Let’s be real for a moment. Kitchen counter space is prime real estate, and every appliance has to earn its spot. We’ve all bought that one gadget that promised to change our lives, only to have it collect dust in a cabinet. So when an appliance claims to be a roaster, fryer, griddle, and server all in one—and then folds up for easy storage—it’s natural to be skeptical. That’s why this Presto Foldaway Skillet Review is for you. I’ve put the popular Presto 06857 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet through its paces to see if it’s truly the multi-tasking hero your kitchen needs or just another bulky paperweight in disguise.
What Exactly is the Presto 06857 Foldaway Skillet?
Simply put, the Presto 06857 is a 16-inch electric skillet with a high-domed cover and a clever design that allows the handles to fold in and the base to nest inside the pan for incredibly compact storage. It’s designed to be your go-to for everything from frying chicken and sautéing vegetables to simmering stews and even baking a small cake. It plugs into a standard wall outlet, giving you a portable cooking station that frees up your stovetop.
My First Impressions: Unboxing and Setup
Right out of the box, the first thing you notice is its substantial size. A 16-inch cooking surface is no joke; it’s large enough to handle a family-sized meal. The base feels sturdy, and the non-stick surface looks sleek and durable. But the real “aha!” moment comes when you test the foldaway feature.
With a simple pull on the handle grips, they unlock and fold inward. The base then detaches and fits perfectly inside the pan. It’s an elegant piece of engineering that immediately addresses the biggest pain point of owning an electric skillet: where on earth to store the thing. Setup is just as simple: unfold the handles until they click, place the pan on the base, and plug in the Control Master heat probe. You’re ready to cook in under a minute.
Key Features That Actually Matter: A Deep Dive
An appliance can have a dozen features, but only a few truly impact your day-to-day cooking. Here’s the breakdown of what makes the Presto Foldaway Skillet stand out.
The Genius Foldaway Design
This is the skillet’s headline feature, and it doesn’t disappoint. Traditional electric skillets are notoriously awkward to store. The Presto design reduces its storage footprint by about 30-40%, allowing it to fit into most standard 18-inch kitchen cabinets. For anyone living in an apartment, an RV, or just a home with a cluttered kitchen, this feature alone is a game-changer.
Cooking Performance: Even Heat and Non-Stick Bliss
A big cooking surface is useless if it doesn’t heat evenly. I tested this by making a huge batch of pancakes, spreading the batter from edge to edge. The results were impressive—consistent browning across the entire batch with no frustrating hot or cold spots. The Control Master heat control is reliable, maintaining temperatures accurately from a gentle warm (around 200°F) up to a searing 400°F.
The non-stick surface is another win. Eggs slide right off, and even sticky sauces with caramelized sugar release with minimal effort. This not only makes cooking more enjoyable but also allows you to use less oil, which is a nice health bonus.
“The key to a long-lasting electric skillet is the quality of its non-stick coating and the reliability of its thermostat,” notes John Carter, a home appliance engineer. “Presto has a long-standing reputation for both, and this model’s heavy cast aluminum base is excellent for heat distribution, which prevents the non-stick surface from degrading due to hot spots.”
Cleaning Up is a Breeze (Seriously)
This might be my favorite part. After you’ve unplugged the heat control, the entire skillet (pan and lid) is fully immersible and dishwasher safe. No more awkward angling in the sink trying not to get the electrical components wet. For a quick cleanup, a simple wipe with a soapy sponge is usually all it takes. This ease of cleaning makes you want to use it more often.
The Ultimate Presto Foldaway Skillet Review: Pros and Cons
No product is perfect. To give you the full picture, here’s a balanced look at the highs and lows based on my extensive testing.
- Pros:
- Incredible Space-Saving Design: The foldaway feature is genuinely innovative and practical.
- Large Cooking Capacity: The 16-inch surface and high-dome lid are perfect for cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping.
- Excellent Temperature Control: Heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature.
- Versatile Cooking: Genuinely capable of roasting, frying, grilling, and stewing. The built-in spout for pouring liquids is a thoughtful touch.
- Super Easy to Clean: Being fully immersible and dishwasher-safe is a massive convenience.
- Cons:
- Bulky When in Use: While it stores compactly, it does take up significant counter space when you’re cooking with it.
- Short Power Cord: The cord is on the shorter side, so you’ll need to use it close to an outlet.
- Plastic Lid Handle: The lid handle is plastic and can get hot. It’s best to use an oven mitt when lifting the lid during high-temperature cooking.
Who is the Presto Foldaway Skillet Perfect For?
This skillet isn’t just for one type of cook. You’ll find it incredibly useful if you:
- Have limited kitchen storage: This is the number one reason to choose this model over others.
