Presto 06857 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet Review
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A jumbo 16-inch electric skillet with Presto's signature heavy cast aluminium base, Control Master automatic heat control, full-immersion cleaning capability—and a patented Foldaway design where the base and handles fold down and nest completely inside the pan for storage that takes up no more space than the pan itself.
The Presto 06857 is Presto's flagship 16-inch electric skillet with one defining design innovation that sets it apart from every other full-size electric skillet on the market: the Foldaway base. When cooking is done, the handles fold inward, the base detaches from the pan, and the entire base assembly—handles and all—nests completely inside the skillet pan itself. The glass lid goes on top and the whole unit stores as a single compact package no larger than the pan alone. A 16-inch electric skillet that stores like a 16-inch pan. For households where counter space and cabinet storage are the primary barriers to owning a large electric skillet, the Foldaway design removes the objection entirely.
Beyond the storage innovation, the 06857 is built on the same trusted Presto foundation as the rest of their electric skillet lineup. The heavy cast aluminium base is virtually warp-proof and distributes heat with exceptional evenness—independent testing has recorded less than 6% temperature variation between the center and edges of the cooking surface at 400°F, outperforming most competing 16-inch electric skillets in the category. The Control Master heat control automatically maintains your selected temperature from 200°F through 400°F plus a Warm setting, compensating for heat loss when cold ingredients are added without manual adjustment. With the heat control removed, the pan is fully immersible for thorough deep cleaning—a feature that most competing electric skillets lack. A built-in pour spout doubles as a spoon and spatula rest during cooking and enables easy draining of cooking liquids without transferring the pan. The non-stick surface covers both the interior and exterior. The tempered glass cover with stay-cool handle monitors cooking at a glance and enables buffet-style serving directly from the pan. For buyers who want Presto's full-size 16-inch electric skillet performance without the storage penalty that a 16-inch appliance normally imposes, the 06857 Foldaway is the obvious choice.
Product Specifications
| Brand / Model | Presto 06857 Foldaway Electric Skillet |
| ASIN | B00591GG58 |
| Pan Size | 16 inches (jumbo) |
| Pan Dimensions | 15.75" × 11.87" × 2.87" |
| Overall Dimensions | 19.81" × 12.25" × 8.06" (assembled) |
| Pan Material | Heavy cast aluminium — virtually warp-proof |
| Nonstick Coating | Deluxe PFOA-free nonstick — interior AND exterior |
| Power | 1500W / 120V / 60Hz |
| Temperature Range | Warm + 200°F – 400°F (Control Master, continuously adjustable) |
| Heat Control | Removable Control Master automatic temperature maintenance |
| Foldaway Feature | Yes — handles fold in, base nests inside pan for compact storage |
| Pour Spout | Built-in pour spout / doubles as spoon & spatula rest |
| Full Immersion Cleaning | Yes — fully immersible with heat control removed |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes — pan and lid (heat control excluded) |
| Lid | Tempered glass with stay-cool handle |
| Weight | 8.55 lbs. |
| Color | Black |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty from Presto |
Key Features
- Patented Foldaway Base — Stores Inside the Pan: The defining feature of the 06857: fold the handles inward, detach the base from the pan, and the entire base and handle assembly nests completely inside the 16-inch skillet. Place the lid on top and the whole unit stores in the space of the pan alone—making a jumbo 16-inch electric skillet genuinely practical for kitchens with limited cabinet storage
- Heavy Cast Aluminium Base — Best-in-Class Even Heat: The 0.12-inch thick cast aluminium pan distributes heat with exceptional uniformity—independent testing recorded under 6% temperature variation across the full 16-inch cooking surface at 400°F, outperforming most competing electric skillets and eliminating the hot-center/cold-corner problem that plagues thinner pans
- Control Master Automatic Heat Control: Presto's removable thermostat probe actively monitors and maintains the temperature you select—it compensates when cold ingredients lower the pan temperature rather than simply cycling the element on and off at a fixed interval, producing more consistent cooking results across the full 200°F–400°F range
- Fully Immersible with Heat Control Removed: Detach the Control Master probe and the sealed pan socket allows the entire pan to be fully submerged in water for the most thorough, deep cleaning possible—no careful working around attached electrical components, no residue trapped in corners that surface wiping can't reach
- Built-In Pour Spout / Spoon & Spatula Rest: The built-in pour spout on the pan lip enables easy draining of cooking liquids, grease, and sauces without lifting the pan to a separate bowl—and when not pouring, it provides a natural rest position for spoons and spatulas during cooking, keeping them off the counter
