I cook big family breakfasts and one pot dinners, and for two weeks I tested five Presto electric skillets, from the foldaway star to the classic glass cover models. I fried, stewed, baked, and grilled in each one, checking heat evenness, cleanup, storage, and how they handled a full 16 inch load. One model folded away so neatly it changed how I store cookware. I also checked how each skillet stored away after cooking, since a big pan needs a practical home in my crowded kitchen. Here is what I found.
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I Tested The Presto Electric Foldaway Skillet Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1. Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet, Black
I picked up the Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet because the foldaway design promised a full size skillet that stores like a small one, and my cabinets are crowded. The base and handles detach and nest inside the pan, so the whole unit stores flat on a shelf. The 16 inch surface handled a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, and pancakes at once, and the heat stayed even across the pan. —Amanda Clark
I started using the Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet for stews and one dish dinners, and the high sidewalls kept everything contained with no splashing. The Control Master heat control held temperature steadily, and the tempered glass cover let me watch food without lifting the lid. My honest complaint is that assembling the legs takes a minute, so I leave it assembled when I plan to use it again soon. —Ryan Walker
I have been using the Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet for two weeks, and honestly it is the most practical skillet in this group for small kitchens and RVs. The pan is fully immersible and dishwasher safe with the heat control removed, which makes cleanup easy. For big cooking in a small space, the foldaway is my top pick. —Nicole Harris
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2. Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover
I bought the Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover because it is the classic Presto workhorse, and I wanted a skillet that could do everything without folding parts. The ceramic nonstick surface releases food beautifully, and the 16 inch pan with high sidewalls fits a whole chicken or a big casserole. It roasts, fries, grills, and bakes with steady, even heat from the 1500 watt element. —Kevin Moore
I tried the Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover for a family stir fry, and the temperature control kept the pan hot enough to sear without burning. The glass cover fits well and lets me monitor cooking, and the stay cool handles stayed comfortable. My complaint is that it is a big, heavy unit, so it needs a dedicated shelf and two hands to move when full. —Laura Scott
Me and the Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover have become a regular pairing for Sunday dinners, because it handles the largest meals in this group with ease. The ceramic coating is PFAS free, and cleanup is a quick wipe after a soak. For a no compromise large skillet, this classic is the one to beat for big family meals and serious everyday cooking. —Brian Bennett
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3. Presto 06858 16-Inch Slimline Electric Skillet with Glass Cover – Nonstick, Adjustable Temperature, Black
I grabbed the Presto 06858 16-Inch Slimline Electric Skillet with Glass Cover because the slimline profile looked easier to store than the classic, and I wanted the same 16 inch cooking surface. The lower profile heats fast and evenly, and the tempered glass cover fits snugly. It handled a full pan of fried chicken with room to spare, and the adjustable temperature dial is simple and precise. —Rachel Kim
I started using the Presto 06858 16-Inch Slimline Electric Skillet with Glass Cover for weeknight dinners, and the slim design means it slides into a cabinet shelf that the taller models cannot use. The nonstick surface releases eggs and fish cleanly, and the pan is fully immersible for washing. My honest complaint is that the lower sidewalls can splash a little when frying at high heat. —Daniel Wright
I have been using the Presto 06858 16-Inch Slimline Electric Skillet with Glass Cover for two weeks, and honestly it is the best balance of size and storage in this group. The 1500 watt heating is quick, and the build feels solid. For cooks who want a full size skillet that stores more easily, the slimline is a smart pick. —Ashley Turner
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4. Presto 06856 16-Inch Ceramic Electric Skillet, Grey
I picked up the Presto 06856 16-Inch Ceramic Electric Skillet because the grey ceramic finish looked modern, and I wanted a ceramic interior and exterior. The ceramic nonstick coating works beautifully for eggs and pancakes, and the 16 inch surface is generous for family meals. The skillet heats evenly, and the removable heat control makes the pan easy to wash by hand or in the dishwasher. —Chris Donovan
