Table of Contents
◉ Quick Take ◉ Key Specs ◉ Design & Build ◉ Setup & Everyday Use ◉ Performance ◉ Cleaning & Maintenance ◉ What It Doesn’t Do ◉ How It Stacks Up ◉ Pros & Cons ◉ Verdict
Quick Take
COSORI’s Pro Gen 2 5.8-quart air fryer (model CP168-AF) hits the sweet spot for most U.S. kitchens: a roomy square basket that fits a 5-lb chicken, 13 chef-tuned presets, and a 1,700-watt heater that cooks up to 50% faster than a traditional oven while cutting oil by as much as 85%. The detachable nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, and the built-in NTC sensor keeps temps within 3 °F for even results. Street prices regularly dip below $120—and holiday promos have pushed some COSORI models under $100.
Key Specs (What Actually Matters)
• Capacity: 5.8 qt square basket (3–5 servings / 5-lb chicken)
• Power / Voltage: 1,700 W, 120 V, 60 Hz
• Temp Range: 170–400 °F (77–205 °C)
• Presets / Controls: 13 one-touch functions, touch panel + manual time/Temp
• Dimensions / Weight: 11.7" D × 14.2" W × 12.6" H • 11.9 lb
• Basket / Care: Detachable, BPA/PFOA-free, dishwasher-safe
• Extras: “Shake” reminder, 100 paper recipes + 1,100 online
• Rating (Amazon): 4.6/5 from ~577 reviews
• Warranty: 1 year (extendable to 2 years after registration)
Design & Build
The square drawer-style basket gives you more usable surface area than round competitors—great for laying out pork chops or a single pizza slice without overlap. The matte dark-gray shell looks cleaner on the counter than the glossy plastics many budget fryers use. At ~12.6 inches tall, it slides under standard 18" cabinets; just leave a little space behind for ventilation.
Setup & Everyday Use
Out of the box, plug it in, rinse the basket, and you’re cooking in minutes. COSORI’s presets (Fries, Chicken, Steak, Veggies, etc.) are actually usable—each tuned by the brand’s in-house chefs—yet you can override time and temperature instantly. The personalized “Shake Reminder” (a beep mid-cycle) keeps fries and nuggets evenly crisp without guesswork.
Performance: Speed, Crisping & Consistency
• Even browning: The unit’s “even-heating technology” and NTC sensor hold temperature tightly, avoiding the burnt-edges/undercooked-center problem cheaper fryers show.
• Real-world throughput: Expect frozen fries in ~18 minutes at 400 °F, chicken thighs in ~22 minutes, and roasted broccoli in 8–10 minutes—solid for a sub-$150 machine (timings based on COSORI’s recipe guide and our typical test set).
• Oil savings: COSORI claims up to 85% less oil than deep frying; that tracks with industry norms for rapid-air cookers.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Pop the basket and crisper plate into the dishwasher and wipe the interior with a damp cloth once cool. Because the basket is square, lining it with parchment fits better than on round designs. Just don’t block air vents with oversized liners. The nonstick coating is PFOA- and BPA-free per the listing, but avoid metal utensils to preserve it.
What It Doesn’t Do (and Workarounds)
• No window: You can’t peek without pulling the basket—shake reminder helps, but visibility would be nice.
• Single zone only: You can’t cook two foods at different temps simultaneously like you can with dual-basket models.
• No built-in probe or smart app control: If you want a thermometer probe or Wi-Fi app (VeSync) control, you’ll need COSORI’s “Smart” or TurboBlaze lines.
How It Stacks Up (Context, Not Hype)
• COSORI Pro Gen 2 5.8-Qt: 13 presets, tight temp control, dishwasher-safe basket • Trade-off: No window, single zone
• Ninja DZ201 Dual Zone: Two temps at once • Trade-off: Bigger, pricier (~$150–200+)
• Instant Vortex Plus 6-Qt: See-through window, odor filter • Trade-off: Louder fan, fewer presets
• COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Qt: 450 °F top temp, 5 fan speeds • Trade-off: No window, newer model premium
Pros & Cons
Pros
• 1,700 W heater + NTC sensor = fast, even results
• 13 genuinely useful presets and manual overrides
• Roomy 5.8-qt square basket fits family portions
• Dishwasher-safe, BPA/PFOA-free basket and crisper plate
• Regular sub-$120 sales; sometimes < $100 during big promos
Cons
• No viewing window or internal light
• Single-zone design limits multi-dish flexibility
• Lacks smart/Wi-Fi control and probe thermometer
• Nonstick basket will eventually wear if abused
Verdict
If you’re hunting for a “set it, shake it once, and eat” air fryer that won’t hog counter space or your budget, the COSORI Pro Gen 2 (5.8-Qt) is the balance point. It’s large enough for a family of four, powerful enough to truly crisp, and simple enough that you’ll still use it six months from now. Unless you specifically want dual zones, a glass window, or smart controls, there’s little reason to spend more.
Buy the COSORI Pro Gen 2 5.8-Qt Air Fryer on Amazon
