Presto 06626 Electric Wok: Full Review

The Presto 06626 Electric Wok is a versatile kitchen appliance that allows you to stir-fry, pan fry, simmer, and more. This electric wok features a tempered glass cover and nonstick surface for quick cleanup. With a heavy cast aluminum base and generous 12-inch cooking surface, the Presto 06626 Electric Wok is ideal for cooking family-sized meals. The built-in spatter shield helps contain mess while you cook. Variable temperature control ranging from warm to 400°F gives you flexibility. The stay-cool handles and separate heat base allow for safe handling. Overall, the Presto 06626 Electric Wok aims to deliver professional stir-frying results in your home kitchen.

Design

The Presto 06626 Electric Skillet has an attractive and functional design that makes it easy to use for a variety of cooking tasks. It features a heavy cast aluminum base that provides even heating across the entire cooking surface. The base has a nonstick coating that allows for easy food release and quick cleanup.

The skillet itself is rectangular in shape, with dimensions of 16.5 x 11.5 inches, providing a large cooking area that can accommodate several servings at once. It has gently sloping sides that make tossing food easy. The tempered glass lid fits snugly to lock in heat, moisture, and flavor.

The handles on either side of the skillet are made of cool-touch plastic that remains cool even during extended cooking times. This allows you to grab the skillet safely without the need for potholders. There is also a helper handle on the glass lid for easy lifting.

Overall, the design is well-executed for functionality, usability, and durability during the cooking process. The large surface area and slope of the sides make cooking a breeze, while the nonstick surface and cool-touch handles enhance ease of use.

Temperature Control

The Presto 06626 electric wok features an adjustable thermostat that allows you to precisely control the cooking temperature. The thermostat ranges from warm all the way up to 400°F, giving you a wide range of temperatures for anything from keeping food warm to searing and stir frying.

The unique Radiant Control Heat Technology uses a heavy cast aluminum base to distribute heat evenly across the entire cooking surface. This ensures there are no hot or cold spots, so food cooks consistently no matter where it's placed in the wok.

Inside the base is a embedded spiral heating element that generates up to 1500 watts of power. This provides very fast heat up times, going from room temperature to 400°F in just minutes. The powerful heating element allows you to sear meat and vegetables at high temperatures for delicious caramelization and flavor.

The adjustable thermostat and rapid heating element give you precise control over cooking temperatures. You can fine tune the heat level for everything from simmering sauces to stir frying at high heat. This makes the Presto electric wok extremely versatile for all kinds of one-pot meals.

Ease of Use

The Presto 06626 electric wok is designed for convenience and ease of use.

Setup

Setting up the Presto 06626 is very straightforward. The nonstick surface means you don't have to season it before first use. Just unpack it, wash the interior, attach the heat control, and plug it in. The extra-long cord allows flexibility in placement on your countertop or table.

Cleaning

Clean-up after cooking is simple. The nonstick surface prevents food from sticking and makes washing the wok by hand fast and easy. The tempered glass lid and base are dishwasher safe as well. The exterior plastic and handles just need a quick wipe down.

Storage

The Presto 06626 has a slim profile and nesting base so it can stand upright for convenient storage. The lid fits inside the wok so the entire unit takes up minimal space. The compact design is perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or RVs.

Cooking Performance

The Presto 06626 Electric Wok excels when it comes to cooking performance. The 1500 watt heating element heats up quickly and recovers temperature rapidly when ingredients are added. This allows you to sear meats at high heat or simmer sauces at low temps with ease.

The aluminum body also promotes even heating across the entire cooking surface. Foods cook evenly without hot or cold spots. Many reviewers mention how well the wok browns items without scorching.

In terms of versatility, the Presto Wok can be used for all kinds of cooking tasks. The large interior can accommodate stir fries, braises, deep frying, steaming and more. The tempered glass lid allows you to trap heat and moisture when desired. And the non-stick surface makes cleanup a breeze after cooking anything from sticky rice to crêpes.

Overall, the cooking performance of the Presto 06626 Wok is highly rated. It brings excellent heat delivery, temperature consistency and versatility to the table. Home cooks find it an extremely capable tool for everyday meals or special occasion dishes.

