Okay, let’s be real – I’m a sucker for a pretty kitchen gadget. And when I saw Drew Barrymore’s “Beautiful” line, I just had to try something out. Enter the 5-in-1 Electric Skillet in White Icing. I mean, the name alone is enough to make you want it, right?
First off, this thing is gorgeous. Seriously. That white icing color? So chic. And the matte finish? It just feels expensive. The glass lid is nice and heavy, and I’m a big fan of that little steam vent – it’s the small things, you know?
Now, the big promise here is versatility. Five appliances in one! Sauté, steam, simmer, slow cook, even buffet serve. Plus, it expands! That cast aluminum extender bumps it from 5QT to 7QT. As a busy mom who often ends up cooking for a crowd, that extra space sounded like a total lifesaver.
So, I put it to the test. Paella night! It’s a family favorite, and a good way to see how this skillet handles different cooking methods. Sautéing the chicken and veggies? A dream. That Quantum2 non-stick coating is no joke – nothing stuck, not even a little bit. Seriously impressive. Then I tossed in the rice and broth, slapped on the lid, and turned it down to simmer.
Okay, here’s the slightly less-than-perfect part. It simmered… okay. But the heat wasn’t exactly even. I had some spots bubbling like crazy, and others that were barely lukewarm. A little annoying, not gonna lie. I ended up having to give it a few turns to make sure the rice cooked evenly. Not a huge deal, but something to keep in mind.
That expandable feature? Total win. I definitely needed that extra room when I threw in the shrimp and mussels. And cleanup? Forget about it! Once I yanked out the heating probe, the whole thing went straight into the dishwasher. Easiest paella night ever.
Now, I gotta be honest, I’ve seen some whispers online about the color chipping easily. I haven’t had that happen yet, knock on wood. But I’m definitely treating this thing with kid gloves.
So, the verdict? Drew’s skillet is a looker, and it’s pretty darn useful. It’s a great all-around skillet for everyday cooking, and that extra space is a godsend when you’re cooking for a group. But, the slightly uneven heat and those chipping concerns? You gotta weigh those.
The Good Stuff:
- Drop-dead gorgeous
- Seriously non-stick
- That expandable thing is genius
- Cleanup is a breeze
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- Heat can be a little wonky
- Possible chipping issues? Keep an eye out.
Would I tell you to buy it? If you want a skillet that looks as good as it cooks (mostly!), and you’re willing to be a little gentle with it, then yeah, go for it. Just don’t expect it to be perfect. It’s beautiful, not a miracle worker.