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Instant Pot Max

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15 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [15]

82
Total expert reviews: 15
  • with a score: 5
  • without a score: 10
Highest score by pressurecookertips.com
98
Average score based on 15 reviews
82
Lowest score by WIRED
50

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Instant Pot Max is a versatile and user-friendly electric pressure cooker that offers a high-pressure cooking experience, a range of cooking modes, and additional features that enhance the cooking process, making it a reliable choice for individuals of all cooking levels.

The Instant Pot Max is an electric multi-use pressure cooker that offers a variety of features and cooking modes. It has a capacity of 6 quarts, making it suitable for medium-sized families or gatherings. The Max distinguishes itself from other Instant Pot models by offering a higher pressure level of 15psi, allowing for faster cooking times and making it suitable for home pressure canning.

This makes it a great option for those who are used to stovetop pressure cookers and want to convert recipes to an electric multicooker.

The Max offers a range of cooking modes, including Pressure Cook, Sauté, Rice, Sous Vide, Slow Cook, Soup/Broth, Canning, and Yogurt. It also has the ability to reach higher pressure levels of 15 psi, allowing for unlimited functions such as fermentation, simmering, boiling, and searing.

One unique feature of the Max is the NutriBoost feature, which adds movement to foods during cooking, improving taste and texture. It also comes with a steam rack with handles, which can be used as a steam basket for steaming vegetables, seafood, and more.

Experts praise the Instant Pot Max for its intuitive and user-friendly design. The large touch screen display provides clear and relevant information about the cooking process, and the LED interface allows for easy adjustment of settings. The overall operation of the Max is considered to be very user-friendly, with indicator icons guiding users through the cooking process.

The Max is also highly regarded for its safety features. The automatic pressure release mechanism allows users to select their desired pressure release method using the touchscreen, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The pressure indicator and lid locking system provide a secure seal, and the auto shut-off feature adds an extra layer of safety and convenience.

In terms of durability, the Instant Pot Max is praised for its sturdy build and high-quality construction. It features a brushed stainless steel exterior body and a food grade 304 stainless steel interior and inner pot, which are resistant to corrosion.

Overall, the Instant Pot Max is a versatile and user-friendly pressure cooker that offers a high-pressure cooking experience, versatile cooking modes, and additional features that enhance the cooking process. It is a great option for individuals who want a convenient and efficient cooking experience, whether they are beginners or experienced cooks.

The Max's safety features and durable construction make it a reliable choice for pressure cooking.

Features

The Instant Pot Max is a high-pressure electric multi-use pressure cooker with versatile cooking modes and additional features that make it suitable for home pressure canning and converting recipes from stovetop pressure cookers.

The Instant Pot Max is an electric multi-use pressure cooker that offers a variety of features and cooking modes. It is designed to provide a higher pressure level of 15psi, allowing for faster cooking times and making it suitable for home pressure canning. This distinguishes it from other Instant Pot models and makes it a great option for those who are used to stovetop pressure cookers and want to convert recipes to an electric multicooker.

The Instant Pot Max has a capacity of 6 quarts, making it suitable for medium-sized families or gatherings. It offers a range of cooking modes, including Pressure Cook, Sauté, Rice, Sous Vide, Slow Cook, Soup/Broth, Canning, and Yogurt. This allows users to perform a wide range of cooking tasks with ease.

The Max also has the ability to reach higher pressure levels of 15 psi, allowing for unlimited functions such as fermentation, simmering, boiling, and searing.

One unique feature of the Instant Pot Max is the NutriBoost feature, which adds movement to foods like rice and soup during cooking, improving taste and texture. The Max also comes with a steam rack with handles, which can be used as a steam basket for steaming vegetables, seafood, and more.

Overall, the Instant Pot Max offers a high-pressure cooking experience, versatile cooking modes, and additional features that enhance the cooking process. It is a great option for those who want the convenience of an electric multicooker with the power and capabilities of a stovetop pressure cooker.

What type of pressure cooker is the Instant Pot Max?

The Instant Pot Max is an electric multi-use pressure cooker. According to experts, it is designed to provide a higher pressure level of 15psi, which was previously only available in stovetop pressure cookers. This high pressure allows for faster cooking times and also makes it suitable for home pressure canning. So if you're used to stovetop pressure cookers and want to convert recipes over to an electric multicooker, the Instant Pot Max is the one for you.
Based on 8 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the capacity (in quarts or liters) of the Instant Pot Max?

The Instant Pot Max has a capacity of 6 quarts, which is equivalent to approximately 5.7 liters. This size is suitable for preparing meals for medium-sized families or gatherings.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the different cooking modes available in the Instant Pot Max?

The Instant Pot Max offers a variety of cooking modes. According to various product experts, the primary button programs on the Max include Pressure Cook, Sauté, Rice, Sous Vide, Slow Cook, Soup/Broth, Canning, and Yogurt. These programs allow you to perform a wide range of cooking tasks with ease. Additionally, the Max has the ability to reach higher pressure levels of 15 psi on its max pressure mode, which distinguishes it from other Instant Pot models. This feature allows the Max to have unlimited functions such as fermentation, simmering, boiling, searing, and more. There is also a NutriBoost feature in the Max that adds movement to foods like rice and soup during cooking, improving taste and texture.
Based on 7 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the pressure levels that can be set in the Instant Pot Max?

