I've never eaten lobster. Does it taste the same as crab?

Crab meat tends to have a sweeter taste than lobster. Crab is usually flaky, while lobster meat is dense.

How do you prepare lobster?

That depends on if you're cooking a live whole lobster or a precut tail. Most stores that sell lobster will give you instructions for cooking it in several different ways, but most involve putting the live lobster into boiling water, headfirst. (If you prefer a more humane approach, put the live lobster in a freezer for two hours just prior to cooking.)

Does it really "scream" when you cook it?

Yes and no. When you cook a whole lobster, you'll hear a high-pitched sound like a whistle being blown or a scream. That's the sound made as a cooking lobster overheats: it's the air rushing out of the holes in the body. But, that sound happens whether the lobster is alive or dead, so it's not actually screaming.

My lobster looks blue. Why isn't it the red color I was expecting?

That's an easy one: it only turns red after you cook it! Most live Maine lobsters are a black-green color, but other varieties can be yellow, calico, blue and white.

I ordered a live lobster, but I think it's dead. Can I still eat it?

The first question is, "Is it really dead?" It might just be sluggish after being shipped, so try touching its eye and see if it responds (weird, right?). But yes, you can cook lobster within 8 hours of when it likely died. After you prepare it, check the tail meat: if it's firm, you're good to go. If it's watery, mushy or loose, you should probably throw it out (and request a refund!).

How do I eat lobster?

The most traditional way is to dip the meat in melted butter. Other popular options are soups and chowders, pasta (especially ravioli and macaroni), or with steak as a surf-and-turf combo.

Is it safe to buy lobster online?

Absolutely! Many online retailers have been successfully delivering lobster around the nation for decades. They know exactly how to package your lobster so that it arrives in perfect condition - and most of them have rock-solid satisfaction guarantees if anything happens in transit.

Is lobster a good gift-giving idea?

Yes! Some lobster companies specialize in gift-giving options, like surf-and-turf packages or complete dinners with appetizer, main lobster course, and dessert. Almost every online lobster business has gift certificates, so that your lucky recipient can choose their own lobster package and delivery date.

Maine Lobster Now Review for June 2026

Item: Maine Lobster Now Review
Rating: 1
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Thursday, June 11th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Lobster Store Reviews

What is the Best Online Lobster Store? If you're craving the sweet, succulent taste of fresh Maine lobster but don't live near the coast, online lobster delivery services can bring the ocean's bounty right to your door.

1.0

POOR

Poor

Maine Lobster Now

Live Maine Lobster starts at $19.31 each, which is competitively priced
Free shipping on orders over $150
Standard delivery available Tuesday through Saturday
Direct purchases from local fishermen
Wide product selection including lobster, crab, shellfish, and fish
Variety of prepared items like lobster rolls and ravioli
Gift items available
Multiple surf and turf dinner options

POOR

1.0

On the Maine Lobster Now website

Maine Lobster Now is an online lobster delivery company that purchases lobsters directly from local fishermen, then ships them live to your doorstep. Their slogan is "Maine lobster done right." However, it's clear from just a cursory glance at their third-party ratings that what they deliver is anything but.

Lobster starts at $19.31 each

Maine Lobster Now's product selection is nothing out of the ordinary - it includes lobster, crab, shellfish, fish, and gift items. Some of their big-ticket lobster dinner items include a 6-pack of Maine Lobster Rolls ($159.99), a Scallop Surf & Turf Dinner ($128.99) and a Live Surf and Turf Dinner ($209.99). You'll also find dishes like lobster ravioli and chowder. If you're interested in Live Maine Lobster by the pound, expect to pay from $19.31 per lobster depending on its size - which is pretty competitive.

$40 shipping on orders under $150

Maine Lobster Now's shipping policies are average. They'll throw in free shipping on your order if you meet a $150 threshold. Otherwise, expect to pay a flat rate of $40. Standard delivery takes place "Tuesday through Saturday"; however, be aware it's an additional $12 if you choose to have your order delivered on Saturday.

