Today I’m taking a look at the Power XL StirMax, an As Seen on TV multi-cooker that claims to stir food automatically while cooking. I put it to the test with four different recipes to see if it delivers on its promises. Let’s dive in!
Where to Purchase
I picked up the StirMax over the holidays when it was on sale, but the price currently runs about $130-$145, depending on the model. There are Plus and Deluxe models which include more accessories. I tested the standard version. You can find it on Amazon or from the website powerxlproducts.com.
Unboxing and First Impressions
I purchased the Power XL StirMax from Walmart for $79 on sale (the regular price varies). It currently has a 4.5-star rating and is listed as an Amazon’s Choice product. The StirMax features a 7.5-quart capacity, automatic stirring, nine preset cooking functions, and a non-stick pot that is dishwasher-safe. The idea is that you can set it and forget it with no manual stirring needed. Sounds great in theory, but how does it actually perform?
Recipe #1: Mac & Cheese (From the Recipe Guide)
The first test was the mac and cheese recipe from the included guide. The instructions were straightforward: add all ingredients, select slow cook on low, set the time for 1.5 hours, and let it stir intermittently.
Results:
- Halfway through, it was clear that constant stirring was breaking down the macaroni, turning it into a mushy mess.
- By the end, the mac and cheese was completely obliterated, resembling oatmeal more than pasta.
- The cheese had absorbed into the pasta rather than coating it, creating large clumps of macaroni stuck together.
- The taste? Below average and dry. Not at all what I expected.
Overall, this was a major fail for the StirMax. It over-stirred to the point of ruining the dish, making it clear that some dishes require more control than this device provides.
Recipe #2: Cheesy Chicken Crockpot Recipe (A Personal Favorite)
For round two, I ditched their recipe guide and went with my own tried-and-true cheesy chicken crockpot dish. This dish requires slow cooking and shredding, so I figured the automatic stirring might actually work in its favor.
Results:
- The StirMax switched to stirring at the 4-hour mark, as expected.
- It partially shredded the chicken, though a few large chunks remained.
- The texture was smoother than usual, but the stirring wasn’t perfect.
- Taste-wise, it was as good as my normal method.
This test was more successful. It didn’t completely replace manual stirring, but for dishes that require shredding, the StirMax can be somewhat useful.
Recipe #3: Rice Pilaf (From the Recipe Guide)
Next, I attempted their rice pilaf recipe to see how well the StirMax handles a grain-based dish.
Results:
- The sauté function worked, but the ingredients pooled to the edges rather than being evenly mixed.
- The rice function does not use the stir paddle at all, so the pilaf cooked unevenly.
- Some grains were undercooked, while others were burnt and crunchy.
- The final dish was dry and unevenly cooked, with ingredients clumping on the outer edges.
Another disappointment as the StirMax simply doesn’t distribute heat and ingredients evenly when stirring isn’t involved.
Recipe #4: Chili (My Own Recipe, Following Their Instructions)
For the final test, I used my own chili recipe but followed their cooking method. I was particularly interested in how well the StirMax could brown ground beef and stir a thick mixture.
Results:
- Browning the ground beef did not work well. Stirring was weak, and the meat clumped in the corners.
- I had to manually stir the beef to ensure it cooked evenly.
- Once liquid was added, the stirring worked better, keeping the chili mixed throughout the simmering process.
- The chili turned out great, but I had to intervene with the beef, defeating the purpose of an automatic stirrer.
While the chili was a success, it was more because of the recipe than the StirMax itself.
Final Verdict: Is the Power XL StirMax Worth It?
After testing four recipes, my overall impression is not great. While it has some redeeming qualities, the stirring mechanism is more of a gimmick than useful tool.
✅ Pros:
- The non-stick surface is genuinely easy to clean.
- It automatically switches to keep warm mode after cooking.
- Handles don’t get hot, making it safer to use.
❌ Cons:
- Over-stirs delicate foods (like pasta), turning them into mush.
- Struggles with heavier foods (like ground beef), requiring manual intervention.
- Uneven cooking. Ingredients often pool at the edges.
- Rice function doesn’t stir at all, leading to inconsistent results.
- Expensive for what it offers. The stirring function doesn’t justify the price.
I think the StirMax could be a decent multi-cooker without the stirring feature, but since that’s the main selling point, it’s a letdown. If they removed the stirring arm and sold this as a $50 multi-cooker, it might be worth considering. But as it stands, it’s not the reliable “set and forget” appliance it claims to be.
Would I Recommend It?
Probably not. While I can see niche uses for it, I wouldn’t trust it for most recipes. If you’re looking for a reliable slow cooker or multi-cooker, there are better options out there.
Have you tried the Power XL StirMax? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Video Review
You can watch my full review in the video below.