The Best Sous Vide
1. Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker
Key Features
Accuracy of 0.1˚C
WiFi connection
Fully adjustable clamp
Water-resistant
2-year warranty
Free recipes in the Anova App
1000 watts
This all-new Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker promises improved connectivity, more power, and faster heating-up time than their previous sous vide machines. This is an immersion circulator model, meaning it circulates water at a precise temperature to cook your food to perfection.
It is ready for use, with no equipment other than your own pots/pans needed, and you can easily determine your settings via the App or directly on the cooker. This is a robust little model that is entirely water-resistant (in case you drop the whole thing in water) and able to cook for about eight people, depending on your pot size.
The only drawback is the unreliability of the WiFi connection, but this isn’t needed to get great results from this sous vide machine.
Pros
100-day money-back guarantee
Easy to use
Small, durable model
Highly compatible with other containers
Cons
WiFi compatibility unreliable, especially with iPhones
2. Anova Culinary Nano Sous Vide Precision Cooker
Key Features
Accuracy of 0.1˚C
Bluetooth
Water-resistant
2-year warranty
Free recipes in the Anova App
750 watts
Another Anova model, this is smaller, lighter and half the price of the regular Anova Culinary Nano Sous Vide Precision Cooker model. The smaller size does make it less powerful (750watts compared to 1000watts) and as a result, it heats the same volume of water more slowly. There is also slightly less versatility than the standard model as you can’t adjust the position of the clamp – therefore, the variety of sous vide containers you can cook with decreases.
If you are new to sous vide cooking, this is a user-friendly product to start with from one of the most reliable brands.
Pros
Budget-friendly
Easy to use
Most of the same features as the standard model
Cons
Only comfortably cooks for 4 people
3. Instant Pot Instant Accu Slim Sous Vide
Key Features
Touch screen digital controls
Lightweight stainless steel with a rubber-coated handle
12v dc motor: Extremely quiet with enhanced durability in comparison to standard AC motors
800 watts
Free App with 1000 recipes
Our best value choice. While Instant Pot Instant Accu Slim Sous Vide doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of some more expensive models, it works exceptionally well. WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity is nice to have but it doesn’t affect the performance of the cooker, as this model proves.
It is a little larger than some models, but has a highly visible display, is lightweight and very quiet when in use. Operating with 800watts, it can heat water quicker than the Nano option outlined above.
Pros
Almost silent operation
Easy-to-use and clean
Ideal for cooking for small numbers
Cost-effective
Cons
The clamp is not adjustable – you need to choose the depth of your containers carefully
No Bluetooth or WiFi
4. Breville Joule Sous Vide
Key Features
Accuracy of 0.1˚C
Only 11 inches tall and 1.3lbs
WiFi and Bluetooth compatible
1100 watts
Visual Doneness feature in the Joule app displays exactly how the food looks when cooked
It is easy to see why Breville Joule Sous Vide is our premium pick. It is the smallest, most powerful tool on the market, and promises to heat water faster than any other immersion circulator/precision cooker. The Joule sous vide is at least 2 x lighter than other brands with the same wattage.
However, what differentiates this model from the competition is its technology. Controlled exclusively by a Joules app that is compatible with Amazon Alexa, you can make adjustments just by talking to your appliance! Your phone will also alert you when the product is ready or if there are any issues during the cooking process. With its magnetic base, it stands up in any pot, providing greater stability than brands with only a clamp. It is also surprisingly quiet considering the 1100 watt power.
If you love technology and apps, then this is one for you!
Pros
Small size
Maximum durability and corrosion resist
Powerful
Compatibility – with a magnetic base and a versatile clip, Joule attaches to almost any container
Voice controls using the custom Joule Alexa app
Cons
Price
Reliant on the App – no display controls
5. Inkbird WiFi Sous Vide
Key Features
Accuracy of 0.1℃
1000 watts
Quiet operation
Alarm for low water level
Touch screen controls
App control and monitor
Screen controls for set recipes
The Inkbird WiFi Sous Vide precision cooker comes with all the standard features of an immersion circulator to produce good quality results every time. While the extra weight of this model may put you off, it does give you some additional benefits. Firstly, it is a more robust design, able to operate at 1000 watts with virtually no noise. Ideal if you are going to have it running for a considerable time. Secondly, the increased size means the control screen is straightforward to read and has more functions. You can still select the desired temperature, but this screen also allows you to program the cooker for specific items, so reduces the likelihood of errors even further!
