Presto 06003 Options Electric Multi-Cooker/Steamer

I bought this EXACT model in 2001, and along with steaming, blanching, roasting, etc., it clearly advertises itself as a "deep fryer" of which it does an excellent job. The manual even includes full frying instructions!

If Presto has decided to now say "don't fry in this", it is strictly a legal move. The problem is that Presto's "fry daddy" line has no temperature control, and it's preset low enough so that you can't set any frying liquid on fire. But these also have no versatility.

The multi-cooker can do so much more, because you can set the temperature from "warm" to 400 degrees. This is higher than the smoke point of some frying mediums (lard and shortening in particular) and therefore IF you don't know the smoke point of what you're using, you can get in trouble. This is probably why Presto's lawyers decided to say it's not a fryer anymore, although it clearly is. I, however, will happily continue to use my multi-cooker to make...Read more

I just got this today at Walmart for more than 1/3 off Amazon's price and it says plain and clear that it IS for frying among other things..I tried it an the temp was accurate too. IT also has one of those new magnetic type cords for saftey and you can stick all of it (the pot and lid) in the dishwasher except the cord and thermostat thing. This is a great deal! IT does the job off a fryer, steamer and a crock pot and cost less than most of them do by themselves. I tried the steamer fuction too and it works great! I highly reccomend this, Try it , you won't be dissapointed!

I come from a large family, so i do a lot of cooking. This year everyone came to my house for Christmas, and not only was my mom impressed with my cooking,but also the way everything taste coming out of the steamer.She actually tried to take it home with her.... A week earlier, some of the guys came over, and my wife made her famous deep fried hot wings. The guys went nuts, especially, my brother Jarrick, he loved that there was little mess and because of the drop basket and tempature gauge, not mistakes.I'm buying one for my mom and my brother, at least that way i know i can keep my own! Thanks Presto