Review: Presto 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet – Your Kitchen’s Next Versatile Workhorse

Finding kitchen appliances that combine ample cooking space with convenient storage can be a real challenge, especially in today’s often-compact living environments. Many home cooks dream of a single appliance capable of handling everything from a quick weeknight stir-fry to a large family breakfast, without hogging precious cabinet real estate. This is where the Presto 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet steps in, promising a solution that blends generous capacity with a uniquely space-saving design. Is this electric skillet truly the versatile workhorse your kitchen needs, or does its foldaway feature compromise performance? We’re diving deep into its design, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Unpacking the Presto 16-Inch Foldaway Skillet: Key Features & Design

The Presto 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet (model 06857) immediately distinguishes itself with its thoughtful design, aimed at both performance and practicality. Its impressive size is the first thing you notice, offering a substantial 16-inch cooking surface with high walls, providing ample room for a wide variety of dishes, whether you’re searing, frying, or simmering.

The standout innovation, however, is its “foldaway” functionality. The detachable base and fold-down handles allow the entire unit to collapse and fit snugly within the pan itself, transforming a bulky appliance into a compact, easily stored item. This design is a game-changer for anyone with limited kitchen space. The skillet features a non-stick cooking surface, typically Teflon, which promises effortless food release and simplified cleanup. A robust Control Master heat control ensures precise temperature management, contributing to consistent cooking results. Additionally, a built-in pouring spout serves a dual purpose, making it easy to drain liquids and also acting as a convenient utensil holder during cooking or serving.
Presto 16-inch electric foldaway skillet disassembled for compact storage, showcasing its space-saving design.

Performance in the Kitchen: Cooking Versatility & Efficiency

When it comes to real-world performance, the Presto 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet proves itself to be a highly capable kitchen companion. Its heavy cast aluminum pan base contributes significantly to excellent heat distribution, ensuring that food cooks evenly across the entire surface. This minimizes hotspots, which can be a common frustration with lesser-quality electric skillets.

The skillet preheats quickly, reaching desired temperatures in just a few minutes, making it efficient for busy meal preparations. Its versatility truly shines through in the range of dishes it can handle. From deep-frying crispy chicken to shallow-frying delicate fish, or preparing large batches of stir-fries, casseroles, and pancakes, the skillet adapts to diverse culinary needs. While it maintains stable heat, some users note that it might not reach the extremely high temperatures of a traditional cast iron skillet, which can impact the crispiness of a seared steak crust. However, for most everyday cooking tasks, its performance is more than satisfactory.
Large Presto electric skillet actively cooking a family-sized meal, showcasing its generous capacity and versatility.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of any appliance is crucial for making the right choice. The Presto 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet offers a compelling set of advantages, alongside a few considerations.

Pros:

• Spacious & Versatile: The generous 16-inch size and deep walls accommodate large meals, making it ideal for families or entertaining guests. Its ability to handle diverse cooking methods, from frying to stewing, adds immense value.
• Exceptional Storage: The patented foldaway design is a major selling point, allowing the skillet to be disassembled and nested for compact storage, saving significant cabinet space.
• Easy to Clean: The non-stick surface ensures food doesn’t stick, and both the pan and cover are fully immersible and dishwasher safe once the heat control is removed. The detachable base further aids in thorough cleaning.
• Even Cooking: The thick cast aluminum base and precise Control Master heat deliver consistent and even heating across the entire cooking surface.
• User-Friendly Features: The built-in pouring spout (which doubles as a utensil rest) and ergonomic handles enhance the overall cooking experience.

Cons:

• Lid Fit: Some users have observed that the metal edging of the lid might not always provide the tightest seal.
• Non-Stick Material Preference: While effective, the Teflon non-stick coating might not appeal to those who prefer ceramic or other non-Teflon alternatives.
• Size for Smaller Households: For individuals or very small households, the 16-inch size might be considered overkill and unnecessarily large.
• Searing Capability: While excellent for most tasks, achieving an intensely crispy sear on certain meats might be slightly challenging compared to extremely hot cast iron due to max temperature limitations.