Another useful feature is the 4ft power cable, which gives you more freedom and flexibility around the kitchen than other models. What lets the Inkbird down is the app function. It is clunky, unreliable, and not very user friendly.
Pros
4-foot power cord
Quieter than models with equivalent power
Multiple settings and adjustments to cook specific foods perfectly
Sturdy model
Cons
Only part of the machine is water-resistant
Larger than comparable models
App interface isn’t particularly advanced or user friendly
6. Wancle Immersion Circulator Sous Vide
Key Features
Digital control panel
Accuracy of 0.1°C
Stainless steel sleeve for easy cleaning
Overheat and low water level protection mechanism
24-months warranty
Unique water pump to reduce noise
850 watt 3D circulation – as effective as models with high wattage
The focus of Wancle Immersion Circulator Sous Vide is practicality. The manufacturers have done away with fancy technology and focused on producing an easy to use, effective tool that does what you need it to do. They are confident that it will meet your needs and 24-month warranty is included.
In addition to some of the standard features, such as water level protection, easy to clean design and a high level of temperature accuracy, the Wancle Immersion Circulator does have an additional, unique component. The 3D circulator mechanism means that it heats water just as quickly as models that use a higher wattage. It achieves 140 degrees Fahrenheit in only 15 minutes. This technology also means that it can achieve rapid heating with almost no noise, which is pretty impressive.
The model is efficient, easy to use, and versatile. A good choice if you have no desire to use apps or smart technology to control your kitchen utensils.
Pros
Simple design
Incredibly easy to use
Exclusive circulating system, almost silent
Efficient operation
Warranty length
Cons
No app, WiFi or Bluetooth features
7. PolyScience CREATIVE Series Sous Vide
Key Features
Temperature readings in Celsius or Fahrenheit
1100 watts
Large, backlit LCD display
Timer
Auto-Restart
Accuracy of 0.1°C
Breville quality
The Breville PolyScience team started with a CHEF series that focused on industrial products before introducing the CREATIVE Sous Vide Series. That may be why this looks more like a commercial product rather than one meant for home use. It has a much less attractive design than many competitors but it is tough and resilient, which may earn it the reputation that it can keep going for years.
This is a highly functional model. The clamp to attach it to containers is very strong, the user interface is straightforward and easy to read and it is accompanied by a long power cord. It reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit in just 12 minutes, thanks to its 1100w heater and can be used in a container of 20 liters of water, so great for large volumes of sous vide cooking.
A strong contender if you want app-free cooking from a highly durable machine fitted with all the safety mechanisms you would get from a commercial-grade version.
Pros
Best for high volume sous vide
Simple design
Ease of use
Powerful
Built for performance
Cons
Heavy
No App
8. Anova Culinary Pro Sous Vide
Key Features
Accuracy of 0.05˚C
WiFi connection
Heats 100L of water
Fully adjustable clamp to attach to your own pots
Water-resistant
1200 watts
2-year warranty
Drop tested and IPX-7 rated
Anova Culinary Pro Sous Vide is the more powerful version of the Anova sous vide circulators, suitable for use both at home and in restaurant kitchens. It is designed for high volume, long-haul cooking, producing perfectly cooked dishes, every time. The Pro is equipped with all the features of the Anova Precision, except for the App compatibility, but with a higher degree of accuracy and greater power.
For a no-nonsense, reliable tool, the higher price tag and commercial size make this one the best sous vide for the professionals.
Pros
Well constructed
Teflon coated and stainless steel – great durability
Water and splash resistant
High accuracy
Practical, visible touchscreen
Cons
Weight – almost double most other models
App connectivity – doesn’t work for the Pro model yet
9. HadinEEon Sous Vide Immersion Circulator
Key Features
Accuracy of 0.5˚C
1000 watt
Money-back guarantee
Ultra-quiet 3D heating
Automatic shut-off at end of the program
Despite its low price, this is a very elegant tool, perfect for beginners and those wanting to cook low volume dishes. HadinEEon Sous Vide Immersion Circulator is not as precise as some of the more advanced models and doesn’t come with any WiFi-enabled technology, but it still produces great results.
