Instant Pot Max Features
The Sustained 15psi, not only cooks food faster, now you can do pressure canning at home
The large touch screen makes programming seamless, letting you easily set time, temperature, pressure level, delay start and warm
NutriBoost technology works by creating a boiling motion during pressure cook to break down food, adding nutrition, flavor, and taste to soups and bone broth
Altitude adjustment eliminates the guesswork from your recipe conversion to provide a more precise cooking time
UL certified with 13 Safety features, new automated venting and lid-lock and more
A new-brushed stainless steel exterior body, stainless steel interior cooker and inner pot made from food grade 304 stainless steel
Packaging and all inserts are produced from 100% recyclable materials.
| Brand |
|---|
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
A few of the Instant Pots parts require extra effort to cleanbut this goes for every Instant Pot model, not just the Duo. The depression around the rim of the outer pot traps salt, crumbs, and gunk, but we clear it out with canned air and a damp rag. Though the lids silicone sealing ring can also retain smells, you can deodorize it or buy extras .
None of the pressure cookers we tested, including the Duo, cook rice as well as the Cuckoo CRP-G1015F electric pressure rice cooker . But the Duo is more all-purpose than a dedicated rice cooker, and it still makes fine rice that wed be happy to eat.
Weve never experienced an accident with hot steam on the Duo, and we think the new pressure-release switch is even safer to use. But you should still keep your face and hands away from the valve.
The electric heating element in the Instant Pot cant sear meat as well as stove-top techniques . For intense browning, sear meat in a separate pan on the stove, deglaze, and add the meat and drippings to the electric cooker. This process may kill your one-pot-dinner fantasies, but sometimes life is a compromise. If youre looking for more versatility, our upgrade picks inner pot is designed to work on most cooktops.
Is The Max Worth Its Higher Price Tag
The Max is probably one of the most user-friendly Instant Pots, and its certainly a quality device. I think it tries to be too much, but it doesnt capture the same magic as the Duo. It also feels a bit disjointed. On one hand, the Max feels like its for the advanced cook, providing extra controls, more temperature settings, and features like canning. But on the other hand, it feels like its for a novice, with features like button-controlled pressure release and indicator icons that walk you through everything.
I feel like Instant Pot could have left out some features, like pulse release and even the Sous Vide mode, and instead given the Max Wi-Fi capabilities like the Instant Pot Smart. Or, Instant Pot could have left these features out altogether and given the product a lower price tag. The Max typically sells for around $200, which feels exceptionally high.
Buy one now from:
You May Like: How To Install Instant Pot Sealing Ring
Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart
The defining feature of the new Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart is that you can pair it with your iPhone or Android to automatically engage the cooking functions from more than 800 smart recipes on the Instant Brands Connect app. This doesnt mean you can press Start while youre at the office and come home to your Instant Pot braising ribs , but you can control almost everything through the appincluding the steam release! The Pro Plus Smart also features a premium inner pot with easy-grab handles and comes with NutriBoost, a function that mimics the motion of boiling by moving food in the pot to enhance the flavor and texture.
Built-in smart programs: Access 800+ smart recipes via the appFunctions: Pressure-cooking, rice-cooking, slow-cooking, yogurt-making, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous videcooking, baking, sterilizing, NutriBoostSizes available: 6-quart Instant Pot
Best Smart Pressure Cooker
With its hundreds of preset programs and step-by-step interactive recipes, the Chef iQ Smart Cooker is outstandingly precise.
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Inner pot material: Nonstick
- Settings: pressure cook, sear/saute, steam, slow cook, sterilize, keep warm, ferment, plus 300+ preset programs in its menu
- Number of included recipes: 1000+ in the Chef iQ App
- Extras: Extra sealing gasket, steam rack, steam basket, heat-resistant pad for the lid
Pros: WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, a helpful app with 1000+ interactive recipes, full-color screen with 300+ present programs, quickest to cook rice and beans, good at searing, easy to set up
Cons: Didn’t do well in our pulled pork tests
The Chef iQ Smart Cooker has the best screen and most precise cooking options of any of the tested units and was easy to set up. Whereas other models have a button for beans, the full-color screen of the Chef iQ cooker offers much more detail. It has specific programs based on bean type, whether they’re soaked, and how much you’re cooking. The customization worked well. The Smart Cooker cooked a pound of beans perfectly 13 minutes faster than any other model.
You May Like: Instant Pot Large Size
Instant Pot Smart Programs Vs Functions
Instant Pots are beloved because of their ability to cook foods quickly using pressure. But theyre also wildly popular, in part, because theyre true multi-cookers that can be used to braise, sauté, steam, and so much more. But all Instant Pots are not created equaler, not every model can perform every function, and theyre billed accordingly . All Instant Pots can pressure-cook, slow-cook, sauté, and keep warm, and fancier models tack on additional cooking methods like yogurt-making, sous vide cooking, broiling, and air-frying. The functions are customizable, and while you cant air-fry or broil in a model that doesnt have an air-frying lid, people still manage to bake cake in models that dont offer mini oven functionality and make yogurt in models that arent officially marketed for yogurt-making.
