An electric skillet is a true kitchen workhorse, offering unparalleled versatility for everything from weekday breakfasts to large family dinners. When you choose a Presto electric skillet, you’re investing in a legacy of reliable, durable, and consistent performance. These appliances are built to handle daily use, proving their worth year after year as an essential countertop companion.
With so many models available, selecting the right one for your needs can be a challenge. This roundup is designed to help you navigate the options and find the perfect Presto electric skillet that will become a lasting part of your cooking routine. We’ve compiled a list of ten top-performing models, highlighting the unique features that make each one a standout choice for home cooks.
The Best Presto Electric Skillets for Your Kitchen
- Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet
- Presto 06620 11-Inch Electric Skillet
- Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover
- Presto 06858 16-Inch Slimline Electric Skillet
- Presto 06850 16-inch Electric Skillet
- Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle
- Presto 06856 16-Inch Ceramic Electric Skillet
- Presto 06006 Kitchen Kettle Multi-Cooker/Steamer
- Presto 07062 22-Inch Ceramic Electric Griddle
- Presto 07046 Tilt ‘n Drain BigGriddle
Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet
This model is a champion of space-saving design without compromising on cooking area. Its innovative foldaway handles allow you to detach the pan from the base, making it remarkably easy to clean and store in tight cabinets. The 16-inch surface provides ample room for preparing large meals, from roasting a chicken to making a family-sized casserole.
You can confidently roast, fry, grill, stew, and bake with this single appliance. The removable base is a key feature for maintenance, ensuring that the electrical components are never exposed to water. This thoughtful design promotes the longevity of the skillet, making it a practical and durable choice for any kitchen.
Presto 06620 11-Inch Electric Skillet
Ideal for smaller households or as a secondary skillet, this 11-inch model is a handy and compact solution for everyday meals. Its size makes it perfect for cooking for one or two people, whether you’re grilling sandwiches, frying eggs, or making a quick stew. Despite its smaller footprint, it doesn’t hold back on functionality.
The high-sidewall pan and high-dome cover work together to offer greater food capacity than you might expect, allowing you to prepare one-dish meals with ease. It’s a reliable and straightforward tool that excels at everyday cooking tasks, proving that great performance doesn’t require a large size.
Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover
For those who like to keep an eye on their food without releasing heat and moisture, this skillet with its tempered glass cover is the perfect answer. The see-through lid allows you to monitor progress from browning to simmering, giving you greater control over the cooking process. The stay-cool handle on the cover adds a layer of safety and convenience.
This 16-inch workhorse is excellent for everything from family breakfasts to entertaining guests. Its versatility in roasting, frying, and baking makes it a central piece of cookware for any meal. The durable construction ensures it can handle frequent use, making it a trustworthy addition to your kitchen arsenal.
Presto 06858 16-Inch Slimline Electric Skillet
If countertop or cabinet space is a premium in your home, the Slimline model is designed with you in mind. Its low-profile design takes up minimal vertical space, making it much easier to store than bulkier models. Don’t let the slim design fool you; it still offers a full 16 inches of cooking surface for preparing large meals.
This skillet is as stylish as it is functional, doubling as an elegant buffet server for parties and gatherings. You can seamlessly transition from cooking to serving without switching dishes. Its space-efficient design and multi-purpose utility make it an exceptionally smart choice for modern kitchens.
Presto 06850 16-inch Electric Skillet
This model is built for durability and large-capacity cooking. It features an exceptionally durable EverNu cover that is designed to resist denting, warping, bending, and peeling even after years of use. This focus on robust materials ensures the product maintains its quality and appearance over time.
The generous base and high dome cover are specifically designed to accommodate extra-large cuts of meat, making it ideal for roasting a whole chicken or a large pork roast. It’s a powerhouse for traditional cooking methods like frying, grilling, and stewing, offering reliable performance for substantial family meals.
Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle
When you need maximum cooking surface, this 22-inch electric griddle delivers. Its expansive area is perfect for preparing a full breakfast for the family, cooking multiple burgers at once, or having a large pancake-making session. The PFAS-free ceramic coating provides a superior nonstick experience and is easier to clean than traditional surfaces.
A standout feature is the removable handles, which allow the entire griddle to fit into most standard 18-inch cabinets. This innovative solution solves the common problem of storing large appliances. The combination of massive cooking space and clever storage design makes this griddle incredibly practical.
Presto 06856 16-Inch Ceramic Electric Skillet
This skillet features a modern ceramic nonstick coating, both inside and out, for exceptionally easy food release and cleaning. The ceramic surface is a popular choice for those seeking an efficient and effective nonstick experience. The jumbo 16-inch pan with high sidewalls provides extra capacity for cooking and serving large batches of food.
Its versatile performance makes it suitable for a wide array of cooking techniques, from searing to simmering. The easy-clean surface and generous size make it a low-maintenance and highly functional centerpiece for your kitchen, capable of handling everything from weeknight dinners to weekend feasts.
Presto 06006 Kitchen Kettle Multi-Cooker/Steamer
This versatile appliance goes beyond the standard skillet, functioning as a multi-cooker that can deep fry, steam, simmer, and roast. Its deep well is perfect for making large batches of soup, boiling pasta, or even deep-frying up to six servings of french fries. The included ceramic nonstick surface ensures stick-free cooking and straightforward cleanup.
It’s an excellent all-in-one solution for cooks who want a single appliance to perform a multitude of tasks. From steaming vegetables to its healthiest to roasting a piece of meat, the Kitchen Kettle handles it all, making it a incredibly versatile and space-saving tool.
