All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Loading...
If you love the convenience of an electric skillet or wok, you already know how quickly a single good tool can transform weeknight meals. But have you ever stopped to think about the accessories that amplify that convenience? The right lid, spatula, or steamer insert can change a good skillet into a versatile, weeknight workhorse that sears, steams, and simmers like a pro. In this guide, I’ll walk you through must-have accessories, where to find them in the US, and how to choose the best options for your cooking style.
Accessories are the silent partners in your kitchen. They protect your nonstick surface, control splatter, and improve heat distribution. A poorly chosen utensil can scratch your skillet in a single swipe, while the right lid traps steam to cook rice or dumplings evenly. Think of accessories as tuning knobs for your appliance—tiny changes that produce a big difference in flavor, texture, and cleanup time.
A tempered glass lid with a vent is the single most useful accessory for both skillets and woks. It lets you monitor progress without lifting the lid, and the vent prevents boil-over when simmering. Look for lids sized to fit common electric skillets—8", 10", 12", and 14"—so you can match inches to your skillet's diameter. Most cookware retailers and online marketplaces stock universal lids if your original got lost.
Frying with oil? A splatter screen keeps grease off your stovetop and counters while still letting steam escape. Choose a screen with a comfortable handle and a mesh fine enough to catch droplets but wide enough to allow evaporation. These cost under $20 at big box stores and are a small investment for less cleanup.
Soft silicone turners are gentle on nonstick surfaces and heat resistant to 450°F, which covers the range most electric skillets operate in. You’ll find a wide variety at mass-market stores and specialty kitchen shops. Pro tip: choose utensils with angled heads to make flipping pancakes or tossing stir-fries easier in a wok’s curved sides.
Wooden utensils are inexpensive, durable, and incredibly gentle on nonstick coatings. Bamboo versions are lighter and less porous than other woods, meaning they resist odors and warping. Keep a set on hand for stirring risotto, folding omelets, and scraping fond without scratching your cooking surface.
A steamer insert turns your skillet or wok into a compact steamer for dumplings, fish, and vegetables. Look for collapsible or adjustable baskets that fit a range of diameters; they’re great for small kitchens because you don’t need a separate appliance. Steam inserts can be stainless steel for durability or silicone for easy storage.
If you use your electric skillet on a portable burner or over uneven heat, a heat diffuser evens out hotspots and prevents scorching. These disks sit between the heat source and the pan and are especially helpful for delicate sauces and long, low simmers. They’re common in stores that carry camping cookware and can be handy if you occasionally use induction or gas with your plates.
Electric skillets sometimes outlive their cords or controls. Replacement thermostats and power cords extend the life of the appliance and are cheaper than a new skillet. Check your model number and buy a manufacturer-approved part when possible; many major retailers and online marketplaces list replacement parts by brand and model.
Some electric skillets come with removable plates that convert the flat surface into a ridged grill. If your model supports it, having both smooth and grill plates increases versatility—sear steaks with grill marks and make pancakes on the smooth side. You can find replacement and upgrade plates online and at stores that specialize in small appliances.
Protect counters and tabletops with a trivet sized for your skillet. Silicone trivets also double as hot-handle holders and splash mats. They’re inexpensive but essential for keeping hot cookware from damaging surfaces during serving.
Achieve perfect doneness every time with a fast, accurate instant-read thermometer. For stir-fry and skillet cooking, a thermometer that reads in under five seconds and can handle up to at least 500°F is ideal. It’s an accessory chefs swear by for meat and candy work alike.
If variety and fast shipping are your priorities, Amazon is hard to beat. You’ll find budget silicone spatulas, brand-name replacement cords, universal lids in multiple inches, and specialty items like collapsible steamer baskets. Read reviews and match inches and model numbers before checkout.
Walmart blends low prices with in-store pickup convenience. It’s a great place to grab basic accessories like splatter screens, mason-type pantry lids, and silicone utensils without breaking the bank. Many SKUs are available online and in local stores.
Target’s kitchen selection leans stylish and practical. You’ll find curated brands and seasonal bundles that include spatulas, trivets, and tempered glass lids. Their in-house brands often offer good design at midrange prices.