It is quiet, powerful and has the added feature of automatically switching off when a program is complete. So you really can program it and walk away. With a 2-year warranty, a 100-day money-back guarantee and a low price point, this could be a great buy for the first-time sous vide home chef!
Pros
Elegant design
Practically silent when cooking
Low price
Cons
Touch controls are overly sensitive
No Bluetooth or WiFi
10. Dash Chef Series Stainless Steel Sous Vide
Key Features
Accuracy of 0.2˚C
700 watts
Easy to read digital display
Comes with vacuum bags and a vacuum hand pump
1-year limited warranty
Magnetic-drive water circulator for consistent temperature control
Dash Chef Series Stainless Steel Sous Vide is the first of the sous vide bath models that we will look at. With this type of sous vide machine, you don’t have to worry about compatibility with your containers, as you place the vacuum-sealed food directly into the bath. This is one of the best ways to achieve perfect sous vide cooking. You simply fully immerse your food in the cooker, start the timer and walk away.
The LED display and control buttons are very easy to use, and as you don’t have to worry about any attachments or circulators falling over, you really can leave it until the program finishes. One of the added perks with this model is the delicious sounding recipes that are included, as well as a hand vacuum pump and bags.
Pros
Easy programming
Auto shut off
Includes vacuum sealing pump
Cons
Noisy at higher temperatures
Takes up space
11. Tribest Sousvant Sous Vide Circulator
Key Features
1000 watts
Accuracy of 0.1˚C
Precise temperature controls
Quiet, efficient operation
Transparent carafe
Built-in safety indicator
2-year warranty
At first glance, Tribest Sousvant Sous Vide Circulator looks more like a blender than sous vide oven. The removable transparent carafe makes it easy to fill and drain away water, and it means you can also easily see your food while it is being cooked. Reassurance for those of you that want to see that cooking is definitely happening!
The Tribest model looks cool, is incredibly simple to operate, and has added reassurance with a safety indicator that warns you if power has been interrupted and food may not be safe to consume. The best sous vide for worry-free cooking.
Pros
Easy to clean
Easy to fill and drain
Transparent cooking
Simple set up and use
Cons
A little noisy
12. Oliso SmartTop SmartHub Sous Vide Cooking System
Key Features
Induction Smarthub base
Removable Smarttop water bath
Accuracy of 0.5˚C
1500 watts
10 adjustable power levels
1-year limited warranty
Oliso is a great option if you do a lot of sous vide cooking due to space it takes up in your kitchen. It’s not easy to store out of sight! Oliso SmartTop SmartHub Sous Vide Cooking System consists of a water bath and an induction heater as separate units so you can use the standalone induction burner with existing cookware. The versatility continues with the choice of dishes you can prepare, from cold deserts to stock and infusions.
However, to achieve this versatility, the control panel has seven buttons compared to a usual 3 or 4, so it may not be easy to operate without the manual. As it is quite cumbersome and considerably more expensive than immersion circulators, you should be regular sous vide cook to benefit from this model.
Pros
Quiet operation
Multifunctional (make yogurts, infusions, etc. at cold temperatures)
Powerful
Cons
Size and cost
Complex control panel
13. Sous Vide Supreme Water Oven
Key Features
Sleek all-in-one design
Accuracy of 0.5˚C
Energy-efficient engineering
Quiet operation
Push-button simplicity
Lid doubles as a drip tray for pouch transport
Universal food pouch rack for easy positioning of cooking pouches
Quiet, compact, reliable, Sous Vide Supreme Water Oven is our choice for the Best Water Oven. Everything that you could want from a sous vide cooker.
It has a higher price tag than all the other sous vide tools we have looked at but the quality and reliability balance that out. It is incredibly easy to use and Sousvide Supreme also supplies a DVD guide and recipes should you need assistance. The thoughtful design, small size, and helpful features like a detachable cord make it even more practical. Although, at the cost, you would probably only want to invest in this is you were serious about doing a lot of sous vide style cooking.
