In the bustling world of modern kitchens, where efficiency and versatility reign supreme, the electric skillet stands out as a true workhorse. It’s more than just a pan; it’s a portable cooking station, ready to tackle everything from a hearty breakfast for the whole family to an elaborate dinner party spread. Among the myriad options, the Presto Electric Skillet 16-inch models consistently garner attention, and for good reason. They blend generous capacity with thoughtful features, making them a staple for anyone looking to simplify their cooking and expand their culinary horizons. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or preparing for a big gathering, understanding the ins and outs of this kitchen essential can truly transform your cooking experience.
Why a 16-Inch Electric Skillet? The Presto Advantage
When it comes to kitchen appliances, size often matters, and with an electric skillet, a 16-inch cooking surface is a game-changer. This ample space is perfect for accommodating larger portions, ensuring even cooking, and preventing overcrowding, which can lead to steamed rather than seared results. The Presto electric skillet 16 offers a substantial area that allows you to cook entire meals in one go, from a full breakfast spread of bacon, eggs, and pancakes to a large batch of stir-fry or stew.
Presto has long been a trusted name in kitchen appliances, known for producing reliable and durable products that stand the test of time. Many users attest to their Presto skillets lasting for decades, a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality. This legacy of durability, combined with innovative features, makes the 16-inch Presto electric skillet a smart investment for any home cook, from beginners to seasoned chefs. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about cooking smarter and more efficiently.
Key Features that Make the Presto Electric Skillet 16 Shine
The brilliance of the Presto electric skillet 16 lies in its meticulously designed features, each contributing to a superior cooking experience. Let’s delve into what makes these models truly stand out.
Generous 16-Inch Cooking Surface and High Sidewalls
The expansive 16-inch base, often paired with high sidewalls, is undoubtedly a star feature. This considerable depth and width provide exceptional capacity, ideal for preparing large family meals or entertaining guests without needing multiple pans. The high sidewalls are also a practical bonus, effectively containing splatters and making it easier to stir and flip ingredients without spills, keeping your countertop cleaner.
Advanced Nonstick Coating
Most modern Presto electric skillet 16 models, particularly the 06856 and 06857, feature a deluxe nonstick surface, often a ceramic or PFAS-free ceramic coating. This ensures stick-free cooking and simplifies cleanup, allowing food to slide right off. While incredibly convenient, it’s crucial to remember that nonstick surfaces thrive with gentle care, meaning avoiding metal utensils that can scratch the coating and opting for silicone or wood.
Control Master® Heat Control
Precision is key in cooking, and Presto’s Control Master® heat control system is designed to deliver just that. This automatic temperature control maintains your desired cooking temperature throughout the cooking process, eliminating hot spots and ensuring even results every time. Whether you need a low simmer or a high searing heat, the Control Master® keeps things consistent, giving you greater confidence in your culinary creations.
Foldaway Design: The Space-Saving Solution (Model 06857)
For those with limited kitchen space, the Presto 06857 16-inch electric foldaway skillet offers an ingenious solution. Its standout feature is the removable base and folding handles. Once cooled, the handles fold down, allowing the pan to detach from the base. The base then nests neatly inside the pan, transforming a bulky appliance into a compact, easily storable unit. “The foldaway design of the Presto 16-inch skillet is a stroke of genius for kitchen organization,” says Isabella Rossi, a renowned kitchen appliance expert. “It means you get all the benefits of a large cooking surface without the headache of finding storage space.” This makes it an ideal choice for smaller kitchens, RVs, or for anyone who values a clutter-free countertop.
Durable Construction
Built with a heavy cast aluminum base, the Presto electric skillet 16 is designed for durability and even heat distribution. This robust construction ensures the pan heats up quickly and maintains temperature consistently, minimizing warping and extending the appliance’s lifespan.
