LetPot Max Review
When it comes to hydroponics (and especially countertop gardens), I’ve never been one for all the gizmos and gadgets that often accompany them. My thinking has always been that the simpler a hydroponic system, the better it is. Why make something more complicated when it doesn’t need to be?
However, and this is a BIG however, the LetPot Max may be changing my mind—at least so far.
Not only did the high-tech gizmos and gadgets give it its own unique charm, but they also made it pretty easy for me to manage and control the growing environment.
Now, do I like it better than the LetPot SE? Well, I’m not sure yet. I like the SE for its simplicity and reliability, and I appreciate the Max for its innovative features and potential.
But regardless of which one I personally prefer, I came away thinking that this is a product I’m going to use for a long time.
So with that being said, let’s look at what I liked and what I didn’t like about the LetPot Max. And if you’d like to look at the product yourself while reading the review, feel free to click on any of the links in this article which will take you to Amazon, which offers additional information, buyers feedback, and pricing options. Now back to our review!
Pshh: If you’d like to read our LetPot SE review after this, you can do that here.
Unboxing the LetPot Max
The LetPot Max was packaged well and had everything you’d expect. And just like its little brother—the LetPot SE—it definitely made its presence known. It looked nice, the directions were right there in the front (no need to hunt them down), and as soon as you pick it up, that big ole LetPot screen hits you right in the face. It’s big, it’s impressive, and it looks like it’s ready to do some serious growing.
One thing in particular that I liked was that it came with two separate lids. One lid had 21 holes for things like lettuce and herbs, and the other lid had two holes with VERY LARGE grow sponges that’s perfect for things like tomatoes and peppers, which require more space. I thought it was a good addition—unexpected, but very practical.
Setting up the LetPot Max
What I liked: Other than one piece that I found a little confusing (more on that in a minute), I’d say setting it up was pretty straightforward. The directions were clearly laid out, it was an easy build, and setting up the WiFi was a breeze.
- The “What’s In The Box” page in the directions covered the assembly fairly well.
- Putting it together was a breeze (and it was pretty much done for you, to be honest).
- The manual mode (where you don’t use the automated nutrient disbursement) was straightforward.
- Connecting to the WiFi was really easy (although I did already have the app installed for the LetPot SE, so that may have made it easier).
- Just like the LetPot SE, it blends in really well with the other kitchen appliances since it has a stainless steel shell to it.
What I didn’t like: If there was one thing that caught me a little off guard during setup, it was physically setting up the automatic mode (the mode that automates watering and nutrients). I didn’t watch or read any other reviews on the system beforehand, so I had no clue that it involved an external water source to make it work. Looking back on it, I probably should have put two and two together (stupid me).
But to quickly summarize, for the system to refill automatically, it has to draw water from an external water source or reservoir below it (picture a big bucket under your counter). This sent me on a big chase around the house to find a plastic tub I wasn’t using, and then it took me even longer to fill it up and convince my wife to let me move the pots and pans so that I could stick a big tub of water under the counter.
- The auto mode is pretty cool, but probably not something that I’m going to use. I think it would be a little hard to justify the hassle. However, that’s not to say that someone out there wouldn’t want this feature and I think it really comes down to personal preference. In the long run, for me, I think it’s going to be easier to just manually fill the reservoir since the size if it is pretty manageable. But either way, it’s nice to have both options (manual and auto).
- This one is pretty minor, but the automated ‘filling up’ directions could be a little better. I ended up having to do a little bit of troubleshooting to get it back on track when it paused for a few seconds (which was apparently supposed to happen).
LetPot Max Features
What I liked: If there’s one thing that puts the ‘Max’ in the LetPot Max, it’s the features. And like I said earlier, the minute you start unpacking this thing you realize that you’re dealing with a top-tier product. It’s intuitive, it has a sleek look to it, and most importantly, it’s not a complicated system (despite all the gizmos and gadgets it comes with).
- The screen—which I thought looked pretty great—only stays on when you need it to. So no need to worry about this thing lighting up the kitchen 24/7.
- Everything you do—including on/off light cycles, nutrient dosings, water refills, etc.—can be controlled from your phone, no matter where you are.
- The LED brightness can be controlled (both manually and from your phone).
- The system includes two growing modes: (1) Veggie/Herbs, and (2) Fruits/Flowers.
- The light itself is 36 Watts, far surpassing other models its size.
- The light is fully adjustable and easy to raise up and down.
What I Didn’t Like: While the WiFi and electronic features are the Max’s strongest points, there were some things that could maybe use some improvement, or at least be considered in the Max 2.0.
- Compared to the LetPot SE, the hole used to fill up the water tank was a little small. But of course, that only applies if you’re manually filling it.
- Very minor comment here, but I had some issues with getting two of the back net cups/baskets to fit on my first try. Eventually got it in, but it does put up a little bit of a fight every time I take it out.
Starting Seeds in the LetPot Max
What I liked: Starting seeds was about as easy as it gets. I followed the directions exactly and was successful on every single attempt. It only took a couple of days for the little guys to show up and start sprouting. One of the things that I really liked (and as I mentioned earlier) is that the system came with growing options. You could start seeds with either the two-hole lid or the 21-hole lid.
- Two options to start seeds: a two-hole lid and a 21-hole lid.
- Directions clearly tell you how many seeds to sow (2-3 per sponge).
- The directions included a little section on germination, which I think would be helpful for beginners.
- The adjustable light significantly reduces the chance of seedlings getting too leggy.
What Could Use Improvement: I really don’t have a lot to say here, other than a few minor points.
- Only 10 shade covers were included, but there are 21 holes.
- Similar to the sponges with the LetPot SE, some of the sponges seemed a little dense, and the seedlings took a minute to push their roots into them.
Growing in the LetPot Max
What I liked: Everything that I’ve planted so far—watercress, Arugula, and Endive—is growing pretty well, but I’ll admit that I have a long way to go. In the next few grows, I’m hoping to try some heavier lettuce varieties and then move into some cherry tomatoes.
- The light is stronger than the LetPot SE, which will be sufficient to grow more demanding plants such as tomatoes and small peppers.
- The directions include a helpful growing guide on the back, covering plant type, optimal temperature, lighting time, and distance from the light.
- The directions also provide information on pruning, climbing support, pollinating, placing your garden, and harvesting, which is a nice addition.
What Could Use Improvement: As I said above, there’s a lot more vegetables that I want to try (including one’s that would work in the two-hole lid), so the final verdict is still out, but I’m pretty confident that you shouldn’t have any major issues. However, if there are some areas for improvement with the system itself, here are my thoughts:.
- While I did find some more information on LetPot’s website, it would be nice to have a spacing chart included in the directions. Some beginners might not know that you have to thin out or space plants properly to allow room for the mature plant.
- The inclusion of complimentary seeds would be a nice touch. Nothing fancy, but maybe just a few Lettuce varieties to try out.
The Final Verdict
All in all, the LetPot Max is a pretty incredible countertop garden. Despite a few areas where future models could see improvements, I think anyone who buys it should be more than satisfied. It looks great, it’s packed with features, and like I said earlier, it’s as futuristic as you want it to be. If you want to use automated water and nutrient systems, you can. If you prefer to do things the old-fashioned way, you can do that too.
And with the strong LED light and adjustable growing modes, you really can’t go wrong. Just like its little brother—the LetPot SE—the LetPot Max offers flexibility and ease of use, making it a great addition to any indoor garden setup.
Quick Note: For purposes of this review, I followed the directions exactly and only used products/materials that came with the package.
