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Are you ready to dive into the world of sous vide cooking and discover the best sous vide machines to help you create mouthwatering meals?
In this post, we're going to go through the top 8 sous vide machines from lowest priced options to the top of the line!
Sous vide is a fantastic cooking technique that allows you to get restaurant quality food without much effort at all. It involves cooking food in a water bath at just the right temperature, making everything tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Learn more about the benefits of sous vide cooking.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top sous vide machines, giving you all the information you need to become a master chef in your own kitchen!
But before that, I want to offer a few more articles you can read to further your sous vide knowledge:
Jump to:
What is a Sous Vide Machine?
A sous vide machine allows cooking food perfectly by keeping water at the right temperature. You put the food in a bag, and the machine gently cooks it until it's tender and delicious, especially for juicy meats.
The best part is that it takes away the guesswork, giving you amazing results whether you're a beginner or a kitchen pro. Impress your family and friends with chef-like cooking using a sous vide machine!
Basically, a sous vide machine (also called an immersion circulator or precision cooker) circulates the water in a large sous vide container, keeping it at a precise temperature. Food is placed in a vacuum seal bag and cooked in the water bath for a certain period of time, allowing the food to be cooked evenly throughout to the exact correct temperature.
Food will never get hotter than the temperature set in the water bath. For instance, cooking steak at 130°F degrees sous vide means the internal temperature of the steak will never rise above 130°F degrees. This allows it to stay rare (or whatever temp you prefer your steak) and avoids overcooking.
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The Equipment I Use
In case you are wondering, here is the equipment I use that have all been great workhorses for me:
- Anova Precision Cooker (I'm not going to lie, the Wifi is hit and miss on this, but I don't use the wifi function personally).
- Everie Sous Vide Container
- These Sous Vide Magnets (for weighing those floating bags down)
- Foodsaver Vacuum Sealer (mine is a slightly older model than this one)
- Vacuum Seal Bags (have always had good luck with these heavy duty off brand bags)
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (for searing)
- 4 ounce canning jars (for desserts)
Best Sous Vide Machines
From low priced models that can get the job done, to higher priced, pro models that have more functionality and features, there is a model for every level of cook!
1. Anova Precision Cooker Pro
The Anova Precision Cooker Pro is a real kitchen superstar! It's perfect for both home cooks and professional chefs.
This machine has a powerful 1,200 watts heating element, which means it can cook your food to perfection in no time. Plus, its temperature control is so precise, it can handle up to 210°F (99°C) – talk about being a kitchen genius!
The Pro version also comes with a touchscreen display, making it easy to set the temperature just right. And guess what? It has Wi-Fi connectivity too!
That means you can control it from your phone and cook like a pro even when you're not in the kitchen.
When I'm ready to upgrade my current equipment, this will be one I purchase!
2. Joule by ChefSteps
Meet the Joule sous vide machine – the small but mighty superhero in your kitchen! With 1,100 watts of power, this little wonder can heat water in a flash.
The Joule's magnet base lets you stick it to any compatible pot or container, making cooking a breeze.
Plus, you can control it through your phone using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi – it's like having a magic wand to cook amazing food!
3. Gourmia GSV550
If you're looking powerful sous vide machine, the Gourmia GSV550 is your new kitchen buddy. This machine is more expensive than some of the other options, but doesn't compromise on performance.
With 1,200 watts of heating power, it can cook your food just right. The control panel is simple and easy to use, so you'll be a pro in no time.
While it doesn't have Wi-Fi connectivity like some of its fancy cousins, it's still great for anyone starting their sous vide cooking journey.
4. Monoprice Strata Home Sous Vide
The Monoprice Strata Home Sous Vide machine is less expensive option than some of the others. With 800 watts of power, it may be a bit slower to heat the water, but it still gets the job done.
The simple controls make it a breeze to use, and it even has a built-in timer to help you keep track of your cooking.
It's a great option for those who want a sous vide machine without breaking the bank.
5. Instant Pot Accu Slim Sous Vide
If you're a fan of Instant Pot, you'll love the Instant Pot Accu Slim Sous Vide machine. It's like having two amazing kitchen tools in one!
With 800 watts of power, it may take a bit longer to heat the water, but it's worth the wait.
It's easy to use and comes with a handy clamp to attach it to your pot. Plus, it's super affordable and perfect for busy home cooks who want to make delicious meals without any fuss.