- Deluxe Nonstick Coating — Inside AND Out: The PFOA-free nonstick surface covers both the cooking interior and the exterior of the pan—food releases cleanly, the outside doesn't accumulate baked-on grease, and both surfaces clean with minimal effort whether by hand or dishwasher
- Tempered Glass Cover for Visible Cooking & Buffet Service: The see-through glass lid monitors cooking without lifting, retains heat and moisture during covered cooking, and enables the skillet to double as an attractive buffet server with the stay-cool handle making it safe for guests to lift and serve themselves
- High Sidewalls for Extra Capacity & Splatter Control: The raised 2.87-inch sidewalls contain splatter during high-heat frying and sautéing, accommodate generous liquid volumes for braises and stews, and allow casserole-style layered dishes that a standard shallow skillet cannot hold
- Energy Efficient Alternative to Range or Oven: The 1500W element heats only the 16-inch cooking surface—not the ambient air around a range burner or the full cavity of a conventional oven—consuming significantly less energy for equivalent cooking results on the family-sized meals this pan handles
- Presto's 120-Year American Manufacturing Heritage: National Presto Industries has been manufacturing kitchen appliances since 1905—the 06857 represents over a century of product refinement, with the Foldaway design reflecting Presto's tradition of solving real storage and usability problems rather than simply adding features for their own sake
What We Like
- Foldaway storage design is a genuine game-changer for storage-constrained kitchens—a full 16-inch electric skillet that takes up no more cabinet space than the pan itself
- Under 6% temperature variation across the full 16-inch surface at 400°F—among the best even-heat performance tested for large electric skillets in this category
- Control Master actively maintains selected temperature rather than just cycling on and off—more stable, more consistent results throughout the full cook
- Full pan immersion cleaning produces truly thorough results that surface-only wipe-down competitors cannot match—essential for buyers who cook daily and need deep cleaning ease
- Built-in pour spout is a small but genuinely useful daily-use detail—draining grease, pouring off braising liquid, and resting utensils all handled by a single molded feature
- Nonstick coating on both interior and exterior surfaces—the outside stays as clean as the inside, eliminating the baked-on exterior grease common on uncoated-exterior electric skillets
- Tempered glass lid enables cook-to-table buffet service without a separate serving vessel—keep food hot at the table with the lid in place
- Dishwasher-safe pan and lid with heat control removed—truly hands-off post-meal cleanup
- Presto's 120-year manufacturing history is reflected in the build quality—thick cast aluminium, precise thermostat calibration, and a storage design that's been refined over generations of Presto Foldaway models
- One of the most affordable 16-inch heavy cast aluminium electric skillets available—Presto's volume manufacturing keeps the price accessible without compromising the core construction quality
What Could Be Better
- Traditional PFOA-free PTFE nonstick rather than PFAS-free ceramic—buyers specifically seeking a fluoropolymer-free coating should consider the 06856 ceramic model instead
- No digital temperature readout—the Control Master uses descriptive range labels rather than exact degree numbers on the dial
- No auto-shutoff or countdown timer—the Control Master maintains temperature indefinitely; a separate timer is needed to track cook times
- The foldaway mechanism adds some assembly and disassembly steps compared to a fixed-base skillet—first-time users need a few sessions to make the fold-and-nest routine feel natural
- At 8.55 lbs. assembled, the unit is heavy for a 16-inch pan—filling it with a full braising liquid and protein makes lifting a two-handed operation
- The two-prong power cord rather than a grounded three-prong design is a noted limitation in independent testing, though the unit meets applicable electrical safety standards
- The 31-inch cord length is on the short side—placement flexibility relative to the nearest outlet requires some planning in kitchen setups where the outlet isn't directly adjacent to the cooking position
Why This Product Is Popular
The Presto 06857 has maintained consistent bestseller status in the electric skillet category for years because it solves the single most common reason buyers hesitate to purchase a 16-inch electric skillet: the storage problem. A 16-inch electric skillet is an excellent cooking appliance, but it's also a large, awkward object to store in a cabinet. The assembled base adds several inches of height, the protruding handles extend the footprint in all directions, and the whole unit requires a dedicated shelf or an inconveniently large cabinet space. Most households that buy a 16-inch electric skillet end up leaving it on the counter permanently because cabinet storage is too cumbersome—and that means it's either always in the way or never gets used.