The Instant Pot Smart Programs allow you to engage each cookers listed functionality with the touch of a button. Many models also have additional Smart Programs that take the guesswork out of specific items like cake, yogurt, eggs, brown rice, and more. The buying guide below details which and how many functions and Smart Programs are available with each model.
Max Should Back Off Sous Vide
The Max provides a new function that lets you sous vide . With this method you vacuum-seal your food in a plastic bag and let it cook in a temperature-controlled water bath. The water circulates and cooks the food that’s in the bag. Sous vide is known for being a precise and consistent way to cook your meals in theory, you can cook steaks at the same water temperature multiple times, and the steaks will come out with the same level of doneness each time.
Unfortunately, the Max isn’t reliable enough to be trusted with sous vide. The Max failed to heat the water to the intended temperature during multiple tests, which left food undercooked. For example, we set the sous vide temperature to reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit to cook a steak. After about 43 minutes, the Max indicated that it had reached the set temperature and started the cook timer. However, a temperature probe we inserted in the Max showed that the temperature of the water inside had reached only 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
The sous vide cooking feature wasn’t a reliable way to cook with a water bath.
Instant Pot would have been better off leaving this cooking method to companies that have made water bath cooking their business. We can’t recommend the Max for sous vide until it address its temperature inaccuracies.
You May Like: Do I Need An Instant Pot
How We Test Instant Pots
To see how Instant Pots and multi-cookers stack up, weâve spent hundreds of hours whipping up curries and chilies, preparing batches of rice, and even steaming portions of vegetables, comparing the end results. Weâre looking for meat that falls off the bone but is still tender and succulent, rice thatâs fluffy but still with some bite, and crisp vegetables. Weâve also compared how easy they are to use and just how much they speed up cooking.
We evaluate each model on how many different cooking methods it offers, how durable and easy to clean the body and parts are, how loud it is in use and when releasing pressure, and how hot the exterior casing gets. Weâre also assessing how simple each multi-cooker is to use and whether you need to read the instruction manual before cooking, whether recipe inspiration is provided and the useful accessories such as racks and trays it comes with.
Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer
The 8-quart Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer is the Duo Crisp turned up to 11. This pro model has all the same functionality of the Duo Crisp plus an upgraded lid with advanced heat protection, auto-sealing, and gentle pressure release. The sturdier stainless-steel inner pot is made to handle anything its stovetop friendly and oven safe up to 450ºF.
Built-in smart programs: 11Functions: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous videcooking, air-frying, roasting, baking, broiling, dehydratingSizes available: 8-quart Instant Pot
Also Check: How To Make Basmati Rice In Instant Pot
Who This Is For
If youre a set-it-and-forget-it type of cook who needs to get dinner on the table with minimal effort, an electric pressure cooker may become your new favorite cooking tool. Making meals can be stressful and time-consuming, but an electric pressure cooker can do a lot of the work for you. As with a slow cooker, you add your ingredients to a pressure cooker, seal the lid, turn it on, and walk away. But instead of leaving it to simmer all day, you can cook dinner in an electric pressure cooker in under an hour . Pressure cookers speed up traditional braising, stewing, boiling, and steaming methods by trapping steam inside the pot. As pressure increases, it heats the moisture in the pot beyond the boiling temperature , so it can cook foods more quickly.
-
After cooking many pounds of brisket, rice, and beans in six pressure cookers, we think the Fissler Vitaquick 8.5-Quart Pressure Cooker is the best you can get.
Is An Instant Pot Really Worth It
Thereâs no denying an Instant Pot is a great kitchen appliance but you may be wondering if itâs really worth it? Or will it simply end up as another kitchen gadget that languishes on your countertop gathering dust?
Itâs important to remember that while Instant Pots offer a multitude of cooking methods, many of which means you no longer need to use an oven or a hob, they canât cook everything. For example, theyâre not an option if you regularly prepare pasta, noodles, or stir frys. And while some do come with lids that can air fry, we found making fries in an Instant Pot wasnât as good as using one of the best air fryers.
At the same time, you canât just pop the lid off and check the dish youâre cooking, as you would when using the hob, the oven, or a slow cooker. Youâll need to release the pressure, effectively stop cooking, and detach the lid. Then if the dish isnât ready, youâll need to start cooking again.
Similarly, an Instant Pot can certainly shave a few hours off cooking stews, ribs and other dishes that usually take the best part of a day to cook, however with dishes like rice or steaming vegetables the time saving is minimal, which may mean an Instant Pot isnât worth the investment.
Don’t Miss: How To Make Rice Pudding In An Instant Pot
Should I Get The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is sold and is compatible with 6-quart Instant models that dont already have air-frying capability . The Air Fryer Lid comes with a fry basket and other accessories and allows you to air-fry straight from your pressure cooker. In addition to air-frying, the Air Fryer Lid adds broiling, baking, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating functionality to compatible machines.
