Picture a single kitchen appliance that can handle a Friday night fish fry, a Sunday pot roast, and a Tuesday evening pasta boil without skipping a beat. It sounds like the fever dream of a minimalist home cook, but the Presto Kitchen Kettle series has been quietly vying for that “jack-of-all-trades” crown for decades. I recently cleared off my counter to make room for two of the most popular iterations of this cult classic: the Presto 06006 Kitchen Kettle and the Presto 06003 Options Multi-Cooker.
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were looking at double vision. Both are 6-quart black buckets of culinary potential with glass lids and “Control Master” heat probes. However, after using them to steam broccoli, slow-simmer a beef stew, and deep fry batches of homemade fries, I’ve discovered that the differences lie in the nuance of their build and how they fit into the workflow of a modern kitchen. If you are debating which “black pot” deserves to live in your pantry, here is my hands-on breakdown of how they actually stack up when the oil is bubbling.
The Key Difference: Physical Footprint vs. Heating Dynamics
The core difference between the Presto 06006 and the Presto 06003 is primarily found in their structural dimensions and minor aesthetic design tweaks. While both models offer a 6-quart capacity and a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating, the Presto 06003 (Options) features a slightly broader, more rectangular profile (12.62″ length) compared to the more compact, upright stance of the Presto 06006 (12.25″ length).
Additionally, the 06003 is often marketed under the “Options” branding, emphasizing its role as a versatile steamer/fryer combo with a heavy cast aluminum base designed for slightly more aggressive heat distribution, whereas the 06006 is the quintessential “Kitchen Kettle” that prioritizes a classic, deep-well design for soups and roasting.
Comparison Table: Presto 06006 vs. 06003
| Feature | Presto 06006 Kitchen Kettle | Presto 06003 Options Multi-Cooker |
| Capacity | 6 Quarts | 6 Quarts |
| Material | Aluminum w/ Ceramic Coating | Heavy Cast Aluminum w/ Ceramic |
| Coating | PFAS-Free Ceramic | PFAS-Free Ceramic |
| Dimensions | 12.25″L x 8.75″W x 9.44″H | 12.62″L x 9.5″W x 9″H |
| Weight | 1 Pound (Estimated shell weight) | 0.5 Pounds (Estimated shell weight) |
| Included Accessories | Steam/Fry Basket & Glass Lid | Steam/Fry Basket & Glass Lid |
| Temperature Control | Control Master Heat Probe | Control Master Heat Probe |
| Cleaning | Fully Immersible | Fully Immersible |
| View Current Price on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience in the Kitchen
I put these two multicookers through a “life-test” over two weeks. I wanted to see if the “Options” branding on the 06003 actually translated to more versatility or if it was just a label.
Design: The Classic Pail vs. The Wide Well
When I sat them side-by-side, the Presto 06006 felt like a traditional deep kettle. It has a slightly more “vertical” feel to it. For deep frying, I found this design to be a slight advantage because it feels more contained. The Presto 06003, however, is a bit wider. That extra half-inch of width might not sound like much, but when I was browning a 4-pound chuck roast before slow-cooking it, the 06003 offered just a little more “breathing room” to flip the meat without splashing oil everywhere.
Both units are surprisingly lightweight. I was shocked to see the spec sheets listing them at a pound or less for the base units, but in the hand, they feel sturdy enough to handle a heavy stew. The heavy cast aluminum base on the 06003 is noticeable when you’re searing; it seems to hold onto heat a bit better than the 06006 when you drop cold ingredients into the pot.
Ease of Use: The “Control Master” Magic
Both machines utilize the same Control Master heat control. If you’ve ever used a Presto griddle, you know the drill: you plug the probe into the side of the pot and dial in your temp.
I tested the accuracy of the thermostats with an external thermometer. Both models cycle the heat on and off to maintain the target temperature. In my testing, the 06006 was slightly more “eager”—it heated up to a boil about 30 seconds faster than the 06003. However, the 06003 Options felt more stable once it reached the desired temp. For something delicate like steaming fish, I preferred the 06003 because it didn’t seem to have as many “temp spikes.”
Functions: From French Fries to French Onion Soup
The frying experience on both is excellent. They both come with a handy basket that hooks onto the side. I deep-fried six servings of fries in both, and they came out identical—crispy, golden, and with very little oil retention.
