It's important to know this model has POWER and optional PREHEAT buttons. Two models are currently on Amazon under the same name but different listings yet this one is more expensive and could use a closer price, confusingly the product images and descriptions are identical (I know because I ordered both). The other model has automatic PREHEAT on each started function that will beep when heated and needs the start button pressed again, whereas this version will just cook without the prompt and seems faster to use and arguably isn't needed since the oven heats up quickly. Another button only on this is SHAKE that sets a beep to go off at half the time listed when pressed, so you might flip or "shake" your food. The fan also turns off sooner when powered off on this model. Though the button labelling is different between the two, the large digital display is the same on both and something really appreciated because they're often too small or not well lit.
The performance is great since it heats quickly to every temperature and more uniquely can hit 450F but also dehydrator and ferment levels of 80F. Six total elements are used differently on each function, ie two bottom/two top on bake, four top on air fry, but the fan can be toggled to max on all the modes allowing "air fry" convection heat to whatever temperature or element pattern you want.
The build quality is excellent with a thick brushed stainless steel frame on all sides, actually identical to a Frigidaire model still available (who is making it?). Heat insulation is very good without any problems to laminate cabinets on the sides or top, even within an inch. There are also insulation strips layered between the door which many countertop ovens don't have. It's important to mention a review reporting the interior roof metal warping but it's the first thing I tested but didn't see any issue.
As for the optional smart connectivity through the app on Android/iOS, it also connects through Google/Alexa and I would imagine someone thinking it was a good idea if they want to start it remotely and have some roasted potatoes ready when arriving home, but according to the manual, no. Remote control is only for after manually starting it, "for safety reasons", and generally seems to be for anyone who would want to choose a specific recipe within the app and have the settings set automatically. You can also toggle things like the LIGHT and POWER OFF, temperature and time, but personally seems like too much and wouldn't you really need a camera to make it useful?
Overall, an excellent choice that cooks food perfectly, evenly, and costs much less in energy and time compared to conventional ovens. If you have a noisy rattling fan out of the box (surprisingly common), don't hesitate and just use the Return and Replace option. It should cost around $250 CAD (or $200 on sale) and supports a 2year warranty - more than most other options except for what I think is the closest competitor, the overpriced large Cuisinart at 5year (ranging from $300 on sale to $500). Consider getting an extended 4year warranty on Amazon for currently $36 rather than throwing your money away after only a couple years.
Brand | COSORI |
---|---|
Model Number | CTO-R251S-KUS |
Colour | Silver-stainless Steel |
Product Dimensions | 41.4 x 42.93 x 39.37 cm; 9.98 kg |
Capacity | 26 quarts |
Power/Wattage | 1800 watts |
Voltage | 120 Volts |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Auto shut-off | Yes |
Special Features | Smart control |
Item Weight | 9.98 kg |