Presto 06856 Electric Wok: Full Review

The Presto 06856 Electric Skillet is a versatile electric skillet that can be used for a variety of cooking tasks. It features a durable ceramic nonstick cooking surface and an aluminum base for quick, even heating. With its sizeable cooking area and high side walls, the Presto 06856 is great for preparing larger meals. The built-in temperature control allows you to precisely adjust the cooking temperature from warm up to 400°F. With convenient features like a spatter shield and pouring spout, this electric skillet aims to make cooking easier and less messy. If you're looking for an electric skillet that can handle anything from frying to simmering, the Presto 06856 is worth considering.

Design

The Presto 06856 electric skillet has a sleek and modern design with a heavy cast aluminum base and ceramic nonstick coating interior. This durable ceramic coating provides even heat distribution and easy food release without using harmful PTFE or PFOA chemicals. The coating is designed to be scratch resistant and metal utensil safe.

The base has steep walls and a flat bottom optimized for stability and usability. There is no awkward sloped side like some electric skillets have. The walls are high enough to contain food splatters but not so high that using a spatula is difficult.

The brushed stainless steel exterior lends an elegant touch. The handles stay cool while cooking due to a "Cool Touch" design. Overall, the skillet's design focuses on user-friendly functionality rather than flashy aesthetics.

Size

With a 16 inch cooking surface, the Presto 06856 Electric Wok provides ample room to cook for multiple people or large batches. The substantial 16 inch diameter allows you to stir fry veggies, meats, noodles, and more, without feeling cramped. Even when cooking a full meal for a family, you'll have plenty of space to toss and move ingredients around.

Compared to smaller 12 inch electric woks, the Presto really shines when cooking larger quantities. A 16 inch surface means over 200 square inches to work with. That's nearly double a 12 inch wok! When doing meal prep or planning leftovers, the extra room is invaluable. Even a single person can benefit from the size, allowing you to cook multiple dishes at once in different areas of the wok.

Temperature Control

One of the key features of the Presto 06856 Electric Skillet is its adjustable temperature control, which allows you to precisely control the cooking temperature. The control knob lets you adjust the temperature from a low of 200°F all the way up to 400°F. This gives you a wide range of temperatures to work with whether simmering sauces, frying foods, or anything in between.

The skillet heats up quickly and maintains the set temperature well. The base is made of heavy cast aluminum that distributes heat evenly across the entire cooking surface. Once it reaches the desired temperature, the thermostat does an excellent job of regulating the heat to stay within +/- 10 degrees of the dial setting. This allows you to cook foods at a steady temperature for optimal results.

The temperature control knob also has a warm setting that keeps food at an ideal serving temperature without continuing to cook it. This makes the Presto electric skillet great for serving dishes like dips, appetizers, and more at get-togethers. Overall, the adjustable thermostat gives you exceptional control over cooking temperatures.

Easy to Clean

The Presto 06856 Electric Skillet is designed for quick and easy cleaning. One of the best features is that the skillet is fully immersible and dishwasher-safe.

The non-stick ceramic coating prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning a breeze. Food residue wipes off easily with a sponge or cloth. You don't have to scrub hard or use harsh chemicals to clean this skillet.

The skillet's surfaces are smooth without cracks or crevices where food can get trapped. This allows you to fully immerse the pan in water to loosen any remaining bits of food. The entire skillet can be submerged safely without damaging the electrical components.

For the ultimate convenience, the entire unit can be placed right in the dishwasher. The ceramic coating is durable enough to withstand regular dishwasher cleaning. Just remove the temperature probe before washing.

The ability to fully immerse and dishwasher wash the Presto Electric Skillet makes cleanup a snap. No more wasting time scrubbing a pan after cooking.

Safety Features

The Presto 06856 Electric Skillet has several useful safety features that help protect users while cooking. One of the most notable is the stay-cool handles that remain cool to the touch even when the skillet reaches high temperatures.

The handles are made of a plastic material that provides excellent insulation from the heat of the skillet. This allows you to safely grip and maneuver the skillet without worrying about burning your hands. Even after an extended period of cooking at 400°F, the handles barely get warm.

