Proctor Silex 38526PS Electric Wok: Full Review

Proctor Silex is a well-known American brand that has been manufacturing kitchen appliances for over 50 years. They are popular for making affordable and reliable small kitchen appliances including toasters, kettles, coffee makers, and electric skillets.

The Proctor Silex 38526 Electric Skillet is one of their classic electric skillet models that has been a top seller for many years due to its versatility, convenience, and budget-friendly price point. This versatile countertop appliance can be used for frying, sautéing, grilling, baking, and more, making it a handy multi-cooker for any home kitchen.

In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the key features, performance, design, and ease of use of the Proctor Silex 38526 electric skillet to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your cooking needs.

Overview

The Proctor Silex 38526 Electric Skillet is an electric wok designed for versatile cooking right on your countertop. This 1200 watt electric wok has an 11" x 11" cooking surface and offers features like adjustable temperature control up to 400°F, a tempered glass lid, nonstick surface, cool-touch side handles, and a detachable probe for deep frying. With a compact size and stay-cool base, this electric wok is great for small kitchens. The Proctor Silex electric wok offers a versatile nonstick cooking surface so you can sauté, sear, braise, stir fry, deep fry, and more all in one pan. The adjustable heat and included tempered glass lid give you control over your cooking whether simmering sauces or crisping foods. With 1200 watts of power, this electric wok heats up quickly and offers plenty of power for stir frying and searing. The nonstick surface allows for easy food release and quick cleanup.

Another great option to consider is the Aroma Housewares ASP-137. This electric wok features a spacious 5-quart capacity, perfect for family meals. Its nonstick cooking surface ensures that food releases easily and cleaning is a breeze. Equipped with an adjustable temperature control, the Aroma Housewares ASP-137 allows for precise cooking, whether you’re frying, steaming, or simmering. The included tempered glass lid helps retain heat and moisture, enhancing your cooking experience. Ideal for quick meals or entertaining guests, this electric wok is an excellent addition to any kitchen.

Design

The Electric Wok Proctor Silex 38526PS has a sleek and modern design that will look great in any kitchen. It is constructed from durable aluminum that provides even heating and is easy to clean.

The wok itself has a diameter of 14 inches and a depth of 4 inches, giving you a generous cooking surface of 154 square inches. It has curved sides and a domed lid, creating the traditional look of a wok while still being suitable for an electric heating element.

Despite the large cooking area, the total dimensions are a compact 18.5 x 14.1 x 6.5 inches. This makes it easy to store away when not in use.

The wok has an attractive speckled black exterior and a non-stick coating on the interior. This prevents food from sticking and minimizes the amount of oil needed for cooking. The non-stick surface also makes cleaning much easier.

The shape, size and materials create both an effective and elegant addition to your cookware collection. The Electric Wok Proctor Silex 38526PS blends performance and style.

Another excellent option is the Nesco ES-08, which features a powerful heating element and a heavy-duty construction that ensures longevity. With its large capacity and versatile cooking features, the Nesco ES-08 allows you to prepare a variety of dishes efficiently. It also includes a non-stick interior for easy food release and cleanup, similar to the Proctor Silex model. Both electric woks are perfect choices for anyone looking to enhance their cooking experience.

Performance

The Proctor Silex 38526PS electric wok performs very well for an appliance in its price range. Its 1200-watt heating element heats up quickly and provides a wide range of cooking temperatures.

The wok can reach temperatures up to 400°F, allowing you to stir fry, deep fry, simmer, and sauté. It heats evenly across the entire pan thanks to the wrapped heating element in the base. This allows you to cook various ingredients at once without having to constantly move things around.

The electric wok makes cooking stir fries, veggies, meats, dumplings, eggs, rice, and other foods easy. The non-stick surface allows food to brown nicely without sticking. The domed shape also helps concentrate heat and liquids to cook foods thoroughly without drying them out.

Despite its large cooking surface, the wok is very easy to use. The flat bottom sits stably on the counter or tabletop. The long handle stays cool while cooking. The tempered glass lid has built-in ventilation to allow steam to escape. Overall, the electric wok offers excellent performance for an affordable appliance.

Features

The Proctor Silex 38526PS electric wok has several useful features that make cooking convenient.

Temperature Dial and Controls

This model has an adjustable temperature dial with markings from 200°F to 400°F, allowing you to select the ideal cooking temperature for different foods. There are indicator lights that let you know when the wok is powered on and preheated to the set temperature.

Non-Stick Coating

The cooking surface is coated in premium non-stick material. This prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning much easier. The non-stick surface also requires less oil for cooking.

