Sous vide machines have been a professional chef’s secret to foods cooked precisely to one’s liking. If you’ve encountered under or overcooked food, the sous vide machine is a valuable addition to your kitchen. It could be the difference between a rare and medium-rare steak without leaving room for error.
So, if you’ve been considering sous vide machine, this guide takes you through the best options that cook food to precision, have good controls, and have great features regarding low noise level, excellent clamping systems, and a few extras.
Are you ready to take fine dining from the restaurant to your home kitchen?
Let’s dive in.
Best Sous Vide Immersion Circulator 2023
Top Reviewed Sous Vide Machines
Anova Culinary AN500-US00 is our top choice as it’s precise, easy to use, and heats the water quickly. This immersion circulator has a 1000 watts rating making it quicker than the Nano, and it also pumps water at a rate of 8L per minute.
Anova AN500 is splash, steam, and water-resistant with an IPX7 rating. You can immerse it in water up to 1 meter deep without encountering problems with the electric components. This tool attaches easily to a pot with adjustable and removable clamps. It has a temperature range between 32°F and 197°F. It can cook continuously for 5,000 hours and is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-compatible.
While we like the smartphone compatibility, you’ll also like that you can program it on the LCD, which shows the temperature and cooking time. It’s quite a precise model with the capability to keep the water temperature within a temp difference of 0.2F. You also get 6,000+ recipes to try out, which is a huge perk if you love experimenting with different recipes.
The only thing we don’t like about the Anova AN500 is its high-pitched whining sound. Other than that, these sous vide circulator earns its right as the best sous vide circulator for avid home cooks, more so because it is reasonably priced at around $150.
1st Runner Up
Breville Joule Sous Vide is a popular and significant upgrade on a flexible budget. It’s small, powerful, sleek, and, most of all, precise. We like its compact and clean design, which is unique from other immersion circulators. Thus, you can fit it in a kitchen drawer, and it will look the part.
This cooker can output 1100 watts of power, making it heat up fast. It can heat 40 liters of water in a sous vide vessel with a lid or 10 liters in an open pot. This unit can reach a max temperature of 208°F and is accurate to 0.2°F.
We like the magnetic foot with silicone cover on this SV machine since it will attach to the base of the cooking pot instead of requiring clamps. To this end, you will need a stainless steel or cast-iron pot to cook. You’ll also keep it in the middle, which is better in a large pot for even water circulation.
The functionality of this device is on an app. This could be a potential deal breaker if you want to set up the target temperature and functions of the device. Nonetheless, you can program all its features on the app. There are also recipes, sous vide techniques, and more features on the app.
Other features we like are the minimum water level of 4 cm, its waterproof, and the ability to choose the doneness using photos on the app. Again, this sous vide tool is loud, and when cooking is done, it sends a push notification to your phone. But it’s a force to reckon with, and the unique features it brings are excellent compared to other models on the market.
Monoprice Strata is perfect for basic sous vide circulator without all the bells and whistles of expensive options. It does what it’s meant to do: heat water and keep it at the target temperature for the time you need.
The heating process is not the fastest since it outputs 800W of energy. However, once it reaches the set temperature, it works flawlessly with no fuss. In addition, it has a 2.2 GPM flow rate to assist in reaching the target temperature.
We like that you set up everything on the unit. It does not connect to smartphones; hence all you need is to set the temperature and timer and wait for it to work its magic. You’ll see great success with popular sous vide recipes such as steak, prime ribs, and soft and roast eggs.
Temperature precision is perfect with +/-1 temperature stability. You can use it in a water bath of 2.6 to 4 gallons, which comes with an adjustable clamp. There’s every reason to like the Monoprice Strata Sous Vide machine, and its price allows anyone experienced to choose it and dive into the world of sous vide cooking
Instant Accu Slim Sous Vide 800W Precision Cooker offers even cooking at a precise temperature. It does not require Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity; hence set up is a breeze. All you need is to find an appropriate vessel, and you can start cooking. The fact that it’s sous vide circulator from Instant Pot makes it a reliable model in this category.
These sous vide circulator is simple to get ready for cooking. It comes set to a default 133°F and 4 hours. The + and – buttons allow you to change your desired temperature and time. However, it does not save the changes you make, so you’ll need to set it every time you switch it on. We could see this being annoying since if it was to turn off in the middle of cooking, the water might have gone below the minimum line, and you’ll have to set the time and temperature again. Hence, you’ll need to be nearby to watch for water level changes.
We love the slim design since it takes little space in the cooking pot. The active pump system ensures there are no cold or hot spots. Since the rubber handle is insulated, it won’t get hot while cooking. Lastly, the heating tube is stainless steel, so it will never rust. From the LED control panel to the sleek design and accurate temperature, you get a solid performer to cook perfect steaks.
The Inkbird Sous Vide, Precision Cooker ISV-100W, is a midrange option that touts itself as one of the best. And that’s with good reason. This circulator can reach the target temperature quickly since it outputs 1000 watts. The unit is incredibly accurate, with a temperature difference of only 0.1°C.
