For those looking to improve their cooking, a sous vide machine can be the perfect addition to your toolbox. Previously, these gadgets were used almost exclusively by high-end restaurants. But prices have recently dropped to the point where they can be relatively affordable additions to your kitchen. These devices make preparing perfectly cooked steaks easy, while taking all the guesswork and hassle out of dishes like pulled pork or brisket. And it’s not just for meat, as the sous vide machine can make easy work of soft-boiled eggs, homemade yogurt or fish. And while some may say you need a lot of accessories like vacuums or special bags to get the best results, starting with the right appliance will get you 90 percent of the way there. So to help you figure out which sous vide machine is right for you, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite gadgets currently on sale.
What are we looking for?
Although they may have a fancy name, the main things we look for in a quality sous vide device are pretty clear: ease of use, reliability and good design. It should be easy to clean and have clear, no-nonsense controls. There should also be some way to attach it to a tank or pot, whether by a magnet or an adjustable clamp, so that it doesn’t shift during use. And most importantly, it should have a strong heating element and motor that can deliver consistent water temperatures to ensure your food reaches the right level of doneness every time without overcooking.
Anova Culinary
Anova is one of the oldest names in the game. I’ve personally been using one of their older models for almost seven years and it’s still going strong. However, in the latest version of the Anova precision stove you get a number of convenient upgrades such as intuitive digital touch controls, a longer power cord, a stainless steel design and IPX7 water resistance, and even Wi-Fi connectivity. And with a flow rate of eight liters per minute, it can heat water to the desired temperature faster than cheaper competitors.
But perhaps the best part is that thanks to the collaboration with the chef J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, the Anova app has one of the largest collections of tried and tested sous vide recipes from any manufacturer. So not only is it easy to use, the Anova Precision Cooker can help you find lots of delicious dishes to try.
Alternatively, if you like the Anova units but want something a little more compact, consider the Precision stove Nano 3.0. At $149, the Anova Nano is a bit more expensive than the standard model, but you still get all the essential features, including dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, a dual-row touchscreen and built-in controls, so you don’t need to pair your phone with Nano if you don’t want it.
Instant sweat
While Instant may be best known for its namesake cookers (you know, the pressure cooker that almost everyone owns), its first foray into the world of sous vide cooking is a great starting point for people on a budget. At $100, Accu Slim features a large LED screen and simple temperature setting controls, while its easy-to-use bracket lets you attach it to your chosen cookware. The device is also waterproof to protect against accidental submersions, and its 800-watt heater isn’t far behind those of more expensive alternatives.
Breville
The Breville Joule Turbo is the updated version of our previous pick in this category and has practically everything you could want in a home sous vide machine. Launching in autumn 2023, it includes a more powerful 1,100-watt heater along with a new turbo mode that significantly reduces cooking times for many cuts of meat – while retaining the same compact design and magnetic leg of its predecessor. Breville has also updated a number of its recipes to support the capabilities of the new machine. The main downside is that since there are no built-in controls, you’ll have to pull out your phone and download the Joule Turbo’s free companion app every time you want to use it.
https://www.engadget.com/best-sous-vide-133025288.html?src=rss
