For this article, we are comparing the 6 Quart versions for both. Both models have different sizes and come with other functions. Given the 6-quart models are the most popular and not to confuse (myself). Overall, we’re a fan of the Instant™ Vortex® 6-Quart Air Fryer. It’s held up well – and the size is perfect for a couple who eats a normal amount of food. It’s true that not all combinations of meats and veggies or veggies and veggies work together because they have very different cooking times.
Don’t forget to consider the fryer’s overall size, too—more capacity might mean that it needs more storage space when it’s not in use. Fans of multifunctional kitchen appliances will want to check out this air fryer option from Instant Pot. It comes with two lids—one for air frying and one for pressure cooking—that enable the pot to function as both an air fryer and the classic pressure cooker the brand is known for. Instant Pot has so many different models that it’s hard to remember the differences, but this one stands out from the crowd thanks to its sleek black exterior, and its handy vent/pressure toggle.
The air fry preset mode suggests 190°C for 20 minutes, but we took this down to 10 minutes in line with the recipe suggestion and pressed start. Inside the box you’ll find a cooking tray that sits neatly inside the non-stick cooking drawer. This ensures your food is slightly raised from the base so any grease can drain. While there isn’t the biggest gap between the tray and base of the drawer, it did create some space for the excess oil to pool while cooking. At 5.15kg (11lb 6oz), we found the instant vortex Plus easy to lift out of the box and place on the worktop.
For the easiest cleaning, look for nonstick baskets and air fryers with parts that are all dishwasher-safe. It’s usually fairly easy to wash the parts by hand or stick them in the dishwasher (if they fit), but if ease of cleaning is at the top of your list, nonstick is the way to go. Rotisserie racks and models with lots of accessories can be tricky to take apart/put back together, which will also add to your cleanup time. Air fryers come in many shapes and sizes, with capacities ranging from 2 quarts to 10 or more.
We love the extra grill feature that adds another dimension to the cooking performance. Compact and stylish with a useful viewing window, but you need to take care when handling the drawer. While there could be improvements in the drawer design, we think it works as an excellent add-on or replacement to your standard oven.
The light goes out within seconds when the air fryer starts up, but it can be easily turned on via the control panel so you can check how your food is doing. This limits how often you need to open the basket to turn your food, letting heat escape. It also limits that annoying puff of cooking smoke that can hit you in the face when you open an air fryer drawer mid cycle. This air fryer can be simple, but offers the extra sophistication of cooking two different dishes at the same time, if that’s what you require.