For years, my kitchen setup left me feeling constantly limited. With a small stovetop and a growing family, cooking anything beyond a basic meal meant juggling multiple pans, unevenly cooked food, and a never-ending pile of dishes. I often dreamed of a single appliance that could handle everything from a quick breakfast to a full dinner spread, without demanding an entire cabinet to store it. This problem wasn’t just an inconvenience; it led to rushed meals, less variety, and frankly, more stress. I yearned for a solution that would bring back the joy of cooking.
- Roast, fry, grill, stew, bake, make casseroles and more
- Removable base for easy cleaning and storage
- Handles fold down to detach pan from base
Key Considerations Before Investing in an Electric Skillet
An electric skillet offers a versatile solution to many common kitchen woes, making it a popular choice for home cooks. It typically provides consistent, controllable heat that many stovetops struggle to deliver, freeing up valuable burner space and minimizing the mess associated with traditional frying. People often seek out an electric skillet to tackle large family meals, entertain guests with a convenient buffet server, or simply to add an extra cooking zone when their main range is occupied.
The ideal customer for an electric skillet is someone who values convenience, versatility, and efficient cooking. This includes busy individuals or families, those with limited kitchen space (like in apartments, dorms, or RVs), or anyone who frequently prepares meals that benefit from steady, even heat such as pancakes, stir-fries, or large batches of stew. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy potlucks or serving food warm at the table.
On the other hand, if you rarely cook, have a huge kitchen with ample stovetop space, and prefer highly specialized, single-function gadgets, an electric skillet might not be your top priority. Similarly, if your cooking style primarily involves delicate searing that requires extremely rapid temperature changes, you might find a traditional stovetop more responsive, though many modern electric skillets offer excellent heat control. For those who fit this latter description, a high-quality cast iron skillet and a good range might be a better investment.
Before buying, consider the following:
* Size and Capacity: How many people do you typically cook for? Do you need high sidewalls for sauces or deep frying?
* Nonstick Surface: Is it durable? Is it PFAS-free? How easy is it to clean?
* Temperature Control: Does it offer a wide range of settings? How accurately does it maintain heat?
* Ease of Cleaning and Storage: Can it be submerged? Are parts removable? How compact is it when stored?
* Wattage: Higher wattage generally means faster heating.
* Versatility: Can it handle various cooking methods (frying, stewing, baking)?
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance.
- 𝟵 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝟭: Pressure Cook, Rice, Steam, Sterilize, Oatmeal/Porridge, Stew/Broth, Bean/Grain, Meat/Poultry, Slow Cook, Sauté, Ferment, Sous Vide, Keep Warm
- 10 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté, sterilize, cook yogurt and rice, bake, steam, or simply keep warm, all in one easy appliance.
Unveiling the Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet
The Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet, Black is a truly remarkable appliance designed to be your kitchen’s workhorse. It promises unparalleled versatility, allowing you to roast, fry, grill, stew, bake, and even make casseroles with ease. What sets it apart is its ingenious foldaway design, which tackles the common problem of bulky appliance storage. When you purchase this skillet, you receive the large 16-inch pan itself, a detachable base, a durable tempered glass cover, and the Control Master heat control.
This specific electric skillet is ideal for anyone seeking a spacious cooking surface with superior temperature control and the added bonus of compact storage. It’s perfect for families, those who entertain often, or individuals with limited counter or cabinet space. Its large capacity and high sidewalls make it stand out from smaller, shallower electric skillets on the market, which typically offer only 14 inches of cooking area. The PFAS-free ceramic nonstick surface also represents a significant upgrade over older models that relied on traditional PTFE coatings, offering a healthier cooking experience. Conversely, it might not be the best fit for someone needing only a very small, single-serving frying pan, or those who prefer to keep their appliances minimal and don’t require the multi-functionality.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Pros:
* Large 16-inch capacity with high sidewalls, perfect for big meals and preventing splatters.
* Innovative foldaway design allows for extremely compact storage.
* Features a healthier PFAS-free ceramic nonstick surface for easy cooking and cleaning.
* Highly versatile, capable of roasting, frying, grilling, stewing, baking, and making casseroles.
* Doubles efficiently as an attractive buffet server for entertaining.
Cons:
* The heating element can create hotter spots, requiring occasional food rotation for even cooking.
* While durable, the nonstick surface still demands careful maintenance (e.g., no cooking sprays, gentle cleaning) to ensure longevity.
* Some users have reported minor quality control issues, such as slight bending of parts upon arrival, though this is rare.
Deep Dive into the Presto Electric Skillet’s Capabilities
Having used the Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet for quite some time now, I can genuinely say it’s become an indispensable part of my kitchen. Its various features work in concert to deliver a cooking experience that is both efficient and enjoyable.
Large 16-inch Pan with High Sidewalls
The sheer size of this skillet is a game-changer. At 16 inches, it offers significantly more cooking area than most standard electric skillets, which typically hover around 12-14 inches. This extra space means I can easily cook an entire meal in one go, like a generous portion of stir-fry with all the vegetables and protein, or a full breakfast spread of pancakes, eggs, and bacon without crowding the pan. The high sidewalls are equally crucial; they effectively contain splatters when frying, and are deep enough to handle simmering large batches of chili, stew, or even a deep-dish casserole without overflowing. This prevents messy cleanups on the countertop and allows for a wider range of cooking styles that might be impossible in a shallower pan. For family dinners, it’s a lifesaver, ensuring everyone gets a hot, freshly cooked portion.