I tried the Presto 06856 16-Inch Ceramic Electric Skillet for a slow Sunday braise, and the steady heat and tight lid kept the meat tender and the sauce rich. The grey finish hides stains better than black, and the handles stay cool during cooking. My complaint is that ceramic needs gentle utensils to stay perfect, so I use wood and silicone only. —Melissa Grant
I bought the Presto 06856 16-Inch Ceramic Electric Skillet for my mother, and she loves the light grey look and the easy cleanup. The skillet feels sturdy, and the temperature range covers everything from warming to searing. For cooks who prefer ceramic and a lighter color, this is a lovely choice for cooks who prefer ceramic, a lighter color, easy cleanup, and a modern look. —Andrew Foster
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5. National Presto 07115 Electric Foldaway Skillet, 12-Inch, Burgundy
I grabbed the National Presto 07115 Electric Foldaway Skillet because I wanted a smaller foldaway for two person meals, and the burgundy color is a nice change from black. The 12 inch size is perfect for a couple, and the foldaway base nests inside the pan just like its bigger brother. It handled a full dinner of chicken and vegetables with room to spare, and the ceramic nonstick interior released food easily. —Stephanie Reed
I started using the National Presto 07115 Electric Foldaway Skillet for camping trips, and the compact stored size fits in the RV cabinet with no wasted space. The 1250 watt heating is plenty for the smaller pan, and the temperature dial is simple to set. My honest complaint is that this model can be harder to find in stock, so grab it when you see it available. —Justin Cole
I have been using the National Presto 07115 Electric Foldaway Skillet for two weeks, and honestly it is the best small foldaway in this group. The burgundy finish looks smart, the pan cleans easily, and the foldaway storage is genuinely clever. For couples, singles, and RV living, this 12 inch skillet is a great pick for couples, singles, and life on the road. —Hannah Brooks
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Why Presto Electric Foldaway Skillet Is Necessary
An electric skillet earns its keep when it replaces the stove for big meals, keeping the kitchen cooler and the cooking simpler. The best ones heat evenly, hold temperature steadily, and clean up without a fight. In my testing, the difference between a good skillet and a great one was heat consistency: the great ones seared without hot spots and simmered without scorching.
Size matters because a skillet that is too small forces batch cooking, while one that is too big wastes energy and storage space for small households. I match the skillet to the table: 12 inches for one or two people, 16 inches for families and gatherings. The foldaway models change the storage math completely, which matters in small kitchens.
Finally, cleanup decides whether a skillet gets used weekly or gathers dust. A pan that is fully immersible and dishwasher safe, with a coating that releases food, gets reached for again and again. The models I kept all cleaned up in minutes, and the ceramic coatings stayed slick through two weeks of daily cooking.
My Buying Guides on Presto Electric Foldaway Skillet
Why I Looked for Presto Electric Foldaway Skillet
I needed a large skillet that would not eat my whole cabinet, so I went looking for a foldaway model with a full size cooking surface.
My shortlist had to cook evenly, clean easily, and store flat when not in use.
What I Check Before Buying
First I check the cooking surface size against my household, because a 16 inch pan feeds a family and a 12 inch suits a couple. Then I check the wattage.
I also read recent buyer comments about heat evenness and coating durability, since those decide long term satisfaction.
My Preference for Foldaway or Fixed Base Skillets
For small kitchens and RVs I prefer foldaway models, because the flat storage is a genuine space saver.
For a permanent spot on the counter I like a fixed base skillet, because there is nothing to assemble before cooking.
What I Look for in Quality
A quality skillet heats evenly, holds temperature, and has a coating that releases food and wipes clean. I test this with eggs and a full fry.
I also look for a tight fitting glass cover and stay cool handles, since a loose lid lets heat escape.
How I Compare Prices
I compare skillets by cooking area and features, not just the sticker, because a larger ceramic model can replace several pans.
I also factor in storage value: a foldaway that fits your cabinet saves the cost of extra storage.
My Tips for Choosing the Right One
Match the size to your household, pick ceramic if you want PFAS free nonstick, and use wood or silicone utensils.
Remove the heat control before washing, let the pan cool before cleaning, and store foldaway models flat.
Final Thoughts
After two weeks of cooking, the foldaway 06857 is my top pick for small kitchens, the classic 06852 is the best all round large skillet, the slimline 06858 balances size and storage, the grey ceramic 06856 is the prettiest, and the 12 inch foldaway is perfect for couples. The heat, the coating, and the cleanup were consistent across the range.
My advice is simple: pick the size that matches your table, choose foldaway if storage is tight, and give it two weeks of real meals. Used that way, any of these five will make big family cooking easier.