The Presto Skillet Against the Rest: A Brief Comparison

In a market saturated with electric skillets, the Presto Foldaway Skillet carves out a unique niche. Many standard electric skillets offer similar cooking capacities and non-stick surfaces, but few can match the Presto’s innovative foldaway design. This unique feature truly sets it apart from competitors, offering a level of convenience in storage that is often overlooked in kitchen appliance design.

When comparing performance, the Presto holds its own against many higher-priced models in terms of heat distribution and cooking versatility. While some premium skillets might boast advanced digital controls or ceramic coatings, the Presto 06857 delivers reliable, consistent results at a more accessible price point. Its robust build quality suggests good durability, providing excellent value for money, especially for those prioritizing both cooking performance and space efficiency.

Is the Presto 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet Right for You?

Deciding if the Presto 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet is the right addition to your kitchen depends heavily on your specific needs and lifestyle.

Who it’s for:

• Large Families: If you frequently cook for a crowd, its ample capacity is invaluable for preparing substantial meals.
• Entertainers: Hosting dinner parties or gatherings becomes easier with a versatile appliance that can handle large quantities.
• Limited Storage Space: Apartment dwellers or those with small kitchens will greatly appreciate the compact, foldaway design.
• Versatility Seekers: If you want a single appliance that can fry, sauté, simmer, bake, and roast with ease, this skillet delivers.

Considerations before buying:

• Kitchen Size: While it folds away, remember it is still a large appliance when in use. Ensure you have adequate countertop space during cooking.
• Cooking Habits: If you primarily cook for one or two and rarely entertain, a smaller, more basic electric skillet might suffice.
• Non-Stick Preference: If you have a strong preference against Teflon, you might explore options with ceramic non-stick coatings, though these often come at a higher price point.

“The Presto Foldaway Skillet is a testament to smart engineering, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice cooking capacity for compact storage. Its adaptability makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of home cooks.” – Lan, Electric Cooker Technician, electriccookerreview.com

Maximizing Your Skillet: Tips for Use and Maintenance

To ensure your Presto 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet provides years of reliable service, proper use and maintenance are key.

• Initial Setup: Before first use, wash the skillet and cover in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
• Preheating: Always preheat the skillet to the desired temperature before adding food to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Cleaning: After each use, allow the skillet to cool completely. Remove the Control Master heat control before immersing the pan and cover in water or placing them in the dishwasher. Handwashing with a soft sponge and mild detergent is often recommended to prolong the life of the non-stick coating. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
• Storage: Take advantage of the foldaway feature. Detach the base, fold the handles, and store the entire unit inside the pan for optimal space-saving.
• Maintaining Non-Stick: Use only nylon, plastic, or wooden utensils to avoid scratching the non-stick surface. Do not cut food directly in the skillet.

Conclusion

The Presto 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet stands out as a highly functional and cleverly designed kitchen appliance. It expertly combines a generous cooking capacity with the unparalleled convenience of compact storage, making it an excellent choice for anyone needing versatility without sacrificing space. While minor points like lid fit or non-stick material preference exist, its overall performance, ease of use, and thoughtful features position it as a valuable addition to most kitchens. Whether you’re a seasoned cook catering to a crowd or simply looking for an efficient, multi-purpose cooking solution, this Presto skillet offers a compelling blend of utility and innovation. Is it time to make room for this culinary chameleon in your home?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Presto 16-inch Foldaway Skillet dishwasher safe?

Yes, the skillet pan and cover are fully immersible and dishwasher safe once the Control Master heat control is removed. This makes cleanup exceptionally easy and convenient.

What kind of non-stick coating does the Presto 06857 use?

The Presto 06857 typically features a durable Teflon non-stick coating. This ensures food slides off easily and simplifies the cleaning process after cooking.

How does the foldaway feature work?

The foldaway design allows the skillet’s handles to fold down and its base to detach, enabling the entire unit to nest neatly inside the pan. This significantly reduces its storage footprint, making it ideal for smaller kitchens.

Can it be used for deep frying?

Yes, the Presto 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet has deep walls and a spacious design, making it suitable for both shallow and deep frying a variety of foods.

Is the temperature control accurate?

The skillet utilizes a Control Master heat control system, which is designed to maintain precise cooking temperatures for even heat distribution and consistent results. Reviews generally praise its accuracy and stability.