Presto 06003 Options Electric Multi-Cooker, Steamer

I have had this Presto 06003 Options Electric Multi-Cooker, Steamer since 2019 and it is still going strong it heats well and cooks greats everything from deep fried chicken or steamed veggies. I own and older cooker also and it came with a ceramic pot which I really love for soups and stews so if I have one complaint it's that the newer ones do not have the ceramic pot insert but you will not be disappointed it the performance of the Presto 06003 Options Electric Multi-Cooker, Steamer

Great cooker, especially fryer

I bought this cooker/fryer to replace my old one of 30 years. I love this fryer especially for chicken you can't beat the crispiness. It's also great for steaming vegetables. Truly a great product.

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!

I’m so happy to cook ❤️ thank you

I got it for my husband, he opened it up as soon as he got it and started cooking. He had this brand of Fry Daddy for over 35 years, so he will have this one longer. Every day he's making something in it. It's easy to clean and cook's food so fast and perfect. Thank you for such a perfect product,he has not stop smiling since he got it, he will not let me touch it.

We’ve had this product for maybe six months now. I waited to write a review until we used it a bit. We really love it! We like to make lemon chicken and use it to fry the chicken pieces. It fits quite a bit in it and cooks them evenly, they look beautiful, and taste great.We thought it was bigger than it is, but it’s actually what we need. We have three people in our family, and even when we have guests, it keeps up with us.

We have had this for a few years now.. great value for money. Still works amazing. You can fit a great amount of anything in the basket. Love that it has a lid to cover when your done. And it cooks the food perfect and fast for no matter what you use it for ! We use it at least 3-5 days a week at our house. So believe me when I say this thing has got its use and it is still going STRONG!! No weird smell when you fry anything, obviously other than what your cooking. Super easy to change your grease out and put some new fresh grease in!! I'll order this over and over whenever the time comes that we would need a new one in our house!!