Choosing Replacement Air Fryer Trays: Fit, Material, and Functionality Essentials
When purchasing replacement accessories like these specifically designed for the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 and Gourmia GAF735 models, precise compatibility is non-negotiable. These dishwasher-safe grill plates and crisper trays serve as essential components that directly impact cooking performance and cleanup convenience. Buyers should prioritize exact model matching over generic 'universal fit' claims to ensure proper air circulation and heat distribution.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Verify the exact dimensions match your 5.7QT or 6QT basket—even slight variations can affect how food cooks and how the accessory fits during rotation.
- Assess the perforation pattern on grill plates, as smaller holes provide better support for delicate foods while larger openings maximize crispiness for items like fries.
- Consider whether you need both the solid crisper plate for roasting and the grill rack for elevating foods—some cooking tasks benefit from specific tray types.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Quality replacement trays should have smooth, rolled edges to prevent scratching your air fryer basket's non-stick coating. Look for consistent thickness in the metal construction—thin spots can warp under repeated high-heat cycles. The anodized or coated finish should be even without discoloration, which indicates proper manufacturing processes.
Deep Fryer Parts & Accessories Market Context
Market Overview
The replacement parts market for popular air fryer models like the Instant Vortex has expanded significantly, with third-party manufacturers offering accessories at lower price points than OEM parts. Many consumers discover they need additional trays for meal prep or replacements after original components wear out. The 4.44 average rating across 476 reviews indicates generally satisfied customers with these specific accessories.
Common Issues
The most frequent complaints in this category involve accessories that don't sit flush in the basket, causing rotation issues or uneven cooking. Some aftermarket trays develop warping after repeated dishwasher cycles despite being labeled dishwasher-safe. Another concern is coating durability—lower quality finishes can chip or discolor faster than original manufacturer parts.
Quality Indicators
Superior replacement trays maintain consistent perforation sizes and spacing, which ensures even hot air flow. Quality manufacturers use thicker gauge aluminum (typically 1.5-2mm) that resists bending. Look for accessories with silicone or rubber feet on the bottom—these protect your air fryer basket and prevent scratching during insertion and removal.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A Grade B authenticity rating with 10% estimated fake reviews suggests mostly reliable feedback with some potential manipulation. The adjusted rating dropping from 4.44 to 4.20 indicates that suspicious reviews were slightly inflating the score. All reviews being verified purchases significantly increases credibility for this product.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on reviews that mention specific cooking results with different foods, as these demonstrate actual use rather than generic praise. Pay particular attention to reviews discussing long-term durability over months of use, as these provide the most valuable insights for replacement parts that undergo regular heating cycles.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Look for reviews that confirm exact model compatibility—many helpful reviews will specify 'fits my Vortex Plus 6QT perfectly' or note minor fit issues. Reviews discussing dishwasher performance after multiple cycles provide crucial information about coating durability that short-term reviews might miss.
Expert Perspective
The strong 4.20 adjusted rating from authentic reviews indicates these replacement trays generally deliver on their promises for Vortex and Gourmia owners. The high percentage of verified purchases (100%) gives confidence that feedback comes from actual users rather than promotional sources. The specific mention of dishwasher safety in both the product title and reviews suggests this feature performs adequately, though long-term durability reports would provide more complete insight. The inclusion of multiple tray types (grill plate, crisper plate, rack) addresses different cooking needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.
Purchase Considerations
Weigh whether you need the complete set or just specific components—some users may only require a replacement grill plate rather than all three pieces. Consider your cooking habits: if you frequently cook greasy foods, the solid crisper plate may be more useful than the perforated grill plate. Factor in whether your original trays have shown wear patterns that indicate which replacement type would be most beneficial.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare these with OEM replacement parts from Instant Pot/Gourmia, weighing potential cost savings against any differences in material quality or warranty coverage.
