If you’ve ever tried to make brunch for a football team or a stir fry with four different flavors all at once, you know that small old skillets just don’t work. That’s when extra large electric skillet with lid come in handy. We mean “I made breakfast for the whole block” levels of space. But “go big or go home” doesn’t help you decide, since there are dozens of them on the market. Let’s get rid of the noise and focus on what’s important.

Here, size is everything. A skillet with at least a 16-inch cooking surface is a must-have for a busy Sunday breakfast celebration or a fajita extravaganza. The Presto 06857 is a great choice because it has a large nonstick surface, deep sides, and warms up quickly. Eggs fried, hash browns, and maybe a mountain of bacon? It doesn’t even blink when it deals with them all. No chilly spots, no sticky mess, and cleaning up is as easy as wiping it down.

But don’t forget about controlling the temperature. You want a skillet that doesn’t have to guess what “medium-high” means. This is where the Elite Gourmet EG-6203 really shines. A precise dial with the capacity to sear steaks or simmer chili without overcooking half of your dish. We all have that one friend who likes burnt cheese, but we shouldn’t have to deal with it.

The De’Longhi BG45 skillet has a glass top that allows you see what’s cooking without letting heat escape. Perfect for people who have nosy dinner guests. Also, it steams vegetables and cooks stews slowly like nobody’s business. Handles that keep cool are a tiny thing, but trust me, burned knuckles ruin supper faster than a dropped meatball.

Don’t be afraid of the weight either. Most of these huge skillets are heavy hitters, but that’s for a good reason. They stay in place, so you don’t have to chase your skillet across the counter every time you stir. On the other hand, search for one with pieces that can be taken off, like the Black & Decker SK1215BC. If you can put the pieces in the dishwasher, you can spend more time eating than cleaning.

You might be worried about storage if your kitchen is small. Giant skillets aren’t shy, but a lot of them have handles that fold up or are thinner, so they slide straight into a shelf like a pro.

These skillets handle the hard work for you when you have a lot of people over for a holiday feast or just want to feed a group of hungry teens. Choose one with a thick base, a glass cover if you like, and a nonstick surface that can handle actual life. You might have to take a break from using your stove.