The tempered glass lid also has a stay-cool knob. Like the handles, it resists heat buildup so you can remove the lid without getting burned. Between the stay-cool handles and lid knob, Presto put thought into protecting users from accidental contact burns.

The base is designed to maintain stability and prevent tipping. It has a wide flattened rim and rubber feet to grip countertops. This keeps the heavy skillet firmly planted when stirring ingredients or removing food. Overall, the various safety features give users peace of mind when cooking up meals in this electric skillet.

Performance

The Presto 06856 Electric Skillet provides even heating across its entire cooking surface for consistent cooking results. The heavy cast aluminum base is designed to distribute heat evenly so foods cook thoroughly without hot or cold spots. This is especially useful when cooking items like pancakes, eggs, or meats that need an evenly heated pan. The nonstick surface also helps prevent food from burning or sticking.

Reviewers consistently remark on how the Presto Electric Skillet heats up quickly and maintains its temperature well when cooking. Once it reaches the desired temperature, the skillet does an excellent job holding a steady heat level to cook foods properly without scorching or undercooking. The 1200 watt heating element provides plenty of power for fast heat-up times and maintaining temperatures during cooking. Overall, the even heating performance allows you to cook a wide variety of foods easily and consistently.

Ease of Use

The Presto Electric Skillet 06856 is very easy to use thanks to its straightforward control knob. There is just one knob to control the temperature, making it simple to adjust the heat as needed while cooking. The temperature ranges from warm all the way up to 400°F, giving you a wide range of settings for anything from keeping food warm to searing a steak.

Unlike some electric skillets that have confusing buttons and controls, the single knob means you don't have to decipher complicated controls to use the Presto. Just turn the knob to your desired temperature and you're ready to cook. The knob allows you to precisely set the temperature needed for a recipe.

Cleaning up after cooking is also simple with the Presto. The base is fully immersible so you can soak the entire skillet in water to loosen any stuck-on food. The ceramic non-stick coating makes cleanup a breeze as well. Food doesn't stick much, and any residue wipes away easily when hand washing.

Overall, the ease of use of the Presto Electric Skillet 06856 makes it an excellent option for anyone looking for a straightforward electric skillet. The simple temperature knob and effortless cleanup allow you to spend time enjoying your food, not fussing with controls.

Durability

The Presto 06856 Electric Wok has a very durable build quality thanks to its cast aluminum base. Aluminum is known for being lightweight yet strong, making it an ideal material for kitchen appliances.

The cast aluminum base provides even heat distribution and retention. It heats up quickly and retains the heat well during cooking. This allows you to sear and stir fry ingredients properly.

Additionally, the cast aluminum is highly resistant to warping, denting or deforming even with repeated high heat cooking. It maintains its shape over many years of regular use.

The non-stick coating is also quite durable, providing good release and easy cleanup. It holds up well to metal utensils, abrasive scouring and dishwasher cleaning. With proper care, the non-stick should last for several years before needing re-seasoning.

Overall, the sturdy aluminum construction and reliable non-stick surface make this wok a highly durable option built to last through frequent stir frying sessions. The materials stand up to high heat and regular use without degrading over time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The Presto Electric Skillet provides even and consistent heating across the entire cooking surface. This allows you to cook ingredients thoroughly without hot or cold spots.

• The nonstick ceramic coating makes cleaning up after cooking a breeze. Food does not stick, and any messes wipe away with little effort.

• The ceramic nonstick coating is high quality and durable. It does not contain harmful PFOA or PTFE chemicals. The coating allows for low fat cooking with little to no oil needed.

Cons

• The skillet is heavy, weighing over 7 pounds. This makes it harder to move and store.

• The base is not induction compatible, so it cannot be used on induction cooktops.

• There are some reports of scratches forming in the nonstick coating over time. This can lead to food sticking if not careful.

• The temperature probe/controller is not detachable or replaceable. If it breaks you may have to replace the whole unit.