8 in Electric Skillet ES-08 - Compact 800W Skillet for Small Meals

In this review the Nesco 8 in ES-08 electric skillet is evaluated for cooks who need a compact, everyday skillet for roasting, frying and quick stovetop-style meals. The bottom line: it is best for single cooks, couples or small kitchens because the deep 8 in footprint heats quickly at 800 watts and offers a convenient, nonstick interior that makes cleanup simple. The adjustable temperature control and sturdy glass lid mean it handles a range of tasks from searing a small piece of meat to simmering sauces without taking up a full burner or oven.

Key Features

• Deep 8 in interior: The compact but deep pan gives enough volume to roast or fry small portions without splatter.
• 800 watt heating: Provides responsive heat so the skillet reaches cooking temperature quickly for efficient meal prep.
• Adjustable temperature control: The easy to read dial lets you precisely set heat for tasks from low simmer to medium-high frying.
• Nonstick interior: Food releases easily and the surface cleans quickly with a soft soapy cloth, reducing elbow grease after cooking.
• Sturdy glass lid: The lid has a stay-cool handle and a safety vent so you can monitor food while limiting messy boil-overs.

Who It's For

The ES-08 is ideal for people who live alone, couples, or dorm and RV kitchens where space is limited and a full-size skillet would be overkill. It also suits cooks who want a dedicated small appliance for sauces, single-serve frying, grilled sandwiches and reheating food more evenly than a microwave.

It is less appropriate for large families or anyone who regularly needs to cook for four or more people, since the 8 in cooking area and 800 watt output limit batch size and total capacity compared with larger electric skillets or stovetop pans.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact deep design is space-efficient while still allowing roasting and frying of small meals.
• Nonstick interior makes cleanup straightforward when washed with a soft soapy cloth.
• Glass lid with stay-cool handle lets you check progress without losing heat and the vent limits pressure buildup.
• Adjustable, easy to read temperature control provides reliable heat for varied recipes.

Cons

• Skillet body should not be immersed in water or placed in the dishwasher, so cleaning the unit requires care and cannot be fully automated.
• The small 8 in size restricts batch cooking for larger households.

Specifications

Brand	Nesco
Model	ES-08
Size	8 in
Power	800 watts
Interior	Nonstick
Lid	Sturdy glass with stay-cool handle and safety vent
Cleaning	Skillet cleans with soft soapy cloth, lid is dishwasher safe

Our Verdict

The Nesco 8 in ES-08 electric skillet is a practical, value-minded choice for single cooks and small households who need a compact skillet that handles frying, roasting and simmering. Its nonstick surface, clear lid and simple temperature control deliver dependable performance, though larger households should choose a bigger model. For those who want a small, easy-to-store electric skillet that cleans up without fuss, it is a sensible buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the entire skillet be put in the dishwasher?
No, only the lid is dishwasher safe; the skillet body must be washed with a soft soapy dish cloth and dried.

Is the temperature control adjustable for low-heat simmering?
Yes, the easy to read adjustable control allows setting lower temperatures for simmering and higher for frying.

Does the lid have a vent to prevent boil-overs?
Yes, the sturdy glass lid includes a safety vent to help release steam and reduce boil-overs.