Have you ever hosted a family breakfast and found that your pan was too small for all the pancakes and bacon? I’ve been there, standing at the stove and flipping three pancakes while six people impatiently look over my shoulder. That’s when the extra large electric skillet comes to the rescue and saves the day and your sanity.

Picture a line of pancakes, with no strange overlaps and no batter dripping over the sides. You have room for pancakes, bacon, and maybe an egg if you’re feeling adventurous. People don’t have to eat in shifts anymore. Everyone is fed at the same time, and the food is hot and fresh. That’s a small miracle on quiet weekend mornings.

In addition to pancakes, think of fajita nights. The skillet can take peppers, onions, and cut meat without getting too full. There is a small sizzling sound that merits its own round of applause. Grill cheese sandwiches? You may easily get enough for the whole kids’ soccer squad. Your kitchen starts to feel like a diner, and who wouldn’t want some of that enchantment at home?

This item really shines when it comes to controlling heat. You may sear steaks or stew sauces in the same pan simply adjusting a dial. There aren’t any weird hot spots like there are on some stovetops. And when everything is said and done, cleaning isn’t a fight. Most models have a smooth, nonstick coating that makes them easy to clean and ready for the next round (or dessert).

Don’t even get me started on parties or holidays. The electric skillet is like your reliable partner when the oven and stovetop are full. You can keep appetizers warm, reheat mashed potatoes, or even make a big tray of nachos for a party without breaking a sweat. Your buddies will be jealous and plan to “borrow” it for their own parties.

Yes, it takes up space in your cupboard. But so do mugs and bread makers that you never use. You will create room as soon as you see how much easier it is to prepare meals, trust me. Also, it’s light enough to fit under a counter or in a cupboard when you need it.

If you get nervous when you have to cook for a lot of people, try this kitchen wizard. You’ll want to make excuses to cook just to show off your new talents. An extra large electric skillet can handle it all: family dinners, midnight snacks, and last-minute celebrations. All of a sudden, it looks easy to feed everyone at once, and your food can go twice as fast. No one said that cooking a lot had to be a big pain!