Why we tested
The electric skillet is one of those appliances that seems redundant until you use one - then you wonder how you cooked without it. A 16-inch flat surface with precise temperature control outperforms a 12-inch pan over a burner for anything that benefits from even heat distribution across a large area: pancake batches, shallow-fried chicken, hash browns, sautéed vegetables for a crowd. We tested the Presto 06620 to determine whether the $45 price point produces a skillet that actually maintains consistent temperature or whether it is just a large non-stick pan with a cord.
How we tested
Over eight weeks we used the skillet for more than 50 cooking sessions. Tests included: pancake batches (temperature consistency across the surface), shallow frying chicken cutlets (temperature recovery after cold food is added), stir-fried rice (even heat under constant agitation), bacon (fat rendering without hotspot charring), and a low-temperature egg scramble at 250°F. We used an infrared thermometer to map surface temperature across nine points of the cooking surface at 350°F setpoint and measured temperature recovery time after adding cold food.
Performance
Surface temperature mapping at a 350°F setpoint showed a maximum variance of 22°F across all nine measured points - the center ran at the top of the range, the corners at the low end. For a budget aluminum skillet this is acceptable for all practical cooking. No single hot spot caused food to burn in our testing.
Temperature recovery after adding six cold chicken cutlets (approximately 38°F from the refrigerator) showed a temperature drop from 350°F to 298°F, recovering back to 335°F within 3 minutes 40 seconds. This is faster than most competing units at this price and means you can fry chicken in two close-timed batches without waiting 10 minutes between loads.
Pancakes were the most direct even-heat test. A full batch of six 4-inch pancakes across the surface cooked to identical golden-brown color simultaneously - no pale outer pancakes while the center ones overcooked. This is the primary advantage of an electric skillet over a stovetop pan with a gas burner’s uneven heat profile.
Bacon at 325°F produced even rendering across 8 strips laid side by side. No char at the center, no undercooked ends.
Cleanup was a consistent highlight. Remove the heat control, drop the pan in the dishwasher - 5 minutes of post-cook work. The non-stick surface released all food residue cleanly after the first dishwasher cycle across all 50 sessions.
Lid is functional for steaming and keeping food warm at 200°F. The glass lid alternative (sold separately) is worth considering if you want to monitor cooking without lifting the lid.
Who should buy this
Buy the Presto 06620 if you regularly cook for four or more people and want even-heat surface cooking without a professional range. It excels for breakfast spreads, batch frying, indoor smash burgers, and any recipe that benefits from a large, consistently heated flat surface. If aesthetics matter - stainless exterior, precise digital control - the Cuisinart CSK-150 is worth the premium. If you need a basic, reliable workhorse at the lowest reasonable price, the Presto delivers.
Presto 06620 Aluminum Electric Skillet vs. the competition
| Product | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Cuisinart CSK-150 Non-Stick Electric Skillet | Alternative - stainless exterior is more attractive, but costs twice as much for equivalent cooking performance. |
| Elite Gourmet EG-6203 Electric Skillet | Skip - thinner aluminum body shows noticeable hot spots in center at high temperature. |
Full specifications
| Type | Electric Skillet |
| Capacity | 16 x 12 inch cooking surface |
| Wattage | 1500 W |
| Dimensions | 21.62 x 13.62 x 9.5 inches |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
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Should you buy the Presto 06620 Aluminum Electric Skillet?
The Presto 06620 is the electric skillet that actually heats evenly across its 16-inch surface and holds a consistent frying temperature under a full load of food. At $45 with a removable, dishwasher-safe pan, it is exceptional value for family-size batch cooking, indoor breakfast spreads, or frying without the mess of a stovetop skillet.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Presto 06620 skillet be fully submerged for washing?+
Yes, once the heat control probe is removed. The aluminum pan and lid are fully immersible and dishwasher safe. Never submerge the heat control unit itself - it contains the electrical components.
What temperature should I use for pan frying chicken?+
Set the dial to 325-350°F for shallow frying bone-in chicken. This range maintains oil temperature well above the moisture point but below the smoke point of most cooking oils, producing a crispy crust without burning the coating.
📅 Update log
- May 27, 2026Initial review published.
