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Best Sous Vide Machine For Home

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Published by: Chef Jan Dubsky • Updated: December 5, 2023 • Checked By: Chef Matty Riedel

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a sous vide novice, you want the best sous vide machine for your particular circumstances.

However, with so many options on the market, finding the right sous vide machine can be daunting. That's why I've done the hard work for you, curating a list of the best sous vide machines that cater to various needs and preferences. Let's get into it!

Best Sous Vide Machine: Our Top 6

1. Anova Culinary

Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker

ANOVA is a well-known name among the sous vide machines for its high-precision cooking, and a good reason. Anova dedicates itself to developing this popular cooking method and nothing else. This list of the best sous vide machines will not be complete without mentioning at least one of their products.

Anova Nano is a compact version of their main product range. The portable size makes it easy to store and reach for when it’s time for sous vide. 

You can attach it to most cooking pots without buying specific containers. Anova Nano is best for creative cooks who want to explore cooking with sous vide but don’t want to spend too much on the equipment.

All you need to start your sous vide journey is just the Anova Nano, a few sealing bags and the equipment you already have in your kitchen.

Pros:
  • Precision in cooking
  • Compact size
  • Remote control
Cons:
  • Slower heating of water
  • Noisy
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< Click Here For A More In-Depth Anova Culinary Precision Cooker Review >

Features And Benefits

Size

Thanks to its small size, it will fit in most kitchen drawers. You will often use it when it is within a hand’s reach.

High Precision Cooking

Advanced technology will cook your steak to the temperature you set with high precision, a staple of the Anova brand.

Remote Control

Pair it with your smartphone and control the settings remotely. Or set the temperature and time on the machine directly if you prefer keeping things simple.

Cooking App

When unsure what to cook for the day, you can browse an app with recipes tailored for Anova Nano. It is useful for beginners to discover the possibilities of sous vide


2. Instant Pot Multi-Cooker (Sous Vide)

Instant Pot Multi Cooker Instant Pot Multi Cooker

Daily cooking takes a lot of time. No matter how much I love it, sometimes there is not enough time for the kitchen. Most of us live busy lives these days. We are focused on our family, work and some past-time activities. 

Multi-cookers offer a convenient way of cooking big batches simply and easily, like this Mediterranean Lamb Stew, a simple one-pot recipe. 

Instant Pot made it to our list of best sous vide machines because of its great capabilities and versatility. A great help in cooking during busy weekdays. It combines 11 cooking methods in one machine. 

The sous vide function offers basic settings for convenient everyday cooking. The biggest benefit is how easy it is to set up, suitable for every family. You don’t need to buy anything else for sous vide cooking. 

Advanced chefs may want a machine with more settings or a remote control.

Pros:
  • Numerous cooking methods
  • Simple Operation
  • Great for daily cooking
Cons:
  • Less sous vide settings
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Features And Benefits

Set-It, Forget-It

Load it up with ingredients, adjust the settings, set the timer and release cooking from your mind for the day. 

11-in-1

Apart from sous vide, this machine is a pressure cooker, steamer, slow cooker, and air-fryer. You can also bake with it. What caught my attention the most was the dehydrator function. Now, I can make sundried tomato pesto with my own dry tomatoes. 

Easy To Use

The settings panel at the front is very easy to navigate even without studying the user manual much. Great for technically less skilled users.


3. Inkbird

Inkbird Sous Vide WiFi Cooker Inkbird Sous Vide WiFi Cooker

Those not new to advanced cooking methods and looking for a reliable sous vide wand will appreciate Inkbird's simplicity. Or kitchen desk. 

It can be set up directly on the digital display or remotely by an app, which is much easier to use. 

The temperature range spans from 25℃ to 99℃, and the timer can be set up to 99 hours and 59 minutes.

Inkbird is everything you need for efficient sous vide cooking.

Not being fully waterproof is the main drawback, and you must be more careful with cleaning. But to clean it, you only need to dry the heating element. So it’s not that big of a deal. Some users may be surprised by its bigger size. Consider Anova Nano if you are looking for something more compact.

Pros:
  • Easy to attach to most containers
  • Easy settings
  • High Precision
  • Remote Control
Cons:
  • Just partially waterproof
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Features & Benefits

Notifications

The app will notify you when the water level drops or reaches the set temperature. You can always check the cooking progress remotely by using your smartphone. 

Heavy Duty Clip

Thanks to the massive clamp at the backside, it fits containers of most shapes and sizes with a firm grip.


4. KitchenBoss

KitchenBoss Sous Vide Cooker KitchenBoss Sous Vide Cooker

If you’ve been in the realm of sous vide for a while, and the previous models on our list of best sous vide machines didn’t impress you, look at the KitchenBoss. 

These sous vide wand is made of robust stainless steel, built to withstand the pressure of a busy kitchen in any household. It features a sturdy, easy-to-use display and over 20 pre-set cooking programs. 

