Instant Pot Max Takes Multicooker to Next Level

By Greg Gonzales

The Instant Pot Max is the latest step forward for the Instant Pot line, with new features and functions to appeal to the device’s cult following ― it cooks at 15 psi and therefore faster than previous models; the control panel is a touchscreen that allows users to release the pressure without putting their hands near the release valve; it can stir food using pressure bursts; and it also has a sous vide and canning feature.

Setup and Touchscreen

The Max was extremely easy to set up in just a matter of minutes. Out of the box came the unit itself, the cord, mini silicone gloves, a rice cup, a soup spoon and rice paddle, steam rack with handles and a condensation collector. However, it doesn’t include bags or a vacuum unit for the sous vide function, so I had to borrow and buy those separately ― which makes me thankful for my foodie friends, as those things can get pricey!

Sous Vide Salmon

The toughest part about the sous vide function was prepping the salmon. Picking out pin bones is never fun, but my girlfriend and I split the prep, so we managed to get the pin bones out, skin off, and herbs and spices rubbed on before the unit even got to temperature. One issue with the sous vide function is that the pot isn’t quite big enough for large portions, but with small bags and single portions, the Instant Pot Max will work just fine. Another small issue we ran into was that the sous vide function didn’t quite cook the salmon all the way ― but a short sear on the skillet right out of the Max, and we had perfect flaky sockeye salmon on our plates, with some chardonnay to match.

Pressure-Cooked Salmon

With some salmon left over, along with some potatoes and carrots, we skipped the recipe books and got to testing the 15 psi pressure cook function. The idea here was to compare the timing with the estimated time on recipes for the old cookers. Using the Max setting on the Instant Pot Max means the food should be done about 15 percent faster than the high setting. However, it didn’t really work out that way, and cooked in about the same time as the Instant Pot Duo, in just a few seconds over 2 minutes.

Instant Pot Max: Not Quite the First Canning Cooker

Using the Instant Pot Max to can food is a bit more hands-on than a push on the touchscreen ― and it’s not yet approved by the USDA, so I didn’t give it a go. According to the USDA and Instant Pot, some canning methods ought to be forgotten completely when it comes to using pressure cookers, as electric cookers might not be able to meet the temperature and pressure requirements to kill off deadly microbes. For now, I’ll wait for the next model, just in case.

Overall, the Instant Pot Max functioned perfectly, and my clothes soaked up the scents of the delicious spices and herbs on the salmon. Though I probably wouldn’t shell out $200 for a new one, especially since I already have the Duo, it’s certainly an investment worth making for people who don’t have one and want to try sous vide without extra equipment.