Presto 05466 Deep Fryer Review
Our verdict
The Presto 05466 is the flagship family-scale fryer in the Presto countertop lineup, delivering a 5-quart capacity, 1800 watts, and stainless steel construction at $89.99 with a 4.6-star rating from nearly 6,800 buyers. It is the obvious choice when you need to fry for more than two or three people.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Families or households that fry regularly and need to cook larger batches without running multiple rounds. The 5-qt capacity and 1800-watt element support cooking for four to six people in a single load for many foods.
Skip if
Solo cooks or couples who fry small amounts occasionally will find this unit oversized and heavier than necessary. At 10.7 pounds and 19.25 x 15 x 11 inches, it takes up significant counter and cabinet space.
- Capacity 5.0 qt
- Wattage 1800 W
- Material Stainless Steel
- Color Black
- Dimensions 19.25 X 15 X 11 In
- Weight 10.7 lb
- Priced 32% above the category median ($68.30 across 52 tracked models)
- Capacity of 5.0 qt - larger than 62% of the 52 models we track
- Wattage of 1800 W - higher than 62% of the 52 models we track
Pros
- 5-quart capacity handles family-sized batches
- 1800 watts supports faster oil recovery with larger food loads
- Stainless steel body for long-term durability and easier cleaning
- 4.6-star rating from nearly 6,800 buyers
- Substantial size at 19.25 x 15 x 11 inches suits larger cooking tasks
Cons
- Heavy at 10.7 pounds, not easy to move and store frequently
- Large footprint at 19.25 x 15 x 11 inches requires dedicated counter space
- Higher price at $89.99 compared to smaller Presto models
- No published max temperature spec
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 6,753 owner ratings
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Popularity4.2/5
6,753 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other air fryers, deep fryers, indoor grills, griddles and countertop cooking appliances we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Specifications
- Capacity
- 5.0 qt
- Wattage
- 1800 W
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 19.25 X 15 X 11 In
- Weight
- 10.7 lb
Overview
The jump to 1800 watts from the 1500-watt models makes a real difference for larger batches. More wattage means the oil recovers temperature faster after food is added, which is particularly important when loading a full 5-quart basket. Slow recovery leads to greasy food, so having sufficient wattage for the capacity is important.
Stainless steel construction is the material step-up from the aluminum and ceramic options in the Presto line. Stainless resists corrosion, handles repeated heat cycles well, and is generally easier to clean and maintain over years of use. The 10.7-pound weight reflects the all-metal construction and the larger capacity.
At $89.99, this is the highest-priced Presto home fryer in this review set, but the 5-qt capacity, 1800 watts, stainless steel body, and 4.6-star rating from nearly 6,800 reviews justify the premium over the smaller models. If you regularly cook for a full household, the per-use value is strong.
Performance notes
With 1800 watts driving a 5-quart oil chamber, the Presto 05466 is built to maintain frying temperature under heavier loads. The stainless steel construction helps the unit hold heat more evenly than plastic-body alternatives. This configuration is appropriate for frying full batches of chicken pieces, large quantities of fries, or onion rings in a single pass. The 10.7-pound weight means this is more of a set-and-store appliance than a grab-and-go one.
What buyers say
Nearly 6,800 ratings at 4.6 stars is a strong trust signal for a fryer at this price and size. Buyers at this volume and rating level are generally satisfied with both performance and durability. The stainless steel build and adequate wattage for the capacity are the main reasons this model tends to earn higher marks than smaller or lower-powered alternatives. The main realistic complaint for any large-capacity fryer is the cleaning effort that comes with more oil volume.
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Frequently asked questions
How much food can a 5-quart deep fryer handle?
A 5-quart fryer can typically accommodate a full chicken cut into pieces, several servings of french fries, or a pound or more of shrimp in a single load, depending on the size of the individual pieces and the oil level. It is well-suited for cooking for four to six people without running multiple back-to-back batches.
Is 1800 watts necessary for a 5-quart fryer?
Higher wattage is important when the oil volume and food load are larger. A 1500-watt element heating a full 5-quart chamber will preheat more slowly and recover temperature less efficiently after cold food is added than an 1800-watt element. For a fryer of this capacity, 1800 watts is appropriate.
Is stainless steel worth the extra cost over aluminum in a deep fryer?
Stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion and physical damage than aluminum over the long term. For a fryer used frequently, stainless holds up better to repeated oil contact, high heat cycles, and cleaning. The Presto 05466's stainless exterior adds durability that aluminum-body models at lower price points do not offer.