Presto 06850 Electric Wok: Full Review

The Presto 06850 electric wok has been a popular choice for many years. As a pioneer in the electric cooking appliance industry since the early 1900s, Presto is known for making quality and convenient products like electric griddles, deep fryers, pressure cookers and more.

The Presto 06850 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet was originally released in the late 1990s and has since become one of the best-selling electric woks on the market. This electric wok combines the traditional round cooking pan design with advanced heating technology and useful features for modern cooks.

With its durable cast aluminum body, 1500-watt heating element, tempered glass cover and cool-touch handles, the Presto 06850 aims to bring the versatile wok cooking experience into any home kitchen. It allows users to stir-fry, braise, simmer, sear and more, all with an electric nonstick wok appliance.

Overall, the Presto 16-inch electric wok remains popular for its ease of use, versatility and quality construction. This review will dive into the key features, benefits and drawbacks of this electric wok model after decades on the market.

Design & Build Quality

The Presto 06850 16-inch electric skillet is made with heavy cast aluminum, which helps distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface. The base and walls of the skillet have a thick, sturdy feel that gives the impression it will hold up well over time.

The handles are made of phenolic material that stays cool while cooking. The skillet sits on a frame of stainless steel legs with plastic feet that prevent sliding on countertops. Overall, the materials seem durable and designed for daily cooking use.

Some reviewers mentioned the plastic knobs and handle felt a little flimsy compared to the metal body. But most noted the skillet still felt solidly constructed, especially for the price point. The quality seems comparable to similar products in this range.

While not as heavy duty as commercial skillets, the Presto provides residential home cooks with a reasonably well-built electric skillet for general cooking tasks. The materials strike a balance between affordability and quality construction.

Heating Element & Temperature Control

The Presto 06850 electric skillet features a powerful 1500-watt heating element that quickly brings the cooking surface up to temperature and recovers heat rapidly after adding food. The heavy cast aluminum base does an excellent job conducting heat evenly across the entire 16-inch cooking surface.

The temperature is precisely controlled between 200-400°F by a thermostat control with settings clearly marked at low, medium and high heat. This allows you to pan fry and sauté at lower temps or bring it up to 400°F for searing steaks or stir frying. The broad temperature range gives flexibility for anything from keeping dips and appetizers warm up to frying and cooking main dishes.

Testers found the skillet heats up in just a few minutes. Once preheated, it maintains the set temperature consistently throughout cooking with only minimal fluctuation when adding larger amounts of ingredients. This ensures food is cooked evenly without scorching or burning. The powerful heating element and well-designed base recover heat rapidly even after adding a pound or more of frozen food.

Cooking Surface & Nonstick Properties

The Presto electric wok has a large 16 inch diameter cooking surface, providing enough room to cook for multiple people or make large batches of food. It is made of heavy cast aluminum that distributes heat evenly across the entire cooking surface.

The wok features Presto's proprietary nonstick coating called Slide, which is PFOA and PTFE free. The Slide coating allows food to easily release from the surface with minimal sticking. Many users report being able to cook eggs and other delicate foods without any oil or butter needed.

Clean up after cooking is simple due to the nonstick surface. Food residue wipes away easily with a soft sponge or cloth. The nonstick properties also make the wok surface resistant to stains and scratches. You can use metal utensils without damaging the coating.

Ease of Use

The Electric Presto Wok is designed for convenience and ease of use. The controls are simple with just an on/off switch and a temperature dial. The dial allows you to precisely control the temperature from warm all the way up to 400°F.

The glass lid fits securely and has a vent hole to allow steam to escape. The stay-cool handles on the wok and lid make it easy to remove the lid safely while cooking. The handles fold down when not in use for compact storage.

The nonstick surface and slope shape of the wok make stirring and tossing food effortless. Food slides easily without sticking. The base is weighted to provide stability when cooking and flipping foods like stir fry.

Overall, the controls and design of the Presto Electric Wok are very user-friendly. The simplistic dial and switch, secure lid, stay-cool handles, nonstick surface, and weighted base allow even novice cooks to use this wok with confidence.

Safety Features

The Presto 06850 electric wok has several important safety features that make it convenient and safe to use.

