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CRUX Electric Skillet 14620 vs Nesco 8 inch Electric Skillet Side-by-Side Comparison

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CRUX Electric Skillet 14620 vs Nesco 8 inch Electric Skillet

Overall Verdict

The Crux Electric Skillet 14620 and the Nesco 8 inch Electric Skillet each serve different purposes due to their difference in size as well as strengths and weaknesses. Nonetheless, we’d recommend the latter for a small skillet but we wouldn’t choose the former as our go-to medium-sized pick.

While the heat distribution was better, the Crux's temperature stabilization point was too low for optimal cooking. This led to average pancakes and an inability to cook a perfectly medium-rare steak.

In contrast, the smaller size of the Nesco contributes to the most even heat distribution and the fastest heating among all tested skillets. However, this high conductivity also means that temperature spikes can occur, making it challenging to cook delicate foods like pancakes without burning them.

The Crux skillet impresses with its sleek gray exterior and polished copper linings, giving it a premium look. However, the pan rim's coating showed signs of chipping, and the base had grainy specs protruding, raising concerns about the durability of its ceramic coating.

On the other hand, the Nesco has a standard design with an inferior Teflon coating. Additionally, its hard padded base does not grip surfaces well, posing a risk of moving when handling hot liquids. The pan is not dishwasher-safe, unlike its lid, which adds more cleaning effort.

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Pros & Cons

  • Fast heating
  • Even heat distribution
  • Ceramic non-stick coating
  • Extremely fast preheating
  • Excellent heat distribution
  • Sizzling hot pan
  • Good capacity to size ratio
  • Chipped coating
  • Stubborn burn-ons may require some effort
  • Teflon non-stick coating
  • Pan not dishwasher-safe
  • Anti-slip pads

Key Specs

Dimensions
L14.96 x W11.97 x H7.68 inches
L10.94 x W8.03 x H5.51 inches
Cooking Capacity
6.8 quarts
1.8 quarts
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Coating
Ceramic
Teflon
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
No
Detachable
No
No

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$46.80
$30.4

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.4
7.5

Analyzing Heat Distribution

9.0
9.2
The Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 with a white oil-absorbent sheet covering the surface of the pan. The dark double circles indicate where the heating element is.
The Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 with a white oil-absorbent sheet covering the surface of the pan. The dark double circles indicate where the heating element is.
Temperature
High heat / 400°F
High heat / 400°F
Temperature Differences
5.2%
4.1%

Making Pancakes

7.3
6.4
The top side of a golden brown pancake that’s dark around the edges inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620.
The top side of a golden brown pancake that’s dark around the edges inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620.
The bottom side of a golden brown pancake that’s dark around the edges inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620.
Two hands breaking a pancake apart. In the background is the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620.
The top side of a golden brown pancake that’s dark around the edges inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08.
The top side of a golden brown pancake that’s dark around the edges inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08.
The bottom side of a golden brown pancake that’s dark around the edges inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08.
Two hands breaking a pancake apart. In the background is the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08.
Heating Time
2 min
1 min 24 sec
Temperature
Medium heat / 350°F
Medium heat / 350°F

Cooking Steaks

6.8
7.8
A piece of deep golden brown steak inside the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620. In front of the skillet is a digital timer and a meat thermometer with its probe inserted into the steak.
A piece of deep golden brown steak inside the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620. In front of the skillet is a digital timer and a meat thermometer with its probe inserted into the steak.
On the cutting board, a tong is holding the steak while a knife is slicing the steak.
A hand in black glove using a fork to pick up a slice of steak. In the background is the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620.
A piece of deep golden brown steak inside the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08. In front of the skillet is a digital timer and a meat thermometer with its probe inserted into the steak.
A piece of deep golden brown steak inside the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08. In front of the skillet is a digital timer and a meat thermometer with its probe inserted into the steak.
On the cutting board, a tong is holding the steak while a knife is slicing the steak.
A hand in black glove using a fork to pick up a slice of steak. In the background is the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08.
Heating Time
3 min
1 min 58 sec
Temperature
High heat / 400°F
High heat / 400°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.0
5.8

In the Box

On the upper right is the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620. On the left is its cardboard box. Below the skillet, on the left is a thermostat and on the right is an instruction manual.
On the upper right is the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08. On the left is its cardboard box. Below the skillet, on the right is a thermostat and on the left is an instruction manual.

Dimensions

The Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 is 14.96 inches in length, 11.97 inches in width, and 7.68 inches in height.
The Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 is 10.94 inches in length, 8.03 inches in width, and 5.51 inches in height.
Length
15.0" (38.0 cm)
10.9" (27.8 cm)
Width
12.0" (30.4 cm)
8.0" (20.4 cm)
Height
7.7" (19.5 cm)
5.5" (14.0 cm)
Weight
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)

Pan

7.0
5.0
The pan of the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 is 11.8 inches in length, 11.8 inches in width, and 2.8 inches in depth.
The pan of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 is 7.79 inches in length, 7.79 inches in width, and 1.73 inches in depth.
Cooking Capacity
 6.8 qt.
1.8 qt.
Dimensions
L11.8 x W11.8 x H2.8 inches
L7.79" x W7.79" x H1.73"
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Coating
Ceramic
Teflon
Handle
Thermosetting plastic
Steel
Spout
No
No
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
No

Lid

9.0
9.0
The tempered glass lid of the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 has a steam vent.
The tempered glass lid of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 has a steam vent.
Material
Tempered glass
Tempered glass
Handle
Thermosetting plastic
Thermosetting plastic
Steam Vent
Yes
Yes
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
Yes

Base

6.0
5.0
The base of the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 has four stands with anti-slip pads.
The base of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 has four stands with anti-slip pads.
Material
Thermosetting plastic
Steel
Detachable
No
No
Anti-Slip Pads
Four
Four
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
No

Thermostat

7.0
6.0
The thermostat of the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 has 6 settings including Warm-200–250-300-350-400°F.
The thermostat of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 has 5 settings including On-275°F–325-375-425°F.
Temperature Range
Warm-200–250-300-350-400°F
On-275°F–325-375-425°F
Detachable
Yes
Yes
Indicator Light
Yes
Yes
Dishwasher-Safe
No
No

Power Cord

The flat two-prong power cord of the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 is 31.1 inches long.
The flat three-prong power cord of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 is 38.58 inches long.
Type
Two-prong
Three-prong
Length
26.6" (67.5 cm)
38.6" (98.0 cm)
Power
1300 W
800 W
Rated Output
120 V ~ 60 Hz
120 V ~ 60 Hz

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.8
6.6

Ease of Use

9.0
6.0
The Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 with its thermostat inserted.
The Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 with its thermostat inserted.

Cleaning and Storing

8.5
8.0
Burnt caramel on the surface of the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620.
Burnt caramel on the surface of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08.