Instant Pot Vortex 5QT ClearCook

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Overall

#8 in

Air Fryers

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score67% positive
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Last updated: Apr 24, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconSgnificantOtter
3 months ago

Some personal feedback on this as I spent the last week picking an air fryer. Size of the fryer was a big factor in our search. First I bought the Ninja Pro XL 6 in 1. I liked that it would get to 450 degrees. We ended up returning it because it was so loud it sounded like a plane taking off. Second we got the Instant Pot, due to the positive online and Americas Test Kitchen reviews from a few years ago. We got the updated version with the window. That one got returned because one, it smelled absolutely awful when heated. Second, the bottom plate would pop up and sit at an angle as soon as it started to warm up. This is a safety issue because it would fly out when trying to dump out hot food. After looking back at the "positive" reviews, I realized they are almost all incentivized. Third and final one we got is the Ninja Foodi 8qt two basket fryer. So far so good. It's still kind of noisy, but it's tolerable. The dual basket is a nice option. Also even though it's dual, the dimensions are still surprisingly compact. It's slightly wider than a single basket model, but it wasn't any deeper. We also considered a Midea because Sam's has some, but they are huge.

Reddit Icone_aguirre
7 months ago

I purchased the same Vortex Plus with front window from a thrift store with the "Close Basket" error. The only solution for me was to open the unit and replace the micro switch.  When you close the door, a cone shaped extension, visible on the top front center housing, gets pushed up to the micro switch.  If the micro switch is faulty, you'll always get the "Close Basket" error.  This used unit has been working for close to 2 years.

Reddit Iconrcreveli
10 months ago

We had an Instant Brand Vortex that the display started failing 1 year in. I replaced it with a Gourmia and its performed perfectly for 13 months. It cost less than 1/2 what the vortex did.

Reddit IconTofu_buns
4 months ago

I like the instapot vortex. We have a single basket as it's just the 3 of us. I would get double if you have a bigger family

Reddit IconBourbonBravado
10 months ago

we have the ninja side by side. it works fine. you can operate both sides as one, if you want. and you can set both sides to finish at the same time if they have different settings. i don't like that you have to manually pause it if you don't want hot air just blowing out when you open a basket and it doesn't have a reminder to flip like our single basket Instant Vortex does.

Reddit IconCrowsLoveShinyThings
8 months ago

Kettle: Xiaomi We've had ours for 2 years, used everyday. No issues. Airfryer: Instantpot Vortex Used regularly for months now, works great. I like the oven style and tray vs basket style because easier to clean. I just pop the trays in a dishwasher along with the dishes. It also automatically preheats and dings to remind you the preheating is done.

Reddit IconSignificant_Air_1662
9 months ago

I have two. A Instantpot Vortex and a Dreo ChefMaker. I only turn the oven on now for Turkeys and Pizzas.

Reddit IconWinter-Lifeguard-420
10 months ago

The current multi-day bloat sale for the big online giant has the InstantPot Vortex on sale for $90, if you like the basket type ones. Large capacity, cleans up easily. Cooks fast and food comes out really crisp. Not a Costco purchase, but can highly recommend with no regrets.

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