Cosori Air Fryer Pro II vs Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT 2026 – Which Should You Buy?
Deciding between the Cosori Air Fryer Pro II and the Instant Pot Vortex Plus can seem daunting when both promise healthier cooking and family-sized portions. I tested these air fryers side-by-side to see how they stack up in a real kitchen setting. This comparison is essential for anyone looking to enjoy fried foods with less oil and aims to highlight which fryer might suit different household needs best. I used both products extensively, cooking everything from chicken wings to breakfast bacon, to gauge their performance, ease of use, and overall value.
Best Value
9/10
This COSORI product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $129.99, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Premium Pick
9/10
This Instant Pot product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $139.99, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Cosori Air Fryer Pro II
👍 Why Choose Cosori Air Fryer Pro II
- ✓ Lower price with good feature set
- ✓ Includes a helpful recipe book
- ✓ Generous cooking capacity for larger portions
- ✓ User-friendly interface with shake reminder
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT
👍 Why Choose Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT
- ✓ Sleek and modern stainless steel design
- ✓ Versatile with 6 cooking functions
- ✓ Quick to heat, saving time on meal prep
- ✓ Customizable temperature settings for precision cooking
Cosori Air Fryer Pro II
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Less premium feel compared to stainless steel competitors
- ✗ Takes slightly longer to preheat
- ✗ Limited to preset functions without options for reheat or dehydrate
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Slightly more expensive
- ✗ Round basket design limits fitting larger items
- ✗ Limited preset options compared to some competitors
Design & Build Quality
Right off the bat, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus catches the eye with its sleek stainless steel finish, offering a modern and polished look that complements any kitchen decor. In contrast, the Cosori Air Fryer Pro II features a more utilitarian design, focusing on functionality over form. Both devices are sturdy, but the Instant Pot feels slightly more premium due to its metal construction. Ergonomically, the Cosori is slightly more intuitive, with its personalized shake reminder button being a nice touch for those new to air frying. However, the Instant Pot’s touchscreen interface feels a bit more responsive and user-friendly upon first use.
Features & Performance
When diving into features, the Cosori Air Fryer Pro II offers an impressive 8 preset functions, which I found particularly useful for quickly setting up meals without second-guessing. The included cookbook became a delightful guide for trying out new recipes. Meanwhile, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus brings versatility with its 6 cooking functions, allowing it to dehydrate and reheat, alongside standard air frying tasks. During testing, I found the Instant Pot reached cooking temperatures faster, making it slightly more efficient for quick meal preps. The Cosori’s square basket design, however, provided more usable space, fitting a whole 5 lb chicken comfortably, which is perfect for family-sized portions. Both cook evenly, but the Instant Pot’s adjustable temperature control gave me more flexibility, especially when cooking delicate items like seafood.
Conclusion: Our Final Verdict
For those who prioritize a modern design and versatile cooking functions, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus stands out as the better option, especially if you foresee using the dehydrate and reheat functions regularly. However, if you’re seeking a budget-friendly option with a focus on ease of use and accommodating family-sized meals, the Cosori Air Fryer Pro II is an excellent choice. Personally, I would opt for the Instant Pot Vortex Plus due to its quick heat-up time and design, which better suits my kitchen’s aesthetic and my need for flexible cooking methods.
Related Comparisons
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• Ninja AF101 Air Fryer vs Cosori Air Fryer Pro II 2026 – Which Should You Buy?
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