Comprehensive review of Instant Pot Omni Plus Air Fryer and Toaster Oven

Description

A Weeknight Workhorse: My Experience with the Instant Pot Omni Plus 19QT/18L Toaster Oven Air Fryer

The Instant Pot Omni Plus 19QT/18L Toaster Oven Air Fryer (Model 140-4002-01) has been a real game-changer in my kitchen. At first glance, it might just seem like another countertop appliance, but after putting it through its paces, I can confidently say it’s so much more. From air frying crispy snacks to baking a full 12-inch pizza, this multi-functional device has earned its place in my daily routine. But like anything, it’s not without quirks.

Design and Size: Sleek Yet Substantial

One of the first things I noticed was its sophisticated stainless steel finish. It’s not just functional but also visually appealing, fitting right in with my modern kitchen décor. But let’s be honest—this thing is a beast. At 29.3 pounds and dimensions of 12″D x 12″W x 13.89″H, it takes up a fair chunk of counter space. I had to shuffle a few things around to make room, but its family-sized capacity justified the effort. With enough room for six slices of bread or a 12-inch pizza, it’s perfect for my household of four.

The double-layer glass door is another nice touch. Not only does it help retain heat, but it also allowed me to peek inside without losing precious warmth. However, the bulky size might be a downside for those with limited counter space.

Performance and Features: A Versatile Powerhouse

This appliance boasts 10 cooking functions, including air fry, bake, broil, roast, dehydrate, and even rotisserie. I’ve tried nearly all of them, and the air frying feature is by far my favorite. Using EvenCrisp Technology, it delivers a satisfying crunch with up to 95% less oil than traditional frying. My kids raved about the crispy fries, and I didn’t feel guilty serving them!

The rotisserie spit was a pleasant surprise. It’s not something I thought I’d use often, but it made cooking a perfectly roasted chicken ridiculously easy. The chicken came out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, all thanks to the golden quartz infrared heating system. That said, the rotisserie function can be a little tricky to set up if you’re not used to it.

With a temperature range of 170°F to 450°F, I appreciated how much control I had over my cooking. Whether it was slow-roasting vegetables or quickly broiling a steak, this toaster oven handled it all. The 1800-watt power output ensured that everything cooked evenly and quickly.

Key Benefits

• Multi-functional: Combines 10 appliances into one, reducing kitchen clutter.
• EvenCrisp Technology: Produces crispy results with little to no oil.
• Family-sized capacity: Fits large meals, ideal for families or gatherings.
• Easy cleanup: Dishwasher-safe enamel tray and accessories save time.
• Rotisserie option: Adds versatility for roasting meats.

Areas for Improvement

No product is perfect, and this one has a few quirks worth mentioning:

• Size and Weight: At nearly 30 pounds, moving it around isn’t easy, and it takes up significant counter space.
• Learning Curve: The sheer number of features can feel overwhelming at first.
• Noise Levels: The fan can be a bit noisy during air frying or convection cooking.

User Experience: Intuitive but Not Foolproof

This toaster oven came with a clear instruction manual and an array of accessories, including an enamel baking tray, air frying basket, and stainless-steel oven rack. While the digital screen and buttons were easy to navigate, I did have to fiddle with the settings initially to get the hang of it. The pre-programmed options were helpful for common tasks but didn’t always yield the exact results I wanted, so manual adjustments were sometimes necessary.

The in-app recipes were a great addition, but I found myself sticking to my own recipes more often than not. Still, the app is packed with ideas, which could be a lifesaver for someone less comfortable in the kitchen.

Competitive Options

When looking at competing products, the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven and the Breville Smart Oven Air come to mind. The Ninja model is slimmer and flips up for storage, which could be a huge plus for those short on space. However, it doesn’t have a rotisserie function, which is a standout feature of the Instant Pot Omni Plus.

Breville’s Smart Oven Air, on the other hand, offers similar functionality but comes at a significantly higher price point. While it might edge out the Instant Pot in terms of build quality and refinement, I found the Omni Plus to be more accessible and user-friendly for everyday use.

Price Performance

For what it offers, I’d say this product delivers solid value for the price. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but the combination of features, build quality, and performance makes it a worthwhile investment. If you’re someone who enjoys cooking and needs a versatile appliance, this is a good choice. On the other hand, casual cooks who only need basic functions might find it a bit overkill.

Final Thoughts on Daily Use

Using this toaster oven daily has been a surprisingly enjoyable experience. I’ve air-fried chicken wings, baked cookies, roasted vegetables, and even toasted bagels, all with minimal hassle. The quick preheating time and consistent results made cooking more efficient, while the dishwasher-safe components saved me from dreaded post-dinner cleanup battles.

That said, the noise levels and learning curve might deter some buyers. If you’re willing to spend a bit of time getting familiar with it, though, it’s a versatile and robust appliance that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re an experienced home chef or just someone looking to simplify weeknight dinners, this toaster oven has something to offer.

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