Farberware Electric Fry Pan

[rp2813]

I just picked up a model 310-A at the thrift store today. See picture below (not mine but same thing). How does this model differ from the one with two grips rather than one long handle?

I partially filled the pan with water to test out the heating. It did fine, but I noticed that both the control box and the plug/cord were fairly warm to the touch after about 10 minutes of use. Does this tend to be typcial, and if not, is there a remedy?

 

[maytagbear]

Unlike for my 1960s GE electric saucepan,

replacement control sets and cords have been fairly easily obtainable for the Farberware electrics. At least, they were, last time I looked.

It's a beauty, Ralph.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[rp2813]

My uncle worked for the Public Service company in Illinois and I learned early that when there's heat, it's usually caused by contact points. It's basically a case of some energy being lost that could be going to the heating element, but as long the cord components don't get too hot, you're OK.

 

[kevin313]

You've got yourself one of the top-of-the-line electric skillets. What made Farberware so unique was not only their elegant styling (much prettier than the Sunbeam or Presto, which were fine skillets, but they didn't have that shine), but the fact they were made of stainless steel. Many of the others on the market were heavy gauge aluminum. These were designed so that you could cook "tableside" or use them on a buffet as a warmer because they were so nice looking.

I have a couple. They cook beautifully and provide very even heating across the bottom of the pan. The same model that you purchased was also available with an "extra-high" lid, so you could prepare a chicken or standing roast.

As far as the thermostat control, yes they do get warm. I think it is, in part, because of the proximity to the heating element. Anything that is right up against the bottom side of that skillet is going to get hot. In my experience, it hasn't had any impact on the performance of the thermostat or has it harmed it in any way.

It is also a nice feature that you can completely immerse the skillet in water to clean (not the thermostat control, though, just wipe with a cloth). It cleans up beautifully. It perfect for browning things (chicken, pork chops) and does a wonderful job with swiss steak, chicken ala king, sloppy joes, and much more. The electric skillet is one small appliance that I wouldn't want to live without.

Enjoy your new find and I hope you make lots of wonderful dishes in your gleaming Farberware skillet!

 

[petek]

Nice skillet, not too worry about the warm control or cord that's normal. Is it an oil filled model? You can tell usually by the weight, they're heavier, and if you hold the pan and tilt it back and forth you would hear the oil inside sloshing around

 

[rp2813]

Thanks for the tips, and the advice on the cord heat issue. I'll have to check for oil. I really do like that it's entirely immersible (except for the control). I didn't know that until I read it on the handle.

The heat does seem to be very even, and yes, it's far more attractive and presentable tableside than other makes. I've seen these at thrift stores a number of times recently, but never grabbed one. I can see why they were pricey when new. They're a cut above other skillets.