Cons: Creating and recalling custom settings might be confusing for less techy home cooks.
Most cooking pressure: Instant Pot Max
The Instant Pot Max is best for: someone who wants an Instant Pot that’s powerful enough to handle traditional stovetop pressure-cooker recipes, and possibly a home cook who wants to test the waters of sous vide cooking and pressure-canning before buying other gear.
The Instant Pot Max delivers maximum pressure and cooks 10% to 15% faster than other Instant Pot models. Because it’s so powerful, you can cook traditional stovetop pressure-cooker recipes. This model can also be programmed for hands-free pressure release.
Key Specs:
- Year released: 2018
- Built-in smart programs: 8
- Cooking functions: Pressure-cooking, pressure-canning, slow-cooking, sautéing, sous vide cooking, rice-cooking, steaming, yogurt making, food-warming, and NutriBoost
- Power: 11,000 watts
- Max working pressure: 15.23 PSI
- Sizes available: 6-quart Instant Pot
Pros: The Max allows you to use stovetop pressure-cooker recipes without adapting the temperature and cook time. (Standard Instant Pots aren’t as powerful as stovetop pressure cookers.)
Cons: It only comes in one size and doesn’t have an air-fry function. And though the manufacturer claims you can use this versatile multi-cooker for pressure-canning and sous vide cooking, we don’t really recommend it for those jobs. (See our full review of the Max here.)
What Instant Pot accessories do I need?
Since each Instant Pot model is a little different, it’s important to read the manual and learn about the various features and settings your model offers. Generally, every Instant Pot 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 cooker’s 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. There are also useful silicone mitts with a surprisingly strong strong grip. But there’s a whole world of other accessories to help you maximize your Instant Pot and truly turn it into your kitchen’s most valuable multi-use workhorse.
This basket comes in three different sizes, so you can find the fit that’s ideal for your Instant Pot. There’s a silicone handle to prevent you from burning your hand, and feet to ensure the basket won’t leave any scratches on the bottom of your machine. Use it for veggies or make steamed eggs to add into grain bowls and salads.
Instant Pot fans know that pressure cookers aren’t just for making quick pulled chicken or speedy stews. This springform pan will help you whip up a killer cheesecake—you can also use it for Instant Pot lasagna.
Really getting into baking in the Instant Pot? These silicone cupcake liners (which also work in a conventional oven) can you help you make individual cakes or egg bites.
If your kitchen isn’t huge, then probably you know all about the importance of using vertical space. Believe it or not, the same idea holds true in your Instant Pot. These stackable pans allow you to cook multiple dishes at once, helping to maximize efficiency in the kitchen. You can also use the pans as storage containers for any leftovers.
Making a big batch of deviled eggs? Or just like to keep eggs on hand for meal prep? You’ll love this clever accessory. This stackable egg steamer rack allows you to cook up to 14 (!!!) eggs at once.
Making your own yogurt can help you cut down on single-use plastic—plus, yogurt made in the Instant Pot is always delicious. These reusable yogurt cups will help you make individual portions for eating throughout the week. Plus, if you have a baby in the house, this can double as a bottle sterilization rack.
What’s the deal with Instant Pot’s other appliances (And should I get one of their air fryers)?
While Instant Brands may be best known for its flagship Instant Pot, the brand has now also branched out from the multi-cooker space into the broader world of kitchen appliances. Instant makes coffee makers, electric Dutch ovens, toaster ovens, stand mixers, air fryers, and even air purifiers. We won’t be breaking down those models here, but if you’re looking for any of the above appliances, check out our product reviews, where we’ve lined them up against competitors in their category.