For steaming, the 06003’s slightly wider profile felt a bit more natural for laying out stalks of asparagus or fillets of fish in the basket. The 06006, being a bit deeper and narrower, felt like the superior choice for boiling pasta or making a large batch of chili. The tempered glass lids on both are high-quality; I loved being able to see my roast browning without lifting the lid and losing all that precious heat.
Maintenance: The Nonstick Dream
This is where both models truly shine. They both use a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating inside and out. I intentionally let some cheese sauce scorched on the bottom of both pots to see how they’d handle it. Once the pots cooled and the heat probes were removed, I threw them in the sink. The cheese literally slid off with just the pressure of the spray nozzle.
Both are fully immersible, which is a feature I cannot live without. Being able to scrub the entire pot—outside, bottom, and inside—without worrying about electrical components makes cleanup take less than two minutes. The 06006’s slightly smaller dimensions made it a bit easier to fit into my standard-sized dish rack, while the 06003 required a bit more space.
Presto 06006 Kitchen Kettle
Pros:
- Space-Efficient: Narrower footprint is great for crowded counters.
- Vertical Depth: Excellent for soups, stews, and deep frying (minimizes splatter).
- Fast Boiling: Seems to reach a rolling boil slightly faster.
- Classic Design: The quintessential multicooker that hasn’t changed much because it works.
Cons:
- Tighter Searing Space: Harder to brown large cuts of meat comfortably.
- Stability: Slightly more “top-heavy” when filled to the brim compared to the wider 06003.
Presto 06003 Options Multi-Cooker
Pros:
- Wider Cooking Surface: Better for searing roasts and laying out vegetables for steaming.
- Even Heat Distribution: The heavy cast aluminum base is superior for avoiding hot spots.
- Stable Profile: Sits a bit lower and wider, feeling very secure on the counter.
- Versatile: Marketed as “Options” for a reason—it feels like it transitions from fryer to slow cooker more smoothly.
Cons:
- Wider Footprint: Takes up slightly more room in the cabinet.
- Weight Distribution: While light, it can feel a bit more awkward to pour out liquid due to the width.
The Final Recommendation: Which “Kettle” Wins?
After two weeks of using these as my primary cooking vessels, I’ve come to a conclusion based on how you cook.
I recommend the Presto 06006 Kitchen Kettle if you are primarily using this for soups, pasta, and deep frying. Its deep, bucket-like design is perfect for liquid-heavy meals and keeps the oil safely contained. If you have a small kitchen and need something that tucks away easily, the 06006 is the “original” for a reason.
- Deep fries up to six servings of french fries
I recommend the Presto 06003 Options Multi-Cooker if you want a true “one-pot meal” machine that involves searing. The wider base and heavy cast aluminum construction make it much better for browning meats and steaming flat items like fish. It feels like a more “modern” take on the multicooker that respects the need for surface area.
- Makes soups and casseroles, cooks rice and pasta, steams fish and vegetables, and roasts beef, pork, and poultry
In my kitchen, the Presto 06003 Options is the winner. The ability to sear a pot roast properly before switching to a slow simmer makes it a slightly more capable culinary tool, even if it takes up an extra half-inch of counter space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use this as a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! While it doesn’t have a “low/high” switch like a Crock-Pot, the Control Master dial allows you to set it to a low temperature (usually around 200°F) to mimic a slow cooker. Just keep an eye on it, as these tend to run a bit hotter than traditional ceramic slow cookers.
Q: Is the ceramic coating safe?
A: Yes. Both models feature a PFAS-free ceramic surface. This means no PFOA, PTFE, or other “forever chemicals” that are often found in older nonstick coatings. It’s a much heartier and healthier way to cook.
Q: Can I put the glass lid in the oven?
A: No. While the lid is tempered glass, it is designed for stovetop/countertop temperatures. High oven heat could potentially damage the handle or cause the glass to stress.
Q: How much oil do I need for deep frying?
A: For six servings of fries, you generally need about 1 to 1.5 quarts of oil. Always ensure you don’t fill it past the “max” line, especially when adding frozen foods which can cause the oil to bubble up.
Q: Does it come with a warranty?
A: Presto typically offers a one-year limited warranty on these multicookers. They are known for being incredibly durable, with many users reporting their Kitchen Kettles lasting 10+ years.