Foldaway Design for Compact Storage
This is, hands down, one of the most brilliant features of the Presto Foldaway Skillet. My kitchen has limited storage, and bulky appliances are often relegated to the garage or a distant cabinet. The Presto’s handles fold down, and the entire base detaches, allowing the base to fit snugly inside the pan. The lid can then be inverted, and a small cloth or paper towel placed inside to protect the nonstick surface from the base’s elements. This ingenious design shrinks the skillet into a remarkably compact unit that easily slides into a standard cabinet, taking up no more space than a large frying pan. This convenience eliminates the frustration of trying to find room for yet another kitchen gadget and encourages me to use it more often.
PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Surface
The cooking surface of the electric skillet features a high-quality ceramic nonstick coating that is PFAS-free. This provides peace of mind, knowing I’m cooking on a healthier surface compared to older nonstick materials. In terms of performance, it lives up to its promise. Food truly glides off with minimal effort, whether it’s delicate fish fillets or sticky caramelized onions. Cleanup is a breeze; most residue simply wipes away with a soft sponge or paper towel. I’ve found that avoiding cooking sprays (which can leave a gummy residue) and opting for butter or cooking oil, along with handwashing with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, significantly extends the life of the nonstick surface. Even after years of consistent use, with this care, my surface still looks almost new, performing exceptionally well.
Control Master Heat Control
The Control Master heat control is the brain of the Presto 06857 Skillet, and it’s remarkably effective at maintaining a consistent cooking temperature. Once you set your desired heat, the thermostat kicks in, cycling the power to ensure steady warmth across the cooking surface. This automatic regulation is fantastic for achieving even browning, simmering stews for hours, or baking perfectly risen casseroles. While it’s true that, like many electric skillets, the area directly over the heating element can be slightly hotter, I quickly learned to rotate my food occasionally, especially when cooking items like pancakes or searing chicken pieces. This simple technique ensures everything cooks evenly, and with practice, it becomes second nature.
Removable Base for Easy Cleaning
Cleaning large cooking appliances can be cumbersome, but the removable base of this skillet simplifies the process immensely. Once cooled, the pan easily detaches from the electrical base, allowing you to immerse the pan completely in the sink for thorough washing. While the product information states it’s dishwasher safe, I personally prefer to handwash the nonstick pan to preserve its coating. However, knowing that the pan can be fully submerged makes cleaning tough, baked-on messes far less daunting. The base itself can be wiped down, and if any grime accumulates in its crevices, a gentle scrub can restore it. This thoughtful design ensures both the cooking surface and the electrical components can be cleaned appropriately, maintaining hygiene and functionality over time.
Tempered Glass Cover with Stay-Cool Handle
The tempered glass cover is a practical addition that I use every time I cook. It allows me to monitor the progress of my food without needing to lift the lid, thus preventing heat and moisture from escaping. This feature is crucial for steaming vegetables, achieving tender results for braised meats, and significantly speeding up overall cooking times. Moreover, the lid is excellent at containing splatters and preventing grease from spreading all over my kitchen, which translates to less cleanup. The stay-cool handle is a small but important detail, ensuring safety and comfort when I do need to lift the lid, even after prolonged cooking.
Doubles as a Buffet Server
Beyond its primary cooking functions, the Presto electric skillet transitions beautifully into a buffet server. Its attractive black finish and large capacity make it perfect for serving hot food directly at the table during gatherings or potlucks. After cooking, I simply detach the pan from its electrical base and place it on a trivet on my dining table. It keeps the food warm for a considerable amount of time, allowing guests to serve themselves comfortably. This dual functionality is incredibly convenient, eliminating the need for separate serving dishes and simplifying entertaining.
Powerful 1500-watt Heating
Equipped with a robust 1500-watt heating element, this skillet heats up quickly and efficiently. This power ensures that it reaches and maintains high searing temperatures, which is excellent for browning meats and achieving a crisp finish on fried foods. The quick heat-up time also means less waiting around, making meal preparation faster and more convenient, especially on busy weeknights. It handles everything from gentle warming to intense frying without struggling, proving its capabilities as a truly versatile kitchen tool.
What Others Are Saying About the Presto Foldaway Skillet
Having extensively used the Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet myself, I also scoured countless online reviews and found a consistent thread of positivity. Many users echo my sentiments about its incredible versatility and the convenience of its foldaway design for storage. People rave about its ability to handle large family meals, from stir-fries to pancakes, and the easy cleanup of the PFAS-free nonstick surface. While some note the heating element can create hotter spots, most agree that a slight adjustment in cooking technique (like rotating food) quickly resolves this, making it a beloved kitchen staple that performs reliably for years. The general consensus highlights its durability and excellent value, often outperforming more expensive alternatives.
Final Thoughts on the Presto 06857 Skillet and Why You Need It
If you’re tired of battling limited stovetop space, dealing with unevenly cooked meals, and facing a daunting cleanup after every dinner, then the underlying problem in your kitchen needs addressing. Leaving these issues unresolved leads to continued frustration, wasted time, and prevents you from fully enjoying the cooking process. The Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet is an exceptional solution because of its:
1. Unmatched Versatility: It handles virtually any cooking task with ease, from delicate omelets to hearty stews.
2. Ingenious Foldaway Design: Say goodbye to cluttered cabinets; this skillet stores away remarkably compactly.
3. Durable, Easy-to-Clean Surface: The PFAS-free ceramic nonstick ensures healthy, stick-free cooking and effortless cleanup.
So, if you’re ready to streamline your cooking and reclaim kitchen space, don’t hesitate. Click here to check out the Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet for yourself and experience the difference.
Last update on 2025-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API