I want the whole works, presents and prizes, and sweets and surprises of all shapes and sizes…And now! Don’t care how; I want it now! Don’t care how; I want it now!
Veruca Salt, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
I’ve been waiting patiently1 for the new Instant Pot Max. Rumors of the Max started early this year, saying a new Instant Pot was coming in the spring, with a “Max” pressure of 15 psi, like a stovetop pressure cooker. (The current Instant Pots, like other electric pressure cookers, top out at 12 psi, and cook a little slower.)
Spring turned into summer, and technology sites Wired and CNet published reviews of the Max. The reviews weren’t glowing, but the mention of an easier-to-clean lid and automatic pressure release make me want it even more. “Coming soon,” the reviews say.
Late summer and my fellow food writers start to get review units. Pressure Cooking Today, The Kitchn, and The Veggie Queen have write-ups, and they match what I assume my opinion will be: Better than the current units, worth the upgrade if you don’t mind the higher price. And, “Coming in August,” they say.
Now September is slipping away. Where’s the Max? Knowing my luck, Instant Pot will release it five minutes after I publish, but…I’m getting impatient. I want to try it out, to see if I like it better than my current Duo and Ultra. I want a new toy! Where’s my Instant Pot Max?
Sources
- Instant Pot Max Review: Not Quite Instant Success | WIRED
- Instant Pot Max will let down fans of the famous pressure cooker - CNET
- What’s Different on the New Instant Pot Max?: Reviews by Wirecutter | A New York Times Company
- Instant Pot Max Review: It's New but Is it For You? - The Veggie Queen
- Instant Pot Max Pressure Cooker Review - Pressure Cooking Today™
- We Tried Instant Pot Max - Best New Features Review | Kitchn
What do you think?
Questions? Other ideas? Leave them in the comments section below.
Related Posts
Which Instant Pot Should I Buy? - DadCooksDinner
Review: Instant Pot Ultra 6 Quart (vs Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 Quart) - DadCooksDinner
My Pressure Cooker Recipes Index
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- Not so patiently. ↩
Alice (AP) says
So now that it’s out, the website still says “positioned to be”. Anyone have any word that USDA has actually approved? Mike? Barbara?
Mike Vrobel says
No. The USDA has not approved it for canning. Like I said above, I don't think it will be approved; the USDA doesn't think electric pressure cookers are safe for canning as a class of cooker. Here's an article from CNET with more details: https://www.cnet.com/news/instant-pot-max-home-canning-safety/
Fatima says
It just went up on williams-sonoma's website for $200.
Like you, I've been wondering what happened all along.
Mike Vrobel says
I've got mine ordered! Thanks for the heads-up.
Michelle says
Williams and Sonoma is the only place I’ve seen it for sale at.
JD says
It’s on Williams Sonoma website now!
Rachel says
I spoke directly to InstantPot and they said it will be a Williams Sonoma exclusive coming LATE FALL (probably a “Black Friday” exclusive lol)
Katy Keck says
Isn't "slow release" the hallmark are all pressure cookers? 🙂
Mike Vrobel says
Ha!
Barbara Schieving says
I still haven't heard about an official release date. I've been wondering what's going on behind the scenes as well.
Mike Vrobel says
Thanks, Barbara! Good to know I'm not the only pressure cooker blogger left wondering...
Sherry in Willow Grove says
Why oh why did they cave to the "canning" jive? That was my (one of many) objection(s) to the brand (which shall remain un-named) that was featured on a major shopping channel. I didn't like the false and/or misleading information/advertising that it was safe to can in an electric pressure cooker...Unless the USDA has changed it's tune?
Randal Oulton says
Beware their directions for its use for home canning. All (certified) home canning experts have come out advising against its use for that as possibly producing unsafe home canned products.
Mike Vrobel says
Agree
Chaz says
Why have they if it's supposed to maintain 15psi? The lack of verifiability?
Mike Vrobel says
USDA does not think electric multi-cookers in general are safe (for canning) - their "maintain 15psi" is too variable. For details, see: https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/nchfp/factsheets/electric_cookers.html
Maybe Instant Pot is working with USDA to test their cooker for canning, and that's part of the delay, but unless they get it USDA certified I'm going to skip the canning function and just keep using it as a (great) pressure cooker.
Chaz says
I'm assuming that's what the delay is. Their website states, "it's positioned to be the industry's first USDA approved..." and they make a point about it holding 15psi so it reads like they're trying to get certified for canning before release. Being the first is something that would likely be stifled by delays and potential redesigns.
I remember reading long ago when I got my first Instant Pot (2012) they said it wasn't 15 psi because of how expensive the safety features would have to be plus extensive government testing. At work we just bought pressure relief valves for a few small tanks and they aren't cheap ($100 each) and most pressure vessels have to be pressure tested for safety to hold much higher than operating pressure (15-17 max for us, they test for safety at 30psi in our case.) Wouldn't be surprised if they had to redesign a couple things.
Kate says
I suspect this is why it hasn't been released yet.