Pros
Repeated, audible beeping when a program ends
Compact but can hold 20 four-ounce food portions
Detachable power cord
Instructional DVD
Easy cleaning
Cons
Price
Features To Consider With Sous Vides
Apps
Many sous vide tools are now accompanied by a Smartphone App. For some devices, all controls and alerts come through the App. For others, the App is a 'nice-to-have' that gives you recipes and guidance. If you like apps and are comfortable using technology all around your house, then this advanced technology is a great selling point for you. You can monitor your cooking, change temperature, and timings without going into the kitchen.
Attachment
The attachment clamp or clip allows you to attach the sous vide immersion circulators to your container/pot. If the clamp design is fully adjustable this gives you greater flexibility on which containers you can use for your sous vide cooking.
Connectivity
Bluetooth is standard on many of the modern immersion circulators. You can use this within 30feet/10metres. Otherwise, you can connect to your WiFi and control your unit from anywhere in the house. With some models, you can also operate your sous vide hands-free, by voice, through Amazon Alexa.
Controls
The controls on sous vide tools tend to be quite minimal and easy to use. They range from a simple on/off button and temperature dial to a maximum amount of seven controls on one model. It is worth considering how clear these controls are, how much flexibility they offer regarding your programming and how visible they, and the display screen, are.
Noise Level
While no sous vide machines generate exceptionally loud noise, you should bear in mind that most sous vide cooking takes several hours. Be sure to select a model that has a sound that you can tolerate for a long period of time. If you will be close to the tool, opt for a lower level of decibels.
Speed
Speed is measured in GPM, Gallons Per Minute, and this indicates how fast the water moves around. The faster the water moves, the more quickly it will reach and maintain the desired temperature. If you are wondering why your kettle is quicker at heating water than your sous vide, this is because for continuous cooking there is a balance to be found. The higher the speed the water circulates, the faster it evaporates. Sous vide baths and circulators need a minimum level of water to be maintained at all times, so minimal evaporation is allowed.
Temperature Range
This represents the minimum and maximum temperature the unit is able to achieve for the maximum amount of water it is able to heat. Check if it measures in degrees Fahrenheit, Celsius, or both.
Temperature Accuracy
This indicates how consistent, and accurate your sous vide machine is. Accuracy is also an indication of the temperature increments you can set on your tool. The lower the number, the greater the level of accuracy, and the average is around 0.2°F/0.1°C.
Times & Programs
Some models will come with cooking timers, which are great for alerting you when the food is ready. However, most of these timers are just alerts; they don't turn the circulator off at the desired time. The good news is that with sous vide machines it is hard to overcook food, as the temperature of the water will just be maintained, it won't overheat.
Be sure you check what type of timer you are buying.
If you want to start your cooking at a particular time, there is no way to do this unless you are in the same house as the sous vide machine. You will either need to turn the machine on manually, or using the Bluetooth/WiFi feature, but this only works if you are in close proximity.
Water Capacity
Water capacity is the highest volume of water each model can heat. Most models can heat 5 gallons which will be fine unless you are doing commercial/mass cooking.
Power
Watts determines the power, and therefore the heating ability. You will find the power displayed in watts, and the higher the watts, the faster it reaches the required cooking temperature, reducing the overall cooking time.
Vacuum Sealer
Vacuum sealers ensure your food is perfectly prepared and preserved. Using these machines and the compatible bags protect food against dehydration, eliminates the use of unwanted preservatives, and provides long-lasting freshness so foods don't spoil quickly.
A vacuum sealer simply removes air from the food packaging and seals it. However, if you don't want to invest in a vacuum sealer, there are alternative ways to prepare and store your food including:
- Heavy-duty Resealable bags (slowly lower the bagged food into a bowl of water, letting the pressure of the water push air out through the top of the bag. Once most of the air is out, seal the bag just above the waterline)
- Reusable silicone bags
- Canning jars (best for beans, grains or desserts)
You can also use ziplock bags and suck the air out with a straw, but we wouldn't recommend this, especially for raw meats!
