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Presto 06857 vs Hamilton Beach 38560: Meals and Storage

Choose the Presto 06857 for covered skillet meals and a base that nests inside the pan after use. Choose the Hamilton Beach 38560 for open flat-top cooking with a separate grease tray, provided you are comfortable drying and oiling its cast-iron cooktop.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-07

Source checked 2026-10-07 14:05 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Do you need a covered skillet with a nesting base or an open griddle that stores on its base?

A covered pan for saucy meals and a folding storage routine versus an open flat cooktop with a grease tray and cast-iron care.

Quick verdict

Choose Presto 06857 Foldaway Skillet if

  • Stews and other covered one-pan meals are central to your cooking.
  • You will fold and detach the support to nest it inside the pan for storage.
View Presto 06857 Foldaway Skillet on AmazonPaid link
When the recommendation changes
  • Your usual meals need a covered pan rather than an open cooking surface.
  • You cannot accommodate the documented storage arrangement or do not want its care routine.

The differences that matter

Covered Pan Or Open Griddle

Presto 06857 Foldaway Skillet

High-sided skillet with a tempered-glass lid, intended for stews and one-dish meals as well as frying.[1]

Hamilton Beach 38560 Cast Iron Electric Grill

Open, flat cast-iron cooktop with a grease drain and removable drip tray.[3, 4]

What this changes: Choose Presto when the meal needs a covered pan; choose Hamilton Beach when you want an open cooking surface and a separate grease tray.[1, 3, 4]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Storage Disassembly

Presto 06857 Foldaway Skillet

Handles fold to release the pan; the detached base nests inside it. Protect the cooking surface before nesting the base.[1, 2]

Hamilton Beach 38560 Cast Iron Electric Grill

Store flat with the cooktop flat-side up on its base and the cord wrapped at the back.[4]

What this changes: Presto suits someone willing to detach and reassemble the support for nested storage. Hamilton Beach suits a shelf where the cooktop can remain on its base. Neither instruction establishes which will fit your cupboard.[2, 4]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

Covered one-pan meals

Best fit: Presto 06857 Foldaway Skillet

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

The Presto combines high sides and a lid for this job. Choose it for the pan format, rather than expecting the open Hamilton Beach cooktop to replace a covered skillet.

View Presto 06857 Foldaway Skillet on AmazonPaid link

Open griddle cooking with a separate grease tray

Best fit: Hamilton Beach 38560 Cast Iron Electric Grill

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

The Hamilton Beach cooktop drains to a removable tray; it fits this workflow if you accept the cast-iron care afterward.

View Hamilton Beach 38560 Cast Iron Electric Grill on AmazonPaid link

Putting the appliance away after each meal

The better fit depends on your priorities

Presto provides nested base storage but adds detaching and reassembly. Hamilton Beach is stored flat on its base. Check the actual packed dimensions against your shelf before choosing.

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

If either costs more, pay the premium only for the meal format and storage routine you will actually use; these are different tools rather than a proven performance upgrade.

There is not enough verified price history here for a buy-now or wait recommendation.

Limitations

  • This comparison uses manufacturer documentation, not hands-on cooking tests. It does not establish a winner for browning, heat evenness, food release or durability.
  • The coating revision of the selected Presto offer is not verified. Confirm the finish and supplied care instructions before buying; do not assume a current web description applies to every unit sold under 06857.
  • Storage mechanisms are documented, but comparable packed measurements are not established. Nested storage does not prove that Presto needs less shelf space.
  • The Presto manual says the skillet is not intended for deep frying. Its base must be attached and latched before use.

Questions shoppers ask

Does a removable pan or cooktop mean dishwasher cleanup?

No. The current Presto instructions say to handwash the cooled skillet with its heat control removed and keep that control dry. The Hamilton Beach cast-iron cooktop also stays out of the dishwasher; dry it thoroughly and oil it before storage, keeping its electrical base dry. Check the manual supplied with your Presto unit.

Methodology and sources

Compared meal format and the steps for storage, with care requirements as a buying constraint. No controlled cooking or durability tests were conducted.

AI assisted with source research, organization and drafting.

View 4 sources
  1. 1.Presto 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet 06857Presto · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-07 14:04 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Stock No. 06857; meal uses, high sidewalls, cover and folding storage: Identifies 06857 and documents a covered high-sided pan and a base that nests inside the pan.
  2. 2.Presto Foldaway Skillet Instructions, Form 72-959HPresto · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-07 14:04 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Printed pages 1–3: safeguards, assembly, care and storage: Current linked instructions describe latching the base for use, protecting the cooking surface for nested storage, and handwashing with heat control removed. Coating revision of the selected offer is not established.
  3. 3.Hamilton Beach Professional Cast Iron Electric Grill 38560Hamilton Beach · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-07 14:04 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Model 38560; Details and Easy cleanup: Identifies the flat cast-iron cooktop, grease drain and separate removable drip tray.
  4. 4.Hamilton Beach Cast Iron Electric Grill Use & CareHamilton Beach · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-07 14:04 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Printed pages 4–6: Parts, Using Your Cooktop, Care and Cleaning, Storing Cooktop: Official guide linked from model 38560 page documents flat-side-up storage on the base, cord wrap, thorough drying and oiling, and no dishwasher or soaking for the cast-iron cooktop.

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