In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Medela Pump In Style with Max Flow Review

A breast pump that includes everything you need for on-the-go pumping, but its minimal interface and premium price point leave room for improvement
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medela pump in style with max flow breast pump review
The Medela Pump in Style offers the flexibility of single or double electric pumping. This allows you to choose the most suitable option for your needs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $215 List
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Manufacturer:   Medela
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Molly Bradac  ⋅  Nov 16, 2023
55
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 10
  • Efficiency - 35% 4.3
  • Comfort - 25% 6.3
  • Ease of Use - 15% 5.8
  • Portability - 15% 6.3
  • Hygiene - 10% 6.0

The Skinny

The Medela Pump In Style with Max Flow is a double electric breast pump, allowing you to pump both breasts simultaneously. It can be powered via a wall outlet or a battery backup pack. It also comes with more extras than any other pump we tested, including a pump bag, insulated milk storage bag, bottles, and more. We appreciate the extra thought given to the silicone breast flange, which boosts comfort. It has a closed system, which is hygienic and prevents the backflow of milk or condensation in the tubing. However, this pump is not the quietest and may disturb a sleeping partner or baby. While it has advantages, we believe there are better, more affordable options in the best breast pump review.
REASONS TO BUY
Accessories benefit portability
Power source options
REASONS TO AVOID
Price
No interface
Doesn't keep track of anything
Better performance on outlet power
Editor's Note: We updated this gear review on November 15, 2023. With several new products added to the breast pump review, we detail how this specific contender performs and compares to the others.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Best Value Award Top Pick Award  
Price $215 List
$144.99 at Amazon
$216 List
$198.70 at Amazon
$190 List
$189.99 at Amazon
$33 List
$24.94 at Amazon
$23 List
$12.94 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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79
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51
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Despite being equipped with accessories, we think there are better pumps available that provide more for a lower priceA superior breast pump that's high-quality, efficient, and easy to useDespite occasional reports of strong suction, this portable pump provides portability and efficient milk expressionOffering simplicity and convenience, this affordable and portable choice performs well in our testsA cost-effective option designed for passive letdown pumping to collect milk or provide relief from breast engorgement
Rating Categories Medela In Style wit... Spectra S1 Plus Baby Buddha Lansinoh Manual Bre... Haakaa Gen 1
Efficiency (35%)
4.3
9.6
7.9
5.7
3.2
Comfort (25%)
6.3
7.8
6.9
5.9
2.4
Ease of Use (15%)
5.8
8.0
7.4
8.2
7.4
Portability (15%)
6.3
5.5
7.6
8.3
10.0
Hygiene (10%)
6.0
6.0
5.0
8.0
8.0
Specs Medela In Style wit... Spectra S1 Plus Baby Buddha Lansinoh Manual Bre... Haakaa Gen 1
Measured Ounces per Minute 0.24 0.55 0.45 0.28 0.19
Measured Suction 160 mmHg 250 mmHg 290 mmHg 200 mmHg n/a
# of Suction Settings 10 12 14 2 1
Measured Weight of Pump with Two Bottles 1.2 Ibs 3.1Ibs 1.1 Ibs .2 Ibs (one bottle) 0.2 Ibs (one cup)
Available Flange Sizes from Manu 21mm, 24mm 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 32mm 21mm, 24mm, 28mm, 32mm 21mm, 25mm, 30.5mm, 36 30mm
Open/Closed System Closed Closed Closed Closed Open
Capability Double Double Double Single Single
Power Source Plug-in Wall Adapter or External Battery Pack (AA) Rechargeable Battery Rechargeable Battery Manual Manual
Manufacturer Claimed Battery Life n/a Up to 3 hours Up to 1 hour n/a n/a
App No No No No No
Night Light Feature? No Yes No No No
Measured Weight 1.5 Ibs 2.9 Ibs .8Ibs .3 Ibs .2 Ibs
Included Bottle Holder or Base? No Yes - one built-in bottler holder Yes - bottle base Yes - bottle base No - n/a
What's in the Box 1 Pump In Style Breast Pump with MaxFlow Technology
4 5 oz/150 mL bottles with lids
2 21 mm PersonalFit Flex™ breast shields
2 24 mm PersonalFit Flex™ breast shields
2 PersonalFit Flex™ Connectors with membranes
1 Complete tubing
1 Cooler
1 Cooling element
1 Microfiber bag
1 Battery pack (8 AAs not included)
1 Power adaptor
2 24mm Spectra Breast Flanges
2 28mm Spectra Breast Flanges
2 Spectra Tubing
2 Spectra Duckbill Valves
2 Spectra Backflow Protectors. Includes silicone membrane, uppercase, and lowercase for each Backflow Protector
2 Spectra Wide Neck Storage Bottles. Includes nipple, disc, cap, and cover for each bottle
1 Spectra 12V AC Power Adapter/Charger
Baby Buddha Rechargeable Breast Pump Unit (Black)
2 24mm Flanges
2 Sets of Duckbill Valves
1 Pair of Silicone Diaphragms
2 Bottles
2 Bottle Bases
2 Bottle Storage Caps
2 Bottle Hygiene Covers
2 Pump Covers
3 detachable tubes & T-connector.
USB-C Charging Cable (charge to full in 4 hours)
Lanyard
Carrying Tote
2 ComfortFit® flanges (25mm & 30.5mm)
1 Lansinoh® breastmilk storage bottle (5oz)
1 Manual Pump Body, stem, handle, silicone diaphragm
1 White valve
1 Bottle stand
1 Bottle cap and bottle collar
1 NaturalWave® slow-flow nipple
1 Bottle storage lid
Cup

Our Analysis and Test Results

Medela is a family-run business that places a strong emphasis on supporting breastfeeding. For over three decades, the company has been a prominent player in the market, selling products in the US.

