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- High-quality sous vide machines get up to temperature quickly, maintain an accurate temp, and feature an intuitive interface.
- The ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide is our top pick because of its high-tech features, compact size, and excellent customer service.
I learned a lot about cooking from my mom. And, though she makes excellent meals that you won't find anywhere else, her Achilles' heel is remembering that she is cooking. With so many things vying for our attention these days, she is not alone. It's easy to get distracted and forget you're roasting, grilling, boiling, or otherwise fixing a meal. Even if you are on your game, a couple minutes can mean the difference between a delicious medium rare ribeye and an overcooked mess. Fortunately, sous vide machines even the playing field.
Sous vide machines work by preheating a water bath to a specific temperature. Food is then sealed in a container - usually a plastic bag - and lowered into the bath. It stays there until it reaches the temperature of the water. This is not a fast process, but it virtually guarantees that you will not overcook your food.
There are two main types of sous vide machines: stick-like units called "immersion circulators" and all-in-one boxes, known as water ovens. Water ovens are great because they generally come with everything you need to start cooking right away. With immersion circulators, you use your own container - a large pot should work fine.
Though any airtight bag should work just fine, you may want to consider purchasing a vacuum sealer along with your sous vide machine. The transfer of heat through water is eleven times more efficient than through air. The vacuum sealer removes all of the air pockets and decreases the chance of uneven cooking.
While researching the best sous vide machines, we examined hundreds of buyer and expert reviews and ratings of countless models. The units featured in this guide have a track record of performance, durability, and have shown that they can produce delicious steaks, vegetables, and other dishes.
Here are our picks for the best sous vide machines of 2019:
- Best sous vide overall: ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide
- Best for high-tech cooking: Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker
- Best affordable sous vide: Kitchen Gizmo Sous Vide Immersion Circulator
- Best water oven: Sous Vide Supreme Demi Water Oven
- Best for beginners: Tribest Sousvant SV-101 Complete Sous Vide Circulator
Updated on 04/02/2019 by Malarie Gokey: Updated prices and formatting. Added links to reviews.
Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.
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