Instant Vortex Plus vs Pro: What’s the same and what’s different for these Air Fryer Ovens
Instant, the makers of the Instant Pot and other small kitchen appliances, sells two air fryer ovens: the Vortex Plus and Vortex Pro. And if you’re struggling to figure out the difference between the two besides price, here’s a review of the features of each model.
And one more note: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission if you buy through my link. You won’t pay any more if you use this link.
What is the Instant Vortex Air Fryer Oven?
Instant® sells many different small kitchen appliances that they design to be dependable, safe, and convenient. While you may know them for the Instant Pot electric pressure cookers, they also make air fryers, another option for cooking healthy food fast.
An Air Fryer Oven is a small version of a convection oven, which circulates hot air to speed up cooking. And you get a crispy result, similar to oil-based frying, without the oil, which is why it’s considered a healthier cooking method.
The Instant Air Fryer Oven is available in two versions. The Instant Vortex Plus is also called the Instant Vortex 7-in-1 and the Instant Vortex Pro is also called the Instant Vortex 9-in-1. The 7-in-1 and 9-in-1 refer to the number of combined appliances each model combines.
The company also makes several basket-style air fryers along with two air fryer toaster ovens. This comparison will focus on air fryer oven models.
Instant Vortex Plus vs Pro side-by-side view of combined appliances
The two Instant Vortex Air fryer Oven models can be used to replace multiple appliances in your kitchen. If you have small kitchen counters or limited storage space, this is a great benefit. By combining appliances you also save money by buying fewer small kitchen appliances.
And also to note, Instant Vortex might be updated with a new model version in the future. The features included in a past version may change at some point. Double-check the actual Instant Vortex Air Fryer Oven before you buy one make sure it has the features you’re expecting!
Here’s a quick view of the combined appliances for the Instant Vortex Plus vs Pro.
| Kitchen Appliance | Instant Vortex Plus | Instant Vortex Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Appliances Combined | 7 | 9 |
| Air Fryer | Yes | Yes |
| Roaster | Yes | Yes |
| Baker | Yes | Yes |
| Broiler | Yes | Yes |
| Reheater | Yes | Yes |
| Dehydrator | Yes | Yes |
| Rotisserie | Yes | Yes |
| Toaster | Yes | |
| Proofer | Yes |
With the 9-in-1 Instant Vortex Pro, you get two extra smart programs (toaster and proofer). If those two programs aren’t something you’ll use, consider buying the 7-in-1 Instant Vortex Plus instead.
Check out the current deals on the 7-in-1 Vortex Plus and 9-in-1 Vortex Pro
Instant Vortex Plus vs Pro have different smart programs included
The Instant Vortex air fryer oven is designed with smart programs to help you home cook dishes at the push of a button. Instant created smart programs to control temperature and time automatically. If you’re struggling with trying to figure out what a traditional oven cooking time and temperature need to be converted to, these air fryer ovens will help.
Overview of the Instant Vortex Smart Programs
Across both versions of the Vortex Air Fryer oven, there are 8 smart programs. Here’s a quick summary of the cooking options.
Air Fry
The Air Fry smart program is used for creating dishes such as fries, chicken wings, and mozzarella sticks without the oil of deep-frying. By default, it starts at 18 minutes of cooking time with a temperature of 400F. You can adjust the time from 1 to 60 minutes within 180 to 400 degrees. This start program is available in both models.
Roast
The Roast smart program is used for cooking both meat dishes, vegetable dishes, and more. By default, it starts at 40 minutes of cooking time with a temperature of 380F. You can adjust the time from 1 to 60 minutes within 180 to 400 degrees. This start program is available in both models.
Bake
The Bake smart program is used for making cakes, pastries, and even veggie side dishes. By default, it starts at 30 minutes of cooking time with a temperature of 365F. You can adjust the time from 1 to 60 minutes within 180 to 400 degrees. This start program is available in both models.
Broil
The Broil smart program is used for top-down heating, similar to what you’d do in a regular oven. By default, it starts at 8 minutes of cooking time with a temperature of 400F. You can adjust the time from 1 to 20 minutes. When broiling the temperature cannot be adjusted. This start program is available in both models.
Reheat
The Reheat smart program helps you heat up your leftovers without drying out or overcooking them. By default, it starts at 10 minutes with a temperature of 280F. You can adjust the time from 1 to 60 minutes within 120 to 360F. It’s a microwave alternative. This start program is available in both models.
Dehydrate
The Dehydrate smart program can be used to make your own dried veggies, jerky, and fruit leather. By default, it starts at 7 hours with a temperature of 120F. You can adjust the time from 1 to 15 hours within 105 to 175F. It’s a low heat, extended cooking time method. This start program is available in both models.
