Electric skillet having removably attachable handle

An electric skillet or the like cooking vessel includes a cooking pan and a removably attachable insulative handle having a temperature control assembly with a spring loaded temperature sensing "shoe". One portion of the side wall of the pan defines a raised temperature sensing area against which the "shoe" is pressed upon joining the pan and handle. A lip extends from the raised area and forms a recess between the lip and sidewall of the pan. A first end of a torsion spring mounted on the handle for rotation is received in the recess for engagement with the lip subsequent to joining the handle and pan and rotating the spring to a first, locked position. The opposite end of the spring is received beneath a shoulder provided on the handle, thereby twisting the torsion spring to cause the first end thereof to forcibly engage the lip. Release of the opposite end of the torsion spring by rotation in the opposite direction disengages the first end of the spring and lip thereby to unlock the handle and pan, permitting the two to be separated.