In-depth review
De'Longhi Livenza Electric Skillet Review (2026)
A research-based review of the De'Longhi BG45: 12x18-inch surface, 1500 W, and batch-cooking capacity.
De'Longhi Livenza Electric Skillet (BG45)
A wide 12x18-inch surface for batch cooking.
Our verdict
Verdict: The Livenza is the batch-cooking specialist. No other skillet here offers a 12x18-inch surface, and 1500 W gets that big surface hot faster than 1200 W rivals. If you meal-prep or entertain, the capacity is genuinely useful. The trade-off is practicality: the rectangle is awkward to store, the weight adds up when full, and 1500 W leaves little headroom on shared circuits. Buy it if you regularly cook large batches. Skip it if storage is tight or your kitchen circuit is shared; the Presto 16-inch is the more practical big skillet.
What we like
- 12 x 18-inch cooking surface is among the largest in its class.
- 1500 W delivers faster preheating than 1200 W rivals.
- Adjustable thermostat with a tempered glass lid for covered braising.
What to watch out for
- Rectangular shape does not fit round cabinet organizers or standard lid racks.
- Heavier than round skillets when full.
- Higher wattage can trip older kitchen circuits if other appliances run simultaneously.
Who it is for
Meal-preppers and entertainers who need maximum cooking surface.
Surface area: the headline spec
Twelve by eighteen inches is 216 square inches of cooking surface, roughly 8 percent more than the Presto's 16-inch round (about 201 square inches) and 50 percent more than a 12-inch round. In practice it fits a full sheet-pan's worth of food in a single layer, which is the difference between two batches and one when you are cooking for a crowd. Single-layer cooking also means better browning, since crowded food steams.
Power and preheating
1500 W is the highest wattage in this roundup, and it shows in preheat times on such a large surface. The practical caution: 1500 W is 83 percent of a standard 15-amp circuit's 1800 W capacity. Run the microwave or toaster oven on the same circuit and you will trip the breaker. Dedicate a circuit while cooking.
Thermostat and lid
The adjustable thermostat covers the standard frying-to-simmering range, and the tempered glass lid seals well enough for braising. Temperature control is competent rather than exceptional; it lacks the Presto Control Master's reputation for tight regulation, so allow a test batch when precision matters.
How it stacks up
Against the Presto 16-inch, the Livenza wins on surface area and preheat speed but loses on thermostat reputation, storage convenience (rectangle versus round), and circuit-friendliness (1500 W versus 1200 W). Against the NESCO 12-inch, there is no contest on capacity; the Livenza is a different class of cooker for a different buyer. Choose the Livenza when batch size is the deciding factor; choose the Presto when everyday practicality wins.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Easy-clean nonstick surface
- Steady heat for everyday cooking
- Attractive stainless design
Common complaints
- Some uneven heat and hot spots reported
- Coating wear over time
- Limited availability in some markets
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Cooking surface
- 12 x 18 inches
- Power
- 1500 W
- Thermostat
- Adjustable
- Lid
- Tempered glass
- Coating
- Nonstick
Also consider
Presto 16-Inch Electric Skillet (06852)
The big-surface workhorse with proven heat control.
- Cooking surface: 16-inch
- Power: 1200 W
Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert (EP-RAC50)
Precision tabletop cooking with a deep dish and flat plate.
- Deep dish: 7.5-inch, 3.2 qt
- Plates: Deep dish + flat griddle
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Will it trip my breaker?
On a dedicated 15-amp circuit, no. On a circuit shared with a microwave, toaster oven, or space heater, possibly. The 1500 W draw leaves only 300 W of headroom on a 1800 W circuit. When in doubt, run it alone.
Does the rectangular shape cook evenly?
The corners run slightly cooler than the center on any rectangular electric cooker; it is simple geometry, since the element cannot reach corners as directly. For most cooking it is unnoticeable; for pancakes, rotate the outer ones toward the center halfway through.
Is it too big for everyday cooking?
For one or two people, yes. A half-empty large skillet wastes energy and heats unevenly. This is a purpose-built batch cooker; pair it with a 12-inch skillet for daily use if you cook small meals too.