Other Convenience Features

The electric wok has cool-touch side handles which stay cool while cooking. There is a tempered glass lid to retain heat and moisture. The wok is designed with a wraparound heating element to evenly distribute heat. It has a compact footprint that takes up minimal counter space.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping your Electric Wok clean and well-maintained is important for its performance and longevity. The non-stick interior surface makes cleaning easier, but there are still a few things to keep in mind.

Disassembly and Reassembly

The Electric Wok can be fully disassembled for thorough cleaning. Make sure to unplug the unit and allow it to cool completely before disassembling. The lid, probe, and heat plate can all be removed. When putting it back together, take care to align the heat plate and ensure the probe is securely inserted. Reattach the lid and plug back in when fully reassembled.

Cleaning Requirements

It's best to clean the wok after each use. Allow it to cool, then wipe out any remaining oil or food debris with a soft cloth or sponge and warm soapy water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can damage the non-stick coating. For stubborn stains, fill the pan with warm water and let it soak before cleaning.

The lid and probe can be hand washed with mild detergent. Do not submerge or wash the base in water. Simply wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.

Durability and Lifespan

With proper care and maintenance, the Electric Wok should provide many years of service. Avoid metal utensils or scrubs that can wear down the non-stick over time. When cleaning, be gentle so as not to chip the coating. With regular cleaning and care, the wok should maintain its non-stick properties and durability.

Safety

The Electric Wok Proctor Silex 38526PS electric skillet has several safety features to help prevent accidents while cooking. The exterior of the pan remains cool to the touch while cooking thanks to the insulated shell. This prevents burns if accidentally touched while on. There is also a lid locking mechanism that securely attaches the lid in place when cooking.

However, there are still some safety risks to keep in mind when using any electric skillet:

• The cooking surface can get extremely hot, up to 400°F. Use caution when cooking to avoid burns. Oven mitts or hot pads are recommended when handling.

• Avoid getting the skillet controls or plug wet, as this poses an electric shock hazard.

• As with any cooking appliance, do not leave unattended when in use.

• The electric wok should be operated on a stable, level surface away from water sources.

• Unplug the skillet when not in use and allow to fully cool before cleaning or putting away.

• Take care when moving the skillet if it contains hot oil or other liquids.

• Keep out of reach of children.

• Do not immerse the base in water or try to disassemble - the inner workings contain electrical components.

By following the safety precautions, using care when operating, and taking steps like locking the lid and using oven mitts, this electric wok skillet can be used safely for indoor cooking. But supervision is still recommended given the high heat and electrical components involved.

Pros

• The electric wok heats up quickly, reaching 450°F in just minutes. This makes it easy to stir fry and cook other dishes requiring high heat.

• The nonstick coating on the interior makes cleaning a breeze. Food does not stick, and any mess wipes away with little effort.

• The tempered glass lid locks in heat and moisture for faster, more efficient cooking. It also allows monitoring food without losing heat or steam.

• The handles stay cool while cooking. Along with the vented glass lid, this prevents burns or discomfort when using the wok.

Cons

• Given the size of the skillet, it would be difficult to cook for more than 2-3 people at a time. The 12" cooking surface is on the smaller side for an electric skillet.

• There are some complaints that the nonstick coating on the skillet scratches easily. This could potentially impact the longevity of the skillet. You may have to be gentler than with a traditional stainless steel skillet.

• The skillet doesn't have a lid or a splatter shield included. This could make cleanup more difficult if oils and juices splash out during cooking. You'd likely need to purchase a compatible lid separately.

• While it heats up quickly, some users report the skillet doesn't distribute heat as evenly as higher-end models. You may end up with slightly hotter and cooler spots, which can lead to uneven cooking. Stirring and flipping food frequently can help.

• There are no temperature control options beyond low, medium and high heat settings. You don't have as much flexibility to fine-tune the temperature as you would on pricier electric skillets.

Conclusion

The Proctor Silex 38526 Electric Wok is an affordable and versatile kitchen appliance that performs well for stir frying, deep frying, steaming and more. Its oval shape and high curved sides allow you to cook a large quantity of food, while the aluminum body heats up quickly and evenly.

The non-stick coating is long-lasting if cared for properly. The temperature probe and adjustable thermostat give you precise control. Convenient features like the dishwasher safe pan and glass lid make cleanup a breeze.

While it doesn't have the highest quality construction or most powerful heating element, it's a great budget option for a multi-purpose countertop cooker. The plastic components may wear down over time, but the warranty provides support in case of defects.

Overall, the Proctor Silex 38526 Electric Wok is recommended for its value, versatility and performance. It's an ideal electric wok for families that want to enjoy Asian cooking at home without spending a lot. If you need a heavy-duty professional-grade model, you may want to consider other options. But for most home cooks, this electric wok will meet your needs wonderfully.