Electric pans: features and choices

Along with many popular gadgets that greatly facilitate the cooking process, there is such a device on the home appliance market as an electric frying pan. This device is popular both for home use and for catering. However, not everyone knows exactly what the features of such a product are, what varieties are available on the market, and how to operate the device correctly. You need to know these nuances before buying this device, and all of them will be discussed in detail in this article.

As you might guess from the name of the device, the electric pan works directly from the power source. Its design in shape is very similar to a conventional pan, but the main difference is that the electric pan is equipped with a special infrared or thermal heating element. It is he who is saturated with energy from the source and heats the surface of the device.

An electric grid pan is an indispensable device for those in whose home there is no gas stove, for example, students. And also it is perfect for fans to get to the country. The main advantages of this device are several factors.

• The pan is equipped with a special thermostat, which allows you to control the temperature of the heating surface of the device.
• On such an appliance, you can cook various dishes without the use of vegetable oil, which cannot be done on many models of ordinary frying pans or with a minimal amount of oil.
• Caring for your device is easy. Unlike traditional models of pans, which have to be cleaned both from the inside and from the outside, it is enough to wash the electrical analogue only from the inside, since soot does not form on the outside.
• The surface of the electric pans warms up not only quickly, but evenly. It also affects the heat treatment of products - it also occurs more evenly.
• Included with such a device are often additional useful elements that facilitate the process of its operation, for example, anti-slip coasters.
• Without exception, all models of these devices are equipped with a non-stick type coating.
• An indispensable plus will be the function of heating food. In an electric frying pan, you can do this in the same way as in a microwave, while in an ordinary frying pan there is a risk of frying the dish more strongly during the heating process.

Do not neglect the disadvantages of such devices, although they are few in number.

• Some pans are not designed to disconnect the cord and adapter. Because of this, the washing process of such products becomes quite troublesome.
• Additional electricity costs. If you actively use this device, be prepared for the fact that the electricity bill will increase.
• The cost of some models is quite high.

Like most household appliances, a grid-operated pan is available in certain varieties in stores, each of which has its own distinctive characteristics.

• The first criterion is the location of the heating elements. They, as a rule, are built into the bottom of the device, but there are also models in which these elements are also located in the lids. The heating of the latter type is obtained bilaterally.
• Another sign is the pan shape of the pan. It can be not only round, but also rectangular with rounded corners, square or oval. Dimensions of the device may also vary.
• One of the criteria is the material from which the lid of the pan is made. Two options are presented here - metal and glass.

In addition to the shapes, sizes and location of the heaters, an important feature is the functions of such devices, according to the characteristics of which there is also a classification of species.

• Pan wok differs in high sides and the bottom made in the form of a cone. It is used, as a rule, for stewing, sautéing, cooking stews, friable cereals or pilaf.

• Highly specialized type frying pans They are designed to prepare specific dishes, which most often may include steaks, pizza or other pastries. Such devices are for the most part two-way.

• Multifunctional mini-format products. The list of dishes that can be prepared in such elegant devices is huge and can include classic fried eggs or casserole, as well as more complex meat dishes.

• Electric models, Created specifically for frying meat and vegetables, they have double-sided heating and are called grilled pans.

• Electric mini skillet has a compact body. It allows you to use it to heat ready meals. And also on it you can fry sausages, fried eggs or make hot sandwiches.

When choosing the most suitable pan for you, it is worth paying attention to such models that have already gained popularity and positive reviews in the market of household appliances. These include several products.

• The first frying pan produced under the Great Rivers brand was model "Sorceress-1". This device is with a round case with a diameter of 36 centimeters and a depth of 7 centimeters. The lid, equipped with a special hole for the exit of steam, is made of durable glass, and the handles do not heat up. Equipped with a power of 1500 watts, this pan also has several temperature conditions. The approximate cost of such a model is 2500 rubles.

• The electric type pan, closer in parameters to mini models, is called Galaxy GL 2660. The depth of this device is only 4 centimeters, it is equipped with rubberized legs, as well as a lid made of glass. The handles of this pan are also made of heat-resistant raw materials. This model is ideal for trips to the country, and at the same time it will cost inexpensively - from 900 to 1200 rubles.

• The representative of domestic products in the field of electric furnaces is Miracle model double-sided heating made of aluminum. This multifunctional pan is used for preparing all types of dishes, except for the grill. Its capacity is more than three liters, and the height of the walls is four centimeters.

The process of choosing a frying pan, powered by the mains, must be approached very responsibly. This procedure takes into account a number of important criteria.

• The body material determines such parameters as the weight of the device. Most models of electric frying pans are made of aluminum, but there are also analogues of cast iron, which will be heavier. Make sure that the material on the handles is heat resistant. If a frying pan is selected for the home, then the weight may not be so important, but if you plan to transport it, then too massive structures will become an extra burden.
• Make sure that the cover is made of durable glass, and also not be too flat. A more rounded lid allows you to place large pieces of food in a pan.
• Give preference to those units from which you can unplug the power cord to wash the case.
• The wider the range of temperature regulation will be, the more dishes you can prepare in an electric pan, so pay close attention to this parameter.
• An essential element in the design of the device will be a spout built into the body. It allows you to get rid of excess fluid during the preparation of certain dishes.
• Power indicators should be selected based on the purpose of use, its frequency and the number of people for whom the food will be prepared. For a large family, for example, you need a more powerful device than for one person.
• Cooking preferences. They determine the necessary depth of the structure. For example, if you like meat and often make steaks, then you need a deeper pan.

Cleaning and caring for this type of appliance is worth following certain rules.

• Before washing the device, make sure that it is not connected to a power source and that its surface has completely cooled down.
• Next, you need to disconnect the control panel, disconnecting it first from the network.
• Wipe the pan dry, but if soot has formed, you can pour water and boil it. So carbon deposits can be easily removed without damaging the non-stick layer. You need to boil for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the degree of contamination.
• The surface must be cleaned with a soft cloth or the rough side of the sponge. Be sure to allow the case to dry after cleaning.
• The lid may be washed in a dishwasher using various detergents.
• After the pan has dried, lightly grease its working part with vegetable oil.
• Be careful not to get water or cleaning agents into the control panel connector.
• Remember that you must not immerse the device in water, nor use aggressive agents to clean it.

For an overview of the Clatronic PP 3401 electric pan, see the next video.