Presto 05900 Wok Electric Wok: Full Review

Electric woks have become popular modern kitchen appliances, offering a versatile and convenient way to cook a variety of cuisines that traditionally use round-bottomed woks. Presto is a reputable American brand that has been manufacturing electric woks since the 1970s. With decades of experience perfecting electric wok technology, Presto aims to bring authentic stir-frying capabilities into home kitchens.

The Presto 05800 Electric Wok features a domed, premium stainless steel design optimized for quick, even heating and effortless maneuverability. As an early pioneer of electric woks, Presto has steadily improved upon key aspects like temperature control, heat distribution, and ease of use. While traditional Chinese woks are meant to be used over intense open flames, Presto electric woks allow home cooks to enjoy stir-frying, steaming, deep-frying, stewing, and more. This Presto electric wok review will cover its essential features, performance, and overall value as a versatile, efficient, and durable modern kitchen tool.

Design & Build Quality

The Presto 05900 Electric Wok features a durable brushed stainless steel exterior that resists scratches and fingerprints. The cooking surface is made from heavy cast aluminum, which heats quickly and evenly.

The wok feels solid and stable thanks to its sturdy base construction. The handles and control knob are made from heat-resistant plastic that remains cool during cooking.

Overall, the wok seems very well constructed with quality materials. The cooking surface has a smooth non-stick coating that should provide good durability with proper care. The brushed stainless exterior also seems like it will hold up well over time without showing excessive signs of wear and tear.

Users report that this wok feels solid, heavy, and well-built in their hands. The quality design and construction provide confidence that this wok was built to last for many years of regular cooking use.

Another option in the market is the Brentwood SK-69BK. This electric wok features a non-stick surface that ensures easy food release and hassle-free cleaning. It has adjustable temperature controls and a tempered glass lid, providing versatility for various cooking styles. The cool-touch handles and sturdy base add to its ergonomic design, making it a reliable choice for daily use. The Brentwood SK-69BK offers a robust, user-friendly cooking experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Cooking Performance

The Presto Electric Wok performs well when it comes to cooking. The 1500-watt heating element provides fast heat up times and efficient, even heating across the entire wok pan. This allows you to sear meats and veggies at a high heat to lock in flavors before stir frying your ingredients together.

The curved, sloped shape of the wok helps distribute heat evenly so you don't end up with burnt spots or cold spots when cooking. The premium TriPly base combines aluminum and stainless steel to provide excellent conductivity while also being thick and durable. This base construction makes the wok very responsive at adjusting temperatures.

The wok has enough power to achieve a high sear or boil when needed, but also allows precise temperature control on lower settings for simmering or keeping food warm. The range of heat settings gives you flexibility when cooking a full meal. Overall, the cooking performance rivals what you would expect from cooking over a gas flame with a traditional round-bottom wok.

Another excellent option for electric woks is the OVENTE SK3113B. This model features a powerful heating element that ensures quick and even cooking, coupled with a non-stick surface for easy food release. Its adjustable temperature control provides versatility for various cooking methods, from searing to simmering. The OVENTE SK3113B also comes with a tempered glass lid that allows you to monitor your cooking progress without losing heat.

Ease of Use

The Presto electric wok scores high marks in usability thanks to its thoughtful design and intuitive controls. The wok has a single knob to control temperature, making it easy to adjust the heat level. The slide out temperature probe helps ensure even heating and takes the guesswork out of temperature settings.

Cleaning the wok is also a breeze thanks to the nonstick coating and detachable probe. Food doesn't stick, so you can just wipe the wok out with a sponge or cloth after cooking. The probe detaches with the push of a button, allowing you to clean the entire wok surface.

In terms of shape and size, this wok performs well for sautéing and stir frying. The sloped sides and wide bottom are perfect for tossing and flipping food. The 14" diameter offers ample cooking surface to handle recipes for 2-4 people without crowding. The curved shape also makes it easy to spoon out finished dishes.

Safety Features

The Presto Electric Wok has several important safety features that make it easy and safe to use.

• It has an auto shut off feature that turns the wok off automatically if it's left on for an extended period of time. This prevents overheating or accidents if you forget to turn it off.