Proof
The Proof smart program can be used to rise and rest the dough for bread. By default, it starts at 30 minutes with a temperature of 90F. You can adjust the time from 30 to 40 minutes within 90 to 120F.
Proof is currently only available in the Pro model.
One thing to note, if your kitchen temperature is above the temperature range of this smart program, the air fryer oven won’t work as expected.
Toast
The Toast smart program has 3 levels of darkness (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3). Each darkness level has a default time:
- Level 1: 2.50 minutes
- Level 2: 3.10 minutes
- Level 3: 3.30 minutes
Toast is currently only available in the Pro model.
Smart Programs included in the Instant Vortex Pro and Plus
There are a few variations in the smart programs included across the two models of the air fryer oven. The two models have a set of core programs and the Pro has a few additional programs.
| Smart Program | Instant Vortex Plus | Instant Vortex Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Smart Programs* | 6 | 8 |
| Air Fry | Yes | Yes |
| Roast | Yes | Yes |
| Bake | Yes | Yes |
| Broil | Yes | Yes |
| Reheat | Yes | Yes |
| Dehydrate | Yes | Yes |
| Toast | Yes | |
| Proof | Yes |
* The Rotisserie function is turned on using the Rotate button, but isn’t a separate smart program.
Instant Vortex Air Fryer Oven Dimensions
From a size perspective, Instant Vortex Pro and Plus aren’t 100% identical. The Vortex Plus is slightly smaller in length and weight. The touch screen buttons are also different between the two models.
| Spec | Instant Vortex Plus | Instant Vortex Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 10 Quart | 10 Quart |
| Heating Element | 1500W | 1500W |
| Dimensions (in inches) | 13.23 long x 13.23 wide x 14.37 high | 13.78 long x 13.23 wide x 14.37 high |
| Weight | 16.94 lbs | 17.53 lbs |
| Power | 120V – 60Hz | 120V – 60Hz |
| Power Cord | Hardwired, grounded polarized plug, about 4 feet long | Hardwired, grounded polarized plug, about 4 feet long |
| Exterior | Stainless Steel with black touch screen | Stainless Steel with black touch screen |
| Removable Oven Door | Yes | Yes |
The oven door is removable on both models of the air fryer oven for easier cleaning.
3 ways the Instant Vortex Plus and Pro are different
Overall, after looking at all of the specs and cooking functions these two air fryer ovens are very similar with a few differences that will result in a slight price difference.
- The Vortex Pro includes two additional smart programs: toasting food and proofing dough
- The Vortex Plus is slightly narrower in length by about 1/2 inch and weighs about half a pound less.
- The Vortex Pro retails for a slightly higher price given the added features.
Check out the current deals on the 7-in-1 Vortex Plus and 9-in-1 Vortex Pro
Based on all that, what features do you prefer in the Instant Vortex Plus vs Pro Air Fryer Oven?
When you consider buying an air fryer oven, you’ll need to think about the features that fit your cooking needs along with the price that works for your budget. You could also pick one now and potentially upgrade in the future as your cooking experience and needs change.
As you’re deciding about your purchase, don’t forget to check additional reviews and prices, and to look for deals.
So based on that, which features are helping you decide which Instant Vortex air fryer oven to buy?
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Thank you! Just the information I’ve been looking for. I almost spent the extra money for the Pro. The two added features I don’t really need.
Hey Art. Thanks for stopping by and letting me know the post was helpful. Good luck with your new Vortex Plus and I’d love to hear what you think!
Thanks you for supplying info I was looking for. Nice easy and simple .
Wow not much difference between them. I just got the Plus on Prime day. The 1st thing we tried was toast. I didn’t know I need a special button.
Thank you for this information. I don’t need to spend the extra money for a “proofing” function – I appreciate this and have received my air fryer – I LOVE IT
Hey Deena –
Great to hear it was helpful. Best wishes with your purchase.
– Cara
Same here.
Very helpful!! Thanks
Thanks, I was wondering what the differences were. Now I know I want the pro.
I own the plus already and love it, but currently shopping for another for a different house. Thanks so much for this very helpful guide as the price difference between the two is pretty steep with little difference in features. Was able to pick up another plus for 90 during black Friday.
Happy to hear the comparison was helpful. Good luck with your new purchase. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays!
Your discussion of the differences is
marvelous–super-clear and well-written. Thanks!
Thank you, this side by side comparison was very informative and helpful! I think Santa is bringing me the Pro 😁