There is a very specific feeling of triumph when you can cook an entire pound of bacon and a half-dozen eggs simultaneously without playing “musical pans” on the stovetop. After years of struggling with small electric skillets, I decided to go big – extra large, to be precise. I’ve spent the last month living with the Presto 07072 Slimline and the Presto 07073 Tilt-N-Fold to see which one actually deserves that precious real estate on my kitchen counter.
On paper, these two might seem like twins. They both boast a 1200-watt heart and a gorgeous, PFAS-free ceramic nonstick finish. But once you start trying to slide one into a drawer or drain the grease off a stack of burgers, the personality of each machine becomes clear. One is a sleek, unwavering slab of cooking power, while the other is a clever, adaptable transformer that prioritizes your cabinet space.
The Key Difference: Presto 07072 vs. 07073 Electric Griddle
While both models are marketed as “Extra Large,” the way they interact with your kitchen environment is fundamentally different.
- Storage Architecture: The Presto 07072 is a “Slimline” model. It is built as a single, fixed piece of heavy cast aluminum. At only 1.75 inches tall, it is incredibly thin, but it is nearly 26 inches wide. The Presto 07073 features Tilt-N-Fold technology; its legs fold in and the drip tray locks, allowing it to fit into a standard 18-inch kitchen cabinet.
- The Gravity Factor: The 07073 allows you to tilt the cooking surface via flip-down levers. This is a game-changer for high-fat foods like bacon or sausage. The 07072 is a fixed level surface, relying on its “Backstop Ledge” for food handling rather than gravity for drainage.
- Surface Area: The 07072 offers a literal 22-inch wide rectangle of cooking space (286 sq. in.). The 07073 offers about 254 square inches. While both are “XL,” the 07072 is objectively the “king of the hill” for pure surface area.
- Weight Class: The 07072 is noticeably heavier (7.2 lbs vs. 6.5 lbs). This weight translates to a very stable, premium feel on the counter that doesn’t slide around when you’re aggressively scraping up hash browns.
Comparison Table: Presto 07072 vs. 07073 Electric Griddle
| Feature | Presto 07072 Slimline | Presto 07073 Tilt-N-Fold |
| Cooking Surface | 22″ x 13″ | ~254 Sq. Inches |
| Height Profile | 1.75″ (Fixed) | 3″ (Folds for Storage) |
| Heating Power | 1200 Watts | 1200 Watts |
| Key Advantage | Maximum Surface Area | Compact Storage / Tilting |
| Material | Ceramic Nonstick | Ceramic Nonstick |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs | 6.5 lbs |
| Base Design | Heavy Cast Aluminum | Heavy Cast Aluminum |
| Grease Management | Slide-out Tray | Tilt-Levers + Tray |
| Check Latest Price On Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
My Firsthand Review: Living with the XL Presto Models
Design: Minimalist Power vs. Smart Utility
The first time I set the Presto 07072 on my island, I felt like a short-order cook. Its low-profile design is incredibly attractive; it doesn’t tower over the counter, making it easier to see into the pans or plates behind it. The heavy cast aluminum base feels indestructible. It doesn’t have moving parts, which gives it a “professional grade” vibe that I really appreciated during heavy use.
The Presto 07073 is much more of a “problem solver.” Its design is centered around the reality that most people don’t have 26-inch wide drawers. The folding legs are surprisingly sturdy – I never felt like the unit was going to collapse. But the real star is the Tilt-N-Fold lever system. When I made a batch of 80/20 beef burgers, being able to tilt the griddle so the grease ran away from the meat resulted in a much better sear and a lot less mess.
- Extra-large 22x13 inch cooking surface
- Low-profile design for easy storage
- Versatility and convenience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Adjusts from a level cooking surface to a tilted draining surface
Ease of Use: The “Backstop” and the “Fold”
Both units use the Control Master heat control, which is very intuitive. You plug it in, dial your temperature, and the griddle handles the rest.
On the 07072, the “Ease of Use” is all about space. I could have a full “Grand Slam” breakfast going – pancakes on the left, eggs in the middle, bacon on the right – without anything touching. The Backstop Ledge is a lifesaver for flipping; it gives you an edge to push the food against so it doesn’t just slide away from your spatula.
The 07073 makes life easier after the meal. While it’s slightly smaller, the fact that I could fold the legs and put it in a normal cabinet instead of leaving it out on the counter (or hiding it on top of the fridge) was a huge plus. The tilting feature also means less manual grease management while you’re actually cooking.