• The handle and side handles stay cool to the touch even during cooking. This protects against burns if you need to move or adjust the wok. The handle and side handles have a special design that prevents heat transfer.

• The controls are located on the base instead of on the wok itself. This keeps them safely out of the way during cooking when the wok can get extremely hot. The controls include power/temp settings and indicator lights. Locating them in the base makes them easy to access without risk of burns.

Size & Capacity

The Presto 05900 Electric Wok has a generous interior cooking surface and capacity that makes it suitable for cooking for both individuals and groups.

The interior cooking well measures 12 inches across, giving you plenty of surface area for stir frying and sautéing ingredients. With its 4 inch depth, the wok can comfortably handle large batches of food without overflowing.

While the 12 inch width may seem compact compared to a full-size wok, it's an appropriate size for home cooking. The Presto Electric Wok can sauté up to 7 cups of ingredients, enough for about 3-4 servings of a stir fry or sautéed dish. For larger gatherings and parties, the wok has a 14 cup capacity, letting you cook a main dish for 5-6 people.

The interior dimensions make this electric wok a flexible option for everyday cooking. You can use it to quickly sauté vegetables or protein for 1-2 people on a weeknight. The spacious interior also allows you to cook complete stir fry meals for a family dinner or gatherings with friends. Overall, it's a good mid-sized electric wok that works for both individual portions or bulk cooking.

Price

The Presto 05900 Electric Wok typically retails for around $60 USD. This puts it at the lower end of the price range for electric woks, with many models costing $80-100 or more.

Given the quality and performance of the Presto, it offers excellent value for money. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of pricier models, it delivers where it matters most - in cooking ability. The Presto can stir fry, steam, simmer soups, and deep fry with ease. It heats up quickly and cooks food evenly.

For a mid-priced electric wok, buyers would be hard pressed to find a better option than the Presto. It's an affordable option suitable for most home kitchens. Frugal cooks will appreciate the Presto's combination of functionality, durability, and reasonable price point. It's a great entry-level electric wok that outperforms many models that cost significantly more.

Pros

• Cooking performance is excellent for stir fries and deep frying - heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly. Users report being able to cook restaurant-quality dishes at home.

• Size and capacity make it ideal for cooking for 2-4 people. The flat bottom provides ample cooking surface area.

• Well-designed stainless steel body is attractive, durable and easy to clean. Removable temperature control probe can be washed separately.

• Safety features like the stay-cool handles and tempered glass lid make this user-friendly. The lid helps avoid splatter and allows monitoring during cooking.

• Simple to operate - just set desired temperature using the adjustable thermostat up to 400°F. Heating light indicates when it's fully preheated and ready to cook.

Cons

• The wok has a small 14-inch cooking surface which can make cooking for more than 2 people challenging. You'll have to cook in smaller batches.

• There are complaints that the base is not heavy enough to keep the wok balanced and stable during cooking, especially when loaded with food. It can shift around easily.

• While the wok heats up quickly, some users report the sides do not get as hot as the base. This can make stir frying less efficient since the food on the sides cooks slower.

• The nonstick coating may start chipping and peeling off after a year or two of regular use. Replacing the nonstick coating can be difficult.

Conclusion

The Presto 05900 1500-Watt Stainless Steel Electric Wok is a solid choice for an electric wok that offers good versatility and performance for the price. With its ample 7-quart capacity, it can handle cooking for larger groups. The stainless steel body evenly heats food and is easy to clean. The non-stick coating provides good food release.

The curved cooking surface mimics traditional round-bottom woks, allowing for efficient stir-frying. The heat is adjustable up to 1500 watts. The spoon, spatula, and lid further aid in cooking different ingredients. Safety features like the cool-touch base and handles protect users. Minor downsides are the heavier weight and potential learning curve coming from stove top woks.

Overall, home cooks looking for an electric wok would be satisfied with the Presto 05900. It delivers fast, even heating and good cooking functionality. For an electric option, it competes well with stove top woks in terms of mimicking high heat stir-frying. The size can accommodate cooking for families and guests. Just be prepared to make some adjustments from traditional wok cooking. But the Presto 05900 makes a great addition for expanding cooking options at home.