One key safety feature is the automatic temperature control that prevents overheating. If the temperature exceeds normal cooking temperatures, the heating element automatically turns off. This prevents the wok from getting too hot which could lead to burning food or even becoming a fire hazard.

The electric wok also has cool-touch side handles. The sides of the wok stay relatively cool while cooking. This allows you to pick up and maneuver the wok more comfortably without worrying about burning your hands on hot metal. The handle is also riveted to the wok for durability.

Additionally, the tempered glass lid fits tightly and helps prevent spills or splashes while cooking. It has a vent hole to allow steam to escape.

Together these well-designed safety features give an added peace of mind when cooking with the Presto electric wok, especially for beginners learning how to use an electric wok for the first time. You can cook with confidence knowing the wok is designed to prevent accidental overheating or burns.

Accessories

The Presto 06850 electric skillet comes with several handy accessories to enhance the cooking experience. Notably, it includes a stainless steel spatula that is heat resistant up to 400°F. The spatula has a long handle and wide blade, making it easy to flip and maneuver food in the skillet.

The electric skillet also comes with a detachable temperature probe. This probe allows you to accurately monitor the internal temperature of meats and dishes as they cook. Simply insert the probe into the food, and it will display the real-time temperature on the control panel. This takes the guesswork out of determining doneness and ensures your food is cooked properly without over or undercooking.

Having these useful accessories included right in the box adds functionality and value. The spatula makes cooking tasks like stirring and flipping effortless, while the temperature probe provides precision and control for perfectly cooked results every time. These extras help justify the price of the Presto electric skillet while enhancing the overall user experience.

Durability

The Presto 06850 16-inch Electric Skillet is known for its durability and ability to hold up well over time. The heavy cast aluminum base is resistant to warping and provides even heat distribution. Users report the nonstick surface holding up nicely even with regular use over several years. The stay-cool handles are secured with stainless steel rivets that remain sturdy.

The most fragile part tends to be the tempered glass lid. While lids can crack if dropped, the glass is quite durable under normal conditions. As long as owners are careful not to drop or bang the lid around, it should last for many years.

The skillet body itself does not seem prone to denting, chipping or cracking under regular use. As long as it is not subjected to overheating, burns or extreme impact, the skillet should maintain its integrity. Overall, with proper care, most owners can expect this Presto electric skillet to provide a good lifespan of steady performance.

Warranty

The Presto 06850 electric skillet comes with a standard 1-year limited warranty from the manufacturer. This covers defects in material and workmanship. However, it does not cover normal wear and tear, misuse, or damage that occurs from using it improperly.

The warranty is valid only if the electric skillet is purchased brand new through an authorized retailer. Make sure to register the skillet and save the receipt as proof of purchase, as these may be required when submitting a warranty claim.

The warranty process involves contacting Presto's customer service department. They will request information about the issue, and may request photos as well. If the defect qualifies for coverage under the warranty terms, Presto will either repair or replace the electric skillet at no cost.

Keep in mind the warranty only applies to the original purchaser and is not transferable. Also, any warranty repairs need to be handled directly through Presto rather than the retailer where it was purchased. As long as the electric skillet is used properly under normal household conditions, the 1-year limited warranty provides assurance that any manufacturing issues will be taken care of.

Pros & Cons

The Presto 06850 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet has many great features but also some downsides to consider:

Pros

• Large 16-inch cooking surface with tempered glass cover - provides ample space for cooking and keeps in heat and moisture
• Heavy cast aluminum base heats quickly and evenly
• Fully immersible and dishwasher safe - easy to clean
• Variable temperature control (200°F-400°F) - versatile for many cooking tasks
• Handles stay cool while cooking - protects against accidental burns
• Foldable design - saves storage space
• 1-year limited warranty

Cons

• Nonstick coating may degrade over time
• Short power cord limits placement options
• Heavyweight is not ideal for portable use
• Temperature dial lacks precise calibrations
• No vent in lid to allow steam release
• Durability issues reported in some user reviews
• Relatively expensive compared to other electric skillets

Overall, the Presto electric skillet performs well for an indoor countertop appliance but has some limitations depending on intended use. The large cooking surface and slide-out spout are handy features, but the skillet may not suit those wanting a lightweight portable option.