Presto 16-inch Foldaway Electric Skillet Review

Intro

Looking for a single-pan solution that roasts, fries, stews, bakes and doubles as a serving dish for a crowd? The Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet pitches itself as that kind of kitchen workhorse: a large, flat electric skillet with a glass lid, removable base and a ceramic nonstick surface. The listing highlights family-sized capacity and a foldaway design for compact storage. Owners commonly praise the fast, even heating and the convenience—especially for breakfasts and batch cooking—but recurring owner feedback raises useful caveats about nonstick longevity and dishwasher care. This review pulls together the product specs and owner experience to help decide if it belongs on your counter or in your cabinet.

What it is / first look

The Presto 06857 is a 16-inch electric skillet (item type: Electric Skillet) listed as weighing 8.6 pounds and sized at approximately 12"D x 20"W x 8.1"H. The skillet itself is described as aluminum with a ceramic nonstick surface. The full package includes the skillet, a removable base, a glass cover and the heat control. The control is a plug-in, adjustable thermostat (the listing notes there are six settings and a Control Master heat control that maintains cooking temperature automatically).

From the listing features and the manufacturer's copy, the straightforward selling points are these:

• Large 16-inch cooking surface with high sidewalls for extra capacity (the listing calls this "big 16-inch base and high sidewalls").
• Detachable base and foldaway handles that nest inside the pan for compact storage.
• Ceramic nonstick cooking surface that the listing describes as PFAS-free and noted in the material fields as PTFE-free, BPA-free, and PFOA-free.
• Tempered glass cover with a stay-cool handle.
• 1500 watts, 120 volts power and a heat control with six settings.
• Manufacturer warranty: 1 year limited.

Image filenames and the listing color field indicate a Black finish, so the available color for this model is Black. For quick reference, the images associated with the listing include filenames such as B00591GG58.jpg and variants, which align with the Black product color listed.

Colors (from the listing / images):

• Black

In daily use

Owners use the Presto 16-inch Foldaway Skillet for a wide range of everyday tasks: eggs, pancakes, frying, simmering stews, making fried rice and even baking casseroles. The combination of a large cooking surface and a lid that retains steam makes it work like a shallow oven when needed and a griddle/wok when not—according to owner accounts, it handles both large family meals and smaller batches well.

How it cooks and heats

The listing specifies a 1500-watt heating element and a 6-setting thermostat. Owner feedback consistently praises fast heat-up and even cooking across the surface—multiple owners described good results making pancakes and eggs and noted that the skillet holds temperature well. One owner specifically noted preheating to 350° and getting evenly cooked pancakes across the whole surface, while others said it heats up faster and may require dialing back once it's up to temperature because the unit holds heat efficiently.

Practical point: the control is an adjustable master heat control that maintains the desired temperature automatically (listing copy). Owners recommend getting a feel for the dial—because the skillet can come up to temperature quickly, initial settings may need to be reduced once preheated to avoid overcooking.

Portability, storage and serving

This model's foldaway design is one of the most-talked-about features in owner feedback. The base detaches and the handles fold so the base can nest inside the pan for compact storage; owners say that makes it easier to store in smaller kitchens or cupboards. The listing also notes the skillet "doubles as a buffet server" thanks to stay-cool handles and a tempered glass lid, and owners corroborate that it's handy for a family dinner or a potluck-style setup.

One operational note from owners: nesting the base and handles inside the pan can potentially scratch the cooking surface if nothing separates them. Several owners suggested placing a cloth or paper towel between the pieces when storing folded to avoid scuffs—some stopped folding it inside altogether for that reason.

Cleaning and maintenance

The listing's full description says the skillet is "fully immersible and dishwasher safe with the heat control removed." However, multiple owners dispute or contradict that claim in their experiences. One owner emphasizes that the printed instructions included with the product state it is NOT dishwasher safe and alleges dishwasher detergent left a gray residue and caused surface degradation over time. Other owners say the nonstick surface wipes clean easily by hand and advise gentle cleaning and avoiding metal utensils to prolong the coating.

