For those who want to take their cooking to the next level, a sous vide machine may be the perfect addition to your tool kit. Previously, these gadgets were almost exclusively reserved for high-end restaurants. But recently, prices have dropped to the point where they can be relatively affordable to add to your kitchen. These devices make preparing perfectly cooked steaks a breeze while taking all the guesswork and hassle out of dishes like pulled pork or brisket. It’s not just for meat, as the sous vide machine can also process soft-boiled eggs, homemade yogurt or fish with ease. While some may say you need a lot of accessories (such as a vacuum sealer or special bags) to get the best results, you’ll be 90% successful by starting with the right equipment. So, to help you decide which sous vide machine is right for you, we’ve put together a list of our favorite gadgets on sale.
what we look for
While they may have a fancy name, the main things we look for in a quality sous vide appliance are pretty simple: ease of use, reliability, and good design. It should be easy to clean and have clear, concise controls. It should also have some way of attaching to the tank or pot, either through magnets or adjustable clamps, so that it doesn’t move during use. Most importantly, it should have a powerful heating element and motor that can deliver consistent water temperatures to ensure your food reaches the correct doneness every time without overcooking it.
ANOVA cooking
Analysis of variance is one of the oldest names in the game. I personally have been using one of their older models for almost seven years and it’s still going strong. However, on the latest version of the Anova Precision Cooker, you get many convenient upgrades, such as intuitive digital touch controls, a longer power cord, a stainless steel and waterproof IPX7 design, and even Wi-Fi connectivity. With a flow rate of 8 liters per minute, it can heat water to the desired temperature faster than cheaper competitors.
But perhaps the best part is that, thanks to a partnership with 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 the Anova Precision Cooker easy to use, but it also helps you find tons of delicious dishes to try.
Or, if you like Anova’s equipment but want something more compact, consider the Precision Cooker Nano 3.0. At $149, the Anova Nano is a bit more expensive than the standard model, but you still get all the most important features, including dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, a two-line touchscreen, and onboard controls so you don’t have to Yes, please pair your phone with Nano.
Amazon $140
instant pot
While the Instant is best known for its namesake pot (you know, the pressure cooker nearly everyone owns), it’s its first foray into sous vide cooking, providing a great starting point for those on a budget. The $100 Accu Slim features a large LED screen and simple temperature-setting controls, while its easy-to-use clip lets you attach it to the cooking vessel of your choice. The device is also waterproof to prevent accidental dunks, and its 800-watt heater is not far off from more expensive alternatives.
Amazon $73
Breville
The Breville Joule Turbo is an updated version of our previous pick in this category, and it has just about everything you could want in a home sous vide cooker. Released in fall 2023, it includes a more powerful 1,100-watt heater as well as a new Turbo mode that significantly reduces cooking times for many cuts of meat – while retaining the same compact design and magnetic base as its predecessor. Breville has also updated many of its recipes to support the new machine’s capabilities. The main drawback is that since there aren’t any built-in controls, you’ll need to whip out your phone and open Joule Turbo’s free companion app at all times.
Amazon $250
