Electric skillets are frying pans that use electricity to heat food evenly without a stove. They come in square, oblong, or round shapes from 12 to 18 inches wide and have adjustable thermostats to control temperature. In comparison, non-electric frying pans require a stove to heat unevenly and cannot precisely regulate temperature. Electric skillets are popular for their ability to fry, sear, or brown foods anywhere using a consistent, adjustable heat level.