- Frequently cook for a family or large groups: It easily handles double or triple batches of your favorite recipes.
- Need an extra “burner” during holidays or parties: It’s a lifesaver when your stovetop is maxed out.
- Live in a dorm, RV, or studio apartment: It can function as your primary cooking appliance for a huge variety of meals.
- Want a simple, reliable appliance: It’s straightforward to use, with no complex digital controls or confusing settings.
Creative Ways to Use Your Electric Skillet
Don’t just think of it as a frying pan! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Deep Dish Pizza: Press your dough into the greased skillet, add toppings, cover, and “bake” on medium heat until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- One-Skillet Pasta Dishes: Sauté your aromatics, brown your meat, then add your pasta, liquid (broth or water), and sauce ingredients. Cover and simmer until the pasta is cooked.
- Roasting a Whole Chicken: Yes, you can! Brown a 4-5 pound chicken on all sides, then reduce the heat, cover with the high-dome lid, and roast until cooked through.
Our Picks for the Best Electric Skillet in 2025As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.Num Product Action 1 Chefman XL Electric Griddle with Removable Temperature Control, Immersible Flat Top Grill, Burger, Eggs, Pancake Griddle, Nonstick Extra Large Cooking Surface, Slide Out Drip Tray, 10 x 20 Inch 
2 Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover
3 Presto 07117 12\" Electric Skillet with glass cover
4 Elite Gourmet EG-6203# Extra Deep 16\"x13\"x3.2\" (10.5Qt.) Scratch Resistant, Easy Pour Spout Dishwasher Safe, Non-stick Electric Skillet with Glass Vented Lid, Adjustable Temperature, Black
5 BLACK+DECKER Electric Skillet, Variable Temperature Control, Nonstick Cooking Surface, Dishwasher Safe, Tempered Glass Lid, 12\"x15\"
6 Elite Gourmet 12\" x 12\" x 3” Ceralast™ Ceramic Non-stick PFAS Free, Dishwasher Safe Electric Skillet, Xtra Deep Dish, Rapid Heat 1200W, Black
7 bella Make & Take Electric Skillet, Fits-anywhere™ kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Coating, Adjustable Temperature & Dishwasher-Safe Tempered Glass Lid, Cast Aluminum Base, 1200 Watt, Surf
8 Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet, Black
9 Elite Gourmet EG808 8” x 8\" Non-stick Electric Skillet, Dishwasher Safe with Tempered Glass Vented Lid, Rapid Heat Up, 600W, Black
10 Crux Extra Deep Nonstick Scratch Resistant Electric Skillet with Removeable Temperature Probe, 12\" x 12\", silver (14620)
How to Care for Your Skillet to Make It Last
With proper care, your Presto skillet can be a kitchen workhorse for years. Follow these simple steps:
- Always Cool Down: Let the skillet cool completely before cleaning to prevent warping.
- Remove the Heat Control: Never, ever submerge the Control Master probe in water.
- Use the Right Utensils: Stick to wood, nylon, or silicone utensils to protect the non-stick surface. Avoid metal at all costs.
- Gentle Cleaning: Even though it’s dishwasher safe, a gentle hand wash is often best for prolonging the life of the non-stick coating. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I deep-fry in the Presto foldaway skillet?
A: Absolutely. Its high sides and accurate temperature control make it ideal for deep-frying everything from chicken to donuts. Just be sure to use a sufficient amount of oil and never leave it unattended.
Q: What is the cooking surface made of?
A: The skillet has a heavy cast aluminum base with a durable non-stick coating applied to the interior and exterior. This ensures even heating and easy cleanup.
Q: Is the Presto 06857 skillet PFOA-free?
A: Yes, according to Presto, the non-stick surfaces on their current electric skillets are PFOA-free, which is an important safety consideration for many home cooks.
Q: How much does the skillet weigh?
A: The entire unit weighs just over 8 pounds. It’s substantial enough to feel stable on the counter but not so heavy that it’s difficult to move or store.
Q: What is the main benefit of this model over a cheaper electric skillet?
A: The primary benefits justifying its price are the premium foldaway storage design, the large 16-inch size, and Presto’s reputation for reliable temperature control and durable construction.
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money?
After weeks of frying, simmering, and roasting, my final Presto foldaway skillet review is overwhelmingly positive. It expertly solves the biggest problem with electric skillets—storage—without compromising on size or performance. It’s a versatile, reliable, and thoughtfully designed appliance that genuinely makes cooking for a family easier and more enjoyable. If you’re on the fence about getting an electric skillet because of storage concerns, the Presto 06857 is the answer you’ve been looking for. It’s earned a permanent, albeit compact, spot in my kitchen.