Only 4 hours to report issues with delivery

One stipulation of their shipping policy jumped out at us: you only have 4 hours after delivery of your order to report the contents as unsatisfactory and qualify for reimbursement, whether that's due to melted dry ice or poor quality of the lobster. The former is immediately identifiable... if someone is home when your package is delivered. You might not discover the latter issue until you've begun preparing your lobster for cooking, and by then, your 4-hour window for complaints is likely to have passed.

Spoiled lobster and no refunds

We were pretty shocked about the state of Maine Lobster Now's Trustpilot listing. From a total of 3,119 reviews, they have only garnered a 2.3-star average rating. Multiple recent customers complain that they got food poisoning from eating Maine Lobster Now's seafood products - others were comparably luckier, correctly identifying them as spoiled upon arrival. What happened when these customers reached out to customer service (within the 4-hour window)? Experiences range from being unable to get ahold of anyone, getting ahold of a representative only to be labeled "combative" and hung up on, or being refused a cash refund and offered a coupon instead (for more spoiled lobster? No thank you). Just to dot our i's and cross our t's, we checked Maine Lobster Now's Better Business Bureau Listing - unsurprisingly, they have an "F".

Earns our lowest rating for the second time in a row

We don't recommend shopping for lobster (or any other seafood) at Maine Lobster Now. We awarded them our lowest rating the last time we reviewed them, and that won't be changing this time around. Steer clear.

On the Maine Lobster Now website

Continued from above...

What is the Best Online Lobster Store?

If you're craving the sweet, succulent taste of fresh Maine lobster but don't live near the coast, online lobster delivery services can bring the ocean's bounty right to your door.

Whether you're planning a special dinner, hosting an event, or just craving seafood, online lobster stores offer something for everyone. Beyond just live lobsters, you'll find pre-cooked lobster meat, ready-to-heat tails, gourmet lobster roll kits, and chef-prepared meals like lobster mac & cheese and bisque. Many stores also offer complete dinner packages that include appetizers, sides, and even desserts. These services are especially valuable for inland residents without access to fresh seafood, busy professionals seeking convenience, and restaurants or caterers needing reliable suppliers.

However, not all online lobster retailers are created equal. One subtle distinction lies between corporate operations disguised as small fisheries and genuine small-scale operations. Corporate sellers often prioritize volume and profit margins, potentially compromising on freshness, quality, and customer service. In contrast, authentic small fisheries typically maintain direct relationships with local lobstermen, ensuring fresher products and supporting coastal communities.

For example, some corporate retailers may store lobsters for weeks in holding facilities, while small fisheries often ship lobsters that were in the ocean just days before. Small, family-owned lobster fisheries are also more likely to care about resolving issues with your order if something goes wrong.

With so many options out there, how do you make the best choice? Here are a few things to keep in mind when ordering lobsters online for delivery:

Sourcing transparency. Look for lobster stores who are upfront about their relationships with fishermen and their lobster sourcing practices. The best providers work directly with local lobstermen and maintain sophisticated holding systems for maximum freshness.
Price and value. Compare prices across different providers, but remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Quality lobster retailers typically offer competitive pricing while maintaining high standards for freshness and service. Also be aware that high shipping costs can negate what you might save on low-priced lobster, so look for a lobster store with free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount.
Shipping practices. Consider how quickly the lobster store can deliver to your location and what measures they take to ensure lobsters arrive alive and fresh. Overnight shipping is standard for live lobsters, while some providers may take longer for frozen products.
Customer service and guarantees. Look for clear policies regarding delivery issues, returns, and customer satisfaction. The best lobster providers typically offer specific guarantees and responsive customer service to address any concerns.
Product range. Consider whether the retailer offers the specific products you're looking for, whether that's live lobsters, frozen tails, prepared meals, or companion items like seafood tools and seasonings.

Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best lobster delivery services available online. We hope our reviews help you find the perfect lobster provider to satisfy your lobster cravings with confidence.

Maine Lobster Now Review: Lobster Stores

2026 Lobster Store Reviews

Maine Lobster Now

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