Functions: The Ceramic Difference
I have become a total convert to Presto’s PFAS-free ceramic surface. In my testing, it outperformed traditional nonstick coatings every time. I made a “cheese crust” omelet on the 07073, and the overhanging burnt cheese just slid off like it was on ice.
Even though both are 1200 watts, the 07072 takes a little longer to get the very outer edges hot because the surface is so vast. I found that I had to “rotate” my pancakes if I used the very corners of the 07072. The 07073, being a bit more concentrated in its footprint, felt like it had slightly more even heat distribution across the entire ceramic plate.
Maintenance: The Sink Test
Both models are fully immersible, which is the only way to go. Once the heat probe is removed, you can dunk the whole thing in soapy water. The 07072 is a bit of a beast in the sink; its length meant I had to wash it in sections because it wouldn’t fit flat in my standard basin.
The 07073 was much easier to wash. Because the legs fold, it becomes a much more manageable shape for scrubbing. Both drip trays are easy to remove and clean, though I found the 07073’s tray to be a bit more secure when “locking” into place for storage. After dozens of washes, the ceramic on both units still looks brand new – no staining, no peeling.
Presto 07072 (The Slimline) Electric Griddle
- Extra-large 22x13 inch cooking surface
- Low-profile design for easy storage
Pros:
- The Biggest Surface: 22×13 inches is an incredible amount of space.
- Solid Construction: No moving parts means it feels more stable and durable.
- Sleek Profile: Looks modern and high-end on the countertop.
- Backstop Ledge: Makes flipping eggs and delicate items much easier.
Cons:
- Storage Nightmare: Too wide for almost all standard kitchen drawers.
- Heavy: At 7.2 lbs, it’s a bit of a workout to move around.
Presto 07073 (The Tilt-N-Fold) Electric Griddle
- Versatility and convenience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Adjusts from a level cooking surface to a tilted draining surface
Pros:
- Compact Storage: The only XL griddle that actually fits in my cabinets.
- Grease Control: The tilting levers are brilliant for cooking bacon and burgers.
- Lighter Weight: Easier to pull out and put away daily.
- Uniform Heat: Very consistent temperature across the entire cooking area.
Cons:
- Slightly Smaller: You lose a bit of the “infinite space” feeling of the 07072.
- Mechanical Cleanup: You have to make sure you clean the hinges and levers occasionally.
Conclusion: Which Extra-Large Presto Wins?
After weeks of breakfast trials, I’ve realized that “better” depends on the size of your kitchen and your family.
I recommend the Presto 07072 if:
You have a very large family (4+ people) and you have a walk-in pantry or a wide shelf where you can store it. If you want the ultimate cooking surface where no two pancakes ever have to touch, the 07072 is the king of the kitchen.
I recommend the Presto 07073 if:
You are like me and value cabinet space. The ability to fold the legs and store this in a standard 18-inch cupboard is a massive advantage. Plus, the tilting feature makes it a much better multi-purpose tool if you cook a lot of fatty meats like bacon or burgers.
The Verdict: For the average home, the Presto 07073 Tilt-N-Fold is the superior choice. It offers 90% of the cooking space with 200% of the storage convenience. It’s the griddle that actually makes it out of the cabinet because it’s so easy to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the ceramic surface peel off like Teflon?
No, ceramic is a different material entirely. It is bonded to the aluminum and won’t “flake” into your food. However, it can lose its nonstick property if you use harsh metal scrubbers or metal spatulas, so stick to silicone!
Is 1200 watts enough for a 22-inch griddle?
It is plenty for pancakes, eggs, and bacon. However, if you are trying to sear four thick ribeye steaks at once, you might find that it takes a moment to recover heat. For breakfast and standard meats, it’s perfect.
Can I put the whole griddle in the dishwasher?
Presto says they are “fully immersible,” but I always recommend hand-washing. The high heat and harsh chemicals in a dishwasher can dull the ceramic surface over time. A quick scrub with a soft sponge is all these really need.
Do the legs on the 07073 lock securely?
Yes, they have a very satisfying “click” mechanism. I never felt like the griddle was unstable, even when I was pressing down on it to sear a panini.
Does the 07072 get hot on the bottom?
While it is a “low profile” design, there is still an air gap and the base is designed to protect your counter. I’ve used it on granite and laminate surfaces for an hour at a time without any heat damage to the countertop.