6. Breville PolyScience Creative Series
The Breville PolyScience Creative Series sous vide machine is like having a high-tech cooking wizard in your kitchen. With a whopping 1,100 watts of power, it can handle large quantities of food with ease.
The touchscreen display and easy-to-use controls make it a joy to cook with. And yes, it has Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can control it from your phone or tablet.
7. Inkbird WIFI Sous Vide Cooker
Calling all tech-savvy cooking enthusiasts! The Inkbird WIFI Sous Vide Cooker is a great option in the world of sous vide machines.
With 1,100 watts of heating power, it's quick to heat up your water bath and get your food cooking.
This machine has built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to control it through the Inkbird app on your phone. You can set the temperature and time, and even monitor the cooking progress from the comfort of your couch.
Whether you're a sous vide pro or just starting out, the Inkbird WIFI Sous Vide Cooker is a fantastic addition to your kitchen arsenal.
8. Chefman Sous Vide Immersion Circulator
For those looking for a simple yet effective sous vide machine, the Chefman Sous Vide Immersion Circulator is here to save the day. With 1,100 watts of power, it ensures precise and consistent cooking results.
The compact design makes it easy to store, and the adjustable clamp allows you to attach it to various pot sizes.
It is Bluetooth and WIFI enabled for convenience. If you want a no-fuss sous vide machine that gets the job done, the Chefman Immersion Circulator is a great choice.
How to Choose the Right Sous Vide Machine
While it's great that we have as many affordable options as we do for sous vide cooking these days, it can make it hard to figure out which one is right for you. Consider the below when making your decision:
Heating Power: Look for a sous vide machine with sufficient heating power, typically measured in watts. Higher wattage machines heat the water faster and tend to have more precise temperature control. I personally prefer a machine with at least 1000 watts - it heats a 12L water bath pretty efficiently.
Temperature Range: Make sure the machine can reach the desired cooking temperatures for the dishes you want to prepare. Most sous vide machines have a temperature range of around 32°F (0°C) to 203°F (95°C) or higher. I've never needed it to go down to 32°F degrees, but you could use this setting to chill wine. You want it to go up to at least 200°F.
Accuracy and Stability: Check the machine's temperature accuracy and stability. A good sous vide machine should maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process to achieve even and precise results. Every couple months, use a thermometer to test and ensure your machine is heating to the correct temperature. Ensure the machine you purchase can be recalibrated if needed.
User-Friendly Interface: Look for a machine with an easy-to-use interface and clear controls. A user-friendly display and intuitive buttons can make your cooking experience more enjoyable.
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity: Sous vide machines with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity allow you to control the cooking process remotely through a mobile app. This feature can be convenient, especially if you want to monitor your food from a distance. I don't personally use this feature, but some people love it.
Size and Compatibility: Consider the size of the machine and its compatibility with your existing pots or containers. Some machines are more compact and easier to store, while others may require specific containers for cooking.
Clamping Mechanism: Check if the machine has a secure clamping mechanism to attach it to the cooking container. A stable attachment ensures that the machine remains in place during cooking. I like the clamp that comes with my Anova - makes it easier to attach to the container.
Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research the brand reputation and read reviews from other users to get an idea of the machine's performance and durability. Anova, Breville and Instant Pot are the top brands made.
Price and Warranty: Compare prices and consider the value offered by each machine. Check the warranty provided by the manufacturer to ensure your investment is protected.
Additional Features: Some machines may come with extra features such as timers, notifications, or compatibility with smart home systems. Decide which additional features are important for your cooking needs.
By considering these factors, you can choose a sous vide machine that fits your cooking style, budget, and culinary goals. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned chef, the right sous vide machine will open up a world of possibilities in your kitchen!
Readers Favorite Sous Vide Recipes
Once you're ready to get started, here are some of the favorite recipes you can start with:
Conclusion
You've now discovered the fantastic world of sous vide cooking and the best machines to help you create culinary masterpieces. Whether you're a tech-savvy food explorer or a budget-conscious home cook, there's a perfect sous vide machine waiting for you.
So go ahead and pick your favorite, and let the cooking magic begin! With these top sous vide machines, your kitchen adventures will never be the same again. Happy cooking!
Comment below and let me know what your favorite sous vide tools are!
Annette
Great list. This will be very helpful as I was kind of lost as to what machine to buy. Thank you!
Danielle
I'm glad I could help 🙂