You can intuitively adjust the timer, temperature, program or other settings on the display. It is not necessary to pair this sous vide with an app. Use it like any other kitchen appliance and adjust the settings directly on the display. The disadvantage is that you won’t be able to track the temperature remotely. 

The temperature range spans from 40℃ to 90℃. The thermostatic control system ensures the water temperature is constant and even throughout the container.

Pros:
  • Fully waterproof
  • Durable
  • Silent
Cons:
  • No app
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Features And Benefits

Durable 

Stainless steel construction makes it ready to withstand hard working conditions. It is fully waterproof. Submerge it in soapy water and deep clean every part.

Award-Winning Design

KitchenBoss scored not only one but three international design awards. Now, bear with me if you’re saying you need a tool, not an art piece. Some of the parts that the judges evaluate are durability, functionality and ergonomics. 

Silent

This Sous Vide Unit is among the most silent on our list of best sous vide machines.


5. Russell Hobbs Slow Cooker & Water Bath

Russell Hobbs Slow Cooker and Sous Vide Water Bath Russell Hobbs Slow Cooker and Sous Vide Water Bath
Another set-it forget-it type of slow cooker with sous vide function. Russell Hobbs is a popular brand among kitchen appliances, and you probably already had something on your kitchen counter from their product range.

The cooker has a sous vide rack that holds your steaks in the best position for even cooking and maximising the space. It can hold 3 portions in sealed sous vide bags. The sous vide function offers a basic setting suitable for everyday use. However, it is not as precise as the sous vide wands mentioned in our list of best sous vide machines.

The Russel Hobbs slow cooker and sous vide is reliable and easy to use. Busy couples or smaller households will love it. For bigger families, it may not be big enough.
Pros:
  • Allows three-way cooking
  • Sous vide option
  • Two-year manufacturer guarantee
  • Advanced temperature probe
Cons:
  • Instructions aren’t detailed
  • Sous vide doesn’t work well for larger cuts of meat
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Features And Benefits

Dishwasher Safe

The ceramic inner pot is easy to remove and clean in the dishwasher. It makes life a lot easier.

Temperature Probe

You can check the temperature of your cooked chicken or slow-cooked stew with a temperature probe and ensure your food is cooked precisely. 

Slow Cooking

You can use it as a traditional slow cooker when you don’t feel like cooking with sous vide.


6. Wancle

Wancle Sous Vide Precision Cooker Wancle Sous Vide Precision Cooker

Keeping things simple is oftentimes the best way to do things, especially cooking. Using Sous vide may seem complicated and daunting at the beginning. Apart from the ingredients, we have to consider cooking times and temperatures. Even the name looks difficult to pronounce (sue vee, In case you weren’t sure…).

Some sous vide machines can be complicated, but not Wancle.

Wancle Sous Vide is probably the easiest on my list of best sous vide machines. All settings are set on the big display using robust buttons. There is no need for assembly; you can use it right out of the box.

You can attach it to most pots and containers with a sturdy clamp. It can be done using only one hand. The stainless-steel body is durable and easy to clean.

Pros:
  • Simplistic, user-friendly design
  • Heating power of 850 watts for quick water heating
  • Water pumping speed of up to eight hours per litre
  • Stainless-steel heating tube is easy to clean
  • Suitable for all cooking ingredients
  • Precise temperature adjustment settings for consistent results
  • Ergonomic handle for one-hand operation
  • Twisting water pump and low water pressure for silent operation
  • A mechanism for overheating and low water level protection
  • Cooks proteins thoroughly while retaining nutrients and vitamins
Cons:
  • Doesn’t feature Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity
  • The display is located on the side
  • The cooker may be too bulky for some pots
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< Click Here For A More In-Depth Wancle Sous Vide Cooker (SVC001 ) Review >

Features And Benefits

Silent Operation

Wancle sous vide is very quiet with high precision in cooking.

Intuitive Settings

Time and temperature can be easily adjusted on the big display


Considerations When Buying A Sous Vide Machine

Picking the best sous vide machine may seem overwhelming with so many options on the market. Aside from parameters, there are a lot of features to consider as well. Use this list to find the best machine for your needs.

1. Price

Start with your price range. It will narrow the selection and make your decision-making process much easier.

2. Power

The power of the sous vide is set in watts. It can tell you how much water it can heat up and keep a consistent temperature. You will need a powerful machine If you want to make a lot of portions at the same time using a big container. 

For occasional cooking, a less powerful model will do the trick. 

3. Water Capacity

The more portions you want to do simultaneously, the bigger the container with hot water you’ll need. 

A 6 to 8-Litre capacity should be sufficient for a small family cooking. 

4. Display And Controls

Are you a tech-savvy cook who wants ultimate control over the cooking process? Look for models that can be paired with a specific application on your phone. These machines will give you control over the most detailed settings. 

If you prefer keeping things simple, a normal display with manual controls will suit you better. 

5. Flow Rate

This is mainly related to immersion circulators like the Anova. The flow rate indicates how much water will circulate in the container, creating a consistent temperature for evenly cooked food.

