Which sous vide machine is best?
Whether it’s baking, grilling, frying, or some other method, each chef chooses a medium to express themselves. Long a tool of professional chefs, a sous vide machine perfectly cooks food that has been prepared in vacuum-sealed bags in a container of temperature-controlled water. While it may sound intimidating at first, the process is quite simple, and the results are delicious. If you prefer complete control down to the exact degree and second, a sous vide machine may be of interest to you.
What you need to know before you buy a sous vide machine
Controls
While it’s possible to purchase an all-in-one sous vide machine that looks like a crockpot, most models look more like an immersion blender. To use a sous vide, simply attach it to a pot filled with water and drop in your prepared vacuum-sealed food (Ziploc bags can also work, as long as you don’t leave in so much air that your food is floating on the surface). The device heats up the water to the desired temperature and circulates it so the food can cook evenly. The purpose of the sous vide machine is to be able to reach an extremely precise temperature and maintain it for a designated period of time, so you have complete control over the entire cooking process.
Design
A quality sous vide machine has a sleek design, ensuring the unit is functional and attaches securely to a pot without taking up too much space. While push-button controls and an easy-to-read display are highly recommended, many individuals prefer a sous vide that can be controlled and monitored remotely.
Connectivity
The two ways to connect to your sous vide remotely are via Bluetooth (which means you must still be close to the unit while it’s cooking) or Wi-Fi. If you purchase a machine with Wi-Fi connectivity, you can start cooking your dinner from anywhere, as long as it’s ready to go.
Compatibility
Apps that connect your smart device to your sous vide must be compatible with the technology you currently use. Ideally, the app should also include live monitoring and recipes.
How much you can expect to spend on a sous vide machine
While it’s possible to find a sous vide machine for under $100, between $150 and $200 is a better place to look. At this price level, not only is the quality higher, models have greater operating versatility with options such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Sous vide machines FAQ
Q. What does “sous vide” mean?
A. While the cooking process involves using temperature-controlled water, interestingly, the term translates to “under vacuum.” This refers to the vacuum-sealing process the food undergoes before cooking.
Q. Is a sous vide machine dangerous?
A. While there are always risks associated with using hot water, a sous vide machine cooks at temperatures that are considerably lower than boiling water. Temperatures above 155 degrees can scald on contact, but it takes approximately five minutes of exposure to be burned with water at 120 degrees.
What are the best sous vide machines to buy?
Top sous vide machine
Breville Joule Sous Vide, 1100 Watts, White Body, Stainless Steel Cap & Base (CS10001)
What you need to know: If you’re looking for sleek and modern, there’s no beating this sous vide machine.
What you’ll love: Tops our list with its space-saving design and precision control. This is a fast-heating model that offers live doneness status and exceptional cooking control via your smartphone using Wi-Fi or a Bluetooth connection.
What you should consider: There is no user interface located on the unit, so the only way to operate it is via a smart device.
Top sous vide machine for the money
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Nano 2.0
What you need to know: This long-standing favorite of ours is highly versatile, accurate and fairly priced.
What you’ll love: This highly adaptable model is ready to go out of the box. It features both manual and remote operation, and the company includes thousands of free recipes in the Anova app.
What you should consider: If you’re new to using a sous vide machine, it may take a little trial and error before cooking the perfect meal.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: If you’re looking to give sous vide a try, this model does the job without costing a fortune, making it a solid entry-level choice.
What you’ll love: The 1100 watts of power allow you to quickly heat up water and control it to within 0.1 degrees. The one-handed design and adjustable fixed clip make this product versatile and easy to use.
What you should consider: Some people had trouble with the machine not holding a steady temperature.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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