Cosori Iconic 6.5 Qt stainless steel air fryer: features and who it suits

The Cosori Iconic is a 6.5-quart (about 6.2-litre) smart air fryer with a stainless steel body, made for kitchens where the appliances are steel and the cook wants a nonstick surface made without PFAS. It covers air frying, roasting and baking as well as a few slower jobs, and it connects to the VeSync app for remote control and guided recipes. Here is what its main specifications mean in everyday cooking.

Two grades of stainless steel and a ceramic coating

The basket is made from 304 stainless steel and the outer structure from 430 stainless steel. Grade 304 contains nickel and is the grade most often used for cookware and food-contact surfaces; 430 is a nickel-free grade common on household appliances. The two grades respond differently to magnets, which Cosori notes is normal and does not affect performance.

The cooking surfaces have a nonstick ceramic coating that Cosori says is made without PFAS, PTFE or BPA. PFAS is a broad family of fluorinated chemicals, and PTFE is the fluoropolymer behind many traditional nonstick coatings. Ceramic coatings are an alternative that typically last longest with silicone or wooden utensils and no abrasive scourers.

How the fan and DC motor affect cooking

An air fryer is essentially a compact convection oven: a heating element sits above the food and a fan drives hot air around it, which is what crisps the surface. The Iconic uses a DC motor with five fan speeds, which Cosori describes as quiet. DC motors generally allow finer speed control than the simpler motors in many small appliances. A strong airflow suits fries and wings, while a gentler one helps with baking, where a fierce draught can brown the top before the middle is done.

Six functions and what each is for

• Air Fry: high heat and strong airflow for a crisp finish.
• Roast: meat and vegetables, browned on the outside.
• Bake: cakes, muffins and pastries in small batches.
• Dry: typically low heat over a long time, for fruit slices or herbs.
• Proof: a gentle warm setting to help dough rise.
• Reheat: warming leftovers while bringing back some crispness.

What 6.5 quarts holds

Capacity figures are hard to picture, so Cosori translates this one: a 5 lb (2.3 kg) whole chicken, two 16 oz steaks, 3 lb of fries, 20 chicken wings, an 8.5-inch pizza or four standard slices of bread. The basket measures 9.4 x 9.4 x 4.5 inches (about 24 x 24 x 11 cm). Cosori notes that capacity varies with the size and shape of the food, and that larger batches may need extra time or a shake partway through. As a rule, air fryers crisp most evenly when food sits in a single layer with room for air to move.

The VeSync app and the recipe book

In the VeSync app you can set the time and temperature, follow cooking progress and open guided recipes, including some functions and recipes found only in the app. For anyone who prefers paper, a printed recipe book written by Cosori's chefs and dietitians comes in the box.

Who it suits

The Iconic suits households that cook everyday family meals, especially those with stainless steel appliances who want a nonstick surface made without PFAS. At 14.8 x 11.6 x 11.8 inches (about 38 x 29 x 30 cm) and 14.1 lb (6.4 kg), it is a countertop appliance to leave in place rather than one to put away after every use. Cosori lists five years of manufacturer support; the user manual has the details.

What to check before you buy

• Counter space: measure the spot, including clearance around the air fryer for warm air to vent, as the manual describes.
• Capacity: 6.5 quarts is sized for a family; a one- or two-person household may want something smaller.
• App use: if guided recipes matter to you, check that your phone works with the VeSync app.
• Coating care: read the manual's cleaning advice for the ceramic surfaces.
• Support terms: the five years of manufacturer support are explained in the user manual.
• In the box: the air fryer, a crisper plate, a recipe book, a quick start guide and the user manual.

The short version

• A 6.5-quart smart air fryer with a stainless steel body and a 304 stainless steel basket.
• Ceramic nonstick coating made without PFAS, PTFE or BPA.
• DC motor with five fan speeds; air fry, roast, bake, dry, proof and reheat.
• Cosori says it fits a 5 lb whole chicken or 20 chicken wings.
• VeSync app control, a printed recipe book and five years of manufacturer support.

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