Let’s be real, life’s too short for complicated cooking. As a busy parent who also loves to whip up a decent meal, I’m always hunting for kitchen helpers that make things easier without skimping on the deliciousness. Enter the Presto 07117 12″ Electric Skillet. It promised to be a versatile workhorse, and guess what? It pretty much is.
First Impressions: Solid and Simple
When I unboxed this thing, I was pleasantly surprised. It felt solid, you know? Not flimsy at all. The cast aluminum pan has a nice weight to it, and that nonstick surface? It looked like it meant business. Plus, that tempered glass lid is a lifesaver – no more peeking and losing all the heat! The “Control Master” heat thingy seemed pretty basic, but I was ready to see what it could do.
Time to Cook: Putting the Presto Through Its Paces
First up? A quick chicken and veggie stir-fry. The skillet heated up super fast and, get this, evenly! That nonstick coating was no joke – I barely used any oil, and nothing stuck. Seriously, nothing. Huge win! And those high sides? They’re not just for show. No splatters all over my counter, and I could pile in a mountain of veggies.
Next, I got a little cocky and decided to bake a pasta casserole. Baking in an electric skillet? I was side-eyeing it, I’ll admit. But the Presto? Nailed it. The temperature stayed steady, and the casserole baked perfectly, no weird hot spots. Bonus: I didn’t have to crank up the whole oven, saving energy and keeping my kitchen from turning into a sauna. Score!
Oh, and I even made pancakes one weekend. Okay, it’s not a giant griddle, but for a small family breakfast, it was perfect.
Cleanup: The Best Part (Seriously!)
Okay, this is where the Presto really won me over. That nonstick surface? A dream. A quick swipe with a soapy sponge, and boom, done. And get this – once you pop off the heat control, the whole thing goes in the dishwasher. Seriously, game-changer for those crazy weeknights when you just want to collapse.
That little pour spout? Genius. Draining grease is actually…easy? And I kept using it as a spoon rest, which saved my stovetop from becoming a Jackson Pollock painting.
A Couple of Tiny Hiccups
Look, it’s not perfect. That temperature dial? Not super precise. You gotta play around with it to find the sweet spot for different recipes. And yeah, it’s a bit bulky to store, but honestly, it’s worth the space for how much I use it.
The Final Verdict: Kitchen Hero
Bottom line? The Presto 07117 12″ Electric Skillet is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s versatile, simple to use, and cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re throwing together a quick dinner or tackling something a bit fancier, this skillet can handle it. And the price? Totally reasonable. If you’re looking for a reliable electric skillet that won’t let you down, give the Presto 07117 a shot. You might just find yourself using it as much as I do! I highly recommend it.