Using a sous vide machine is not as complicated as it sounds. It is a device that allows you to cook vacuum-sealed food in temperature-controlled water. You can then enjoy tender meat and veggies or even perfectly cooked eggs as a result of the process. Why not try sous vide if you want restaurant-quality meals at home?
Finding the right sous vide machine can be challenging with so many products advertised in the market. Not to worry! We've prepared a buying guide fact-checked by Chef Terence Fereday Jr., so you know what to consider when purchasing. We've also compiled a list of the top 10 sous vide machines available online.
Chef Terrence has 30 years of experience working in the professional kitchen. He graduated from the Professional Culinary Institute in California, USA, and he was a former Culinary Instructor, Corporate Chef, and Executive Chef. He also won several awards in culinary competitions and is the founder and owner of Zilla Pizza.
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To know which sous vide machine is best, decide on the type you prefer first. Both types have their respective advantages and drawbacks in terms of features and price. Your needs will determine the choice you make.
This wand-style sous vide machine can be clipped or clamped to the side of any compatible pot. Once attached, it is immersed in the water hence its name. It then heats the water's temperature and maintains it at the desired degree.
An immersion circulator is compact, making it ideal if you have limited countertop space. It is easy to store and retrieve when needed. You may even bring one along on a trip to prepare sous vide machine recipes, like perfectly cooked steak or beef stew. Now, you can have restaurant-quality food wherever you go!
It generally costs less than water ovens. However, one downside is that you may be encouraged to buy sous vide accessories. There are food-grade plastic containers that offer better insulation than regular pots. These also have custom-cut lids to fit the immersion circulator and minimize water evaporation.
The name of this sous vide machine type comes from how similar it looks to an oven. It has a chamber where you put water and vacuum-sealed food. The machine regulates the temperature based on the settings, making the chamber into a heated water bath.
Water ovens are available in varying capacities, ranging from around 8 to 56 liters. It is ideal for cooking a specified quantity of food because when you buy a water oven, you will decide on a predetermined size. Another benefit is that it already has a lid and container, so you don't need to purchase any additional items.
One downside of this type is that it's bulky and requires a designated countertop space. Unlike an immersion circulator, a water oven doesn't pump the water for circulation. This may leave some cold spots in the chamber.
The sous vide technique uses lower temperatures at longer cooking durations to provide a distinct flavor. A temperature between 57°C and 82°C (135°F and 180°F) works for most recipes. That's why it's best to get a sous vide machine with a wide temperature range because different foods require differing temperatures.
Chicken can be cooked at 63-66°C (145-150°F) and seasoned according to the dish, such as with lemon or buffalo sauce. For sous vide machine steak, a temperature of 49-69°C (120-156°F) is ideal; however, you should adjust the cooking time based on the steak's size and the level of doneness you like.
Sous vide machines require a specific amount of water to keep a constant temperature. The model you choose should display its minimum and maximum water levels. This way, you can gauge when the container is full enough to start the process or refill during longer cooking times.
Remember to leave enough room for the vacuum-sealed food to be completely submerged in the water. Here's another tip! You may also use resealable zipper bags, but vacuum sealing guarantees the plastic won't rupture during sous vide cooking. Resealable plastic bags may also float due to the remaining air inside them.
One of a sous vide machine's specifications is the flow rate measured by Gallons Per Minute (GPM). It indicates how quickly it can heat a specific volume of water in the container every minute. You can alternatively convert gallons to liters since the latter is a more common unit of measurement for water capacity.
Most sous vide machines run at around four liters per minute, while more recent models can work up to 20 liters per minute. If you plan to cook multiple items at once, a higher flow rate is recommended.
In terms of power, sous vide machines typically have a wattage between 800-1200 W. A higher wattage means the sous vide machine can heat the water faster. However, this also results in increased electricity usage. When you assess sous vide machine models, consider costs like this aside from the purchasing price.
Immersion circulators and water ovens generally have a display screen where you can set the temperature and timer. Some are touchscreens; others have touch buttons. You won't have to spend time researching how to use sous vide machines due to the simplicity of their controls.
Recent models even have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functions to connect the sous vide machine to your phone or tablet. Connectivity is a helpful feature that enables control via an app even when you're not home. The app can also send alerts if the water level is below the minimum or when the sous vide machine has already finished cooking. Just take note of whether it can only be operated via an app or if it also has manual controls.
From ₱10,999
Anova is a brand name synonymous with sous vide cooking. It popularized the technique for home cooks by releasing the first smart immersion circulator in 2014. This upgraded model has all the basic capabilities, such as an adjustable clamp, temperature control, and a timer. You can easily adjust the settings from its touchscreen display.