For premium accessories and brand-name durability, Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table stock high-end lids, specialty steamer baskets, and professional-grade utensils. Prices are higher, but craftsmanship and warranty options are better for serious home cooks.
Bed Bath & Beyond carries a broad selection of accessories aimed at everyday cooks. You’ll often find replacement parts and universal accessories from trusted brands. Look for coupons or promotions to save on pricier items.
These department stores focus on home goods with design in mind. If you want accessories that look as good on your counter as they perform—think bamboo utensils and designer trivets—this is a solid stop.
Best Buy surprisingly stocks small appliances and replacement parts, including cords and digital thermometers. If you’re pairing an accessory with a newly purchased electric skillet, they’re worth checking.
Primarily for hardware, these stores can be useful for heat diffusers and trivets, and they sometimes stock universal lids and grill plates in their kitchen aisle. They’re also good for tools if you plan simple repairs on cords or brackets.
For authentic wok accessories—wok spatulas, bamboo steamers, and high-sided lids—specialty shops like The Wok Shop or regional Asian grocers such as H Mart deliver culturally specific tools often missing from mainstream chains. These are must-visits if you cook a lot of Asian dishes.
Size matters. Measure your skillet across its top rim in inches and note the cooking depth. Lids, steamer baskets, and grill plates are typically sold by diameter—8", 10", 12", and 14" are common. If an accessory is labeled “universal,” check if its size range includes your skillet’s inches. A too-large lid will be unstable; too small and it won’t trap steam properly.
Materials make a difference in durability and performance. Stainless steel is tough and oven-safe, glass provides visibility and looks, while silicone is gentle on nonstick coatings and heat-resistant up to about 450°F. For thermometers and diffusers, aim for parts rated well above your skillet’s top setting—most electric skillets reach between 350°F and 450°F. Never assume compatibility: verify the max-safe temperature before exposing an accessory to high heat.
Want accessories to last? Simple habits pay off. Handwash glass lids and wooden utensils to avoid warping; use a soft sponge and mild soap for nonstick surfaces. Avoid metal utensils and abrasive pads on nonstick skillets; opt for silicone or wood instead. Store trivets and lids upright to save space and prevent chips. When cleaning stubborn residue, let the skillet soak briefly with warm soapy water—never use boiling-water tricks that might warp plastic parts.
On a tight budget? Splatter screens and silicone spatulas often run under $20 at big-box stores like Walmart and Target. Midrange shoppers can find quality tempered glass lids and stainless steamer inserts between $25 and $60 at Amazon or Bed Bath & Beyond. If you’re investing in premium, Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table carry top-tier lids, grill plates, and manufacturer-specific replacement parts typically priced over $75—but they often come with warranties or lifetime replacement options.
Want to cook smarter? Use a lid to build steam for dumplings, then remove the lid to finish with a crisp sear. Use a heat diffuser for even simmering when making delicate sauces. Keep two spatulas on hand—a silicone turner for nonstick and a wooden paddle for stirring dense mixtures. And don’t underestimate the value of a good thermometer: checking internal temperatures by degrees, not guesswork, gets you consistently great results.
If you’re air-frying style crispiness, invest in a removable grill plate and a thermometer. Steaming dumplings? A collapsible stainless steamer basket and a vented glass lid are your friends. For everyday nonstick work, load up on silicone turners, bamboo spatulas, and a splatter screen. Each accessory solves a specific problem—identify that problem first, then buy the accessory that fixes it.
Before you click “buy,” check these points: does the accessory list the diameter in inches, is the material compatible with nonstick, does it have a verified heat rating in Fahrenheit, and can you return it if it doesn’t fit? Also compare prices across Amazon, Walmart, Target, and specialty stores for the best deal. With a little prep, you’ll pick accessories that extend the life of your electric skillet or wok and improve every meal.
Choosing the right set of accessories for your electric skillet or wok is like tuning a musical instrument: small tweaks lead to beautiful results. From tempered glass lids that preserve moisture to silicone spatulas that protect nonstick coatings, the right tools make cooking easier, cleaner, and more delicious. Shop where convenience, selection, and trusted customer reviews meet—then get cooking with confidence.
