Presto 6851 Electric Skillet  Product Reviews

"I purchased this electric skillet because I was pleased with a previous skillet (Model 06852). The model 06852 is an attractive looking electric skillet that cooks beautiful, but one that I wanted to keep nice for company and buffets. I purchased this Model 06851 for everyday use. The only difference between the two models are the handles and the lids. The skillet size and design are identical. The first time I used the product it worked properly and was cooking up to my expectations. I have been cooking on electric skillets for over 30 years. The second time I used this skillet it began making a lot of noise -- much like it might be shorting out. It also started cooking much too hot, therefore, making the meat hard and burnt. I tried the temperature control plug for the model 06852 on the unit, but the problem persisted which told me the problem was in the coil in the pan itself. Just to be sure before I contacted Presto about their warranty, I made some Chicken Fried Steak in both pans at the same time, being sure to use the same temperature, and turning the food at the same time, and then simmering the steak at 200 degrees in a covered skillet to make it extra tender as I always do. The skillet model 06852 produced a beautiful meal, whereas the meat in the skillet model 06851 was hard and burnt. The meat came from the same package, so I know it wasn't the food. This experiment told me for sure the newer skillet I purchased (model 06851)a month and a half ago was indeed defective. So I called the Presto manufacturer at the number provided on the warranty paperwork. They told me I needed to send the unit back to them -- BUT I MUST PAY FOR THE SHIPPING. If I received a defective unit that is only one and a half months old then I believe THEY SHOULD be responsible for the shipping cost for the unit to be returned to them since they provide no place to drop it off for repairs or replacement. It is apparent they have very little faith in their products and make the consumer pick up the tab for the shipping on their defective units. This was unacceptable to me and now I am letting everyone know that if you buy ANY Presto Appliance, and the unit is defective, you will be responsible to spend yet more money (approx another $15 for further shipping costs) before you can obtain a working unit. In the future I plan on buying from a different manufacturer. I have purchased my last Presto product. I will not do business with a company that refuses to stand behind their products in a decent manner. I am not a person that throws away good money after bad. They give no guarantee that they will replace the unit with a working unit, so I could spend the rest of my life and a ton of money on shipping fees for defective merchandise from this company. You might want to think twice before you purchase a Presto Appliance, because any and all defective merchandise you receive YOU will have to PAY MORE MONEY for the shipping cost to get it fixed."

"I bought this pan and to my suprise I had to assemble the handles on the skillet and the lid. The handles on the skillet were not bad at all but the lid.... Anyway, after I got it assembled, wash, and dried per the instruction manual I plugged it in a began cooking. It was amazing-my chicken came out beautiful! Two days later I was cooking and the thing went out on me! It became cool to the touch. I left it alone for a while thinking maybe I did something wrong-but I was already cooking at a low temperature. It did not come back on when I replugged it in. Hence I had to give it back. I was so disappointed. I am just glad it did not happen while cooking the feast I had planned for the following week. Save your money"

"I wanted a big frying pan for the dozen or so times a year I make a lot of potstickers, latkes, or even French toast. We had something like this when I was a kid and it saw an awful lot of use. Surely, I reasoned, Grandma would not have overpaid for a frying pan, and I didn't want to, either. This pan has a nonstick surface which I initially thought would preclude getting a nice crispy finish. I found that with an adequate amount of oil you get beautifully browned, crisp edges. It's deep enough for frying chicken. The controls are easy to read and use. There is a totally coherent instruction booklet. The pan is dishwasher-safe. The lid fits securely. The plastic legs/handles, although reasonably sturdy, are likely the weak spot; but if they break the Presto company sells replacements. I plan to use mine whenever an extra-large fry pan is called for. This is a very nice item; one's grandmother would not think is frivolous but, instead, very practical. I recommend this simple and useful pan."