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CRUX Electric Skillet 14620 vs Presto Electric Skillet 06852 Side-by-Side Comparison

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CRUX Electric Skillet 14620 vs Presto Electric Skillet 06852

Overall Verdict

Although the 12-inch Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 offers a visually appealing design, its performance and durability issues make it less desirable than the more practical and reliable 16-inch Presto Electric Skillet 06852.

While the heating was faster and more even, the temperature stabilization point of the Crux was too low to cook food as desired. Pancakes turned out average, and the heating cycle was not ideal for achieving a perfectly medium-rare steak.

On the other hand, the Presto exhibited better maximum temperature retention and stability. It showed faster steak searing times but slightly less even coloration on pancakes.

The Crux stands out with its stylish design featuring a gray exterior and polished copper linings. However, the coating on the pan rim showed signs of chipping, and the base had grainy specs protruding, raising concerns about its durability.

Although we would have preferred a ceramic coating like the Crux, the PFOA-free Teflon non-stick surface of the Presto minimized the need for oil or grease and was easy to clean. A significant drawback of the Presto is its lack of anti-slip pads, an unusual omission that caused the pan to move around too much during cooking.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Fast heating
  • Even heat distribution
  • Ceramic non-stick coating
  • Great heat distribution
  • Stable temperatures
  • Sizzling hot searing
  • High build quality
  • Chipped coating
  • Stubborn burn-ons may require some effort
  • Teflon non-stick coating
  • Lid not the best fit
  • No anti-slip pads

Key Specs

Dimensions
L14.96 x W11.97 x H7.68 inches
L22.44 x W12.05 x H8.07 inches
Cooking Capacity
6.8 quarts
8.9 quarts
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Coating
Ceramic
Teflon
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
Yes
Detachable
No
No

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$46.80
$63

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.4
8.8

Analyzing Heat Distribution

9.0
8.8
The Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 with a white oil-absorbent sheet covering the surface of the pan. The dark double circles indicate where the heating element is.
The Presto Electric Skillet 06852 with a white oil-absorbent sheet covering the surface of the pan. The dark rectangle indicates where the heating element is.
Temperature
High heat / 400°F
High heat / 400°F
Temperature Differences
5.2%
5.8%

Making Pancakes

7.3
8.9
The top side of a golden brown pancake that’s dark around the edges inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620.
The top side of a golden brown pancake that’s dark around the edges inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620.
The bottom side of a golden brown pancake that’s dark around the edges inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620.
Two hands breaking a pancake apart. In the background is the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620.
The top side of a golden brown pancake inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Presto Electric Skillet 06852.
The top side of a golden brown pancake inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Presto Electric Skillet 06852.
The bottom side of a golden brown pancake inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Presto Electric Skillet 06852.
 Two hands breaking a pancake apart. In the background is the Presto Electric Skillet 06852.
Heating Time
2 min
3 min 44 sec
Temperature
Medium heat / 350°F
Medium heat / 350°

Cooking Steaks

6.8
8.8
A piece of deep golden brown steak inside the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620. In front of the skillet is a digital timer and a meat thermometer with its probe inserted into the steak.
A piece of deep golden brown steak inside the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620. In front of the skillet is a digital timer and a meat thermometer with its probe inserted into the steak.
On the cutting board, a tong is holding the steak while a knife is slicing the steak.
A hand in black glove using a fork to pick up a slice of steak. In the background is the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620.
A piece of golden brown steak inside the Presto Electric Skillet 06852. In front of the skillet is a digital timer and a meat thermometer with its probe inserted into the steak.
A piece of golden brown steak inside the Presto Electric Skillet 06852. In front of the skillet is a digital timer and a meat thermometer with its probe inserted into the steak.
On the cutting board, a tong is holding the steak while a knife is slicing the steak.
A hand in black glove using a fork to pick up a slice of steak.
Heating Time
3 min
5 min 20 sec
Temperature
High heat / 400°F
High heat / 400°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.0
7.0

In the Box

On the upper right is the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620. On the left is its cardboard box. Below the skillet, on the left is a thermostat and on the right is an instruction manual.
On the upper right is the Presto Electric Skillet 06852. On the left is its cardboard box. Below the skillet from right to left is an instruction manual, a thermostat, and two screw-on handles.

Dimensions

The Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 is 14.96 inches in length, 11.97 inches in width, and 7.68 inches in height.
The Presto Electric Skillet 06852 is 22.44 inches in length, 12.05 inches in width, and 8.07 inches in height.
Length
15.0" (38.0 cm)
22.4" (57.0 cm)
Width
12.0" (30.4 cm)
12.1" (30.6 cm)
Height
7.7" (19.5 cm)
8.1" (20.5 cm)
Weight
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
7.8 lbs (3.6 kg)

Pan

7.0
9.0
The pan of the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 is 11.8 inches in length, 11.8 inches in width, and 2.8 inches in depth.
The pan of the Presto Electric Skillet 06852 is 15.71 inches in length, 11.73 inches in width, and 2.79 inches in depth.
Cooking Capacity
 6.8 qt.
8.9 qt.
Dimensions
L11.8 x W11.8 x H2.8 inches
L15.71 x W11.73 x H2.79 inches
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Coating
Ceramic
Teflon
Handle
Thermosetting plastic
Thermosetting plastic
Spout
No
No
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
Yes

Lid

9.0
8.0
The tempered glass lid of the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 has a steam vent.
The tempered glass lid of the Presto Electric Skillet 06852 has a steam vent.
Material
Tempered glass
Tempered glass
Handle
Thermosetting plastic
Steel
Steam Vent
Yes
Yes
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
Yes

Base

6.0
4.0
The base of the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 has four stands with anti-slip pads.
The base of the Presto Electric Skillet 06852 has four stands.
Material
Thermosetting plastic
Thermosetting plastic
Detachable
No
No
Anti-Slip Pads
Four
No
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
Yes

Thermostat

7.0
7.0
The thermostat of the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 has 6 settings including Warm-200–250-300-350-400°F.
The thermostat of the Presto Electric Skillet 06852 has 6 settings including Warm-200–250-300-350-400°F.
Temperature Range
Warm-200–250-300-350-400°F
Warm-200–250-300-350-400°F
Detachable
Yes
Yes
Indicator Light
Yes
Yes
Dishwasher-Safe
No
No

Power Cord

The flat two-prong power cord of the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 is 31.1 inches long.
The flat two-prong power cord of the Presto Electric Skillet 06852 is 31.1 inches long.
Type
Two-prong
Two-prong
Length
26.6" (67.5 cm)
31.1" (79.0 cm)
Power
1300 W
1500 W
Rated Output
120 V ~ 60 Hz
120 V ~ 60 Hz

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.8
6.2

Ease of Use

9.0
5.0
The Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620 with its thermostat inserted.
The Presto Electric Skillet 06852 with its thermostat inserted.

Cleaning and Storing

8.5
9.0
Burnt caramel on the surface of the Crux Non-Stick Electric Skillet 14620.
Burnt caramel on the surface of the Presto Electric Skillet 06852.