With this cooking tool, you can cook meals in a water bath holding 20 liters of water. Thus, it’s not sous vide cooker for large meals in one batch – it’s ideal for everyday household cooking instead of entertaining. Setting it up is either on the LCD with buttons or its innovative app.
To use the app, the cooker connects over the 2.4GHz network, so you need a router that supports 2.4GHz connections. The app is available on iPhone and Android. It comes in Celsius, but you can change it to Fahrenheit. It has a minimum timer setting of 99 hours, allowing you to input a range of cooking times according to your cooking.
Inkbird Sous Vide Precision Cooker ISV-100W is good for the money, and it keeps the temperature where you need it and cooks meals perfectly. Operating it is less seamless than other expensive machines, but once you figure it out, you’ll like cooking with this sous vide machine.
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro works double duty. It’s designed for professional kitchens as it boasts the performance, durability, and power required in a commercial setting. It can heat up to 100 liters of water and keep the target temperature precise. This cooker can also work for 10,000 hours without shutting down. Hence it will work non-stop in the busiest kitchens. Plus, it’s waterproof and submersible for 30 minutes without damage.
The Anova Sous Vide Pro is made with high-quality stainless-steel parts. Set up is straightforward since you can input the temperature and time on the LCD control panel. It also connects to the Anova app when you want to control your cook from a smartphone. You’ll like that you can use it in a wide variety of vessels since it has a wide gap between the max and minimum water lines. In addition, the clamps are adjustable and removable.
The temperature accuracy puts these sous vide cookers ahead of the rest. It does not overshoot the temperature once it reaches the target temperature. Moreover, the temperature does not change the entire time they cook.
If you’re all about sous vide cooking and want the best offer on the market, get the Anova Sous Vide Pro. You’ll never have roast beef at the deli when you get to make a better one from the comfort of your home.
Wancle Sous Vide Cooker is the best option with a manual temperature control mechanism. When it comes to achieving great cooks with sous vide machine, precision is king. That’s why the Wancle tool has a rolling wheel on the side to adjust the temperature by 0.1°F. We like that it also operates quietly so you can have a peaceful kitchen even during the hours it will be in use.
These sous vide precision cookers can raise the water temperature to 140°F in 15 minutes due to their twisting water pump outlet. It can circulate 8L of water per minute and set the cooking time range up to 99 hours and 59 minutes. It can hold a temperature of 19 liters of water in a closed cooking vessel. It’s always essential to insulate the top and bottom to prevent unnecessary overworking of the device.
Wancle Sous Vide Cooker has a digital control panel. It will turn on once you set the temperature and time. You can change the settings without turning them off if you want to adjust the cook. This device has different beeps to alert you when it reaches the target temperature and when cooking is done.
These sous vide device works excellently, from the highly accurate sensor to the jaw clamp and easy-to-use control panel and trigger. It’s also durable, thanks to the high-quality components. For around $80, it’s the best value sous vide machine.
The KitchenBoss G-300 is an impressive 1100 watts sous vide cooker that will get you making perfect steaks, pork ribs, and many other sous vide recipes. It has a high-quality propeller that converts the water bath at fast speeds while keeping the target temperature where it needs to be.
The sous vide cooking part is stainless steel, so you can use it for a long time without compromising its quality. It operates quietly, thanks to its wheel wave design since it inclines at 45 degrees to control sound movement. The device is IPX7 waterproof, meaning you can rinse it under the tap without damaging the electronics.
KitchenBoss G-300 can raise water temperature from 130°F to 180°F in 15 – 20 minutes. It can cook within a temperature range of 104°F to 194°F with a precision range of +/- 0.2°F. Plus, you can set the timer up to 99 hours 59 minutes on the LCD touchscreen. The clamps work in different containers since it twists to secure on the vessel with no movement.
KitchenBoss G-300 is a high-quality sous vide cooker with the accuracy of a professional device. The high flow rate combined with a powerful brushless motor brings restaurant culinary to the home kitchen.
Chefman Sous Vide Immersion Circulator is a simple yet powerful device. Its clever design features PTC heating technology to keep the water at the target temperature. This way, you don’t need to monitor your meals as it does the temperature control for succulent, flavorful meals that retain all their nutrients.
These sous vide cooker has a 360-degree directional pump. It also has intelligent sensors that keep track of the water level, and the adjustable clamp allows you to use it in all cooking vessels. It feels top-heavy since it’s 16 inches tall and has polycarbonate housing. However, it’s durable as stainless-steel tubing houses the heating element.
Another thing we like about the Chefman is the digital control panel, and it’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. You can operate it manually, which we found is as great as the app, and you can monitor the cook from anywhere. After placing it in a water bath, you only need to set the timer and temperature. Be sure to use pots at least 7 inches deep so it stands up straight because the clip is not adjustable.
