The Presto 06857 16-inch Foldaway Skillet is our first choice for pan-frying chicken when compact storage matters. The Elite Gourmet EG-6203# is the alternative for a deep, fixed-base pan. Both have their own electric heat controls, a glass lid and published chicken-cooking guidance. Choose between them by storage, pan shape and cleaning requirements.
This shortlist compares current product specifications and manufacturer instructions; we have not cooked with these appliances. It covers pan-frying. A large skillet’s capacity does not tell you how much hot oil it can safely hold.
Best electric skillets for frying chicken at a glance
| Pick | Best fit | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Presto 06857, current ceramic version | A 16-inch pan with a base that folds away for storage | Hand-wash the pan; the manual prohibits deep frying |
| Elite Gourmet EG-6203#, 10.5-quart listing | A deep 16-by-13-inch pan with a fixed base | Bulky to store; capacity is not an oil-fill allowance |
1. Presto 06857: best for easier storage
Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet
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The removable base is the practical reason to choose the Presto. Its handles fold inward so the base can nest inside the pan between meals. The current manufacturer listing specifies a ceramic nonstick surface, a glass cover and a 1,500-watt, 120-volt supply. The selected Amazon listing also identifies the ceramic version.
The current 06857 instructions give a 325–350°F setting range for chicken. That is a cooking setting, not the temperature chicken must reach inside. The manual explicitly rules out deep frying and allows cooking with little or no oil.
Keep in mind: the pan must be securely latched onto its base before use. Preheat uncovered. Hand-wash the cooled pan with the heat control removed; the glass cover may go in the dishwasher. Older instructions and reviews may describe a different coating, so use the instructions supplied with your particular unit.
2. Elite Gourmet EG-6203#: best for a deep pan
The Elite’s deeper walls and 16-by-13-inch pan make it worth considering if storage space is less constrained. The selected listing is the black EG-6203# in the 10.5-quart size, with a removable temperature-control probe and vented glass lid. Its fixed base will occupy more cupboard space than the nesting Presto design.
The maker’s EG6203 page lists 1,500 watts, 120 volts and adjustable heat from 200–400°F. Its linked EG-6203 manual gives 320–355°F for chicken pieces. The maker page still contains an older 8-quart reference alongside its 10.5-quart heading; check the exact model and dimensions instead of comparing capacity labels alone.
Keep in mind: the manual permits top-rack dishwasher cleaning of the cooled skillet body and lid only after removing the control probe. Check that the large body fits your dishwasher. Its recipe using about an inch of oil is for battered fish; it does not establish a general maximum fill line or a chicken deep-frying method.
How to choose an electric skillet for chicken
Measure the usable space and the storage space
Compare the pan’s cooking area, the complete appliance footprint and the room required around it. Neither a quart capacity nor a headline width tells you how many pieces of your usual chicken cut will fit comfortably. Plan to cook in batches when necessary. Allow space to turn food without reaching over the hot pan.
Look for instructions for the exact model
An electric skillet has a built-in heating element and its own control. A stovetop frying pan, griddle, indoor grill or air fryer is a different purchase. Match the model on the box and rating label to the manual, especially when a familiar model number has a newer coating. Compare the delivered price and return terms at checkout; this guide does not assign a “cheapest” winner.
Choose cleaning requirements you can follow
A removable control makes cleaning easier, but it never belongs in water. The current Presto pan needs hand-washing; Elite permits its body on the dishwasher’s top rack. In either case, turn the control off, unplug from the wall, let everything cool and remove the probe before washing. Dry the connection area fully before reassembly. Use utensils and cleaners allowed by the manufacturer.
Frying chicken safely
Check the chicken itself: USDA recommends 165°F internally for all poultry. Insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of each piece, avoiding bone; enter thin pieces from the side. Follow your thermometer’s insertion-depth instructions. Brown breading, a cooking timer and an infrared surface-temperature gun cannot establish the temperature inside the meat.
- Use the specified amount of oil. Follow a pan-frying recipe appropriate for the exact appliance and its instructions. Do not fill a skillet to its rim or treat its quart rating as an oil limit. Presto expressly prohibits deep frying. Choose an appliance explicitly designed for deep frying if that is your intended method.
- Set up before heating. Use a dry, level, heat-resistant surface with the required clearance and counter protection. Attach the specified control to the skillet before plugging it into the correct outlet. Keep the cord away from hot surfaces and counter edges; follow the manual’s electrical-rating and routing rules if using an extension cord.
- Handle the lid carefully. Follow the recipe and manual for covering. Escaping steam and condensation can burn; use oven mitts and lift the lid away from you. Keep clear of Presto’s steaming pour spout. Never put a hot glass lid on a cold or wet surface.
- Let hot oil cool in place. A pour spout is not a reason to carry a pan of hot oil. Do not put frozen food or excess water into hot oil. Keep children clear and stay with the appliance while cooking.
For most buyers, the Presto’s folding base is the deciding convenience. Choose the Elite when you prefer its deeper fixed pan and can accommodate its size. With either, the model’s instructions and a food thermometer matter more than a high maximum dial setting.
Frequently asked questions
Which electric skillet is best for frying chicken?
The current ceramic Presto 06857 is our first pick for pan-frying and compact storage. The Elite Gourmet EG-6203# is an alternative for a deeper, fixed-base pan. These are comparisons of published design and instructions, not results from hands-on cooking tests.
What temperature should I set an electric skillet to for chicken?
Presto’s current 06857 manual lists 325–350°F for chicken; Elite’s EG-6203 manual lists 320–355°F for chicken pieces. Follow the exact appliance instructions and recipe, and verify that every piece reaches 165°F internally with a food thermometer.
Can I deep-fry chicken in either skillet?
The Presto 06857 manual expressly prohibits deep frying. The Elite is recommended here for pan-frying; its deep walls and quart capacity do not establish a safe deep-frying fill level. Use a purpose-built fryer with explicit oil limits for deep frying.
How much oil should I put in an electric skillet?
Use only the amount specified by a suitable pan-frying recipe within your model’s instructions. There is no universal oil-fill quantity for these two skillets. Never use the advertised food capacity as an oil allowance, and allow for food displacement and bubbling.
Can I wash an electric skillet in the dishwasher?
Check the exact model and version. The current ceramic Presto 06857 pan should be hand-washed; its glass cover is dishwasher-safe. Elite permits the EG-6203 body and lid on the top rack with the probe removed. Always switch off, unplug, cool and remove the control before washing, and never immerse the control, cord or plug.