Bottom line on cleaning: the listing claims dishwasher-safe immersion with the control removed, but owner experience varies—follow the current instructions included with the product and treat the dishwasher claim with caution until the manufacturer documentation is checked.

Materials & build quality

The listing identifies the skillet body as Aluminum and describes the cooking surface as a Ceramic Nonstick (also listed as "Premium Nonstick" in the features). The product's material fields include "PTFE Free, BPA Free, PFOA Free," and the listing calls the nonstick "PFAS-free." Those are manufacturer/listing claims about the materials; consider them claims unless verified elsewhere.

Other build features listed are a tempered glass cover with a stay-cool handle and a removable base with foldaway/fixed legs (the listing calls the legs "foldaway" in some spots and "fixed" in the comparison table—this inconsistency is present in the listing copy). The item weight is listed at 8.6 pounds, which places it as a moderately heavy countertop skillet but still portable enough for moving from storage to counter and back.

Owner impressions on build quality are mostly positive: several owners described it as solidly made, appreciated the even heating and liked that the base detaches for cleaning and storage. Where build quality concerns show up, they’re primarily about the long-term durability of the nonstick surface (see longevity below) and the risk of surface scuffing when pieces are nested together.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety comes first. Here are the safety-related facts and owner-reported patterns to keep in mind before buying or using this skillet:

• Electrical / heating specs: the listing states 1500 watts and 120 volts, 60 Hz. This is a mains-powered countertop appliance; plug and circuit capacity should be appropriate for 1500W load.
• Heat control: the listing includes a Control Master heat control that "maintains desired cooking temperature automatically" and a six-setting control. Owner notes that the skillet heats quickly and sometimes runs hotter than expected, so watch settings when cooking delicate foods.
• Handles and lid: the listing advertises stay-cool handles and a tempered glass cover with a stay-cool handle. Owners use the skillet as a buffet server because the handles are cooler to touch per the listing and practice, but always use oven mitts or a cloth when handling hot cookware as a precaution.
• Coating and material claims: the listing claims ceramic nonstick and that the product is PFAS-free/PTFE-free/PFOA-free/BPA-free. These are manufacturer/listing claims—verify the current listing or manufacturer documentation if material certification is important to you.
• Coating wear and food-contact safety: several owners report the nonstick surface eventually wearing off with regular use. Repeated coating wear can expose the cooking substrate; owners stress using silicone/plastic utensils and gentle cleaning to prolong the coating. If the coating flakes or peels, discontinue use and consult the manufacturer's warranty or replacement options.
• Dishwasher guidance mismatch: the listing claims the pan is fully immersible and dishwasher safe with the heat control removed; at least one owner reports that the included instructions state it is not dishwasher safe and that dishwasher detergent left a gray residue. Because owner reports conflict with the listing, check the product manual that arrives with the unit and follow the manufacturer's current instructions for cleaning.
• Storage scratching: owners report that nesting the base/handles inside the pan for storage can scrape the cooking surface; using a towel or avoiding nesting can reduce that risk.
• Warranty: the listing shows a 1 year limited warranty—keep receipts and packaging if you expect to claim warranty service for a defect.

Who this is for / who should skip

Who this suits:

• Families and batch cooks: the 16-inch surface and high sidewalls make it useful for feeding a family or cooking large quantities in one pan—owners specifically mention feeding a family of five and making large breakfasts like pancakes for several people.
• Home cooks who want a portable, counter-top cooker: owners praise the portability and the removable base for moving the unit around or using it away from a stove.
• Entertainers and buffet-style meals: the listing explicitly mentions that it "doubles as a buffet server," and owners use it this way because of the glass lid and stay-cool handles.
• People who prefer quick heat-up: owner feedback consistently says it heats quickly and holds temperature—useful if speed matters.