What Makes Max Instant Pot Better Than Other Multi
What I love about the Instant Pot Max is the customization. For cooking functions alone, you can already adjust a lot depending on the recipe. One of the standard programmable settings is the duration.
But wait, heres what makes Instant Pot stand out against its competitors:
You can also adjust the pressure , temperature, and most importantly, the automatic venting method . In addition, you can switch from Celsius to Fahrenheit, so wherever you are, you dont have to keep asking Google, Alexa, or Siri for conversions.
Oh, if you dont want it to beep every time you press something, you can also modify the volume. Although, I find the sound notifications useful telling you whether its done cooking, when its not fully closed, etc.
Better yet?
You can set the elevation, which is a life-saver.
You see, other pressure cookers require you to adjust the cooking time depending on your altitude. With Instant Pot Max 60, however, the machine will automatically modify the programs according to your elevation. Simply put, you dont need to consult a pressure cooker cheat sheet or calculate it yourself.
Also, you have the option to delay cook, which is technically not unique to this model. However, some competitors dont have it, so thats still an edge that Instapots have.
Heres the thing:
Some recipes get overcooked easily, mainly veggies. In other words, the keep warm function alone is not enough. Thats where the delayed cooking function comes in.
Also Check: Why Does My Instant Pot Says Food Burn
Instant Pot Duo Gourmet
Exclusively available at Costco since its introduction in 2020, the Instant Pot Duo Gourmet is very similar to the Instant Pot Duo Plus. The Duo Gourmet has a slightly different control panel that includes a sous vide button and comes with more accessories . Oh, and theres that sweet Costco member pricing too. Unlike the Duo Plus which is available in three sizes, the Duo Gourmet is only available in the 6-quart size.
Built-in smart programs: 15Functions: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, steaming, sautéing, rice-cooking, yogurt-making, sous videcooking, food-warming, sterilizingSizes available: 6-quart Instant Pot
What Instant Pot Accessories Do I Need
Since each Instant Pot model is a little different, its important to read the manual and learn about the various features and settings of your Instant Pot. Generally, every model will include an outer body with a display panel and buttons, a lid, a pressure valve, a steam release valve, a plastic collector cup to catch any condensation released during slow-cooking, a stainless-steel or nonstick inner pot, a sealing ring that surrounds the lid and helps absorb odors, and a steam rack or basket to elevate food inside the inner pot.
Any Instant Pot accessories or gadgets you may choose to buy to bulk up your cookers functionality are just a bonus. Depending on what you plan to make with your Instant Pot, extras range from practical and essential to plain old fun. Some people buy extra sealing rings so they can use one for meat and one for baked goods. Some invest in egg trivets if they cook a lot of hard-boiled eggs. Some look into springform pans to make cheesecake and quiche.
Read Also: How Many Cups In 3 Quart Instant Pot
Instant Pot Max Review Premium Instapot Pressure Cooker
When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more »
The Instant Pot Max, a.k.a. Instant Pot Max, Instant Max or simply the IP Max currently is one of the best instant pot pressure cooker, highlighting nine core cooking functions.
Moreover, unlike previous versions, this one features an up-to-date touchscreen minimalist design with a turn dial. In other words, itll be a beautiful addition to your kitchen.
Awards: 4th Best Instant Pot , 4thBest 6-Quart Instant Pot
As for the cherry on top:
With the Instant Pot Max Multi-Cooker, youll never have to worry about manually opening the vent. You can automatically release the pressure using the touchscreen or set the venting method and let the machine do the rest.
There are lots more that this appliance can do. For now, lets talk about its advantages and disadvantages.
Pressure Cook Can Sous Vide And More
The Max has eight primary button programs surrounding the display: Pressure cook, sauté, rice, sous vide, slow cook, soup broth, canning, and yogurt. But, you can access a variety of options and specifications within these main programs.
When I pressure cooked bone-in chicken breast, I could choose between low, high, or max pressure. I could also choose to have the pressure naturally release, quick release, or pulse release. Pulse release lets go of the pressure in quick bursts. However, after trying the pulse release feature a few times, I decided I was going to forgo using it again because it took way too long to fully release the pressure. By the time it finished, I wasnt really all that hungry anymore .
The sous vide function works well, and it maintains an even temperature in the water bath. However, given the size of the inner pot, I could only fit four small steaks in the pot. I also didnt like the fact that I had to keep the lid closed on the Max, and this means I couldnt see inside the pot while sous vide cooking since the lid isnt transparent. The steak still came out excellent, as if I prepared them using a good immersion circulator.
I used the canning function to can fresh jalapeño peppers. I just sterilized the jars and lids, filled the sterilized jars with peppers and a bit of water, placed them on the steaming rack, added water to the pot, and pressed canning. The process was extremely easy and the peppers came out edible.
Don’t Miss: Crock Pot Instant Pot Bobber Valve