Presto's Foldaway design collapses all of that storage friction to zero. With handles folded in and the base nested inside the pan, the 06857 stores in any cabinet that can fit a 16-inch skillet pan—which is virtually every kitchen cabinet. The elegance of the solution is that it requires no special storage accessories, no dedicated shelf, and no permanent counter placement. You store it, you pull it out when you need it, and you store it again. That cycle becomes as natural as any other pan in the cabinet. For households that want a large electric skillet but have resisted purchasing one because of storage concerns, the Foldaway design is the specific and complete answer to that objection.
The cooking performance reinforces the storage story. The thick cast aluminium base produces the most even heat distribution in its price bracket—a detail that matters every single time you make pancakes, sear chicken, or cook a batch of bacon. The Control Master thermostat holds your selected temperature with active compensation rather than passive cycling. The full-immersion cleaning capability simplifies the most tedious part of heavy electric skillet use. And the built-in pour spout—a small but remarkably useful daily-use feature—keeps draining and utensil management tidy throughout cooking and serving. The combination of a storage innovation, best-in-class heat distribution, and Presto's 120-year reputation for durable, well-engineered kitchen appliances at accessible prices is why the 06857 generates not just first-time purchases, but repeat purchases from buyers who've owned one for 10 or 20 years and simply come back for another.
Final Verdict
The Presto 06857 Foldaway Electric Skillet is the best choice for buyers who want a full-performance 16-inch electric skillet without the storage penalty that a 16-inch appliance normally imposes. The Foldaway design—base and handles nesting completely inside the pan—solves the most common practical objection to large electric skillets in a single elegant mechanism. The thick cast aluminium base delivers among the best heat distribution in its class. The Control Master actively maintains your target temperature. Full-immersion cleaning enables thoroughly deep post-meal washing. The built-in pour spout handles daily liquid management cleanly. And Presto's 120-year build quality history means this is an appliance built to outlast the kitchen it lives in.
Its key limitations are worth noting: the nonstick coating is PFOA-free PTFE rather than PFAS-free ceramic (choose the 06856 if ceramic is a priority), there is no digital temperature display or timer, and the two-prong cord with a 31-inch length constrains outlet placement flexibility slightly. But for the vast majority of home cooks who want a proven, high-performing 16-inch electric skillet that actually fits in the cabinet—the Presto 06857 Foldaway is the honest, well-supported first recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How exactly does the Foldaway storage work step by step?
The Foldaway storage process takes about 30 seconds once you've done it a few times. Step 1: Allow the skillet to cool completely after use. Step 2: Fold the two side handles inward toward the center of the base—they pivot on hinges and lock flat against the base. Step 3: Lift the pan off the base—the pan detaches from the base by lifting straight up. Step 4: Place the pan upside down (cooking surface facing down, or simply as-is if you prefer). Step 5: Set the base—now with handles folded flat—down into the inside of the pan. The base footprint matches the pan interior and sits inside it cleanly. Step 6: Place the glass lid on top of the pan to complete the compact storage package. The entire unit now stores as a single object with the profile of the pan itself, fitting in any standard kitchen cabinet with the same clearance requirements as a regular 16-inch pan.
What is the difference between the 06857 Foldaway and the 06856 Ceramic?
The Presto 06857 Foldaway and 06856 Ceramic are both 16-inch heavy cast aluminium electric skillets with Control Master heat control and full-immersion cleaning capability—the core Presto platform is nearly identical. The two key differences are the nonstick coating and the storage design. The 06857 uses a traditional PFOA-free PTFE nonstick coating; the 06856 uses Presto's Ceralast PFAS-free ceramic coating. If you specifically want a ceramic (fully fluoropolymer-free) cooking surface, the 06856 is the right choice. The 06857 has the patented Foldaway base and fold-down handles that nest inside the pan for compact storage; the 06856 has a fixed base that does not fold or nest. If storage space is your primary constraint, the 06857 Foldaway is the better fit. If coating chemistry is your priority, choose the 06856 Ceramic. Performance in cooking is comparable between the two models.
Is it truly fully immersible? How does that work with a cast aluminium pan?
