Black & Decker Family Sized Electric Skillet

Cooking for a family can be a challenge, especially when you need to prepare large quantities of food quickly and efficiently. Enter the Black & Decker Family Sized Electric Skillet, model SK1215BC. This skillet promises to make family cooking a breeze with its large cooking area and user-friendly features. After putting this skillet through its paces in my kitchen, I'm ready to share my detailed thoughts.

Design and Build Quality

The Black & Decker Family Sized Electric Skillet measures 12" x 15", providing ample cooking space for preparing meals for a family. The deep interior is perfect for dishes that require a bit more room, such as stews or large stir-fries. The skillet features a durable nonstick coating that has made cleaning up a quick and easy task. However, it's crucial to use only plastic or wooden utensils to avoid scratching the surface and compromising the nonstick properties.

One noticeable aspect of the design is its weight. At 7.8 pounds, it feels reasonably sturdy but isn't overly heavy. This is both a pro and a con; while it's easier to move around, it can sometimes slide around on the counter during cooking. The cool-touch handles are a nice touch, offering an added layer of safety when handling the skillet, especially when it's hot.

The tempered glass lid is another useful feature, allowing you to monitor your cooking without releasing heat. However, the lid does feel a bit fragile compared to the rest of the unit. Given its large size, finding a splatter screen that fits can be a challenge, which is something to consider if you regularly cook foods that might splatter.

Performance

Performance is where this skillet both shines and struggles. The removable variable temperature control ranges from ‘keep warm’ to 400°F, offering a wide range of heat settings. This versatility is fantastic for a variety of cooking tasks, from slowly simmering sauces to quickly frying bacon.

In practice, the skillet heats up quickly, reaching the desired temperature in no time. However, I did notice some inconsistency in heat distribution. While the center of the skillet heats evenly, the edges can be a bit cooler. This issue became more noticeable when cooking larger quantities of food, where some pieces cooked faster than others. It’s manageable, but it requires frequent stirring or repositioning of food to ensure even cooking.

User Experience

One of the standout features is the ease of cleaning. The nonstick surface lives up to its promise, making it simple to wipe away residue, even when food has been slightly overcooked. The base is dishwasher safe, which adds to the convenience, although I found that hand washing is usually enough and helps to prolong the life of the nonstick coating.

However, the placement of the temperature knob could use some redesign. The knob is located on top of the plug, which makes it difficult to read and adjust without tilting your head. This can be particularly annoying when you’re trying to make quick adjustments while cooking.

Another point to note is the skillet's durability over time. While it performed well initially, I noticed that frequent use began to affect the nonstick surface and heat distribution. After several months, the nonstick coating started to show signs of wear, particularly around the heating element, leading to food sticking more often. It’s worth mentioning that the skillet comes with a 2-year limited warranty, but I recommend purchasing an extended warranty if you plan to use it daily.

Cooking Experience

Despite its flaws, the Black & Decker Family Sized Electric Skillet handles a variety of cooking tasks quite well. From frying eggs to simmering stews, it has shown versatility. I particularly appreciated the high sides, which help in containing splatters and allow for larger quantities of food.

One of my favorite uses for this skillet has been outdoor cooking. Its size and portability make it perfect for cooking meals on the patio without heating up the kitchen. The even heating (for the most part) and easy cleanup are significant benefits when cooking outside.

Final Thoughts

The Black & Decker Family Sized Electric Skillet is a solid addition to any kitchen, especially for those needing to prepare large meals efficiently. Its large cooking area, nonstick surface, and cool-touch handles make it a user-friendly tool for family cooking.

However, the uneven heat distribution and the design of the temperature knob are notable drawbacks. If you can manage these quirks and handle the skillet with care to prolong its life, it is a worthwhile investment.

Would I recommend this skillet? Yes, but with reservations. If you're looking for a versatile and easy-to-clean electric skillet for occasional use, this model is a good option. However, if you require precision and even heat distribution for more elaborate cooking, you might want to explore other options or be prepared for some level of compromise. For its price point, the skillet offers good value but is not without its limitations. Happy cooking!