The Instant Pot Max has the capability to reach a pressure level of 15 psi (pounds per square inch), which is the highest pressure level among the Instant Pot models. This higher pressure level allows for faster cooking times and can be used for a variety of cooking methods such as pressure canning, simmering, boiling, and more. According to the review on Epicurious, the Max can sustain the pressure at 15 psi, meaning it can cook up to 15% faster than other models.
Based on 9 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does Instant Pot Max come with a steam basket?

Yes, the Instant Pot Max comes with a steam rack with handles, which makes it easier to grab the rack from the pot. This steam rack can be used as a steam basket for steaming vegetables, seafood, and more.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Ease of Use

The Instant Pot Max is praised for its intuitive and user-friendly design, with a large touch screen display and LED interface that provide clear information and easy adjustment of settings, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks.

The Instant Pot Max is praised by experts for its intuitive and user-friendly design. The large touch screen display provides clear and relevant information about the cooking process, including pressure and temperature levels. The LED interface allows for easy adjustment of settings such as altitude, volume, and the "Keep Warm" function.

The touch screen capability and user-friendly interface make operating the Instant Pot Max a streamlined and familiar experience.

The overall operation of the Instant Pot Max is considered to be very user-friendly. The touch screen display and dial make it easy to navigate and adjust settings. The interface provides clear and intuitive information about the cooking process, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks.

The Max also has indicator icons that guide users through the cooking process, further enhancing its user-friendliness.

In terms of specific use cases, the Instant Pot Max is ideal for individuals who want a convenient and efficient cooking experience. Its intuitive controls and informative display make it easy to monitor and adjust the cooking process. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore pressure cooking or an experienced cook seeking a more advanced appliance, the Instant Pot Max offers a user-friendly solution.

How intuitive is the control panel on the Instant Pot Max?

The control panel on the Instant Pot Max is described as intuitive and easy to use by multiple product experts. According to reviews, the Max features a large touch screen display that provides more relevant information to the user compared to other models. The LED interface on the control panel shows the progress of the cooking process, including the pressure and temperature inside the pot. It also allows you to adjust settings such as altitude, volume, and the "Keep Warm" function. The touch screen capability and user-friendly interface make operating the Instant Pot Max more streamlined and familiar.
Based on 16 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

How user-friendly is the overall operation of the Instant Pot Max?

According to the reviews, the Instant Pot Max is generally considered to be very user-friendly. It has a large touch screen display and a dial, making it easy to operate. The touch screen interface provides clear and intuitive information about the cooking process, including whether the food is being pressurized, the exact temperature, and whether the "Keep Warm" function is activated. Additionally, the Max has indicator icons that guide the user through the cooking process, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced cooks. Overall, the interface and controls of the Instant Pot Max are designed to make cooking with it a streamlined and convenient experience.
Based on 13 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

Safety Features

The Instant Pot Max is praised for its safety features, including an automatic pressure release mechanism, pressure indicator, lid locking system, and auto shut-off feature, making it a reliable and user-friendly option for pressure cooking.

The Instant Pot Max has received high praise from experts for its safety features. The automatic pressure release mechanism allows users to select their desired pressure release method using the touchscreen, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This feature ensures a smooth and hassle-free pressure cooking experience.

The pressure indicator, located on the LCD display, turns red when the pot is pressurized and goes out when the pressure drops, indicating that it is safe to open the lid. The lid locking system twists into place, providing a secure seal. The auto shut-off feature, along with 13 built-in mechanisms, ensures the smooth running of the multicooker.

The Instant Pot Max automatically shuts off and releases pressure when the cooking process is complete, adding an extra layer of safety and convenience. Overall, the Instant Pot Max is highly regarded for its safety features, making it a reliable and user-friendly option for pressure cooking.

What type of pressure release mechanism does the Instant Pot Max have?

The Instant Pot Max comes with an automatic pressure release mechanism. This means that you no longer have to manually set a valve in place or twist a knob to release the pressure. Instead, you can select your desired pressure release method (natural, in spurts, or all at once) using the touchscreen on the Max. The automatic pressure release valve makes the operation of the Max more streamlined and eliminates the need for manual intervention when releasing the pressure. This feature has been highly praised by product experts for its convenience and safety. According to reviews on Gear Patrol, TopTenReviews, pressurecookingtoday.com, Digital Trends, juicingjournal.com, and The Kitchn, the automatic pressure release mechanism on the Max ensures a smooth and hassle-free pressure cooking experience.
Based on 7 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Instant Pot Max come with a pressure indicator?

Yes, the Instant Pot Max does come with a pressure indicator. According to a product review on pressurecookingtoday.com, the Pressure Indicator is located on the LCD display and turns red when the pot is pressurized. This feature eliminates the need to look at the lid to see if the float valve has dropped. The light goes out when the pressure drops, indicating that it is safe to open the lid.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What type of lid locking system does the Instant Pot Max have?