The Chefman sous vide cooker is affordable with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. If smartphone control is a feature you’d like in sous vide device but want to save money, this option is outstanding.
Anova Culinary AN400-US00 Nano Sous Vide Precision Cooker is a compact device that will take up less space in the cooking vessel. It also has a minor heating element that outputs 750 watts of energy. This means heat-up will be slower than its other Anova counterparts. Nevertheless, this device can heat 5 liters of water and keep the precise temperature.
The Nano comes with a similar display as the standard Anova but with three touch-sensitive icons. It lets you view the target temperature, current water temperature, and time remaining at the center of the display. This cooking tool lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, but it supports Bluetooth. As such, you can control it on the app, but you can’t monitor your cook outside the house.
Anova Culinary Nano Sous Vide is well-constructed with heat-resistant plastic to cut costs. The refined look consists of a light strip to indicate when the water is hitting up, and it beeps when it reaches the target temperature. This tool keeps the temperature at a range of +/- 0.5 degrees which are great at achieving juicy meats full of flavor.
Whether you want to dip your feet in sous vide cooking or want a complementary model for a sleek kitchen, the Anova Culinary AN400-US00 Nano is an excellent choice.
How to Buy a Sous Vide Machine
Sous vide cooking is not a new concept, except it has been recently popularized thanks to the internet. While the journey from being a safety measure in food packaging to making food taste better has yet to be smooth, owning sous vide circulator is now possible owing to new technologies.
How A Sous Vide Machine Works
Sous vide cooking involves placing food in a sealed, heat-proof plastic bag, removing the air, and immersing it in a heated water bath where the water circulates and simmers the meal at a controlled temperature. When you think about it, it’s impossible to overcook food, especially seafood, beef, and chicken. The tool is also great for vegetables and eggs.
As you browse the available options, you must consider a few features and factors before picking the first sous-to-vide circulator that appears in a simple Google search.
Precision
Precision is the most crucial feature of a sous vide calculator. The cooker’s ability to hold an accurate temperature will determine how well it cooks each food. You’ll need a tool to keep water at the set temperature without any hot or cold spots. Most cookers have an accuracy of within 0.2 degrees which is excellent. Ultimately, great accuracy is better, especially if you find a tool with manual calibrations.
Power
The wattage on the sous vide circulator allows it to bring the water to the set temperature. A tool with high wattage can bring water to temperature fast. However, you’ll still need to worry about evaporation in a robust model since you must keep an eye to prevent water from going below the minimum levels.
Controls and Display
An easy-to-set-up unit is excellent as it allows you to get cooking effortlessly. It also shows you if you’re cooking at the target temperature and with the capability to switch between functions. It’s good to opt for a cooker with a large display because it’s easier to work with.
Many sous vide circulators have smartphone control over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It’s an excellent addition since you can only sometimes be there to watch over the food if you are cooking it for many hours.
Versatility
It’s better to consider a tool that can work in various vessels. Some come with fixed clamps, while others have adjustable clamps. As long as the movement is flexible, you’ll be able to use multiple cooking vessels.
Noise Level
Quiet sous vide cooker will be more convenient than a noisy one since you’ll be using it for cooking for a long time, sometimes up to 12 hours in some recipes.
There’s never been a better time to delve into sous vide cooking. Achieve restaurant-quality food with the Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker. This device is excellent in temperature precision, onboard controls, and an app that lets you automate the features. It’s a sous vide staple and our editor’s choice.
Special Mentions
After looking at the ten best sous vide machines, we felt there’s a need to let you in on other options on the market. While they did not make it to the top best, they are still worth considering.
Breville Polyscience HydroPro Sous Vide Immersion Circulator: This sous vide machine has a 1450 watts heater and can circulate 17 liters of water per minute. Since it’s a professional-grade machine, it will cost you around $500 to own this device.
Vesta Precision Sous Vide Water Oven: This versatile cooking oven is not only ideal for sous vide by also great for yogurt, cheese, rabbit meat, etc. It has Wi-Fi connectivity issues, so you may be disappointed if you require the Wi-Fi feature.
Emeril Lagasse Digital Touchscreen Sous Vide Machine: This cooking tool by Emeril Lagasse can help present perfect medium-rare steaks and more. The touch-sensitive buttons are defective in some units, so quality control has an issue.
All-Clad Sous Vide: You get consistent results with the All-Clad Sous Vide machine. It’s solidly built, robust, and durable. The only thing we don’t like is that it’s too loud for many people’s liking.
NutriChef Sous Vide Cooker: This unit is outstanding in terms of the fast heat-up and the precision temperature. It’s also the cheapest option for a functional sous vide machine. Nonetheless, the user interface takes time to figure out. Once you do, the device is noisy, making it a deal breaker in households with young children.
SOUS VIDE Art Precision Cooker Kit: This cooker comes as a bundle with vacuum bags, a cookbook, a vacuum seal pump, and clips. It’s easy to use, accurate, and similar to high-end options. But the control buttons become fussy over time.
