The Ultra and the Max are two well-equipped Instant Pot products, so, understandably, you may have troubles choosing between the two. They come with modern technologies, smart features, and cool new items that attract people who enjoy the latest gadgets.
But these two Instant Pot products are more than just cool technological gadgets, and it’s essential to understand their pros and cons. As such, in my Instant Pot Max vs Ultra comparison, you can learn more about what they bring and take from the equation.
Read my reviews on each product and make sure to read my conclusions to learn which of them is going to be sitting in your kitchen!
Table of Contents
Instant Pot Max vs Ultra Comparison Table
Instant Pot Max Review
This is one of the special Instant Pot products that comes with unique features that set it aside from the regular DUO designs. The Max is an electric smart multicooker, with the ability to take your taste buds on a journey through the temperature spectrum. It also lets users do home canning since it supports 15psi pressure cooking (something only traditional stovetops can achieve).
The Max pot has limitless possibilities when it comes to the type of dishes it can cook:
- it is a pressure and a slow cooker
- it lets you prepare restaurant-quality food in Sous Vide mode
- it has the right temperature settings for perfect sautéing and searing
Furthermore, it is equipped with a particular technology (NutriBoost) that uses a boiling motion to preserve the taste and nutrients in the food.
Just like other Instant Pot products, Max cooks food faster and uses less energy, without bringing any damage to the overall taste and texture. This is due to the incorporated microprocessor that continually monitors the temperature, pressure, and time of cooking, making adjustments for the ideal result.
Besides, this pot uses the same brushed stainless steel exterior pot and food-grade steel inner pot that’s characteristic to the series.
The Max also comes with some new features such as the touchscreen front panel that delivers a wide array of information regarding the cooking process in real-time. Moreover, you’ll notice that the steam release and the lid lock system are automated and can be activated using the control panel.
Finally, there are 13 built-in safety mechanisms and 5 extra sensors that monitor the steam valve, the lid, and the temperature.
Overall, the Max model is quite forward in terms of modern technologies and tries to bring the future into your kitchen. Still, the price is a bit high in comparison with other products in the series, but if you enjoy the latest technological gadgets, you may find it rather fair.
Pros
- Implements the features that made Instant Pot famous
- Touchscreen control panel
- Information about your cooking in real-time
- Automated steam release valve and lid lock
- Limitless uses in the kitchen
- It lets you prepare food in Sous Vide
- Extra safety mechanisms
- It can support 15psi
Cons
- More expensive than most pots in the series
- The touchscreen looks a bit cluttered at first
- It has a learning curve
- It only comes in one size (6qt)
Instant Pot Ultra Review
This pot was designed for people who want to be fully involved in the cooking process but don’t have that much time to do so.
First, the Ultra comes in the three standard Instant Pot sizes (3qt, 6qt, and 8qt) so anyone can use it regardless of the size of their cooking. Second, it replaces up to ten appliances in your kitchen: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice/porridge cooker, cake maker, yogurt maker, sauté/searing, steamer, warmer, and sterilizer. Finally, the top is engineered with the Ultra program, which is custom programming for both pressure and regular cooking that lets you play with the settings.
The pot has 16 pre-programmed dishes, cooks food 2 to 6 times faster, preserves energy, and delivers impeccable results. The food maintains its texture and nutrients, it is incredibly delicious and doesn’t lose flavor or vitamins.
Unlike the Max, the Ultra features a large LCD control panel that uses a central dial button (with turn and press functions) to select and adjust settings and programs. The screen offers access to cooking information in real-time as well as visual progress of the cooking stages through time (a graph).
Furthermore, Ultra has a ‘Quick Release’ feature that lets you release the steam without any risk of injury after cooking is complete. There are also 11 safety mechanisms, for users’ peace of mind, and the added certitude of UL certification.
In terms of similarities, Ultra features the same high-quality materials for the inner and outer pot. And each action is closely monitored by the embedded microprocessor that automatically adjusts for perfect results.
Overall, the Ultra Pot comes with a bunch of cool new features that are difficult to ignore. In my opinion, the Ultra program is quite appealing for anyone who likes to experiment with settings, quantities, and ingredients.
Pros
- Available in three sizes
- It can replace up to 10 appliances
- Quick Release function for steam
- Large LCD control panel
- Information in real-time about your cooking
- 16 pre-programmed dishes
- The Ultra program that lets users play with the settings
Cons
- The dial button takes a bit to get used to
- There is a learning curve
- It takes time to heat up and release pressure after cooking
Which One Should I Buy?
Now, which one will be sitting in your kitchen, helping you redefine cooking?
Here are my thoughts:
Choose the Max if…
- You like a modern touchscreen control panel
- You enjoy the automated valve and lid lock features
- Home-canning is your thing, or you want to start doing it
- The Sous Vide function looks interesting
- You know for sure the 6qt size is perfect for your needs
- NutriBoost technology is important to you
Choose the Ultra if…
- You like complete control over your cooking
- The sterilize function is important to you
- You like the fact they are available in three sizes
- You enjoy the visual graph that depicts cooking progress
- You prefer the dial system to the touchscreen control panel
In conclusion, if you’re more inclined towards having modern technology in your kitchen, you should go with the Max pot. On the other hand, if you enjoy getting involved in the cooking process and don’t mind spending time to accommodate the control panel, the Ultra is the best option.