The Bella Make & Take is the clear winner for potlucks and small kitchens due to its locking lid for transport and genius space-saving nesting design. However, the GreenLife 12″ Skillet is better for style-conscious cooks who want a lightweight, pop-of-color appliance for daily countertop cooking.
Electric skillets have made a huge comeback, not just as a backup burner, but as a primary tool for one-pan meals. If you are reading this, you are probably tired of scrubbing multiple pots or heating up the whole house with your oven just to make dinner.
I’ve tested enough kitchen gadgets to know that "ceramic nonstick" isn't all created equal, and convenience features can make or break your experience.
People often compare the Bella Make & Take and the GreenLife 12″ Electric Skillet because they both offer healthy ceramic coatings and promise easy cleanup. But the confusion usually hits when you look at the details: Is the Bella really portable? Is the GreenLife just a pretty face?
Credit: Amazon
In this article, I’ll break down exactly how they differ in build, features, and real-world utility to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your counter.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Bella Make & Take | GreenLife 12″ |
| Price Range | Affordable (~$40 - $50) | Mid-Range (~$50 - $60) |
| Capacity | 6 Quarts (Deep) | 5 Quarts (Standard) |
| Wattage | 1200W | 1200W |
| Best Feature | Locking lid & Nesting storage | Aesthetic colors & Lightweight |
| Best For | Potlucks, RVs, & Storage Savers | Daily family meals & Style lovers |
| One-Line Takeaway | Built to travel and tuck away. | Built to stay out and look good. |
Product Overview – Bella Make & Take
Credit: Amazon
Subheading: About Bella Make & Take
Bella has carved out a niche for practical, budget-friendly appliances, and this skillet is part of their "Fits-anywhere™" line. It is designed specifically to solve two major complaints: storage space and portability. With a 6-quart capacity and a cast aluminum base, it’s built to feed a crowd—think chili, casseroles, or a full fry-up.+2
It is best suited for families with small kitchens (thanks to its nesting storage) or anyone who frequently brings dishes to parties, church events, or tailgates. The "Make & Take" name isn't a gimmick; the locking clips are a game-changer for transport.
Product Overview – GreenLife 12″
Credit: Amazon
Subheading: About GreenLife 12″
GreenLife is the younger, hipper sibling of the GreenPan brand, famous for bringing healthy ceramic nonstick to the masses. This 12-inch skillet focuses on being PFAS-free and looking good while doing it. Available in colors like Pink, Turquoise, and Black, it’s designed to be a "countertop queen."+1
It is best suited for health-conscious home cooks who want a reliable, toxin-free pan for daily tasks like scrambling eggs, searing chicken, or making stir-fry. It’s slightly lighter and smaller (5QT), making it less intimidating to haul out of the cupboard for a quick Tuesday night dinner.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Bella Make & Take | GreenLife 12″ |
| Design & Build | Practical cast aluminum; matte finish. Functional but utilitarian. | Sleek, modern curves with vibrant color options. |
| Size / Capacity | 6 Quarts (3" deep). Holds more liquid/stew. | 5 Quarts. Good surface area but slightly shallower. |
| Storage | Superior. Inverted lid nests inside; stores sideways to save 50% space. | Standard. Takes up regular cabinet space. |
| Portability | Excellent. Locking lid clamps seal food inside for travel. | Poor. Lid rests on top; not secure for moving. |
| Ease of Use | Simple dial. Handles stay cool. | Simple dial. Very lightweight and easy to maneuver. |
| Durability | Rugged feel, but clips are plastic. | Ceramic coating is great but requires gentle silicone utensils. |
Real-World Performance Comparison
In my experience, the Bella Make & Take feels like a workhorse. The 1200W element heats the cast aluminum base quickly. When I made a heavy pasta bake, the extra depth (6QT vs 5QT) saved me from sauce bubbling over the edge.
The "Fits-anywhere" storage claim is true I love that I can flip the lid, lock it, and shove it vertically into a tight cabinet gap. However, the heating element is a traditional ring, so like most electric skillets, you get a hotter zone in the middle and slightly cooler edges.
The GreenLife, on the other hand, is a joy to use for breakfast. The ceramic coating is incredibly slick—eggs slide around like they are on ice. It heats up fast, and because it's lighter, I found myself reaching for it more often for quick meals. However, it lacks the locking clips. If you try to carry this full of soup to a neighbor's house, you are asking for a spill. It’s definitely a "stay-at-home" skillet.
