Presto 06003 Options Electric Multi-Cooker/Steamer

Fried fried. Tried to fry fries twice. Never was able to get better fries. Very greasy. Limp. Non drier. Worked on 350 for chicken and fish. No high heat for fries. Cooked a stew. Low temp. Stirred constantly. Burnt So low temp does not work nor high temp.

Buena compra, la uso para derretir cera de soya. super fácil de controlar la temperatura, estable, el teflon evita que se pegue absolutamente nada… he visto en otras partes que le hacen un orificio en la parte inferior para colocar una llave de paso y drenar la cera, pero a mi parecer no vale la pena alterarla de esa manera, si es mucha cera con un cucharón la puedes sacar y es tan ligera que la puedes levantar para vaciar.

Multiple purposes.

After using a heavy aluminum roasting pan and a Le Creuset french oven for our deep frying, I decided it was time to get a dedicated deep fryer. Only problem; so many reviewed as not reaching 400 degrees F. I finally opted for this model and am genuinely happy with this purchase.

I always use a (constantly tested) candy thermometer when deep frying, and have continued to do the same with this Presto multi cooker. It does take longer to heat up to 400 degrees – around 20 minutes minimum. But that gives me food prep time. Note this multi-cooker reads a bit over 400 on my tested thermometer (and I’ve never let it sit without placing food in it at that temp, so it might go higher; use caution, don’t assume it’s stopping at 400 degrees). One other note of caution, at 400, the temperature dial gets extremely hot – it now has heat blisters on it – not from oil spatter. I do sugar sculpting, and my fingers are used to heat, but I still have to use a hot pad on the dial to turn this off if it’s been on a while at 400 degrees.

I typically fry onion rings, fries, okra, chicken, fish, zucchini, mushrooms, ice cream, zeppole, cauliflower, the kitchen sink (gotcha!) lower than 400 (360 to 375), but I must have 400 for sopapillas. For those that test their fryer, please understand in any type of cooking pot the oil temp will drop when food goes in – and your temps vary depending on the location of the thermometer (top or bottom readings). My thick-walled aluminum roasting pan and cast iron pot drop 10 – 40 degrees depending on how much is put in, whether it’s breaded, etc. The Presto will also loose heat. This is why you fry small batches, and allow the heat of the oil to recover. Cast iron tends to hold heat better, but it’ll still drop in temp. Cast iron is also heavy (mine is 10 lbs.) which is why it’s not a preferred method for me – too much of a hassle to handle and wash. My heavy aluminum roasting pan has thicker walls than the Presto, thus a thicker lip, so I spill oil everywhere when emptying for straining/storage. Again, not a preferred method due to waste. I typically fry enough for 2 to 4 people, but do so in batches, same as with both my other pots.
Hint: Use a thermometer, set the dial for 400 even if you’re frying food at a lower temp. The oil comes back up to temp more quickly at the highest dial setting.

I like the magnetically attached heat control – it can be pulled off in an emergency. I reached a dangerous smoke point in my cast iron Creuset when I left the stovetop dial set too high – moving the pot with smoking oil was not a risk I’d take.

The steamer basket is just that – a steamer basket, despite what the instructions say. Purchase a separate 8″ diameter wire mesh fry basket if you want it for your fries and any un-battered items. I use the 

WMF Profi Plus Large 13-1/2-Inch Wok Strainer

 for battered food and sopapillas.

Rice is lovely to make in this cooker and so easy – up to about 7 cups of white rice at once.

The steamer basket leaves a bit to be desired regarding sturdiness but thus far I’ve had zero problems with it. Remember to remove the handle when steaming. Use tongs to attach the uppermost hook of the basket to the (hot) rim of the Presto. The lid won’t sit completely into the cooker with the steamer basket attached, but the little bit of escaping steam won’t affect steaming, and having a glass lid to check on status is a bonus. The hooks on the basket are riveted, so I don’t load it heavily. Asparagus, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, zucchini, carrots, corn and summer squash are a breeze to steam now.

Ironically this was purchased as a deep fryer, but we’re eating far more steamed foods now that we have such an easy steaming method!

One star deducted for the legs and handle. I don’t mind screwing them on myself the first time. But they will come loose eventually, again and again. I tried stainless steel (non rusting) split ring lock washers but still had problems with them coming loose. I then purchased 7/8″ diameter neoprene washers that fit, which solved the problem : ) Why aren’t these included after the loose legs/handles problem were first reported? Also, the cord is extremely short; about 2 ½ feet from the plug to the magnetic coupler.

I don’t use this for slow cooking soups or beans, or blanching vegetables so I cannot comment on that aspect. The manual comes with braising, blanching, simmering, rice cooking, steaming, and frying instructions and times for a variety of foods, although your preferences may vary.

Lastly, I do wash this by hand though it’s rated dishwasher safe. All our Teflon coated cookware is washed by hand to prevent corrosion/flaking.

Overall, this Presto is now my deep fryer of choice, plus a great rice cooker and steamer for an individual or small family – with `fixable’ loose legs/handles at a reasonable price.

UPDATE: I’ve had the Presto Multi Cooker for 3 months now. The heating element does take a bit longer to heat to the full 400 degrees – about 35 minutes now. I remain quite pleased with my purchase.

UPDATE 3/24/2015: Please read T. Scott Kinder’s posts in the comment area regarding Sous Vide cooking using this Presto – many home chefs will be extremely pleased with Kinder’s detailed experimentation and end results. This truly adds to the “…and more!” to this Deep Fryer!

I use it to make chili and gumbo. Ours has lasted 14 years. Great product.