Tempered Glass Cover and Stay-Cool Handles
The tempered glass cover allows you to monitor your food’s progress without lifting the lid, preserving heat and moisture. Coupled with stay-cool handles, both on the lid and the skillet itself, safety and convenience are paramount, allowing for easy handling even when the skillet is hot.
Built-in Pour Spout/Spoon Rest
A small but significant detail, the integrated pour spout (often found on the 06857 model) makes draining liquids a mess-free affair. This clever design often doubles as a spoon or spatula rest, adding an extra layer of convenience during cooking and serving.
Unleashing Culinary Creativity: What You Can Cook
The versatility of the Presto electric skillet 16 knows few bounds. It’s truly a multi-purpose appliance that can handle a wide array of cooking methods and dishes, making it an invaluable addition to any kitchen.
- Frying: Perfect for classic fried chicken, crispy bacon, golden-brown pancakes, and even delicate fish fillets. The consistent heat ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Roasting: You can roast smaller cuts of meat, vegetables, or even a modest chicken in your electric skillet, achieving tender, flavorful results.
- Grilling: While not a true grill, the flat, heated surface can simulate grilling for items like grilled cheese, quesadillas, or even searing steaks.
- Stewing: The high sidewalls make it excellent for simmering hearty stews, chilis, and braised dishes. The consistent low heat is ideal for slow cooking.
- Baking: Believe it or not, you can even bake in an electric skillet! Think cornbread, casseroles, or baked apples.
- One-Dish Meals: This is where the 16-inch size truly shines. Prepare entire pasta dishes, stir-fries, or elaborate breakfast skillets without dirtying multiple pots and pans.
- Buffet Server: With its attractive design, tempered glass lid, and ability to maintain warmth, the Presto electric skillet easily transitions from cooking vessel to buffet server, keeping food hot for guests.
From an elaborate Sunday brunch to a quick and healthy zucchini stir-fry, or a savory beef stew, the possibilities are endless. Its ability to maintain a steady temperature makes it particularly adept at dishes that require precise heat, and its large surface area means you can cater to many appetites.
Getting the Most Out of Your Presto Electric Skillet 16
To truly master your Presto electric skillet 16, a few tips can elevate your cooking game and ensure longevity.
Choosing the Right Spot
Always place your electric skillet on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from the edge of the counter, to prevent accidental spills or tipping. Ensure there’s enough space around it for ventilation and comfortable maneuvering.
Temperature Control Tips
The Control Master® heat control is your best friend. Take time to understand its settings and how they correspond to different cooking needs. Always allow the skillet to preheat fully before adding food. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect sear or crispiness. For instance, a medium heat (around 300°F) is often perfect for stir-fries, while lower settings are great for warming or gentle simmering.
Cooking for a Crowd
The large capacity of the Presto electric skillet 16 is its superpower for feeding many. Don’t overcrowd the pan, even though it’s spacious. Cooking in batches if necessary ensures that food browns properly and cooks evenly, rather than steaming. When cooking dishes like fried chicken, ensure adequate space between pieces for crispiness.
Safety First
As with any electric appliance, safety is paramount. Always ensure the skillet is unplugged before cleaning or when not in use. Be mindful of the hot surfaces during and immediately after cooking. Use oven mitts or the stay-cool handles when moving the skillet, and be cautious of steam when lifting the glass lid.
Easy Cleanup and Smart Storage: The Foldaway Difference
One of the most appealing aspects of the Presto electric skillet 16 is its ease of cleaning and, for the foldaway model, its remarkable storage convenience.
Cleaning Your Electric Skillet
Thanks to the nonstick surface, cleanup is generally a breeze.
- Dishwasher Safe: The skillet pan and tempered glass cover (with the heat control removed) are typically dishwasher safe, offering ultimate convenience.
- Fully Immersible: The pan itself is fully immersible once the Control Master® heat control is detached, allowing for thorough handwashing.
- Handwashing Tips: For everyday cleaning, simply wipe the pan with a soft sponge, warm water, and mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh detergents that could damage the nonstick coating. Ensure the heat control unit never gets wet – wipe it clean with a damp cloth if needed.
