We love our Sunbeam and our GE, but it would be fun to try the Kenmore as it was top rated. I never knew Vornado made the as well!
Ratings of Electric Frypan and Skillets
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Thank you, Robert! This was fun to read!
I love my Sunbeam from this era - probably one of my most used and "go-to" small appliances.
I love my Sunbeam from this era - probably one of my most used and "go-to" small appliances.
polkanut
Well-known member
I have the Sunbeam skillet rated in the article, it is a much loved gift from Kelly (Mixfinder). It too is my go to electric skillet. Thanks always Kelly!
I'm sad to see my Farberware so poorly rated, but I like the look of it and since we have a gas range I don't use it all that often.
My mom had the Toastmaster, then got a Sunbeam -- with cozy -- from a neighbor. My sister has that Sunbeam now. I don't know what became of the Toastmaster, but I know it was still working when it left the household.
My mom had the Toastmaster, then got a Sunbeam -- with cozy -- from a neighbor. My sister has that Sunbeam now. I don't know what became of the Toastmaster, but I know it was still working when it left the household.
danemodsandy
Well-known member
As a Farberware Fan....
....I have to wonder if Farberware didn't take this rating to heart and up their game?
The reason is, I've used Farberware electric skillets for a long time and find them better than most others, both as to accuracy and evenness.
The criticism of the lack of a vent provision on the lid is certainly valid enough; there is not one, and most electric skillets have them. I have never felt its lack in actual use, but perhaps that's just me.
Again, since 1961 was a long time ago, I have to wonder if Farberware didn't make some improvements? They'd only been making electric skillets about four or five years at the time of the test, if I understand correctly.
....I have to wonder if Farberware didn't take this rating to heart and up their game?
The reason is, I've used Farberware electric skillets for a long time and find them better than most others, both as to accuracy and evenness.
The criticism of the lack of a vent provision on the lid is certainly valid enough; there is not one, and most electric skillets have them. I have never felt its lack in actual use, but perhaps that's just me.
Again, since 1961 was a long time ago, I have to wonder if Farberware didn't make some improvements? They'd only been making electric skillets about four or five years at the time of the test, if I understand correctly.
Sunbeam is my go-to pan
As is my vintage GE dutch-oven version. They're on the mark here it seems. Those were good pans.
I did end up with a Westinghouse of that era. New-Old-Stock. Hated it.
When it warmed up it made this CLANK CLANK CLANK CLANK sound. Like a crappy bell.
When it cooled down, it did the same thing.
I was going to toss it feeling it had some sort of metallurgic problem. The last time I used it, it sent up in smoke. Forensic evaluations revealed a poorly tightened electrical connector in the pan wiring which overheated.
OFF TO THE RECYCLER! When melted down there would probably be more metal than needed to form a new car.
As is my vintage GE dutch-oven version. They're on the mark here it seems. Those were good pans.
I did end up with a Westinghouse of that era. New-Old-Stock. Hated it.
When it warmed up it made this CLANK CLANK CLANK CLANK sound. Like a crappy bell.
When it cooled down, it did the same thing.
I was going to toss it feeling it had some sort of metallurgic problem. The last time I used it, it sent up in smoke. Forensic evaluations revealed a poorly tightened electrical connector in the pan wiring which overheated.
OFF TO THE RECYCLER! When melted down there would probably be more metal than needed to form a new car.
vintagekitchen
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2011
- Messages
- 706
Farberware
I found the Farberware to be as described, I have had 2, both were hard to clean, had uneven heating, and the temperature was never correct.
My favorite electric skillet was an ancient GE round electric skillet, which was the old fashioned type, with the control built into the single long handle, and a standard appliance cord which plugged into the end of the handle, like the older Sunbeam skillets. It never failed to heat perfectly to temp and evenly, and although it was raw uncoated aluminum, food never stuck.
However the handle would get hot enough to burn you along it's entire length, and one day when I went to unplug the cord from the skillet, one of the prongs broke off and came away with the cord. I haven't bothered looking for a replacement, I just use my iron skillets more often. I do occasionally miss the temperature control when frying chicken or doughnuts though.
I found the Farberware to be as described, I have had 2, both were hard to clean, had uneven heating, and the temperature was never correct.
My favorite electric skillet was an ancient GE round electric skillet, which was the old fashioned type, with the control built into the single long handle, and a standard appliance cord which plugged into the end of the handle, like the older Sunbeam skillets. It never failed to heat perfectly to temp and evenly, and although it was raw uncoated aluminum, food never stuck.
