There’s a specific kind of morning chaos that only an electric griddle can solve—the kind where three people want pancakes, two want bacon, and everyone wants them right now. For the past few weeks, my kitchen counter has been a staging ground for two of the most popular mid-sized options: the Presto 07047 and the Presto 07030.
Both belong to the “Cool-Touch” family, meaning you won’t accidentally singe your knuckles while reaching for a spatula. However, after flipping roughly forty pancakes and searing a small mountain of burgers, I’ve realized that while they look like twins, one is a compact specialist and the other is a high-capacity workhorse. If you’re trying to decide if those extra four inches on the 07030 are worth the storage space, or if the ceramic finish on the 07047 is truly the “nonstick” king, here is my hands-on take.
The Key Difference: Surface Area and Power
The primary difference between the Presto 07047 and the Presto 07030 is the physical footprint and heating capacity. The Presto 07030 is the “Jumbo” sibling, offering a 10.5″ x 20″ cooking surface powered by 1500 watts.
In contrast, the Presto 07047 is more compact with a 10.5″ x 16″ surface and runs on 1300 watts. While both feature the ceramic PFAS-free coating, the 07030 is clearly designed for larger families or buffet-style hosting, whereas the 07047 is tailored for smaller kitchens where counter real estate is at a premium.
Comparison Table: Presto 07047 vs. 07030
| Feature | Presto 07047 | Presto 07030 |
| Cooking Surface | 10.5″ x 16″ (168 sq. in.) | 10.5″ x 20″ (210 sq. in.) |
| Wattage | 1300 Watts | 1500 Watts |
| Coating Type | PFAS-Free Ceramic | PFAS-Free Ceramic |
| Base Material | Heavy Cast Aluminum | Heavy Cast Aluminum |
| Weight | 4.6 lbs | 4.2 lbs (Slightly lighter) |
| Dimensions | 18.5″W x 11.25″D | 22.43″W x 11.31″D |
| Washability | Fully Immersible | Fully Immersible |
| View Current Price on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Weekend Brunch Test
Design: The Sleek Low-Profile Look
Both models share Presto’s “low-profile” design language. They sit very close to the counter, which I actually prefer for serving. It makes them look less like a bulky appliance and more like a warming tray during a party.
The 07047 is noticeably more compact. It fits comfortably inside a standard kitchen cabinet without me having to play “Tetris” with my pots and pans. The 07030, however, is long—over 22 inches including the base. If you have a small apartment kitchen, the 07030 might feel like it’s taking over your entire workspace. Both units feature the “Cool-Touch” base, and I can confirm that even after an hour of cooking bacon at 375°F, the handles and front frame remained safe to touch.
Ease of Use: The Heat Control Master
Both griddles use the Control Master® heat probe. It’s a classic “plug-and-click” system. One thing I noticed during my testing was the preheat time. The 07030, with its 1500-watt element, got up to temperature about 45 seconds faster than the 1300-watt 07047.
When it comes to actual cooking, the backstop ledge on both models is a lifesaver. When you’re trying to slide a spatula under a delicate fried egg, that little rim prevents the egg from sliding right off the back of the griddle. It sounds like a small detail, but after using griddles without a ledge, I won’t go back.
Functions: Capacity vs. Consistency
Here is where my experience varied. On the 07030, I could easily fit eight medium pancakes at once. On the 07047, I was capped at six. If you’re cooking for a family of four or more, that extra two-pancake capacity per batch is the difference between eating together and eating in shifts.
However, the 07047 felt a bit more consistent in its heat distribution. Because the cooking surface is smaller and the heating element is more concentrated, I didn’t find many “cold spots.” On the larger 07030, the very far corners (away from the plug) ran about 10-15 degrees cooler than the center. It didn’t ruin my food, but I had to be mindful to put the bacon in the middle and the “slow-cook” items like sausage links on the edges.
Maintenance: The Dishwasher Debate
Both griddles claim to be “fully immersible” once the heat control is removed. In my kitchen, “immersible” usually means “into the sink for a scrub.”
The PFAS-free ceramic surface on both models is exceptionally slick. Burnt syrup and stubborn bacon grease wiped away with just a soapy sponge. While Presto says these are dishwasher safe, I highly recommend hand-washing. The harsh detergents in a dishwasher can eventually dull that ceramic finish. Because the 07047 is smaller, it actually fit in my sink much easier. Washing the 07030 felt a bit like bathing a small child—it’s awkward and water tended to splash everywhere.
Presto 07047 (The Compact Pro)
Pros:
- Storage Friendly: Fits in standard cabinets and smaller drawers.
- Even Heating: More consistent temperatures across the smaller surface.
- Easy Cleaning: Fits easily in a standard kitchen sink.
- Sturdy Build: The heavy cast aluminum feels virtually warp-proof.
Cons:
- Limited Space: Might be too small for big family breakfasts.
- Lower Wattage: Takes slightly longer to recover heat after adding cold food.
Presto 07030 (The Family Workhorse)
Pros:
- Massive Surface: 210 square inches handles 8+ pancakes or a full pack of bacon.
- Fast Heating: 1500 watts provides plenty of “oomph” for searing burgers.
- Buffet Ready: The length makes it an excellent warming tray for parties.
- Great Value: Usually priced very close to the 07047 despite the larger size.
Cons:
- Storage Hog: Harder to find a spot for a 22-inch appliance.
- Corner Cold Spots: Slight temperature drop-off at the far edges.
The Final Recommendation: Which One Should You Buy?
After two weeks of “griddle life,” my recommendation comes down to your head-count.
I recommend the Presto 07030 if you have kids or frequently host “Taco Tuesdays.” The extra surface area is a massive efficiency boost. Being able to cook eggs, bacon, and hash browns all on the same surface at the same time is the ultimate breakfast luxury. If you have the cabinet space, the 07030 is the better overall value.
- LARGE COOKING SURFACE: Experience ample space with a generous 10 1/2- x 16-inch cooking area featuring a built-in backstop ledge for convenient food handling
I recommend the Presto 07047 if you are cooking for one or two people, or if you live in an apartment with limited counter space. It’s a “tighter” machine with slightly better heat consistency, and it’s much less of a chore to clean in a small sink. It’s the perfect “Saturday morning pancake” tool for a couple.
- Great for every meal: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
In my kitchen, the Presto 07030 is the keeper. Even though it’s harder to store, that “one-and-done” batch of pancakes makes my Saturday mornings significantly more relaxing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the ceramic coating better than the old black Teflon?
A: In my opinion, yes. It feels slicker and, more importantly, it’s PFAS-free. You can use less oil, and the food slides off much easier. Just remember: no metal utensils! Use silicone or wood to keep it pristine.
Q: Do I need to “season” these griddles?
A: Presto often recommends a light wipe of vegetable oil before the first use. I did this with both, and I haven’t had a single “stuck” pancake since.
Q: Can I cook steaks on these?
A: You can, especially on the 07030 with its 1500 watts. However, remember that these are griddles, not grills. You’ll get a nice sear, but you won’t get those charred grill lines.
Q: Does the drip tray actually work?
A: Yes, both have a slide-out tray. The griddles have a slight tilt designed into the frame to guide grease toward the hole. It works well for bacon, though I usually have to give it a little nudge with a spatula if the grease is thick.
Q: Why does the light on the plug keep turning on and off?
A: That’s normal! It means the Control Master is doing its job. It cycles the element on and off to maintain the specific temperature you set on the dial.