Safety Features

The Presto 06626 electric skillet has several useful safety features. The nonstick coating prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning easier. It's made from durable ceramic titanium that does not contain PTFE or PFOA. The cool-touch handle stays relatively cool while cooking. This allows grasping and maneuvering the skillet safely. There are no worries about burns from an overheated handle. The tempered glass lid allows monitoring cooking progress without releasing heat or moisture. It has a rim to prevent spills when removing the lid. The skillet base is well-balanced and stable on the counter. There are no small feet that could allow tipping. The wok is sturdy enough for using metal utensils without scratching the surface. Overall, the safety features allow comfortable use when cooking a variety of recipes.

Durability

The Electric Wok Presto 06626 is built to last thanks to its sturdy and durable construction. The wok pan itself is made from heavy cast aluminum which provides even heating and avoids hot spots. The cast aluminum is coated in a premium DuPont Teflon non-stick interior that prevents food from sticking.

Many customers note that the non-stick surface holds up well even after months or years of regular use without chipping or peeling. The heavy gauge aluminum pan does not warp or dent easily either. The tempered glass lid is also durable and resists cracking or breaking.

The base and heat control probe are made of quality stainless steel and engineered for longevity and performance. Owners comment that the wok works like new after years of use. The materials, components, and construction suggest this electric wok could easily last 5+ years with proper care. Overall, many reviewers say the Electric Wok Presto 06626 is a high-quality and durable electric wok that will provide years of cooking performance.

Accessories

The Presto 06626 electric wok comes with a range of useful accessories for cooking and cleaning.

Included Accessories

• Tempered glass lid - The sturdy glass lid allows you to view food while it's cooking and traps in heat and moisture.

• Spatula - A long metal spatula is included for tossing and stirring food during cooking.

• Ring extender - This plastic ring clips onto the sides of the wok, increasing the cooking surface by up to 40%. Great for cooking larger batches of food.

• Owners manual - Includes recipes and cooking tips specific to the Presto electric wok.

Optional Extras

• Steaming tray - Fits on top of the wok with the lid on. Allows you to steam vegetables, dumplings etc.

• Stir fry basket - Use to deep fry foods like donuts, fries, chicken wings etc. Lifts foods out of the oil for mess-free frying.

• Tempura rack - Create authentic Japanese tempura with this bamboo rack that hangs over the oil.

• Extra plastic spatulas/utensils - It can be useful to have multiple utensils when stir frying.

• Non-stick cooking spray - Helps prevent food sticking to the wok's non-stick surface.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Large capacity wok can cook for multiple people
• Quickly and evenly heats food thanks to aluminum body
• Temperature goes up to 400°F for searing and high-heat cooking
• Tempered glass lid allows monitoring cooking without lifting lid
• Cool-touch base and handles for safety
• Nonstick surface for easy cooking and cleanup
• Dishwasher-safe for convenience
• 1-year warranty provides peace of mind

Cons:

• Heavy and bulky, not ideal for moving frequently
• Only available in black color option
• Shape limits some cooking techniques like tossing food
• Nonstick surface can scratch over time
• May get too hot on highest settings without stirring
• Short power cord may require extension cord

Conclusion

Overall, the Presto 06626 Electric Skillet is a well-designed electric wok that performs impressively for everyday cooking tasks. It heats up quickly and evenly distributes heat to provide fast, consistent cooking results. The unique spheroid shape and nonstick surface allow easy maneuverability of food with the included spatula.

The stay-cool handles and heat-resistant glass lid add safety and convenience when cooking. And the wrap-around heating element enables flexible usage for stir-frying, pan frying, stewing, and more - rivaling a stovetop wok. While an exterior plastic smell may be off-putting initially, it dissipates quickly with use and enables lightweight portability.

For its size and price point, the Presto 06626 Electric Skillet is comparable to other mid-range electric woks like the Aroma Housewares AEW-306 and the Elite Gourmet EG-6203. However, its additional safety features and included spatula for maneuvering food give it an edge.

With its versatile cooking capabilities and added bonuses, the Presto 06626 Electric Skillet is an excellent option for home cooks seeking an electric wok for preparing quick weekday meals. It delivers reliable performance worthy of a place among any kitchen's essential cooking tools.