Outlet 🥰 Presto 06003 Options Electric Multi-Cooker/Steam ✨

8 reviews for Outlet 🥰 Presto 06003 Options Electric Multi-Cooker/Steam ✨

1. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Charlee L. – June 29, 2011

   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!

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   My Two Cents – March 20, 2018

   It’s wonderful to get such a versatile appliance that does the work of many little appliances. I’ve had this about 2 years and keep finding new uses. I’m going to try Sous Vide cooking in it next.I have used this pot for soups, stews, steaming and deep fat frying and it’s worked quite well. I’m not a big fan of the basket for steaming — you have to remove the handle and hook the basket on the side of the kettle. You can’t take it out quickly and steam is going to vent where you have the basket hooked, so arrange it accordingly. I did find an excellent 6 quart steamer basket on Amazon that is a great fit for this cooker:  Hatrigo Instant Pot Accessories 6 qt Steamer Basket [3qt 8qt available], Fits InstaPot Pressure Cooker, Insta Pot Ultra Egg Basket w/ Silicone Handle and Non-Slip Legs (Instant Pot 6 Quart) . It has non-scratch silicone coated “feet” and folding handle. Removing this basket is quick and easy and is great when steaming hard boiled eggs–you can rapidly immerse them in a cold water bath. Since the handle folds out of the way, when steaming, you can vent the glass lid where it’s most appropriate at the time.For yogurt making: the 2 1/2 quart anchor hocking mixing bowl fits this perfectly and this cooker will hold a steady 110 degrees if you set it just under the “Keep Warm” mark. I had to experiment with it most of the day to find the right mark for the temperature setting I needed, but it’s held steady. I put a couple of cotton potholders underneath the glass bowl to eliminate direct heat fluctuations in the bottom of the bowl, but so far, so good. A silicone trivet would work well also.Why not 5 stars? It’s all due to the irritating, hair trigger magnetic cord assembly. I read other reviews and thought I was prepared for this problem, but really, just the slightest touch of the cord can disengage the connection. It may be that I have a weak magnet in my cord assembly, but trust me on this: just barely brushing the cord can disengage the connection. This is a major pain when you’re deep frying and suddenly you are deep fat “soaking” because the oil temp has dropped. So, if you can handle that cord with kid gloves and keep an eagle eye out, everything will be fine. It’s a major inconvenience to have to keep such a close watch on an otherwise wonderful appliance.

3. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Jay B. – August 19, 2022

   Multiple purposes.

4. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   CrewCut – September 9, 2022

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

5. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Sidney M. Schwarz – September 23, 2022

   My wife uses this for everything but frying. We do not eat deep fried foods at home. She boils food, such as pasta. She cooks meats and vegetables. She prefers this pot to a stove top.

6. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Ana Terry – October 8, 2022

   I love my Preto Electric Cooker. I simmered some pork and it was delicious. You didn’t even need a knife to cut it. I do recommend this item

7. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   CJ S – October 25, 2022

   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.

8. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   DIANE – November 29, 2022

   Its a great size and easy to use however, the whole unit gets incredibly hot. From the cord to the handles, it will burn you if touched.