The Instant Pot Max features a lid locking system that twists into place. According to a product review on Digital Trends, the lid on the Max may feel a bit "sticky" when closing it, reminiscent of an old car door that needs some lubrication. However, this is a small issue and might not be a significant concern for most users.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Instant Pot Max come with an auto shut-off feature?

Yes, the Instant Pot Max does come with an auto shut-off feature. According to a product review on TopTenReviews, the Instant Pot Max has 13 built-in mechanisms to ensure the smooth running of the multicooker, and one of these mechanisms is the automatic steam release button. This means that you no longer need to worry about setting the steam release valve in place manually, as the Instant Pot Max will automatically shut off and release pressure when the cooking process is complete. This feature adds an extra layer of safety and convenience to the cooking experience.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Durability

The Instant Pot Max is praised for its durable construction and high-quality build, featuring a sturdy stainless steel exterior and interior, as well as recyclable packaging.

The Instant Pot Max is praised for its durable construction and high-quality build. Experts note that the device features a sturdy brushed stainless steel exterior body and a food grade 304 stainless steel interior and inner pot, which are resistant to corrosion.

The packaging and inserts are also made from 100% recyclable materials. The Max is described as a "quality device" and has a "sturdy build" according to multiple expert reviews. It is noted that the 6-quart Max feels sturdy and has an elegant display compared to other cookers.

Overall, the Instant Pot Max is considered to be a durable and well-built product.

What materials are used in the construction of the Instant Pot Max?

The Instant Pot Max features a sturdy construction with a brushed stainless steel exterior body. The interior of the cooker and the inner pot are made from food grade 304 stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to corrosion. According to the product description, the packaging and all inserts are produced from 100% recyclable materials.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do the experts say about the build quality of the Instant Pot Max?

According to several product experts, the build quality of the Instant Pot Max is highly praised. One review on Digital Trends mentions that the device has a high-quality stainless steel exterior and inner pot, and the 6-quart Max feels sturdy. The review also notes that the Max has an elegant display compared to other cookers. Similarly, a review on TopTenReviews states that the Max has a "sturdy build" and is described as a "quality device" in another review on Digital Trends.
Based on 9 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Best Alternatives

3 best pressure cookers in the same price range as Instant Pot Max

Scroll to see all options. Click on the pressure cooker for more details.
Breville Fast Slow Pro Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Instant Pot Duo60
Reviews
In comparison:
Breville Fast Slow Pro rank #1 out of 68. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.3
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 rank #2 out of 68. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.6
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Instant Pot Duo60 rank #3 out of 68. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.6
Amazing
The Breville Fast Slow Pro is a versatile and durable multi-cooker that offers a range of cooking modes, user-friendly operation, and advanced safety features. The Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker is a versatile and durable appliance that offers a wide range of cooking functions, making it a convenient and reliable option for cooking enthusiasts. The Instant Pot Duo60 is a versatile and reliable programmable pressure cooker that offers a variety of cooking functions, user-friendly operation, and excellent safety features, making it highly recommended by experts and reviewers.
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Pressure Cookers above are offered because they are in the same price range as Instant Pot Max. To browse more budget and premium pressure cookers go to our pressure cooker ranking .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all pressure cookers.

Rank Change Price Pressure Cooker
The Spruce Eats
Good Housekeeping
Forbes
All Recipes
The Strategist
CNN Underscored
Food & Wine
NBC News
seriouseats.com
Wirecutter
1
- $300
Breville Fast Slow Pro
5
3
-
3
1
3
3
1
2
-
2
+1 $120
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1
-
8
-
1
-
-
1
-
1
2
3
-1 $100
Instant Pot Duo60
2
1
1
-
2
-
-
4
-
-
4
+1 Check price
Farberware 7-in-1 Programmable
-
2
-
2
-
-
-
2
-
-
Show all rows
Instant Pot Max did not receive any endorsements this month.

Highest recommended pressure cookers this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. pressure cookers below are at the top of our ranking this April.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the pressure cooker for more details.
Breville Fast Slow Pro Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Instant Pot Duo60 Farberware 7-in-1 Programmable
Reviews
In comparison:
Breville Fast Slow Pro rank #1 out of 68. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.3
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 rank #2 out of 68. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.6
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Instant Pot Duo60 rank #3 out of 68. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.6
Amazing
Reviews
We don't yet have enough review information for Farberware 7-in-1 Programmable
Price
The Breville Fast Slow Pro is a versatile and durable multi-cooker that offers a range of cooking modes, user-friendly operation, and advanced safety features. The Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker is a versatile and durable appliance that offers a wide range of cooking functions, making it a convenient and reliable option for cooking enthusiasts. The Instant Pot Duo60 is a versatile and reliable programmable pressure cooker that offers a variety of cooking functions, user-friendly operation, and excellent safety features, making it highly recommended by experts and reviewers. The Farberware 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker is a versatile and user-friendly kitchen appliance that offers seven different cooking modes, a 6-quart capacity, and a durable stainless steel construction, making it ideal for families and individuals looking to save time and effort in the kitchen.
More product details More product details More product details More product details