However the handle would get hot enough to burn you along it's entire length, and one day when I went to unplug the cord from the skillet, one of the prongs broke off and came away with the cord. I haven't bothered looking for a replacement, I just use my iron skillets more often. I do occasionally miss the temperature control when frying chicken or doughnuts though.
polkanut
Well-known member
Sandy,
We might have to conduct our own test of the Farberware skillet.
We might have to conduct our own test of the Farberware skillet.
xraytech
Well-known member
I have the Westinghouse skillet, as well as the other Immerse-A-Matic items, I am not a fan of any of them. I much prefer my Hoover stainless steel skillet.
I would like to get a GE skillet
I would like to get a GE skillet
norgeway
Well-known member
I have probably 50 electric skillets..
I use a 57 Presto and a Pink handle Sunbeam, but the West Bend and Mirro Matic are good in my opinion...I have a bunch of Farberware electrics too...saucepan, frypan and dutch oven, they all work very well, the GE with the small stubby control that they rate good, is the only one I have that I cant do anything with, 3 controls and they all are totally inaccurate..
I use a 57 Presto and a Pink handle Sunbeam, but the West Bend and Mirro Matic are good in my opinion...I have a bunch of Farberware electrics too...saucepan, frypan and dutch oven, they all work very well, the GE with the small stubby control that they rate good, is the only one I have that I cant do anything with, 3 controls and they all are totally inaccurate..
ovrphil
Well-known member
1961 Skillet and Frypan Reviews and Rankings
This is interesting, since I just picked up today, a Sunbeam FP-M (shown)
I've owned a 310-A Farberware since 1974(bought it at May's in Woodland Hills, CA) as my first skillet. It did the job - no complaints. I might like one that looks good on the table, once the cord is removed.
Thanks Robert and everyone...I haven't used a Westinghouse or GE skillet...yet.
Phil
This is interesting, since I just picked up today, a Sunbeam FP-M (shown)
I've owned a 310-A Farberware since 1974(bought it at May's in Woodland Hills, CA) as my first skillet. It did the job - no complaints. I might like one that looks good on the table, once the cord is removed.
Thanks Robert and everyone...I haven't used a Westinghouse or GE skillet...yet.
Phil
sudsaver1977
New member
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2015
- Messages
- 4
Electric skillets
Have used 57'
Westinghouse skillets regularly for 5 years or so, I am pleased with temp control sensitivity...and are easy to clean also. Have two of them and are regular performers.
Went back to using an older model electric skillet non=Teflon after bad experiences with two modern Presto skillets-Teflon flaking off after several uses. Had two replaced under warranty with same bad results.
Have had very good luck also with 65' Sunbeam 'Vista' skillet with high dome lid, usual Sunbeam dependability.
Farberware units are beautiful and yes, stainless steel requires less heat, probably one of small appliance industry's most beautiful stainless designs hands down....
Have used 57'
Westinghouse skillets regularly for 5 years or so, I am pleased with temp control sensitivity...and are easy to clean also. Have two of them and are regular performers.
Went back to using an older model electric skillet non=Teflon after bad experiences with two modern Presto skillets-Teflon flaking off after several uses. Had two replaced under warranty with same bad results.
Have had very good luck also with 65' Sunbeam 'Vista' skillet with high dome lid, usual Sunbeam dependability.
Farberware units are beautiful and yes, stainless steel requires less heat, probably one of small appliance industry's most beautiful stainless designs hands down....
Salad Master
I have a new Salad Master electric skillet and love it. Large capacity, detachable cord, even heat and easy clean-up.
I have a new Salad Master electric skillet and love it. Large capacity, detachable cord, even heat and easy clean-up.
whirlcool
Well-known member
The link in the very first post no longer works.
arbilab
Well-known member
Previously explained, the 'product stat' site is currently dormant. While I/we enjoyed it tremendously, it didn't generate traffic commensurate with how much work it was.
norgeway
Well-known member
I collect
All kinds of electric fry pans, I wouldn't be without one for anything, I have several Farberwares, as well as the dutch oven and saucepan, but to me, nothing beats a heavy aluminum pan, I use a Westinghouse, wish I could find a set of Immerse A Matics,I wouldn't take anything for the large frypan.Mirro Matic ,West Bend, Sunbeam and Presto are all good.
All kinds of electric fry pans, I wouldn't be without one for anything, I have several Farberwares, as well as the dutch oven and saucepan, but to me, nothing beats a heavy aluminum pan, I use a Westinghouse, wish I could find a set of Immerse A Matics,I wouldn't take anything for the large frypan.Mirro Matic ,West Bend, Sunbeam and Presto are all good.
