Presto 06858 Electric Wok: Full Review

The Presto 06858 Slimline Skillet is an electric wok produced by the National Presto Industries company. Presto has been manufacturing high-quality kitchen appliances and cookware in the United States for over 100 years. The brand is perhaps best known for introducing the original pressure cooker to the American market in the 1930s.

Presto's expertise in cooking technology is evident in the innovative design and performance of the Slimline Skillet Electric Wok. This versatile small appliance aims to bring the traditional round-bottomed wok cooking experience into the modern American kitchen. With Presto's history of innovation and focus on durability, the Slimline Skillet promises reliable performance and excellent cooking results.

Overview

The Presto 06858 Slimline Skillet is an electric wok designed for quick and easy frying, stir frying, sautéing, steaming and more. Made out of heavy cast aluminum, this wok heats rapidly and provides even heat distribution. The cooking surface is 12 inches which provides ample space for cooking ingredients in bulk while the sloped sides allow easy tossing and stirring.

This wok features Presto's smart skillet temperature control which maintains optimal cooking temperatures automatically. There are also preset options for warming, simmering and high heat searing. The tempered glass cover traps in heat and moisture for faster cooking times. Other useful features include the easy grip handle, spoon holder and pour spout for mess-free serving.

With its durable nonstick interior, this electric wok allows for low oil cooking and easy cleanup. The base detaches from the wok for fast washing by hand or in the dishwasher. This versatile appliance can be used to prepare everything from stir fries to scrambled eggs. The compact footprint saves storage space in the kitchen. Overall, the Presto 06858 Slimline Skillet combines solid performance and functionality in a quality electric wok.

Design

The Presto 06858 Electric Wok has an attractive and functional design optimized for stir-frying. It features a domed, nonstick cooking surface with sloped sides that keep ingredients centered in the wok while cooking.

The nonstick surface is durable and easy to clean. It provides excellent food release so ingredients don't stick. The base is made of heavy cast aluminum that heats quickly and evenly.

The stay-cool handle is made of brushed stainless steel and designed for a secure grip. It has a loop on the end for hanging storage. The tempered glass lid fits tightly to lock in heat, moisture and nutrients. It has a stainless steel rim and handle to stay cool while cooking.

The base detaches from the wok for easy cleaning and storage. Rubber feet on the base help keep it stable on the countertop during use. Overall, the wok is thoughtfully designed for excellent cooking performance.

Temperature Control

The Presto Electric Wok offers adjustable temperature control with a dial that allows you to select heat settings ranging from warm all the way up to high heat searing. The temperature dial gives you a wide array of options between 200 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the Presto wok extremely versatile for cooking everything from delicate foods that require low gentle heat all the way up to stir frying and searing at the highest temperatures.

The dial allows you to precisely control the heat based on the dish you are cooking. For example, you may want to keep the heat lower for cooking fish or eggs, then turn up the heat for stir frying vegetables and meats. The ability to finely tune the temperature gives you complete control over your cooking.

Cooking Performance

The Presto Electric Skillet / Wok cooks food evenly and efficiently. Its non-stick surface allows you to cook with little or no oil, and makes cleanup easy.

The skillet heats up quickly and retains heat well to sear meats and vegetables. Many users report that steaks and chops cook perfectly with a nice brown exterior while staying juicy inside. Stir frys also turn out great with nicely seared veggies and tender protein.

The wide cooking surface provides plenty of room to cook large batches. You can toss vegetables or other ingredients easily thanks to the large 12" diameter cooking area. It's great for cooking things like fajita veggies, shrimp and chicken for multiple people.

Rice and other grains cook up light and fluffy in the Electric Skillet. The non-stick surface prevents sticking or burning on the bottom. One handy feature is that you can remove the temperature probe and cover to cook faster when desired.

Overall the cooking performance is excellent for an electric skillet. It provides fast, even heat with versatile cooking options like pan frying, stir frying, simmering sauces, and more. The non-stick surface makes cooking and cleanup a breeze.

Ease of Use

The Presto Electric Skillet has been specially designed for convenient and effortless wok cooking with its slightly sloped sides and open design. Unlike traditional woks, it doesn’t require seasoning or vigorous stirring which makes cooking a breeze.

Setting up the wok is very straightforward. You simply need to unpack it, wash the interior, attach the heat control and plug it in. The non-stick surface means you won’t have to oil it before cooking either.

