When I first put the Presto 06006 and Presto 06003 side by side on my kitchen counter, I realized just how similar these two multi-cookers look at a glance. Both are versatile kitchen companions capable of deep frying, steaming, roasting, and making one-pot meals. Yet, after several weeks of testing, subtle but meaningful differences began to stand out — particularly in their build quality, usability, and overall cooking efficiency.
In this detailed review, I’ll walk you through how these two models perform in real kitchen scenarios, their differences, and which one I’d ultimately recommend for your cooking needs.
Key Difference Between Presto 06006 vs 06003 Electric Multicooker
The biggest difference between the Presto 06006 and Presto 06003 lies in capacity and accessories. The 06003 offers a larger 6-quart size, a tempered glass lid, and a fry/steam basket that hooks conveniently for draining. The 06006, while also versatile, has a more compact design and does not include a basket or glass lid, making it slightly less functional for deep frying or steaming.
Comparison Table: Presto 06006 vs 06003 Electric Multicooker
| Features | Presto 06006 Multi-Cooker | Presto 06003 Multi-Cooker |
| Capacity | Medium (approx. 5 quarts) | Large 6-quart |
| Material | Aluminum with ceramic coating | Heavy cast aluminum with ceramic coating |
| Nonstick Surface | PFAS-free ceramic inside & out | PFAS-free ceramic inside & out |
| Included Accessories | None | Fry/steam basket + tempered glass lid |
| Control | Manual heat control | Control Master automatic heat control |
| Fully Immersible | Yes (with heat control removed) | Yes (with heat control removed) |
| Dimensions | 12.25” x 8.75” x 9.44” | 12.62” x 9.5” x 9” |
| Weight | 1 lb (lightweight) | 0.5 lb (lighter, but larger body) |
| Best For | Everyday frying & small family cooking | Families or batch cooking, versatile steaming/frying |
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Detailed Comparative Review – Design & Build Quality
Both cookers share Presto’s traditional rounded pot shape with a simple black finish, but the 06003 immediately feels more robust. Its cast aluminum base gives it a sturdier foundation and better heat distribution. I also appreciate the tempered glass lid, which allows me to check on soups or steaming vegetables without lifting the cover.
The 06006, on the other hand, has a cleaner, more compact appearance, making it perfect for smaller kitchens. However, the lack of a glass lid and basket means you’ll need to use your own accessories for steaming or draining fried food.
If design practicality matters to you, the 06003 takes the lead with a more complete package right out of the box.
Ease of Use
Both units are straightforward and intuitive, which is something I’ve come to expect from Presto. Plug them in, set your heat level, and they get to work quickly.
The 06003 comes equipped with Control Master heat control, which automatically maintains your desired cooking temperature. I found this feature especially helpful when deep frying — it keeps the oil consistent and prevents burning. The 06006 requires manual adjustment and attention, so it demands a bit more hands-on monitoring.
In daily cooking, I noticed the 06003’s basket design makes steaming or deep frying much less messy. After frying, I simply hook the basket on the rim to drain oil — a thoughtful addition that the 06006 misses.
Cooking Performance
In terms of raw cooking ability, both models heat up quickly and evenly, thanks to their aluminum construction. I tested them with fried chicken, steamed dumplings, and pasta sauces.
- With the Presto 06006, frying results were decent but required frequent temperature checks.
- The 06003, however, held the oil temperature steady, giving me crisper and more evenly fried results.
When making soups or stews, the larger capacity of the 06003 was an advantage. I could prepare a big batch of chili or stew without worrying about overflow. The 06006 was more suitable for smaller, quick-cook meals — perfect for 2–3 servings.
Versatility
Both cookers claim to be “multi-cookers,” and in practice, they live up to the title. You can deep fry, steam, boil pasta, or even slow-cook meats. However, the 06003 edges out in versatility simply because it includes the right accessories for every task.
The 06006, while competent, feels more like a single-purpose unit unless you supplement it with your own basket or external lid.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Here’s where both models truly shine. The PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating is smooth, durable, and genuinely easy to clean. After frying, I let them cool, removed the heating element, and washed them under warm soapy water.
Both are fully immersible (once the heat control is removed), which is a major plus. The nonstick surface resisted staining even after repeated use — a big win for maintenance.
Still, I give the 06003 a small edge again because the basket and drip management made cleanup even quicker.
Presto 06006 –
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- PFAS-free ceramic coating
- Simple manual temperature control
- Fully immersible for easy cleaning
- Ideal for small kitchens or limited counter space
Cons:
- No basket or glass lid included
- Manual heat control requires close monitoring
- Smaller cooking capacity
Presto 06003
Pros:
- Larger 6-quart capacity
- Includes basket and tempered glass lid
- Automatic temperature control
- Great for family-sized meals
- Excellent heat distribution and consistency
- Fully immersible and easy to clean
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier footprint
- Higher price point than 06006
- Not ideal if you only need a compact fryer
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After using both the Presto 06006 and Presto 06003 extensively, it’s clear that both are capable multi-cookers — but they cater to different users.
If you’re looking for a simple, compact, and budget-friendly cooker for small portions, the Presto 06006 is a practical option. It handles everyday frying and simmering well without taking up much counter space.
However, if you want more control, more capacity, and true versatility, the Presto 06003 is the clear winner. The inclusion of the fry/steam basket, tempered glass lid, and automatic temperature control make it a complete cooking station in one device.
My Recommendation:
Go with the Presto 06003 if you frequently cook for multiple people or enjoy experimenting with different recipes — it’s worth the extra cost for its flexibility and convenience. But for casual cooking or smaller households, the 06006 will do just fine and save you some counter space.
