Cosori’s latest product is a smart 5.8-quart air fryer. It’s nearly identical to the other 5.8-quart fryer (which we reviewed here) but it offers up the latest and greatest tech via a smartphone app.
Features
Because this is so similar to the previous version, we’ll just briefly cover some of the notable features. (If you want a more in-depth look, the features, functionality, and interface are the same as the one we reviewed here.)
5.8-quart, square basket: Cosori’s air fryer is a large 5.8 quarts and the basket is square (rather than round, like many popular models), which accommodates a fair amount of food.
Plenty of presets: There are 11 total preset options on the Cosori, but you can also manually select time and temperature.
App control: The VeSync app lets you fully control the air fryer on your smart phone.
Additionally, the air fryer includes:
- Preheating function
- 120V and 1700W
- Shake reminder (on presets only)
- Automatic shutoff + Keep Warm function
- Nonstick, dishwasher safe basket
- 100 recipes
- 2-year warranty
App
Cosori uses VeSync, which is an app that controls multiple products from a few different companies. I read through some of the reviews on the App Store (where it has an average rating of 3.0). It sounds like users experience issues with having multiple devices on the app or with connecting to virtual assistant devices like the Echo. There are plenty of suggestions from reviewers that sound like useful ideas for functionality. Luckily, most apps go through updates and get better over time, so presumably the developer will work to improve bugs and add more features over time.
When I installed the app, it asked me to login or create an account. I didn’t want to do that, but there is an option to continue without logging in. Of course, it warns that “you’ll have limited functionality” but it doesn’t sound like you’re missing out on too much if you don’t create an account.
Next, you can add devices. Once plugged in, the air fryer starts blinking with a wifi symbol and the app tells you to connect to the device through your phone’s wifi settings. I found the device, connected, went back to the app and clicked “I’m Connected” and got an error message. Tried again, got the message again.
After multiple attempts, I went looking for support. Ultimately, I was unable to get the “smart” function to work. It sounds like it’s an issue with the app, and I think the problem is with dual band wifi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). I found a few things online with folks saying that turning off the 5 GHz to connect solves the problem.
To be honest, I don’t know how to do that on my router and I really don’t want to. So, if you’re considering this fryer, do note that you may have to jump through some hoops to get it working!
Bottom Line
The only difference between this and the original Cosori 5.8-quart air fryer is the addition of wifi capability. Literally everything else — design, size, interface, presets — is exactly the same. I really like the original and use it several times a week, so I’d definitely recommend that one. I can’t recommend this one if you’re in search of a smart air fryer simply because I couldn’t get that part to work.
If this one is on sale, or if you don’t mind trying to figure out the wifi connectivity, I think you’ll be happy with it. Cosori makes a great air fryer, and we’ve had awesome experiences with their customer service and their products overall. Two thumbs down for the “smart” feature; two thumbs up for the air frying.
