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!
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From the manufacturer
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Count Tempered glass cover lets you see food as it cooks. |
Control Master heat control automatically maintains the proper cooking temperature. |
Deep fries up to six servings of french fries. Makes casseroles and soups. Steams vegetables and rice; cooks pasta. Roasts beef, pork, and poultry. |
National Presto Industries, Inc. has stood the test of time!
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Founded in 1905 in Eau Claire, WI.It is a respected producer in the housewares and small electric appliance industry. |
The company created the first saucepan-style pressure cooker in 1939.Its first electric appliance came in 1948 with the Presto Vapor Steam Iron; the first steam iron to use tap water instead of costly distilled water. In 1956, Presto introduced a complete line of fully submersible electric cooking appliances employing the first removable heat control. Other notable innovations include the PrestoBurger hamburger cooker in 1974, the FryBaby electric deep fryer in 1976, the SaladShooter electric slicer/shredder in 1988, and the Pizzazz pizza oven in 2000. |
Predicting the needs of consumers......and then fulfilling those needs through consistent product innovation and quality manufacturing has been the objective of National Presto Industries for over 100 years, and it will continue to be in the years ahead. |
Compare with similar items
 | Presto 06006 Kitchen Kettle Multi-Cooker/Steamer | Presto 05450 DualDaddy Electric Deep Fryer | Presto 05411 GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer | Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer,Black | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | (4936) | (16853) | (2278) | (12992) | (22633) |
| Price | $49.99 | $32.96 | $48.19 | $54.99 | $39.85 |
| Shipping | FREE Shipping. Details | FREE Shipping. Details | FREE Shipping. Details | FREE Shipping. Details | FREE Shipping. Details |
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
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Customer reviews
Some design faults. Assembly required.
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2012
There are lots of reviews on how well this things performs, so I'll cover assembly, quality of materials, and storage.The unit arrives with the 4 legs, 2 handles, basket handle, and thermostat all wrapped separately. You'll need a philips screw driver to assemble the cooker. Time - 5 minutes. Difficulty - basic DIY skills. If you are gifting this to an elderly relative or someone who doesn't know a screwdriver from a screwball, you should keep this in mind.Once assembled, I found the lid is very unstable if the strainer is in place. The strainer handle cannot be folded in, nor easily removed (it can be removed, but not without effort). Why does this matter? Well when you come to put the unit away you find the lid could very easily fall off and break. Also the lever sticks out and is liable to be caught by other items, thereby making the likelihood of the lid falling off very real. A folding lever would have made storage a breeze and negated these concerns.Lets not forget this cost 30 bucks, so it is difficult to complain about the quality of materials. The strainer is very thin, some much so that a study was probably done to see just how thin you could make it and still have it function. It feels 'budget', but then this is priced accordingly.The thermometer simply sticks through the base under the main body. The power cord is magnetically attached and can be removed very easily.The thermometer body just pulls out. These two items need to be removed before washing, and can be done so without any effort at all - a nice touch.If you plan to 'store' this on your counter top then not the non-folding handle is going to stick out and the lid can easily be knocked off. Likewise, if you are going to store this in a cupboard then you may need to remove the handle (finicky), or store the basked or lid separately.For the price this is a very good unit. Given its handle design,I hope we don't break the lid.
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2012
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