When it comes to cooking, the Presto makes stir frying, sautéing and stewing super simple. The slide-out temperature probe lets you adjust the heat precisely without having to lift the lid. You can just set it and mostly leave it alone while your ingredients cook thanks to the tight-fitting tempered glass cover which locks in heat and moisture.

Cleaning up after use is fuss-free too. The non-stick surface means food doesn’t stick and burnt residue wipes away easily. The wok and lid are also dishwasher safe. After cooking, you can simply wipe it out or pop it in the dishwasher.

The open design allows for easy access during cooking and cleaning. Overall, the Presto Electric Skillet offers effortless wok cooking from start to finish. Its convenient setup, use and clean up makes it an easy addition to any kitchen.

Safety Features

The Presto Electric Skillet has several handy safety features that make it a secure choice for everyday cooking.

• It comes equipped with overheat protection that automatically shuts off the skillet if temperatures reach a point that could be dangerous. This prevents potential fires or burns from excess heat.

• The base of the skillet has nonslip feet that keep it firmly planted on your countertop. This prevents sliding or movement that could lead to spills or accidents.

• For picking up and moving the skillet, there is a cool touch handle that remains safe to grip even when the pan itself gets hot. You don't have to worry about burning your hands while cooking.

• The tempered glass lid fits tightly and allows you to monitor cooking safely. It also prevents spattering grease from making a mess.

• There is a dramaic red light indicator that turns on when the skillet is powered up and hot. This gives a clear visual warning to avoid direct contact with the cooking surface.

Overall, Presto seems to have made safety a priority with this electric skillet. Multiple features protect you, your home, and your family while cooking.

Size and Storage

The Presto 06858 Electric Wok measures 21 inches wide and 12 inches deep, with a cooking surface diameter of 12 inches. At just under 7 pounds, it has a nice compact footprint that doesn't take up a ton of space on your counter or in storage.

The base detaches from the wok itself, allowing both parts to nest inside each other for storage. This helps minimize the amount of cabinet space needed. The glass lid can also be stored nested inside the pan.

Overall, the size is optimal for most home kitchens. It provides enough cooking surface to make stir fry or other one-dish meals, without being overly bulky or difficult to store. The nesting design is great for tucking it away neatly when not in use.

Price

As a unit that provides a full range of versatile cooking capabilities, the Presto Electric Wok represents an excellent value for the price. Though not the absolute lowest priced model on the market, it comes in at a very reasonable cost given its combination of features, reliability, and performance.

Many buyers praise the Presto as an ideal electric wok for the money. It costs significantly less than many comparable electric woks with similar capabilities and quality. While basic entry-level electric woks exist for lower prices, the Presto offers noticeable advantages over those basic units for just a small difference in price.

At around $50-60 USD, the Presto hits a sweet spot between affordability and functionality. For households that want a capable electric wok for everyday cooking without breaking the budget, the Presto presents an appealing choice. It provides a lot of value and versatility for the investment. The reasonable price point makes it accessible for most kitchens.

So in terms of striking the optimal balance between price and capabilities, the Presto Electric Wok hits a winning formula. It brings a full suite of useful features and solid performance without the high cost of some electric wok models. For shoppers seeking quality and functionality on a budget, the Presto is hard to beat for the price.

Pros and Cons

• Pros
  • Large cooking surface - 16 inches across provides ample room for cooking
  • Even heating - aluminum body and fully embedded heating element distributes heat evenly
  • User-friendly controls - precise temperature control up to 400°F
  • Versatile - can be used for frying, sautéing, steaming, simmering, braising and more
  • Cool-touch handle - stays cool while cooking to prevent burns
  • Dishwasher-safe - removable pot and tempered glass lid can be cleaned in the dishwasher
  • Compact storage - handy cord wrap underneath for tidy storage
• Cons
  • Heavy - weighs over 7 lbs so not the most portable option
  • Nonstick coating less durable over time
  • Shape not ideal for stir frying - curved sides cause ingredients to pile up
  • Temperature lacks fine-tuned precision - 25 degree increments between settings

This summarizes the main pros as the large cooking surface, even heating, user-friendly controls, versatility, cool-touch handle, dishwasher-safe parts, and compact storage. The main cons are the heavy weight, nonstick durability concerns, shape not suited for stir frying, and imprecise temperature settings.