In-depth review
Presto 16-Inch Electric Skillet Review (2026)
A research-based review of the Presto 06852: 16-inch surface, Control Master thermostat, and long-term reliability.
Presto 16-Inch Electric Skillet (06852)
The big-surface workhorse with proven heat control.
Our verdict
Verdict: The Presto 16-inch is the electric skillet to buy for most households. The combination that matters is surface plus control: 16 inches of cooking area managed by the Control Master thermostat, which holds temperature more steadily than the simple dials on budget skillets. Decades of owner reports describe machines lasting 10-plus years with basic care. The trade-off is size and speed: it is big to store and 1200 W heats the large surface a touch slower than 1500 W rivals. Buy it if you cook for three or more. Skip it if you cook for one; buy the NESCO 12-inch instead.
What we like
- 16-inch surface fits a full family meal; most rivals top out at 12 inches.
- Control Master heat control maintains the set temperature without the wide swings of cheaper thermostats.
- Tempered glass lid lets you monitor food and doubles as a serving cover.
What to watch out for
- Large footprint demands real cabinet or pantry space.
- 1200 W heats a big surface a bit slower than 1500 W rivals.
- Nonstick coating needs hand washing to last; it is not dishwasher-safe.
Who it is for
Families and frequent hosts who need a large, reliable tabletop cooking surface.
Surface and capacity
Sixteen inches of cooking surface is the defining spec. In practical terms it fits a whole cut-up chicken, a full batch of pancakes, or dinner for five without crowding. Crowding matters because overloaded pans steam instead of sear; the Presto's size is what lets it actually brown food for a family rather than merely warming it. The high sidewalls contain splatter and allow shallow braising under the glass lid.
The Control Master thermostat
Presto's Control Master is a removable probe-style thermostat that cycles power to maintain the set temperature. Owner reports and long-term reviews consistently credit it with steadier heat than the bimetallic dials on cheaper skillets, which can swing widely and scorch food at the center. It is removable for immersion washing of the pan, a practical detail missing on some rivals. This thermostat design is a major reason these skillets survive for a decade or more.
Build and longevity
Cast aluminum body with a premium nonstick interior. Long-term owner reports are the strongest evidence here: it is common to find reviews from buyers on their second Presto after the first lasted 10 to 15 years. The failure mode to watch is the nonstick coating, which degrades with metal utensils, aerosol sprays, and dishwasher cycles. Hand wash, use silicone or wood, and the coating lasts.
How it stacks up
Against the De'Longhi Livenza, the Presto offers a round 16-inch surface versus De'Longhi's 12x18-inch rectangle; the De'Longhi holds slightly more food and preheats faster at 1500 W, but the Presto's Control Master is the more proven thermostat and the round shape stores more easily. Against the NESCO ES-12, the Presto wins on every performance measure (surface, control, longevity) while the NESCO wins on price and compact storage. For a primary family skillet, the Presto is the clear choice; the NESCO is the backup or the small-household pick.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Even cooking across a large surface
- Effective nonstick coating
- Affordable and easy to clean
Common complaints
- The center can run slightly cooler than the edges
- Slow to preheat
- The glass lid needs careful handling
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Cooking surface
- 16-inch
- Power
- 1200 W
- Heat control
- Control Master, removable
- Lid
- Tempered glass
- Body
- Cast aluminum, nonstick
Also consider
De'Longhi Livenza Electric Skillet (BG45)
A wide 12x18-inch surface for batch cooking.
- Cooking surface: 12 x 18 inches
- Power: 1500 W
NESCO 12-Inch Electric Skillet (ES-12)
A straightforward 12-inch skillet at a budget price.
- Cooking surface: 12-inch
- Power: 1200 W
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Is the pan dishwasher safe?
No. Remove the Control Master probe and hand wash the pan with a soft sponge. Dishwasher detergent degrades nonstick coatings, and the probe must never be immersed. Hand washing takes two minutes and is the main reason these skillets last so long.
Can it go in the oven?
No. The handles, lid knob, and thermostat probe are not oven-safe. Everything this skillet does happens on the countertop or table.
What is the highest temperature?
The Control Master dial tops out around 400°F. That covers frying, sauteing, simmering, and braising. It will not achieve the screaming-hot sear of cast iron on a gas burner, so sear steaks on the stovetop and use the Presto for everything else.