It even has Wi-Fi connectivity that you can use with the companion Anova Culinary app, which has step-by-step recipes. Given its price and functionality, this is the best sous vide machine from a tried-and-tested brand. Reviewers praise this compact yet powerful immersion circulator as a fantastic addition to any kitchen!
With this sous vide machine from Biolomix, you won't have to worry about manually setting the right temperature and time! It includes four presetsーveggies, steak, fish, and chicken. Simply tap the correct icon on the display screen, and it will automatically input the appropriate settings.
The markers on its stainless steel tube showing the minimum and maximum water levels are another dependable feature. Once affixed to your pot with its adjustable ring clip, you can gauge how much water is needed. It can also connect to Wi-Fi, which enables you to manage the settings via the companion app. This immersion circulator is a fantastic option for those interested in trying sous vide cooking.
From ₱52,500
This immersion circulator from Breville | Polyscience utilizes algorithms to determine the ideal temperature, timer, and pasteurization settings. Using the Sous Vide Toolbox™, you can enter information about the food you're cooking, such as its type, cut, thickness, and core temperature. To achieve the perfect cook, just follow the onscreen prompts!
You can even save the parameters for your frequently prepared foods as presets. Simply input the name, bath temp, timer, and flow speed. There's also a manual cooking function where you can set up to three alarms —a handy tool when cooking different foods simultaneously. Professionals can experiment with techniques and develop new recipes using this sous vide machine.
From ₱18,999
If your business is in the food industry, check out this other Anova model that offers more power and capacity. Using the Precision Cooker Pro, you can continuously cook for up to 10,000 hours in a suitable container with a maximum of 100 liters of water.
This model is engineered to function well in even the most accident-prone kitchens. This durability comes from its Teflon-coated aluminum and stainless steel body. Its control panel is even watertight. There won't be much damage if you accidentally drop it on the floor or submerge the entire device in the water!
Another product from Biolomix, this immersion circulator is reasonably priced without compromising quality. Its incredible power allows it to reach its 95°C maximum temperature in just 15 minutes. Other sous vide machines in the same price range need twice as long to accomplish the same task!
It has a digital control panel where you can adjust the temperature and time settings. Reviewers particularly praised its swift heating efficiency and low operating noise. This model cannot connect to Wi-Fi, which can be a drawback for some. However, this is still a good deal, especially if you only plan to use it at home.
From ₱6,200
The short answer to the question, "Can you sous vide for too long?" is yes. But, this is no concern when using Condura's immersion circulator. Once the timer goes off, it will turn the machine off automatically. Please note that the timer will begin to run after the desired temperature is reached, not when you first switch on the device.
There are three modes for its indicator light. Red signifies standby mode, blue represents heating mode, and a flashing blue light indicates that the temperature has been attained. However, it lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity functions. Some reviews we found still consider this product to be a decent bargain, given its cost and performance.
If you're looking for a device that the whole family or you and your roommates can use, this immersion circulator from Inkbird is your best bet. It has a Wi-Fi connectivity feature that allows you to use the companion app to control the machine.
The Inkbird Smart app allows an unlimited number of users to control this device at once, which sets it apart from its competitors. One downside is that this device is not waterproof, so remember to follow the recommended water levels. But if you're set on providing one sous vide machine for the entire household, this is worth a try!
Do you have limited kitchen storage? If so, then Elekchef's immersion circulator is the one for you. Its design stands out from how the usual sous vide machine looks. This device is sleek and half the weight of the typical immersion circulator.
One drawback is that because it has a fixed clip, you can only use this sous vide machine with pots or containers no taller than 12 cm. However, this wouldn't be a deal-breaker if you're cooking just for yourself or a small group.
Aobosi's immersion circulator has a power capacity of 800 W, which is lower than the previous products listed. This feature is beneficial if your priority is your electricity bill. But keep in mind that it takes longer to reach the desired temperature.
This model is low-noise, so even if it runs for extended periods, it won't be disruptive. Despite being unable to connect to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, its sizable digital LED display makes it simple to check the settings.
Want to save yourself the trouble of looking for the right pots or containers? In that case, Dash's water oven is the best option. The device itself doesn't require any additional accessories. All you need to do is fill the chamber with water, add the food to a sealed bag, and cover it with the lid.
In addition to being a self-contained device, it comes with 10 plastic bags and a vacuum pump! Just keep in mind that the chamber only holds 8 liters. This is perfect for using the sous vide technique to prepare meals for one person or a small family.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by professional chef Terence Fereday.
A good sous vide machine can get even better with the right accessories. Some of these include a vacuum sealer for secure packing in the water bath or a cast iron skillet for the perfect sear following the sous vide process. Check out these handy tools to get the most out of your machine.
Author: Richard Martin
Re-Editor: Jonina Martin
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
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