Yes—fully immersible means the entire pan (aluminium body, nonstick coating, handles, and exterior surfaces) can be submerged completely in water for soaking and washing. The electrical components are entirely in the removable Control Master probe—once you detach the probe, the socket on the pan body is sealed with no exposed electrical connections. There is nothing in the pan body itself that can be damaged by water. You can fill a sink, submerge the pan completely, soak it for as long as needed, scrub with a soft sponge, and rinse thoroughly. The pan is also dishwasher safe (top rack recommended) with the heat control removed. The Control Master probe must never be submerged—wipe it with a damp cloth only.
What does the built-in pour spout do, and how useful is it really?
The built-in pour spout is a molded channel in the lip of the pan that creates a directed flow point for liquids. In practice it serves two functions. First, when you need to drain cooking grease, pour off braising liquid, or transfer a sauce from the skillet to a bowl or serving pitcher, you tilt the pan toward the spout and liquid flows in a controlled stream rather than running along the outside of the pan rim unpredictably. Second, when cooking and serving, the spout's recessed shape provides a natural resting position for a spoon or spatula—the utensil sits in the spout notch without sliding around or resting on the counter. It's a simple, integrated feature that buyers rarely think about before purchasing but consistently mention in reviews as a detail they appreciate every time they use the pan.
What temperatures should I use for different cooking tasks?
The Control Master dial runs from Warm through 400°F with the following practical mapping: Warm (approximately 150°F) for holding cooked food at serving temperature and keeping sauces ready at a buffet. 200°F–250°F for very gentle cooking—melting butter, keeping soups at a sub-simmer, warming bread. 275°F–300°F for simmering sauces, cooking delicate fish, and slow-cooking eggs. 300°F–325°F for sautéing vegetables, cooking chicken breasts, and making omelets. 325°F–350°F for pancakes, French toast, grilled cheese, and pan-frying at medium-high. 375°F–400°F for high-heat searing steaks and chops, browning roasts, deep-frying chicken, and any recipe calling for maximum heat. Always preheat at your target temperature for 3–5 minutes before adding food—the cast aluminium surface performs best when it's at temperature before the first ingredient contacts it.
Can I use metal utensils with the nonstick coating?
No—the PFOA-free nonstick coating on the 06857 requires non-metal utensils. Metal spatulas, tongs, spoons, and ladles will scratch and progressively degrade the nonstick surface, reducing its release performance and eventually causing it to peel. Always use silicone, wooden, or heat-resistant plastic utensils for all cooking, stirring, and serving tasks. This is especially important for high-heat searing at 375°F–400°F, where the natural instinct is to reach for a metal spatula. A wide, thin silicone spatula handles all flipping and turning tasks at any temperature without risking the coating. For cleaning, always use a soft sponge or cloth—never steel wool, abrasive pads, or harsh chemical scrubbers that can damage the surface.
How does the even heat distribution compare to standard electric skillets?
The 06857's 0.12-inch thick cast aluminium base is significantly thicker than the stamped aluminium used in budget and mid-range electric skillets. The greater material thickness means heat from the embedded heating element spreads laterally through the pan floor before reaching the cooking surface, producing a more even temperature distribution from center to edge. Independent testing by a consumer kitchen equipment review site recorded a temperature variation of approximately 5.7% between five measurement points from center to edge at 400°F—a result that earned a score of 8.9 out of 10 for even heat distribution, which they noted was only marginally lower than a much smaller, easier-to-heat Nesco model. For a 16-inch pan at maximum temperature, that level of uniformity translates directly to evenly browned pancakes, uniformly seared chicken across the full surface, and consistent results across every inch of cooking space without hot spots or cold corners.
Is the 06857 good for use at outdoor events and potlucks?
Yes—the Foldaway design makes the 06857 particularly well-suited for portable use at events compared to fixed-base electric skillets. With the base nested inside the pan and the lid on top, the whole unit carries like a single package and fits in the back seat of a car or a large tote bag. At the event, snap the base back into the pan, unfold the handles, plug in, and you're cooking on a full 16-inch surface. The stay-cool handles and tempered glass lid enable the skillet to serve as a buffet server on a table with the Control Master set to Warm, keeping food hot through the event. The only requirement is a standard 120V outlet—extension cords work well for outdoor setups as long as the extension cord is rated for at least 1500W (13A) continuous draw. For outdoor gatherings without power access, the unit requires a generator or power station with adequate output.