On Mon, 26 Jun 2006 12:21:05 -0600, D.Currie wrote:

> I've never owned an electric skillet, and neither did my mother. No one I've
> ever cooked with has had one. The only one I've seen in action lately was an
> ancient model in the home of someone who doesn't like to use her stove or
> oven.
>
> But now, a couple of people have told me how indispensable the electric
> skillet it. Perfect for poaching fish. Even, easily adjustable temperature.
> Great for pancakes, burgers, meatballs....Best thing ever... blah, blah,
> blah.
>
> Not having ever owned or used one, I guess I don't know what I'm missing. I
> mean, I have a stove and oven and pots and pans that get a lot of use. Is
> there something the electric skillet is particularly suited for that I can't
> do as well on the stove or in the oven? Is it worth having one, or is it a
> waste of space?

It depends on your needs. I managed to raise a family without one,
but my mother and grandmothers used theirs several times a week.
Consider them a big burner and pan combination. I like them because
the heat is evenly distributed. Get the big one and you can do 6 big
pancakes all at once and they won't have blonde sides. They are good
for making fried chicken, bacon - big batches of stuff.

If there are only two of you and you don't have much kitchen storage
room, forget it. If you have a place to store it and you live where
it gets hot and don't have air conditioning, you may like it because
you could do you cooking outside.

My grandmother had an electric saucepan. Now, I'd like one of those.
--

Ham and eggs.
A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.