Cooking at home can be a joy or a chore, depending on the tools you use. I recently tested two popular electric skillets from Presto—the 06852 and the 06856—and I have to say, both impressed me in different ways. From breakfasts and quick dinners to entertaining guests with buffet-style serving, these skillets promise versatility, but the small differences between them make a significant impact.
Main Difference Between Presto 06852 vs 06856 Electric Skillet
The main difference between Presto 06852 and 06856 lies in surface material and programmability:
- Presto 06852 features a classic nonstick coating with a cool-touch glass cover and focuses on straightforward, reliable cooking.
- Presto 06856 offers a ceramic nonstick surface inside and out, giving you a more eco-friendly, PFAS-free option, and introduces programmable cooking, allowing more control over heat settings for precision cooking.
While both skillets share the same 16-inch pan size and 1500-watt power, these subtle differences can influence ease of use, cleaning, and cooking results.
- Roast, fry, grill, stew, bake, make casseroles and more
- Roast fry grill stew bake make casseroles and more
Comparison Table: Presto 06852 vs 06856 Electric Skillet
| Feature | Presto 06852 | Presto 06856 |
| Pan Size | 16 inches | 16 inches |
| Nonstick Surface | Classic PFAS-free | Ceramic, PFAS-free |
| Programmable Cooking | No | Yes |
| Cool-Touch Lid | Yes | Yes |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Control | Control Master heat control | Control Master heat control |
| Weight | 9 lbs | 8.5 lbs |
| Color | Black | Grey Ceramic |
| Functions | Roast, fry, grill, stew, bake, casseroles | Roast, fry, grill, stew, bake, casseroles |
| Best For | Classic nonstick cooking, versatile everyday use | Ceramic nonstick cooking, programmable convenience, healthier cooking |
| Check Latest Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
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Design & Build Quality
The 06852 has a sleek black finish that looks professional on any countertop. Its tempered glass lid with a stay-cool handle makes monitoring your food simple, while the heavy cast aluminum base gives a stable, warp-resistant structure. I appreciated its substantial sidewalls that allow me to cook large quantities for family meals or buffet-style serving.
The 06856 caught my attention with its grey ceramic finish, which looks more modern and adds a slightly eco-friendly feel. The ceramic nonstick coating is smooth and PFAS-free, making it a healthier choice for long-term use. The design is virtually identical to the 06852 in size and pan depth, but it feels slightly lighter, making it easier to maneuver.
Verdict: 06852 = classic, sturdy; 06856 = modern, lightweight, eco-conscious.
- Roast, fry, grill, stew, bake, make casseroles and more
- Roast fry grill stew bake make casseroles and more
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Ease of Use
Both skillets are extremely user-friendly.
- The 06852 uses the familiar Control Master heat control, which automatically maintains the selected temperature. I liked that I could just set it and forget it, whether I was frying eggs or simmering a stew. The cool-touch handle on the lid made checking food safe and convenient.
- The 06856 also features Control Master heat control but adds programmable cooking options. This allows me to set specific temperature ranges for different dishes, giving more control over cooking results. The ceramic surface enhances stick-resistance, which made flipping pancakes or eggs a breeze.
Verdict: 06852 = simple and reliable; 06856 = programmable and precise for more controlled cooking.
- Roast, fry, grill, stew, bake, make casseroles and more
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Cooking Functions & Versatility
I tried both skillets for a variety of cooking tasks:
- 06852 performed wonderfully for frying, roasting, and baking. Its wide 16-inch pan lets me cook a full breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes simultaneously. I also used it to make stews and casseroles, and it doubled as a buffet server during family gatherings.
- 06856 handled the same tasks efficiently, but the ceramic coating gave a slightly better nonstick performance, especially when cooking delicate foods like fish fillets. The programmable feature helped maintain consistent heat for slow-cooking dishes, which I found very convenient.
Both skillets heat evenly, preventing hot spots or burning, and the large pan size ensures ample serving capacity.
Verdict: 06852 = reliable all-purpose; 06856 = better for precision and delicate foods.
- Roast fry grill stew bake make casseroles and more
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Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning is where I noticed a real difference:
- 06852 has a classic nonstick surface that’s easy to wipe clean, though I had to be careful with metal utensils to avoid scratches. The glass lid is easy to clean as well.
- 06856’s ceramic nonstick surface is far more resistant to scratching, and food slides off effortlessly. This made cleanup faster and stress-free, especially after greasy meals.
Verdict: 06852 = easy cleaning but needs care; 06856 = hassle-free cleaning with durable ceramic coating.
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Safety Features
Safety is built into both models.
- The 06852’s cool-touch lid handle is safe to touch while cooking, and the Control Master heat control prevents overheating.
- The 06856 shares the same safety features but also benefits from the ceramic nonstick surface, which requires less oil for cooking, reducing the risk of splattering.
Verdict: 06852 = safe and standard; 06856 = safe with healthier cooking option.
Presto 06852 Electric Skillet
- Roast, fry, grill, stew, bake, make casseroles and more
Pros:
- Classic, reliable nonstick surface
- Large 16-inch pan with high sidewalls
- Cool-touch tempered glass lid
- Control Master heat control for consistent cooking
- Doubles as a buffet server
Cons:
- Nonstick surface slightly sensitive to metal utensils
- Heavier (9 lbs)
- Less precise cooking than programmable models
Presto 06856 Electric Skillet
- Roast fry grill stew bake make casseroles and more
Pros:
- Ceramic nonstick surface inside and out, PFAS-free
- Programmable cooking feature for precision
- Large 16-inch pan, same capacity as 06852
- Easier to clean and more scratch-resistant
- Lighter weight (8.5 lbs)
Cons:
- Slightly higher price than classic 06852
- Grey ceramic finish may not appeal to all kitchen aesthetics
Conclusion: Which Presto Skillet Should You Choose?
Both Presto 06852 and 06856 are excellent 16-inch electric skillets with a wide range of cooking functions. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you value traditional nonstick convenience or ceramic programmability:
- Choose 06852 if you want a classic, reliable, and versatile skillet for everyday cooking and buffet-style serving. It’s perfect for those who prioritize straightforward, no-fuss use.
- Choose 06856 if you want modern ceramic nonstick cooking with programmable options for precise heat control, easier cleaning, and healthier cooking. It’s ideal for home cooks who like a bit more control over cooking temperature.
My recommendation: For traditional, everyday use, go with 06852. For precision, healthier cooking, and easier cleanup, go with 06856.