Pros & Cons (Side-by-Side)
Bella Make & Take – Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Locking Lid: preventing spills during car rides. | Bulkier Footprint: Wide handles make it 17" across. |
| Storage: Stores vertically or flat with nested lid. | Utilitarian Look: Not as pretty on the table. |
| Capacity: Deep 6QT sides hold more food. | Clip Durability: Plastic |
GreenLife 12″ – Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Aesthetics: beautiful colors brighten the kitchen. | No Travel Latch: Lid sits loose; not for potlucks. |
| Healthy Coating: Trusted PFAS-free ceramic. | Smaller Volume: 5QT fills up faster than the Bella. |
| Weight: Lightweight and easy to wash in the sink. | Storage: Harder to fit in crowded cabinets. |
| Versatility: Works well for soups, stews, and casseroles. | Heat Distribution: May cook unevenly on high heat. |
Price vs Value Analysis
| Metric | Bella Make & Take | GreenLife 12″ |
| What you get | A high-capacity portable cooker with smart storage features. | A stylish, healthy-cooking skillet for daily use. |
| Long-term Value | High for RV owners, students, and potluck lovers. | Good for daily home cooks who prioritize non-toxic materials. |
| ROI Verdict | Better Value if you need versatility (home + travel). | Better Value if you want aesthetics and daily ease. |
The Bella often comes in at a slightly lower or similar price point but offers significantly more hardware features (locking mechanism, specialized feet for vertical storage). If utility is your metric, Bella wins. If joy and design are your metrics, GreenLife is worth the extra few dollars.
Credit: Amazon
Who Should Choose Which Product?
Choose Bella Make & Take if you…
- Have a small kitchen and need to save cabinet space (the vertical storage is legit).
- Own an RV or go camping with electric hookups.
- Frequently cook for potlucks, parties, or large families (6QT capacity).
- Need a secure lid to transport food without making a mess.
Choose GreenLife 12″ if you…
- Want a skillet that matches your kitchen decor (the colors are great).
- Prioritize a lightweight pan that is easy to lift and clean.
- Cook mostly "dry" foods like pancakes, burgers, or stir-frys where extreme depth isn't needed.
- Are strictly looking for a PFAS-free healthy cooking option.
Common Concerns & Deal-Breakers
- Cleaning: Both units have probes that detach, making them submersible. However, Bella’s size makes it a bit more awkward to maneuver in a small sink compared to the lighter GreenLife.
- Even Heating: Both use a circular heating element. You will have a hot spot in the center and cooler corners on both models. This is standard for electric skillets under $100.
- Cord Length: Both have relatively short cords (standard safety feature), so you might need to use them near an outlet on your island or counter.
Final Verdict
If I could only buy one, I would choose the Bella Make & Take. The sheer practicality of the locking lid and vertical storage solves the two biggest annoyances of electric skillets: they are hard to store and hard to move. It’s a versatile tool that works just as well at home as it does at a tailgate.
However, if you never plan to leave your house with your food and you want an appliance that looks beautiful sitting on your counter for Sunday brunch, the GreenLife 12″ is the more attractive, lightweight choice that will make you smile every time you use it.
FAQs on Bella Make & Take 1200W vs GreenLife 12″
Is the GreenLife electric skillet dishwasher safe?
Yes, once you remove the temperature control probe, the pan and lid are generally dishwasher safe. However, hand washing is highly recommended to extend the life of the ceramic nonstick coating.+1
Can I bake in the Bella Make & Take skillet?
Yes! Because it is 3 inches deep and has a lid that traps heat effectively, you can bake casseroles, lasagnas, or even cornbread in it. Just keep the temperature moderate to avoid burning the bottom.
Does the Bella skillet really save space?
Absolutely. The lid inverts (flips upside down) into the pan, and the unit has special feet that allow it to stand upright on its side. It takes up about half the cabinet footprint of a standard skillet.+1
Are these skillets PFAS-free?
GreenLife is famous for being PFAS-free. Bella’s "EverGood™" ceramic coating is also advertised as PTFE, PFOA, and PFAS free, making both safe choices for healthy cooking.+1
Which skillet is better for deep frying?
The Bella Make & Take is better for deep frying because it has a deeper 6-quart capacity and higher sidewalls, which helps contain oil splatter better than the shallower GreenLife pan.
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