The more advanced and expensive models allow the flow rate or direction to be adjusted.

6. Clip

Immersion circulators need to be stabilised in a container with water. It may not be the most important factor, but you should look at this part. 

A good clip with a strong grip will improve your user experience, especially when it can be used with a single hand. 

7. Timer

Temperature and time are two main factors in sous vide cooking. The time range may vary from one model to another. Ensure your sous vide machine can cover the time range you want to use for cooking. 

8. Extras

Sous vide machines come with various features. The most useful will be pre-programmed cooking recipes, wi-fi connectivity so you can control your machine remotely or Bluetooth for adjusting the settings with your phone. 

Pairing a sous vide with an app on your smartphone will greatly benefit some users. For others, it is an unnecessary feature that only increases the price. It depends on how you look at it and your cooking style. 

Some features may not be necessary for your cooking needs, so consider whether it’s a fancy feature or something useful. 

9. Other Accessories 

Do you have everything needed for sous vide cooking? You can find great deals, including essential accessories like sealable plastic bags, sous vide racks or container covers.


Sous Vide Machine FAQs

What Is Water Bath Cooking?

When we boil food, we cook it directly in hot water. The flavours and nutrition are released into the water, creating stock or broth. Water bath cooking, or bain-mare, is a technique when the food is submerged in hot water but doesn’t get in direct contact with it, usually using a food-grade plastic bag. This way, it will retain most flavours and nutrients.

What Are The Benefits Of Sous Vide Cooking?

The main benefit of cooking with sous vide is high precision. The protein can be cooked at a constant temperature over a long period of time. Food will develop a tender, soft texture. The reason why chefs love this cooking technique so much is consistency. Their dishes will always be the same if they don’t change the settings or ingredients. 

Water Bath Vs Immersion Circulator?

Don’t get confused here. A water bath can be a cooking appliance and a cooking method. 

A water bath is a machine that looks like a slow cooker at first sight. It holds and heats up water in which the food, sealed in a plastic bag, is cooked. It usually comes with a lid to better control the temperature. The water bath is easy to use and requires no other equipment. The downside is that it has limited capacity. 

An immersion circulator is a heating element that we place in a pot, plastic box or any suitable container filled with water. It will warm the water to a specific temperature and keep it consistent. An Immersion circulator can be placed in containers of various sizes. It gives you more control over the cooking but requires more attention and additional equipment. 

What Accessories Are Needed For Sous Vide?

Immersion circulators will require containers of an appropriate size for cooking. These can be made of food-grade plastic, glass, stainless steel or traditional cooking pots. On top of that, you will need sealable plastic bags for your food.

Additional accessories are vacuum sealing machines and sous vide rack to hold your food in one place while cooking. Consider using a lid for your container. It will help keep the temperature consistent. Alternatively, you can use sous vide insulating plastic balls. They retain the temperature and lower water evaporation. All you need to do is let them float in the container.  

Time And Temperature Information For Main Proteins

Each ingredient will have its own cooking time and temperature requirements when using sous vide. Cooking steak using sous vide is an art form of its own.

See this list of the most common ingredients used for sous vide and their safe internal temperatures (you should always check the food temperature using a food-grade probe before eating; the suggested times and temperatures may vary on various factors):

  1. Chicken breasts, boneless
    1. Target Temperature: 75-80℃
    2. Cooking temperature: 63.5℃
    3. Cooking time: 1-4h
  2. Chicken Thighs, bone-in
    1. Target Temperature: 75-80℃
    2. Cooking temperature: 74-80℃
    3. Cooking time: 4-8h
  3. Salmon
    1. Target Temperature: 52-60℃
    2. Cooking temperature: 52℃
    3. Cooking time: 30-40h
  4. Pork Tenderloin
    1. Target Temperature: 75℃
    2. Cooking temperature: 56.5℃+
    3. Cooking time: 1.3-8h
  5. Pork Spare Ribs
    1. Target Temperature: 75-80℃
    2. Cooking temperature: 71-80℃
    3. Cooking time: 12-30h
  6. Beef Steak, Rare
    1. Cooking temperature: 56.5℃
    2. Cooking time: 1-4h
  7. Beef Steak, Medium
    1. Cooking temperature: 57-60℃
    2. Cooking time: 1-4h
  8. Beef Steak, Well-done
    1. Cooking temperature: 71℃
    2. Cooking time: 4-8h

Best Sous Vide Machine: Summing Up

The sous vide technique has been here for a while already. Only a few years ago, we saw it as a breakthrough technology used only in Haute restaurants. Now, we can see it in almost every household. 

It is a great tool to bring a new spark into your kitchen and level up your cooking skills. Its capabilities are limited only to your creativity. Sous vide desserts anyone?

What would you try to cook in sous vide first?

OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION

Anova Culinary

  • Precision in cooking
  • Compact size
  • Remote control

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Chef Jan Dubsky
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