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Presto Electric Skillet 06852 vs Nesco 8 inch Electric Skillet Side-by-Side Comparison

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Presto Electric Skillet 06852 vs Nesco 8 inch Electric Skillet

Overall Verdict

For those prioritizing large capacity and stability, the 16-inch Presto Electric Skillet 06852 is a strong choice, whereas the Nesco 8 inch Electric Skillet ES-08 is ideal for compact and quick-use scenarios.

The Presto impresses with its maximum temperature retention and stability, leading to faster steak searing times. However, it does show slightly less even heat distribution, resulting in less uniform pancake coloration.

In contrast, the Nesco excels with the most even heat distribution and fastest heating among all the skillets tested. However, its high conductivity can lead to temperature spikes, making it challenging to cook delicate foods like pancakes without burning.

Both skillets have a PFOA-free Teflon non-stick surface that simplifies cleaning and reduces the need for oil or grease. Unfortunately for both, their lack of anti-slip pads causes the pan to move around too much during cooking. The Nesco further has the inconvenience of not being dishwasher-safe.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Great heat distribution
  • Stable temperatures
  • Sizzling hot searing
  • High build quality
  • Extremely fast preheating
  • Excellent heat distribution
  • Sizzling hot pan
  • Good capacity to size ratio
  • Teflon non-stick coating
  • Lid not the best fit
  • No anti-slip pads
  • Teflon non-stick coating
  • Pan not dishwasher-safe
  • Anti-slip pads

Key Specs

Dimensions
L22.44 x W12.05 x H8.07 inches
L10.94 x W8.03 x H5.51 inches
Cooking Capacity
8.9 quarts
1.8 quarts
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Coating
Teflon
Teflon
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
No
Detachable
No
No

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$63
$30.4

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
8.8
7.5

Analyzing Heat Distribution

8.8
9.2
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.
The Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 with a white oil-absorbent sheet covering the surface of the pan. The dark double circles indicate where the heating element is.
Temperature
High heat / 400°F
High heat / 400°F
Temperature Differences
5.8%
4.1%

Making Pancakes

8.9
6.4
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.
The top side of a golden brown pancake that’s dark around the edges inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08.
The top side of a golden brown pancake that’s dark around the edges inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08.
The bottom side of a golden brown pancake that’s dark around the edges inside an air fryer basket. In the corner is the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08.
Two hands breaking a pancake apart. In the background is the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08.
Heating Time
3 min 44 sec
1 min 24 sec
Temperature
Medium heat / 350°
Medium heat / 350°F

Cooking Steaks

8.8
7.8
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.
A piece of deep golden brown steak inside the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08. 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 Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08. 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 Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08.
Heating Time
5 min 20 sec
1 min 58 sec
Temperature
High heat / 400°F
High heat / 400°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.0
5.8

In the Box

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.
On the upper right is the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08. On the left is its cardboard box. Below the skillet, on the right is a thermostat and on the left is an instruction manual.

Dimensions

The Presto Electric Skillet 06852 is 22.44 inches in length, 12.05 inches in width, and 8.07 inches in height.
The Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 is 10.94 inches in length, 8.03 inches in width, and 5.51 inches in height.
Length
22.4" (57.0 cm)
10.9" (27.8 cm)
Width
12.1" (30.6 cm)
8.0" (20.4 cm)
Height
8.1" (20.5 cm)
5.5" (14.0 cm)
Weight
7.8 lbs (3.6 kg)
2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)

Pan

9.0
5.0
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.
The pan of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 is 7.79 inches in length, 7.79 inches in width, and 1.73 inches in depth.
Cooking Capacity
8.9 qt.
1.8 qt.
Dimensions
L15.71 x W11.73 x H2.79 inches
L7.79" x W7.79" x H1.73"
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Coating
Teflon
Teflon
Handle
Thermosetting plastic
Steel
Spout
No
No
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
No

Lid

8.0
9.0
The tempered glass lid of the Presto Electric Skillet 06852 has a steam vent.
The tempered glass lid of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 has a steam vent.
Material
Tempered glass
Tempered glass
Handle
Steel
Thermosetting plastic
Steam Vent
Yes
Yes
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
Yes

Base

4.0
5.0
The base of the Presto Electric Skillet 06852 has four stands.
The base of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 has four stands with anti-slip pads.
Material
Thermosetting plastic
Steel
Detachable
No
No
Anti-Slip Pads
No
Four
Dishwasher-Safe
Yes
No

Thermostat

7.0
6.0
The thermostat of the Presto Electric Skillet 06852 has 6 settings including Warm-200–250-300-350-400°F.
The thermostat of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 has 5 settings including On-275°F–325-375-425°F.
Temperature Range
Warm-200–250-300-350-400°F
On-275°F–325-375-425°F
Detachable
Yes
Yes
Indicator Light
Yes
Yes
Dishwasher-Safe
No
No

Power Cord

The flat two-prong power cord of the Presto Electric Skillet 06852 is 31.1 inches long.
The flat three-prong power cord of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 is 38.58 inches long.
Type
Two-prong
Three-prong
Length
31.1" (79.0 cm)
38.6" (98.0 cm)
Power
1500 W
800 W
Rated Output
120 V ~ 60 Hz
120 V ~ 60 Hz

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
6.2
6.6

Ease of Use

5.0
6.0
The Presto Electric Skillet 06852 with its thermostat inserted.
The Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08 with its thermostat inserted.

Cleaning and Storing

9.0
8.0
Burnt caramel on the surface of the Presto Electric Skillet 06852.
Burnt caramel on the surface of the Nesco Non-Stick Electric Skillet ES-08.