Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 (6 Qt) Air Fryer Review — Smart, Powerful & Versatile

If you’re searching for a reliable, high-capacity air fryer that does more than just “air fry,” the Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart 6-in-1 is an excellent kitchen appliance. With a spacious 6 qt capacity, six cooking modes, a ClearCook window, and OdorErase technology, this air fryer is designed for healthy, efficient, and odor-minimized cooking.


Key Features & What Makes It Special

  • 6-in-1 Functionality: The Instant Vortex Plus supports Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Broil (or Grill in some variants), giving you real flexibility in one device. Instant Pot+1
  • Large 6-Quart Capacity: With a 5.7 L / 6QT drawer-style basket, it accommodates large batches, perfect for families or meal prep. TechRadar+1
  • ClearCook Window + Internal Light: Lets you check cooking progress without opening the basket — very practical for monitoring browning. TechRadar
  • OdorErase Filter: Built-in filter helps reduce lingering cooking smells, which is ideal for frequent use or strong-smelling foods. Instant Pot
  • EvenCrisp Technology: Promotes even hot air circulation for crisp, golden results with up to 95% less oil than traditional frying. Instant Pot
  • Customizable Smart Programs: Offers pre-set modes plus the ability to save your own favorite time/temp settings. Instant Pot
  • Robust Power & Build: 1,700W power for fast heat-up, with a stainless-steel exterior and intuitive touchscreen plus dial controls. instantpot.com.ph+1
  • Safety & Ease of Cleaning: Auto-shutoff, overheat protection, non-stick basket. Basket and pan are rated for dishwasher (depending on the model) or easy hand-washing. Air Fryer Reviewer

Pros & Benefits

✅ Pros:

  • Very versatile: Six cooking modes let you do everything from dehydrating fruit to roasting meat. TechRadar
  • Great capacity for families or meal prep. GoodtoKnow+1
  • Crispy results: Thanks to EvenCrisp technology and strong air circulation. TechRadar
  • Convenient viewing: The ClearCook window + light make it easy to monitor food. TechRadar
  • Odor control: OdorErase helps to minimize strong cooking smells. Instant Pot
  • Custom presets: Save time by storing your favorite settings. Instant Pot

❗ Considerations:

  • The unit is relatively large and takes up significant countertop space. TechRadar
  • Some users report a plastic smell during initial uses, or a slight off-taste unless you do a few “dry runs.” > “Initial Plastic Smell” is mentioned by multiple users. Air Fryer Reviewer
  • The touchscreen panel can get greasy or fingerprinted easily. GoodtoKnow
  • While the cooking tray is removable, some testers say the basket’s wire rack can be tricky to clean thoroughly. GearLab

Real-World Performance & Reliability

  • According to TechRadar, the Vortex Plus delivers “crisp, evenly browned results” and the viewing window is a big plus. TechRadar
  • GoodtoKnow testers appreciated the 6 preset modes but noted the control panel shows fingerprints easily. GoodtoKnow
  • TechGearLab reported great temperature accuracy, but warned about potential “plastic-like” aftertaste for some users. GearLab
  • From the Instant Pot official spec sheet, this model runs on 1700 W and includes auto-off safety features. instantpot.com.ph
  • There are reports online (Reddit) of strong odor on first uses—many suggest doing a few empty “burn-in” cycles before cooking food. Reddit+1

Tips to Get the Most from It

  1. Do a Burn-In: Run the air fryer empty at a high temperature for a few minutes to minimize any manufacturing smells.
  2. Use the Window: Take advantage of the ClearCook window + light to monitor crisping without interrupting a cycle.
  3. Don’t Overcrowd: Give food room in the basket so hot air circulates properly — for best crispiness.
  4. Save Your Custom Settings: Once you dial in the right time + temp for your favorite foods, store them to save time next time.
  5. Clean Carefully: While some parts are dishwasher-safe, hand-washing the basket often preserves non-stick coating better according to test reviews. GearLab
  6. Replace the Filter (if applicable): If your model has the OdorErase filter, check it periodically as recommended by the manufacturer.

Final Verdict

The Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 (6 Qt) is a powerful, multi-functional air fryer that strikes a strong balance between performance, capacity, and smart design. It’s especially well-suited for users who want more than crisped fries — from roasting to dehydrating and beyond. While it’s not the smallest air fryer, its features like ClearCook, OdorErase, and customizable presets make it a worthwhile investment for serious home cooks.