Who should skip or think twice:

• If you need dishwasher-safe cleaning without a question mark: the listing says the skillet is fully immersible and dishwasher safe with the heat control removed, but owner reports conflict with that claim and some owners advise hand-washing only. If dishwasher cleaning is a must, verify the current manual before buying.
• If you demand long-term, heavy daily use with zero coating wear: owner experiences vary—some report the nonstick lasts years, others report replacement roughly on an annual cadence with weekly use. If you expect heavy, daily use and require a long-lived nonstick surface, consider that owner feedback is mixed on longevity.
• If you plan to nest the base inside the pan for storage without protection: owners warn this can scratch the nonstick surface unless a protective layer (dishcloth or paper) is used.

Verdict

The Presto 16-inch Foldaway Skillet is a compelling, practical appliance for many home cooks who want a roomy, portable electric skillet. The combination of a large cooking surface, fast, even heating (1500W, 120V), removable base, glass lid and a foldaway storage concept are the reasons owners keep buying and replacing this model. Owner praise centers on convenience, even heat for pancakes/eggs/large meals, and ease of use.

The main trade-offs are long-term nonstick durability and mixed dishwasher guidance. The listing claims a ceramic nonstick surface that is PFAS-free and PTFE/PFOA/BPA-free, but owners report variability in how long the coating lasts and at least one owner warns the included manual says not dishwasher safe despite listing claims to the contrary. If you treat the skillet gently—use silicone utensils, avoid aggressive cleaning, and follow the manual—you can get years of service, according to some owners; if you push it hard and run it through the dishwasher frequently, you may see the nonstick wear sooner.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

• Confirm the current cleaning instructions in the product manual: the listing and some owners disagree about dishwasher use; follow the manufacturer's printed guidance that arrives with the unit.
• Verify the electrical requirements (1500 watts, 120 volts) are appropriate for your outlet and intended use location.
• Consider how you will store the skillet folded: use a cloth between nested parts to avoid scuffs or plan to store the base separately.
• Decide whether a 1-year limited warranty meets your expectations for a countertop appliance.
• Plan to use silicone or plastic utensils and avoid metal tools to preserve the nonstick coating.

For home cooks who want a large, versatile electric skillet for family meals, making pancakes, or keeping food warm for guests, the Presto 16-inch Foldaway Skillet is a budget-friendly, practical choice—just be mindful of the coating-care and cleaning caveats owners report.

FAQ

• Q: Is the skillet dishwasher safe?

  A: The product listing states the skillet is "fully immersible and dishwasher safe with the heat control removed," but internal owner reports conflict with that claim—at least one owner says the included instructions state it is NOT dishwasher safe and that dishwasher detergent caused a gray residue. Verify the current manufacturer instructions that come with the unit before using a dishwasher.

• Q: What power does the skillet use and how many temperature settings does it have?

  A: The listing specifies 1500 watts and 120 volts (60 Hz) and lists six temperature settings along with a Control Master heat control that maintains the desired cooking temperature automatically.

• Q: Is the nonstick coating PFAS‑free or otherwise free of common fluorinated materials?

  A: The listing describes the coating as ceramic nonstick and lists material claims including PFAS-free, PTFE-free, PFOA-free and BPA-free. These are manufacturer/listing claims—check the current product listing or manufacturer documentation for details.

• Q: Will the skillet scratch if I store the base inside it?

  A: Owner reports indicate that nesting the base and handles inside the pan can scrape the cooking surface; some owners recommend placing a dishcloth or protective layer between parts when storing folded to avoid scuffing.

• Q: How long does the nonstick surface last?

  A: Owner experiences vary. Some owners report using one unit for several years, while others say they replace the skillet roughly once per year with regular weekly use due to nonstick wear. Longevity appears to depend on usage patterns and how gently the surface is treated (avoid metal utensils and aggressive dishwasher cycles).

• Q: What comes in the box and is there a warranty?

  A: The listing shows the included components as the skillet, removable base, cover and heat control. The manufacturer provides a 1 year limited warranty according to the product specifications.