Performance Comparison


medela pump in style with max flow breast pump review - many users consider the pump in style with max flow a decent option...
Many users consider the Pump In Style with Max Flow a decent option for regular pumping.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Efficiency


In our comprehensive testing of the Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow, it had a consistent and effective latch, especially with the Emulait bottle. We observed a steady milk output, averaging about 0.24 oz of milk per minute. A 20-minute pumping session yielded 4.75 - 5 oz of milk.

At one point, we did notice a rare occurrence. Milk began pooling within the flange, and this temporary blockage required clearing. While this issue didn't occur more than once, it's something to keep in mind.

The difference between our pressure gauge reading and the manufacturer's claim struck us as particularly interesting. Our gauge showed 160 mmHg at maximum intensity level, and the manufacturer claims it can reach 295 mmHg. Despite this variance, this pump maintained a secure seal throughout our testing.

medela pump in style with max flow breast pump review - the breast shields on the medela have soft silicone rims to enhance...
The breast shields on the Medela have soft silicone rims to enhance comfort.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort


Comfort is key, and this pump has several features that benefit comfort. It comes with 24 mm oval-shaped breast shields. It has two modes, stimulation and expression, along a range of 10 vacuum levels. This allows you to make your pumping session your own, dialing in the comfort and efficiency that suits you best. The pump will automatically transition from stimulation to expression after a minute, and it even remembers your favorite level from the stimulation phase and gently guides you back to it. The y-shaped tubing offers single or double pumping options.

medela pump in style with max flow breast pump review - many users appreciate the silicone edges on the medela flanges over...
Many users appreciate the silicone edges on the Medela flanges over rigid plastic edges.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The real comfort perk is the soft, smooth, and flexible rims on the breast shields. It's a game-changer compared to the pumps with rigid plastic edges.

Without a digital display screen, the Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow lacks visual feedback and information. However, the button-based interface is straightforward to adjust.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Medela's comprehensive package of extras and accessories, including a stylish bag, pump parts, four bottles, and an insulated bag with an ice pack, enhances its overall value for users. The interface is easy to use and doesn't require extensive manual reading to decipher. However, we find the quick start guide that comes with the pump is almost too simple, and we wish it had more details about the product to provide users with a deeper understanding of its features and functionalities. Without a screen, it doesn't track information. Users will need to be aware, manage, and monitor these aspects themselves as you can easily lose track of your suction level or how long you've been pumping.

medela pump in style with max flow breast pump review - the user interface on the medela pump in style is easy to use but...
The user interface on the Medela Pump in Style is easy to use but doesn't give any information, such as what suction level you are on or how long you've been pumping.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Portability


The Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow gives you a couple of power options. You can plug it into the wall or use the battery pack, which uses 8 AA batteries. Unfortunately, the battery pack feels a bit on the cheap side.

medela pump in style with max flow breast pump review - the medela pump in style comes with a lunchbox-like container.
The Medela Pump in Style comes with a lunchbox-like container.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Size-wise, this pump is in the middle of the pack, and it weighs 1.5 lbs. We think you'll have no problem transporting it around. Interestingly, some users noticed that the suction power took a nosedive when they used the battery pack. So, many moms, including us, use it plugged into the wall, as that seems to offer the best performance.

Compared to others, this pump is loud. At the highest setting, we recorded 59 dB, and it makes a distinctive thumping noise with a touch of rattle, but it's not ear-piercing. You'll notice it, but it's not obnoxious.

Cleaning the Medela Pump in Style wasn't challenging.
Cleaning the Medela Pump in Style wasn't challenging.
The Pump in Style collection bottles are great for storage.
The Pump in Style collection bottles are great for storage.
Most of the Pump in Style parts are dishwasher-safe.
Most of the Pump in Style parts are dishwasher-safe.

Hygiene


The Pump in Style has a closed system. That means you won't have to worry about condensation building up in the tubing or any breast milk sneaking back into the motor. And, when it comes to cleaning, a bottle brush did just fine for us. This pump includes five parts to wash for pumping and six if you're counting the bottle lid. Also, all of the parts are dishwasher-safe except for the tubing.

medela pump in style with max flow breast pump review - the medela pump in style includes useful accessories, including a...
The Medela Pump in Style includes useful accessories, including a tote bag, making it easy to carry your pump and accessories.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Medela Pump In Style with Max Flow?


The Medela Pump In Style with Max Flow is packed with a range of handy accessories, adding to its appeal in terms of cost and overall value. It includes everything you need to get started with pumping, especially if you're a working mom. While it faced some challenges in our tests, struggling to compare with top-tier pumps, it's a good pump. While we would select other pumps over this one, we think you will likely be happy with it should you receive it as a gift.

The Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow includes accessories, like an...
The Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow includes accessories, like an insulated cooler bag and a cold pack.
The interface on the Medela Pump in Style is straightforward.
The interface on the Medela Pump in Style is straightforward.

What Other Breast Pumps Should You Consider?


Among top-ranked breast pumps, the Spectra S1 Plus is a strong performer if you prioritize efficiency. It's ideal for establishing and maintaining milk supply, especially for those who are pumping regularly. If you have a choice, we prefer it over the Medela. If cost is a concern, or you want something more portable, the Baby Buddha is a cost-effective option with above-average efficiency, and it's impressively compact. While it doesn't come with accessories like the Medela, it's affordable and leaves room in your budget to purchase other items you may need for pumping.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Molly Bradac