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Hamilton Beach Electric Skillet 38529K vs Nesco 8 inch Electric Skillet Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Published

Hamilton Beach Electric Skillet 38529K

$59.99 from Amazon(+2 more)

Nesco 8 inch Electric Skillet

$34.99 from Amazon(+2 more)
Hamilton Beach Electric Skillet 38529K vs Nesco 8 inch Electric Skillet

Overall Verdict

The Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K and the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 are both exceptional products for their sizes and goals. One of the standout features of the Hamilton Beach skillet is its detachable 7.5 qt pan, which is lightweight, reversible, and easy to clean. The ceramic non-stick coating is safer and more durable than Teflon (like that of the Nesco), providing excellent cooking results in all of our tests. On the other hand, the Nesco skillet's small size contributed to the most even heat distribution and fastest heating among all tested skillets. However, this high conductivity requires careful temperature management to avoid burning delicate foods like pancakes. The Hamilton Beach pan is easier to clean and safer to use. Meanwhile, the Nesco skillet, with its 1.8 qt deep pan, is suitable for submerging a pack of instant ramen, making it a practical choice for college students. While the Hamilton Beach skillet offers dishwasher-safe convenience and overall durability, the Nesco skillet's pan is not dishwasher-safe, though the lid is. Moreover, the Nesco’s hard padded base does not grip surfaces well, so caution is needed to prevent accidents when handling hot liquids.

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Pros & Cons

  • Great heat distribution
  • Stable temperatures
  • Sizzling hot pan for searing
  • Durable ceramic non-stick coating
  • High build quality
  • Extremely fast preheating
  • Excellent heat distribution
  • Sizzling hot pan
  • Good capacity to size ratio
  • Handles need clip-locks
  • Teflon non-stick coating
  • Pan not dishwasher-safe
  • Anti-slip pads

Key Specs

Dimensions
L18.78 x W11.97 x H7.48 inches
L10.94 x W8.03 x H5.51 inches
Cooking Capacity
7.5 quarts
1.8 quarts
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Coating
Durathon ceramic
Teflon
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
No
Detachable
Yes
No

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$61.70
$30.4
$59.99 at AmazonCheck Price on Hamilton BeachCheck Price on Walmart
$34.99 at AmazonCheck Price on NescoCheck Price on Walmart

*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
9.2
7.5

Analyzing Heat Distribution

8.8
9.2
The Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K with a white oil-absorbent sheet covering the surface of the pan. The dark rectangle indicates 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
5.9%
4.1%

Making Pancakes

9.4
6.4
The top side of a golden brown pancake inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K.
The top side of a golden brown pancake inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K.
The bottom side of a golden brown pancake inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K.
Two hands breaking a pancake apart. In the background is the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K.
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
3 min 20 sec
1 min 24 sec
Temperature
Medium heat / 350°F
Medium heat / 350°F

Cooking Steaks

9.3
7.8
A piece of deep golden brown steak inside the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K. 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 Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K. In front of the skillet is a digital timer and a meat thermometer with its probe inserted into the steak.
Slices of medium-rare steak on a wooden cutting board. In the background is the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K.
A hand in black glove using a fork to pick up a slice of steak. In the background is the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K.
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
4 min 30 sec
1 min 58 sec
Temperature
High heat / 400°F
High heat / 400°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.6
5.8

In the Box

On the upper right is the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K. On the left is its cardboard box. Below the skillet from right to left is an instruction manual, a thermostat, and a detachable base.
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 Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K is 18.78 inches in length, 11.97 inches in width, and 7.48 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
18.8" (47.7 cm)
10.9" (27.8 cm)
Width
12.0" (30.4 cm)
8.0" (20.4 cm)
Height
7.5" (19.0 cm)
5.5" (14.0 cm)
Weight
8.8 oz (250 g)
2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)

Pan

9.0
5.0
The pan of the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K is 14.96 inches in length, 11.69 inches in width, and 2.48 inches in depth.
The pan of the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K is 14.96 inches in length, 11.69 inches in width, and 2.48 inches in depth.
The bottom of the detached pan of the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K.
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
7.5 quarts
1.8 qt.
Dimensions
L14.96 x W11.69 x H2.48 inches
L7.79" x W7.79" x H1.73"
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Coating
Durathon ceramic
Teflon
Handle
Thermosetting plastic
Steel
Spout
No
No
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
No

Lid

10
9.0
The tempered glass lid of the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K 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
Steel
Thermosetting plastic
Steam Vent
Yes
Yes
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
Yes

Base

8.0
5.0
The detached base of the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K.
The base of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 has four stands with anti-slip pads.
Material
Steel
Steel
Detachable
Yes
No
Anti-Slip Pads
Four
Four
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
No

Thermostat

7.0
6.0
The thermostat of the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K 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 Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K is 28.74 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
28.7" (73.0 cm)
38.6" (98.0 cm)
Power
1500 W
800 W
Rated Output
120 V ~ 60 Hz
120 V ~ 60 Hz

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
9.3
6.6

Ease of Use

9.5
6.0
The Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K simply lifts off its base.
The Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 with its thermostat inserted.

Cleaning and Storing

9.0
8.0
Burnt caramel on the surface of the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Non-Stick Electric Skillet 38529K.
Burnt caramel on the surface of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08.