Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Review: The Air Fryer That Fixes Every Complaint
For years, air fryer owners have had two major complaints: “I can’t see my food cooking without opening the basket” and “It makes my house smell like grease.” The Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 with ClearCook and OdorErase was built specifically to answer those grievances.
Coming from the makers of the legendary Instant Pot, this unit isn’t just another black plastic box. It features a transparent cooking window and built-in air filters designed to neutralize cooking smells. But do these fancy additions actually work, or are they just marketing gimmicks? We put this 6-quart machine through the wringer—roasting chicken, crisping fries, and baking treats—to find out.
The best overall air fryer for most families. Features a window, odor filter, and whisper-quiet operation.
Check Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications
| Capacity | 6 Quarts (Fits a 4lb chicken) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.4″ D x 11.8″ W x 12.9″ H |
| Functions (6-in-1) | Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Wattage | 1700 Watts |
| Special Features | ClearCook Window, OdorErase Filters |
| Dishwasher Safe? | Yes (Basket and Tray) |
Design & Features: The “ClearCook” Revolution
The standout feature here is undoubtedly the ClearCook window. Unlike older basket-style fryers where you cooked blindly, the Vortex Plus has a glass front and an internal light button. This lets you monitor browning without pulling the basket out—a crucial feature because every time you open an air fryer, the temperature drops significantly.
The interface is sleek and angled for easy reading. The touchscreen is responsive, and the dial knob makes adjusting time and temp fast and intuitive—much better than mashing a “+” button twenty times.
If you’re wondering how this design compares to other popular models, check out our comparison of the Cosori vs. Instant Vortex Air Fryer, where the Instant’s build quality often takes the lead.
Cooking Performance
We tested the Vortex Plus on the three most common air fryer tasks.
1. Frozen French Fries
Using the “Air Fry” preset at 400°F for 15 minutes, the fries came out uniformly golden. The airflow in the Vortex Plus is aggressive (in a good way), meaning you don’t need to shake the basket as frantically as with cheaper units. The result was a satisfying crunch with a soft interior.
2. Chicken Wings
The 6-quart basket easily held 2 pounds of wings in a single layer. The fat rendered beautifully, dripping away to the bottom tray. Because the heating element is powerful, the skin blistered perfectly. If you want to expand your menu beyond wings, read our guide on what you can cook in an air fryer.
3. Baking
We utilized the “Bake” function for cinnamon rolls. The fan speed reduces slightly on this setting to prevent blowing the dough around. The ClearCook window was invaluable here, ensuring we didn’t burn the tops.
Does OdorErase Actually Work?
One of the most frequent complaints we see is that an air fryer smells like burning plastic or fills the kitchen with smoke. Instant addressed this with OdorErase technology—essentially built-in replaceable air filters on the exhaust vent.
The Verdict: It is surprisingly effective. While it doesn’t eliminate smells 100%, it significantly reduces the lingering scent of grease or fish. If you live in a small apartment or have an open-concept kitchen, this feature alone makes the upgrade worth it. The filters are easy to access and usually last a few months depending on usage.
Keep your kitchen smelling fresh. These filters trap grease and odors before they escape the unit.
View Filters on AmazonEase of Use & Cleaning
Noise Level: This is one of the quietest air fryers we have tested. While older models sounded like a hair dryer, the Vortex Plus is a gentle hum.
Cleaning: The non-stick coating on the basket and the removable tray is top-tier. Grease slides right off. Both parts are dishwasher safe, though we recommend hand washing the basket to preserve the longevity of the non-stick coating and the clear window.
Instant vs. The Competition
How does it stack up against the heavyweights?
- Vs. Ninja: The Ninja Foodi line is often more rugged, but usually lacks the window and odor filters. See our detailed breakdown of Ninja Foodi vs Instant Pot Air Fryer families.
- Vs. Philips: Philips uses a mesh basket that is harder to clean than Instant’s smooth non-stick surface.
- Vs. Cosori: Cosori offers great smart features (WiFi), but the Instant Vortex Plus beats it on build quality and noise reduction.
Pros & Cons Summary
- ClearCook Window: Game changer for monitoring food.
- OdorErase: Significantly reduces cooking smells.
- Quiet: Much quieter than previous generations.
- Design: Premium stainless steel finish looks great.
- Price: More expensive than basic 6qt models.
- Filter Cost: Ongoing cost to replace filters.
- Footprint: It is quite deep, requiring counter depth.
Final Verdict
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 with ClearCook and OdorErase is currently the air fryer to beat. It solves the two biggest annoyances of air frying (visibility and smell) without compromising on cooking speed or crispiness.
If you are upgrading from an old manual dial air fryer, this will feel like stepping into the future. It is fast, consistent, and looks beautiful on the counter.
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Check Price & AvailabilityFrequently Asked Questions
No, the air fryer will work perfectly fine without the filters, but you will lose the odor-reducing benefit. The machine will simply vent hot air as normal.
Yes, both the basket and the removable cooking tray are dishwasher safe. However, to protect the ClearCook window and non-stick coating, hand washing is recommended.
No, the internal light turns off automatically after a short period to save energy, but you can turn it on at any time by pressing the light button on the display.
The “Change Filter” light typically comes on after about 90 days of regular use, though this varies depending on what and how often you cook.