Searing Equipment
While sous vide ovens or immersion circulators will cook your meat to perfection, it will lack the polished look you only get with searing. There are numerous ways to still achieve this look after you have cooked the meat, from using blowtorches or sizzling hot griddle pans.
There are also searing kits/equipment designed by the sous vide machine manufacturers. These models all take the form of an easy to use a blowtorch, with a small propane tank and a searing rack.
Such kits are not necessary for sous vide cooking, but they do give a nice finishing touch to a steak or tuna fillet should you desire it.
Types Of Sous Vides
There are two types of sous vides, as we have explored in our reviews.
Immersion circulator sous vide
Immersion circulators are relatively compact units (about the size of a hand whisk) that are immersed in a water-filled container. The tool contains a heating element to heat the water and a pump to circulate this water around, thus maintaining a precise temperature throughout the container.
Immersion circulators are extremely versatile as they can be used with just about any size of water container. They simply clip-on to a pot of your choice, so take up a minimal amount of space in your kitchen and are easily stored.
Sous Vide Oven
Sous vide water baths consist of a temperature controller and heater integrated into a water container. The container is built-in to the sous vide oven, so there is no need for a separate tub.
Sous vide ovens are about the size of a microwave, so much bulkier than immersion circulators, and often more expensive. Unlike the immersion circulators, they do not circulate the water around the container but still, produce the desired result.
This type of sous vide machine may seem limited in the amount of food they can cook in one go, as you don't have the option of increasing the water container size. However, because of their design, many models can be used to prepare cold items such as yogurts, or even poach in oil or butter which immersion circulators are not designed to do.
Sous Vide FAQ
Q: What are the best foods to sous vide?
This is very much a matter of personal preference, but one area where sous vide machines come into their own is with tougher, cheaper cuts of meat, such as the neck and leg. Sous vide cookers break down the tougher proteins and give you a tender finished dish, from meat that you might otherwise overlook.
Sous vide machine is especially popular for pork and lamb as conventional cooking can result in these meat joints losing a lot of fats and juice. Sous vide cookers retain these fats, using them to enhance the flavor.
Q: Whats the best way to sear food cooked in a sous vide?
For best results, most chefs sear their sous vide ingredients in a pan by preheating it to a high temperature, then adding the items into the pan for just a few seconds. The popular alternative is to use a culinary blowtorch or sous vide searing kit. This takes practice but adds some style to your kitchen and produces a good result since it can't overdo the center of the meat cut. You could also use your oven or grill to sear your ingredients if you set the temperature very high, or use sous vide searing kit, as described above.
Remember that meat MUST be patted dry before you sear it, or the heat will just evaporate the water.
Q: Is sous vide cooking safe?
Fears about cooking in plastic bags may earn sous vide machines a bad reputation. Such fears are misplaced due to the low temperatures employed when cooking and the type of food-safe plastic used. Inert polyethylene doesn't pose any of the risks associated with heating other plastics because it doesn't contain additives like BPA or phthalate, which can potentially have a negative impact on health if it leaks into your food.
The precision temperature control of sous-vide cooking also makes it potentially safer than more traditional cooking methods. It has been used in hospitals and high-end restaurant kitchens for years.
Q: Is it better to season before or after?
Again this is a matter of taste. Some cuts of meat can be salted before packaging and cooking, whereas seasoning later gives you the chance to make fine adjustments to suit an individual palate. The choice is yours.
Q: Can you leave sous vides unattended?
Yes, but be careful, especially if you are not familiar with this way of cooking. If you haven't clipped the vacuum-sealed bag to the side of the container it might end up getting sucked towards the circulator, so always ensure the bag is in place before you walk away.
Q: Can you overcook with a sous vide?
Although sous vide machines will tell you that you can't overcook food, if you set it cooking and don't remove it when the program has finished, it may end up being too soft and mushy.
Q: Do I need a special container for sous vide?
It's not essential. Sous vide immersion circulator can be clipped onto the side of a pot or pan and cook food in just 1.5 inches (38 mm) of water. As a starting point, you could just try using the pot you cook pasta in before investing in alternatives.
The water baths come with their own container so you don't need to worry about additional accessories.