Overview
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart sits in an interesting position: it's one of the best-performing air fryers we tested, earning America's Test Kitchen's top recommendation, yet it contains PTFE coating that many health-conscious families are actively trying to avoid. This creates a genuine dilemma for shoppers weighing performance against materials safety.
We're recommending it as our Runner-Up because the performance is genuinely excellent, but we want you to make this choice with full transparency about what you're buying.
About the Coating (Let's Address This First)
The Instant Vortex Plus basket is coated with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), commonly known by the brand name Teflon. PTFE is a type of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—the "forever chemicals" that have raised health and environmental concerns.
Instant Brands markets this as "PFOA-free," which is technically accurate—PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) was largely phased out of manufacturing by 2015. However, PTFE itself is still a PFAS compound, and this is what concerns many families.
What this means for you:
- If you're actively avoiding all PFAS, this isn't your air fryer
- If you're specifically concerned about PFOA (the compound in older non-stick), this has eliminated that
- If you're comfortable with modern PTFE (used in most non-stick cookware), you're getting excellent performance
We're not here to make this decision for you—we're here to give you the information to make it yourself. For families prioritizing performance and willing to accept PTFE, this is an outstanding choice. For families committed to PFAS-free materials, our top pick (the Ninja Foodi DZ550) offers ceramic coating instead.
Performance: Where This Unit Shines
Putting the coating discussion aside, the cooking performance is genuinely impressive.
EvenCrisp Technology Delivers The proprietary EvenCrisp air circulation system isn't just marketing speak—it produces noticeably more consistent results than many competitors. French fries emerge uniformly golden, chicken wings crisp evenly on all sides, and hot spots are minimal.
America's Test Kitchen awarded this their top recommendation after extensive testing, and our experience confirms their findings. The air circulation design creates restaurant-quality results that rival much more expensive units.
Temperature Range & Power The 95-400°F range (1700W) provides genuine versatility:
- Low temps for dehydrating
- Mid-range for reheating without drying
- High heat for maximum crispiness
The 6-quart capacity handles:
- 3-4 servings of fries or wings
- Whole 4-lb chicken
- Two 10-inch pizzas (though you'll need to cook sequentially)
The 6-in-1 Functions
- Air Fry: The core function, executed excellently
- Roast: Even heat distribution for vegetables and proteins
- Broil: Top-down heat for finishing touches
- Bake: Surprisingly good for small batches
- Reheat: Better than microwave, maintains texture
- Dehydrate: Low-temp setting for jerky and fruit
All functions work through the same intuitive digital interface. Presets are helpful for beginners, manual controls give experienced users precision.
Noise Level: Quieter Than Most
At 64dB, this runs noticeably quieter than many competitors. It's about the volume of normal conversation—you can run it during dinner prep without shouting over it.
For comparison, most air fryers measure 70-75dB. This 6-10dB difference is more significant than it sounds—every 10dB represents a doubling of perceived loudness.
Real-World Usage
Learning Curve Expect to experiment for your first 3-4 uses. The presets are conservative (erring on undercooked rather than burnt), so you may need to add time. Once you understand your preferences, results become consistent.
Capacity Reality Check The 6-quart capacity sounds generous, but remember air fryers need space for circulation. Practical capacity:
- French fries: 2 lbs (4 servings)
- Chicken wings: 2 lbs (16-20 wings)
- Vegetables: About 1 lb for even roasting
Overcrowding compromises the even crisping that makes this unit excellent.
Cleaning The PTFE coating does make cleanup easier than uncoated stainless steel—food slides off with minimal scrubbing. However, you'll need to hand wash to preserve coating integrity. Dishwasher use is not recommended despite some user manuals suggesting it.
The Durability Question
This is where PTFE shows its limitation: the coating will degrade over time. User reports suggest:
- First year: Excellent performance, easy cleanup
- Year 2-3: Some coating wear, still functional
- Beyond 3 years: Many users report significant coating deterioration
This creates a value calculation: you're likely replacing this unit every 2-4 years vs. buying a ceramic or stainless option that may last 5-10 years. The lower upfront cost may be offset by replacement needs.
Initial Plastic Smell
Multiple verified buyers report a plastic/chemical smell during the first 1-3 uses. This is common with new air fryers and typically dissipates after a few empty heating cycles. Run it at 400°F for 20 minutes (outdoors or with windows open) before first food use.
If smell persists beyond 3-4 uses, contact Instant Brands—this may indicate a defective unit.
Who This Is For
This is an excellent choice if you:
- Want professional-level air frying performance
- Are comfortable with PTFE-coated cookware
- Prioritize cooking results over materials concerns
- Cook for 2-4 people regularly
- Value quiet operation
- Want a trusted brand with solid customer support
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Consider our top pick or alternatives if you:
- Are avoiding all PFAS (forever chemicals)
- Want longest possible appliance lifespan
- Need dual-zone cooking for multiple temps simultaneously
- Cook for larger families (6+ servings)
- Have experienced PTFE coating sensitivities
- Prefer commercial-grade durability
The Verdict: Excellent Performer with a Materials Caveat
The Instant Vortex Plus delivers on its performance promises. The cooking results are genuinely excellent, the capacity suits most families, and the price point is competitive. America's Test Kitchen's recommendation is well-deserved based purely on cooking performance.
However, the PTFE coating is a legitimate consideration for health-conscious families. We're recommending this as Runner-Up because:
- The performance is outstanding
- Many families are comfortable with modern PTFE
- It costs significantly less than PFAS-free alternatives
- It comes from a trusted brand
But we're also being transparent: if you're avoiding PFAS entirely, this isn't your appliance. Our top pick (Ninja Foodi DZ550) offers ceramic coating without this compromise.
For families who use PTFE-coated cookware in their kitchen already and prioritize cooking performance, this is an excellent choice. For families committed to PFAS-free materials across all cooking surfaces, this represents exactly what you're trying to avoid.
We're giving you the information—you decide what matters most for your family.
Price & Availability
Currently available at $139 street price ($149.99 MSRP) from major retailers. Occasionally drops to $99-119 during Black Friday and Prime Day sales. Watch for deals, but the standard price is already competitive.
Instant Brands offers 1-year warranty with responsive customer service. Replacement baskets available for $30-40 when coating degrades.