Presto 07062 22-Inch Ceramic Electric Griddle
This griddle combines a massive 22-inch cooking surface with the benefits of a special textured ceramic coating. The textured surface is engineered to enhance nonstick performance and make cleaning even easier. It’s the ideal tool for every meal, from a big breakfast to cooking for a crowd during entertaining.
Like its counterpart, this model also features removable handles for compact and convenient storage. The fusion of a large, high-performance cooking surface with a practical storage design makes this a top-tier choice for anyone who regularly cooks large quantities of food.
Presto 07046 Tilt ‘n Drain BigGriddle
This griddle introduces a unique and functional design with its tilt-and-drain feature. The surface can be easily tilted, allowing excess grease to drain away from your food during cooking, promoting healthier meals. The cool-touch handles and body provide an added layer of safety during use.
The BigGriddle name promises a spacious cooking area, perfect for handling large meals. The combination of the draining feature and a large, nonstick surface makes it particularly useful for cooking bacon, sausages, burgers, and other foods that release fats and oils. It’s a thoughtfully designed appliance that adds functionality to your cooking process.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best Presto Electric Skillets That Last
When I’m looking for a kitchen appliance that I know will get heavy use, I focus on a few key features that separate a good product from a great one that will actually last for years. Since you’re searching for the best Presto electric skillets that last, you’re already on the right track by focusing on a brand known for durability. But even within a single brand, there are choices to make to ensure you get the perfect workhorse for your kitchen.
First, consider the size and shape. Presto skillets come in various sizes, typically measured in quarts or by the diameter of the cooking surface. A 12-inch round skillet is a classic, versatile size perfect for frying a batch of bacon or making pancakes for a family. If you often cook for a crowd or want to make large, one-pan meals, a 16-inch rectangular model gives you significantly more real estate. Think about your typical cooking style and the number of people you usually feed. A larger skillet isn’t always better if it will be awkward to store or too big for your needs.
Next, pay close attention to the temperature control. This is the brain of the operation. Some basic models have a simple dial with a few heat settings, while others feature a precise, numbered thermostat. For tasks like frying or making candy, a precise, adjustable thermostat is non-negotiable. It gives you consistent, reliable heat, which is crucial for both food safety and achieving perfect results. A lid is another feature I always look for. A tight-fitting, domed lid traps heat and moisture, turning your skillet into a mini-oven perfect for braising, simmering sauces, or cooking frozen foods evenly.
The non-stick surface is arguably the most critical element for longevity. A cheap non-stick coating will wear out quickly, making cooking and cleaning a chore. Look for Presto’s Teflon Platinum or similar quality non-stick surfaces. They are much more durable and scratch-resistant. To protect that surface, check if the skillet includes cooking utensils or at least recommends what kind to use. Always opt for wooden, nylon, or silicone tools to prevent scratching. Finally, consider ease of cleaning. A removable temperature control probe is a game-changer. It allows you to submerge the entire cooking body in water for easy washing, while the electrical component stays safe and dry. By focusing on these aspects—size, precise control, a good lid, a durable non-stick surface, and easy cleaning—you’ll be well on your way to finding one of the best Presto electric skillets that last in your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual lifespan of a Presto electric skillet?
It’s hard to give a single number of years because it depends entirely on how often you use it and how well you care for it. I’ve known people who have used the same Presto skillet for over a decade. The key to a long life is protecting the non-stick coating from scratches by using the right utensils and following proper cleaning methods. The heating element itself is generally very robust, but the non-stick surface is what usually determines the functional lifespan. With gentle handling, you can expect many years of reliable service.
Can I use my Presto electric skillet for canning?
This is a very common question. While Presto electric skillets can get hot enough for water-bath canning, most models are not recommended for this purpose by the manufacturer. The main issue is maintaining a consistent, rolling boil across the entire surface, which can be challenging and may not be safe for preserving low-acid foods. For safe, reliable canning, it’s best to use a dedicated water-bath canner or a pressure canner, also made by Presto, which are specifically designed for the task.
Why is the temperature on my skillet different from the dial setting?
Don’t be alarmed if you notice this. Most thermostats, even good ones, have a slight variance. The dial is a guide, not an absolute scientific measurement. The built-in thermostat cycles the heat on and off to maintain an average temperature. Using an external oven thermometer placed inside the skillet can help you understand the true temperature and adjust your dial accordingly. For most cooking tasks like frying or sautéing, this small variance won’t make a noticeable difference.
How do I properly clean the non-stick surface to make it last?
The golden rule is to let the skillet cool completely before cleaning. Never plunge a hot skillet into cold water. Once cool, wash it with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or harsh chemical cleaners at all costs, as they will permanently damage the coating. For stuck-on food, try filling the skillet with warm, soapy water and letting it soak for 15-20 minutes to loosen the residue. Proper care is the secret to finding one of the best Presto electric skillets that last.
Is it safe to submerge the entire skillet in water?
Only if the temperature control probe is completely removable. Most modern Presto models are designed with a detachable probe for this exact reason. Always, always unplug the unit and remove the probe before any part of the skillet body touches water. The probe itself is an electrical component and must never be submerged or put in a dishwasher. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth only.
Can I use my electric skillet on a stovetop or in a conventional oven?
No, you absolutely cannot. Presto electric skillets are standalone appliances. The base and electrical components are not designed to withstand direct stovetop heat, and the plastic handles and temperature probe are not oven-safe. Using it on a stovetop or in an oven will melt the components, damage the skillet, and create a serious fire hazard. It is designed to be used on a stable, heat-resistant countertop with its own power cord.