Presto 06858 16-Inch Slimline Electric Skillet with Glass Co

The Verdict

If you’ve ever wrestled a deep electric skillet with high walls, you know the frustration: food steams instead of sears, spatulas can’t reach the corners, and flipping a pancake requires a wrist contortionist. The Presto 06858 Slimline solves that by shaving the sides down to 2.75 inches — and it’s the reason this 16-inch model has earned a 4.6-star average across 229 ratings.

What You Actually Get

The box contains the skillet itself, a tempered glass lid with a steam vent, and a detachable heat control probe. No extra accessories, no nonsense. The skillet measures 16 inches across the cooking surface and roughly 19 inches from handle to handle, so measure your cabinet space before ordering — it’s not a small appliance. The nonstick surface covers the entire cooking area, including the gently sloped sides, which matters more than you’d think when you’re sliding a spatula under a frittata.

Performance and Build Quality

The 1200-watt heating element is controlled by a probe that plugs into the side of the skillet. It offers adjustable heat from warm to 400°F, and here’s the honest truth: the dial is vague. You won’t find numbered settings — just Low, Medium, and High zones with a smooth sweep between them. Expect a learning curve of a meal or two before you nail your preferred temperatures.

Once you do, this thing performs. The nonstick coating is genuinely effective — eggs slide off without butter, and cleanup is a wipe-down with a damp cloth. The low sides mean steam escapes faster, which is a game-changer for browning. You can actually get a decent sear on chicken thighs without parboiling them first.

The glass lid fits snugly and lets you monitor moisture without lifting it. One note: the lid’s rim gets hot during use, so always grab the plastic handle on top. The skillet body stays cool to the touch on the exterior, which is reassuring if you have kids or clumsy pets around.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

Reviewers repeatedly highlight the size-to-space ratio. As one verified buyer put it: “I can cook a full meal for four people in one pan — protein and veggies together — and it takes up less counter space than my stovetop skillet.” Another noted the low-profile design: “Finally, an electric skillet where I can actually flip things. The shallow sides make it usable, not just a slow cooker with a handle.”

The nonstick surface draws consistent praise too. Multiple reviewers mention cooking eggs, pancakes, and even delicate fish without sticking, and several note that cleanup takes under a minute. “I’ve had mine for two years and it’s still slippery as day one,” one long-term owner reported.

Where It Falls Short

The permanently attached 5-foot cord is the most common complaint. If your outlet is far from your counter, you’ll need an extension cord or a different spot. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth planning around.

The vague temperature dial is the second issue. Precision cooks will miss numbered settings. You can work around it with an instant-read thermometer, but it’s an unnecessary annoyance at this price point.

Finally, the low sides that make flipping easier also mean less capacity for deep frying or braising. If you want to make a big batch of soup or fry chicken in an inch of oil, this isn’t the skillet for you. It’s a searer and sautéer, not a deep fryer.

Who Should Buy This

• Couples and small families who want one pan that handles weeknight dinners from searing to sautéing to simmering.
• Campers or RV dwellers — the low profile packs flat and the nonstick surface means minimal water usage.
• Anyone tired of scrubbing burnt-on food — this cleans up faster than any stainless or cast-iron option.

Skip it if you need deep walls for large-batch braising or deep frying, or if you demand precise temperature control for delicate cooking like tempering chocolate.

FAQ

Q: Is the nonstick coating PFOA-free? A: Yes, the manufacturer confirms the coating is PFOA-free. It’s a standard PTFE-based nonstick, so avoid metal utensils and don’t heat it empty above 400°F.

Q: Can I use this to cook for a crowd? A: The 16-inch surface fits a pound of bacon, a dozen eggs, or a 5-pound chicken. For a family of four to six, it’s plenty. For catering, you’d need two.

Q: Does the heat control probe work with other Presto cookware? A: Yes, it’s the same removable probe used across Presto’s electric cookware line, so if you own other Presto pieces, you can swap it if one fails.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a versatile, low-profile electric skillet that sears properly, cleans up in seconds, and earns its counter space. Skip it if you need deep walls for braising, demand fine-tuned temperature control, or can’t work around a 5-foot cord.

At 4.6 stars across 229 ratings, the Presto 06858 delivers the most useful balance of size, convenience, and performance in its class. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it’s hard to beat.

Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.