and cycles the heating element on and off to maintain a remarkably consistent temperature. This is something even experienced chefs struggle with on a gas range.”
This means when you set your skillet to a low temperature, you can trust it to stay there. This consistent, even heat distribution is perfect for simmering, preventing scorching at the bottom of the pan and ensuring everything in your pot cooks at the same gentle pace. This is where the what is the simmer function question finds its most powerful answer—it’s about reliable, low-and-slow cooking.
How Does the Simmer Function Work?
- Set the Temperature: You select a low temperature on the dial, often marked with a “simmer” setting or a specific temperature range (e.g., 200°F).
- Thermostat Activation: The internal thermostat reads the current temperature of the skillet.
- Heating Element On: If the temperature is below your set point, the heating element turns on to gently raise the heat.
- Heating Element Off: Once the skillet reaches the target simmer temperature, the thermostat signals the element to turn off.
- The Cycle Repeats: This on-and-off cycle happens continuously and rapidly, maintaining that perfect, gentle heat without ever reaching a full boil.
Simmer vs. Boil vs. Poach: The Gentle Art of Heat Control
It’s easy to get these terms mixed up, but the difference is crucial for the final texture and flavor of your dish.
| Cooking Method | Temperature Range | Visual Cues | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poaching | 160-180°F (71-82°C) | Liquid is shimmering, but with very few to no bubbles breaking the surface. | Delicate foods like eggs, fish, and fruit. |
| Simmering | 185-205°F (85-96°C) | Gentle, consistent stream of small bubbles breaking the surface. | Soups, stews, sauces, braising meats, cooking tough vegetables. |
| Boiling | 212°F (100°C) | Large, vigorous bubbles rolling and breaking rapidly across the entire surface. | Pasta, potatoes, blanching vegetables, reducing large amounts of liquid quickly. |
Understanding these differences is fundamental. Trying to simmer a delicate fish can overcook it, while trying to boil a tough cut of meat will make it even tougher.
So, When Should You Use the Simmer Function?
Now for the fun part. When should you reach for that simmer setting on your electric skillet? The what is the simmer function question really comes to life when you see its practical uses.
- Developing Deep Flavors in Soups and Stews: This is the classic use. Simmering allows the flavors of all your ingredients—meats, vegetables, herbs, and spices—to meld together into a harmonious, rich final product.
- Tenderizing Tough Cuts of Meat (Braising): Low and slow is the only way to break down the tough connective tissues in cuts like chuck roast, brisket, or pork shoulder. Simmering them in liquid for hours results in fall-apart tender meat.
- Thickening and Reducing Sauces: Want to transform a watery tomato sauce into a rich, clinging bolognese? Simmering with the lid off allows excess water to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and thickening the sauce naturally.
- Cooking Grains Perfectly: Grains like rice, quinoa, and barley absorb liquid best at a gentle simmer. A rolling boil can cause them to cook unevenly and turn mushy.
- Making Broth or Stock: Simmering bones and vegetables for hours gently extracts all their flavor and collagen without making the stock cloudy, which is what happens at a vigorous boil.
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Our Picks for the Best Electric Skillet in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chefman XL Electric Griddle with Removable Temperature Control, Immersible Flat Top Grill, Burger, Eggs, Pancake Griddle, Nonstick Extra Large Cooking Surface, Slide Out Drip Tray, 10 x 20 Inch |
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| 2 | Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet, Black |
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| 3 | Elite Gourmet EG808 8” x 8\" Non-stick Electric Skillet, Dishwasher Safe with Tempered Glass Vented Lid, Rapid Heat Up, 600W, Black |
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| 4 | Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover |
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| 5 | BLACK+DECKER Electric Skillet, Variable Temperature Control, Nonstick Cooking Surface, Dishwasher Safe, Tempered Glass Lid, 12\"x15\" |
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| 6 | Crux Extra Deep Nonstick Scratch Resistant Electric Skillet with Removeable Temperature Probe, 12\" x 12\", silver (14620) |
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| 7 | bella Make & Take Electric Skillet, Fits-anywhere™ kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Coating, Adjustable Temperature & Dishwasher-Safe Tempered Glass Lid, Cast Aluminum Base, 1200 Watt, Surf |
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| 8 | Presto 07117 12\" Electric Skillet with glass cover |
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| 9 | Elite Gourmet EG-6203# Extra Deep 16\"x13\"x3.2\" (10.5Qt.) Scratch Resistant, Easy Pour Spout Dishwasher Safe, Non-stick Electric Skillet with Glass Vented Lid, Adjustable Temperature, Black |
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| 10 | Elite Gourmet 12\" x 12\" x 3” Ceralast™ Ceramic Non-stick PFAS Free, Dishwasher Safe Electric Skillet, Xtra Deep Dish, Rapid Heat 1200W, Black |
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A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Simmering
Ready to master the simmer? It’s easier than you think.
- Bring to a Boil First (Usually): For most dishes like stews or sauces, you’ll start by bringing the liquid to a full boil. This gets everything up to temperature quickly and evenly.
- Dial It Back: As soon as it reaches a boil, immediately turn the temperature dial on your electric skillet down to the simmer setting (typically around 200-225°F, but check your manual).
- Watch for the Bubbles: Keep an eye on the liquid. You’re looking for that gentle “bloop… bloop” of small bubbles. If it’s still boiling, turn the heat down a little more. If there are no bubbles, nudge it up slightly.
- Cover or Uncover?: This is a key step.
- Cover On: Use the lid if you want to trap moisture and heat, which is ideal for tenderizing meat or cooking vegetables without losing liquid.
- Cover Off (or ajar): Leave the lid off if your goal is to reduce and thicken a sauce.
- Stir Occasionally: Give your dish a stir every 15-30 minutes (depending on the recipe) to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom and ensure even cooking.
- Be Patient: Simmering is not a race. It’s a marathon. Trust the process and let the low, steady heat work its magic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can all electric skillets simmer properly?
A: Most modern electric skillets with adjustable temperature controls can simmer effectively. However, models with more precise thermostats and heavier construction (which holds heat better) will perform the best, maintaining a more stable temperature.
Q: Is simmering more energy-efficient than boiling?
A: Yes, absolutely. Maintaining a low simmer requires significantly less energy than maintaining a rolling boil. The thermostat cycles the power on and off, whereas boiling often requires constant, high-power energy input.
Q: How long can I leave something to simmer in an electric skillet?
A: As long as there is sufficient liquid to prevent it from burning, you can simmer for several hours. Electric skillets are fantastic for all-day chili or pot roast. Just be sure to check the liquid level periodically.
Q: My sauce isn’t thickening when I simmer. What am I doing wrong?
A: You’re likely simmering with the lid on. To thicken or reduce a sauce, you need to let the steam escape. Remove the lid completely, or set it slightly ajar, to allow the excess water to evaporate.
Q: What if my electric skillet only has low, medium, and high settings?
A: In this case, the “low” setting is your simmer function. You may need to experiment a bit. If “low” is still too hot and produces too many bubbles, try propping the lid open slightly to release some heat.
Your Skillet’s Secret Weapon
The next time you see “simmer” in a recipe, you can smile with confidence. You now know that it’s not just a vague instruction—it’s a specific, powerful technique. Understanding what is the simmer function is about more than just turning down the heat; it’s about controlling temperature to build layers of flavor, achieve perfect textures, and transform simple ingredients into something truly special. So go ahead, dust off that electric skillet, and let the gentle magic of the simmer elevate your cooking.