Customer Reviews

Rival S16G 16-Inch Electric Skillet

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I bought this skillet with high hopes, however, I was very dissapointed after using it, and I ended up returning it. The biggest problem is that the heating is extrememly uneven. Someting you are cooking near where the heating elements (under the skillet)may cook in 4 minutes while things not near the elements will take 12 minutes. The skillet also, did not have enough power to keep all the oil in it at a high enough temperature to properly fry things.

The rectangular shape of this electric skillet makes it so much more versatile than traditional square ones...and easier to store!

It's non-stick surface is really durable, the glass lid allows better monitoring of your cooking, and the ability to immerse it eases cleaning!

I received this as a Christmas gift and was very excited. What a huge disappointment! I've used this at least eight times and every time my food sticks to the bottom. I've tried every trick I know to stop the food from sticking - nothing works. After trying to make hash browns in it last night for supper and once again winding up with half the hash browns stuck to the pan - I am throwing this away. I'd give it NO stars if I could!

Previously, I owned a Rival S16 electric skillet, but gave it to my mother when she moved. I replaced it with this S16G almost one year ago. It's still going strong.

I use my electric skillet quite often. Traditional skillets simply don't have enough area to cook many things at once - pancakes and grilled cheese, for example.

The S16G met most of my expectations as far as electric skillets go. I would certainly buy either this model or the S16 model again. Though I don't regret my purchase, there are a few ... areas of improvement.

- Initially, I thought that the glass top would prove beneficial by allowing me to better keep an eye on the cooking process. More often than not, I still have to remove the cover in order to monitor the food due to steam/condensation build-up. The glass lid was the main reason I opted for the S-16G as opposed to the S-16. It turns out that this isn't as big of a deal as I thought it would be.

- One of the things I liked about my older S16 was that it provided a sort of prop on the side that would hold the lid while you tend to the contents of the skillet. The S16G doesn't provide that and I'm constantly trying to find a place to put the cover. One would think this could easily be improved in future models.

- This item has a non-stick coating and so I only use wooden or plastic utensils to prevent scratching. Even so, there still seems to be small scratches in the coating. It doesn't seem to affect the cooking results, but it's one reason I don't often purchase non-stick cookware. This is a problem I've had with most non-stick cookware, so I can't say it's specific to this product.

- I believe that another reviewer made note that this appliance cooks unevenly. This is correct. The heating element seems be of an oblong shape and so there are hotter spots than others. In my experience, this has never resulted in underdone or burnt food - though you want to stir casserole-like recipes (sauces, in particular) frequently to prevent burning directly above the coil. I use this for things from pancakes (375 degrees) to casseroles to burgers - even grilled cheese. Sometimes, I might get some uneven browning on the pancakes, but other than that, I'm happy with it. I've looked at many other models and most seem to have similar designs for the heating element - which I imagine would result in similar uneven cooking. Rival might get a leg up on its competition if they could resolve this one.

Again, even though I've listed a couple potential improvements, I'm generally happy with this product and would buy it or the S16 again without hesitation.

We bought this for Christmas 2005 and have used it several times now to cook bacon, hash browns and stuffed peppers. We love the size for our large family, and have had no trouble with even heating, of course we keep the temperature pretty low. The clear lid makes viewing your food easy. Cleans up nice and it's not too heavy. It is big and takes up quite a bit storage space.

Added Apr. 07 - All the coating is peeling off, and we only used it maybe every other month. What a waste of money, there is a new model of this and having the same problems. Shame on Rival for ripping us off.

The heat on this skillet is fairly even for the 3/4 of the surface closest to the heating element, but significantly lower at the far end. I suspect this is because of the small size oif the heating element and/or because it attaches to the middle of the short end rather than the long end (where it would be closer to the most distant sections). This is unfortunate, since it otherwise seems to be a well-made, heavy-duty product at a good price.

Two legs broke off when placing it on the counter after washing. I'd like to have another, but won't chance it again.

Dee

I bought this because of it being big and deep. Unfortunately, I had to cook the food at 200 degrees or it would ended up burning in no time flat.

I am thinking maybe I got one that the temperature gauge was incorrectly designed. Also one of the legs broke on it too.

Honestly, I would try this one again but this time I will keep the receipt and box!

I cook breakfast for guests in my B&B daily with the convenience of this skillet. I can make almost everything for dinners and breakfasts in this deep dish skillet. I can honestly say that you must use oil, watch your cooking time and everything turns out great! Cleanup is so easy and the glass dome is convenient. I would recommend every household own a skillet like this one instead of using the stove. Thanks, Lacy

This electric skillet so wonderful, nice size. No problems with it at all and great price.