Storage: The Magic of Foldaway (Model 06857)
The Presto 06857 Foldaway® design is a true innovator in compact storage. After the pan has cooled and been cleaned, simply fold down the handles, detach the skillet pan from its base, and the base will nest perfectly inside the pan. The inverted cover then fits snugly on top. This dramatically reduces the space required for storage, making it easy to tuck away in a cabinet, pantry, or even a deep drawer, a huge benefit for anyone with limited kitchen real estate.
Is the Presto 16-Inch Electric Skillet Right for You? (Pros & Cons)
Deciding if the Presto electric skillet 16 is the right fit for your kitchen involves weighing its strengths against potential considerations.
Pros:
- Generous Capacity: Perfect for large families, entertaining, or meal prepping big batches.
- Exceptional Versatility: Handles frying, roasting, stewing, baking, and can double as a buffet server.
- Easy Cleanup: Nonstick surface and dishwasher-safe components (pan and lid) make post-meal tidying simple.
- Compact Storage (06857): The innovative foldaway design saves valuable cabinet space.
- Durable Construction: Heavy cast aluminum and Presto’s reputation for longevity mean it’s built to last.
- Consistent Heat: Control Master® technology ensures even cooking temperatures.
- Energy Efficient: Often more efficient than using a traditional range burner or oven for many tasks.
Cons:
- Size and Weight: While a pro for capacity, its physical footprint and weight (especially when full) can be cumbersome for smaller individuals or limited counter space.
- Nonstick Durability: Like all nonstick coatings, it requires careful handling (no metal utensils) to prevent scratches and maintain its performance over time.
- Temperature Precision: While consistent, some professional chefs might find certain high-end models offer even finer temperature control, though for most home cooks, the Presto’s control is more than adequate.
- Not Ideal for Small Households: If you consistently cook for only one or two people, a 16-inch skillet might be overkill, and a smaller model could be more practical.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Presto Electric Skillet 16
Q1: What is the wattage of the Presto electric skillet 16?
Most Presto 16-inch electric skillets, like the 06857, operate at 1500 watts, providing ample power for quick and even heating.
Q2: Is the nonstick coating on the Presto electric skillet 16 safe?
Yes, many newer models feature PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coatings, which are designed for safe and healthy cooking. It’s always recommended to check the specific product description for the exact coating type.
Q3: Can I put my Presto electric skillet 16 in the dishwasher?
Yes, the skillet pan and the tempered glass cover are typically dishwasher safe once the Control Master® heat control unit has been removed. The heat control unit itself should never be submerged in water.
Q4: How does the foldaway feature work on the Presto 06857 16-inch electric skillet?
The foldaway feature allows you to detach the skillet pan from its base by folding down the handles. The base then nests inside the pan, and the inverted lid fits on top, significantly reducing the storage footprint.
Q5: What is the difference between the Presto 06856 and 06857 16-inch electric skillets?
Both are 16-inch electric skillets with ceramic nonstick surfaces. The primary distinction is that the 06857 is specifically the “Foldaway” model, featuring the detachable base and folding handles for compact storage, which the 06856 might not explicitly emphasize as its core feature, though many Presto 16-inch models share similar characteristics.
Conclusion
The Presto electric skillet 16 is more than just another kitchen gadget; it’s a versatile, reliable, and often space-saving appliance that empowers home cooks to create a wide variety of delicious meals with ease. Its generous cooking capacity, consistent temperature control, and easy-to-clean nonstick surface make it a true kitchen hero, especially for those who love to cook for family and friends. With models like the 06857 offering ingenious foldaway storage, Presto continues to innovate, ensuring that even large appliances can fit seamlessly into modern living. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your cooking capabilities and simplify your kitchen, diving into the world of the 16-inch Presto electric skillet might just be the best decision you make for your culinary journey. Embrace the convenience, explore the possibilities, and enjoy the delicious results!