A sous vide cooker (pronounced “sue veed”) is a French culinary method in which food is vacuum-sealed inside a bag and cooked at a precise temperature with the help of an immersion circulator.
Sous vide machines have been long championed by commercial chefs, but lately, they’re gaining popularity with home cooks who want to make custardy eggs and perfectly-done medium-rare steaks with consistency.
These intuitive devices heat water to within .2 degrees Fahrenheit of accuracy and circulate water to eliminate cold spots. Juice and flavor are locked inside of the meat and cooked to your preference every time.
While sous vide machines were once out of reach for the average consumer, demand has made them surprisingly affordable and easy to use. Immersion circulators allow you to set timers and temperatures and even monitor the immersion circulator from your mobile device.
So if you’re want to take the guesswork out of cooking and just set it and forget it, read on. You’re sure to find a sous vide machine that fits your budget and needs here.
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The Best Sous Vide Cooker Machines for 2024
Here is my list of the best sous vide machine options for the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. in 2024. I’ll start with the five best choices in terms of value, convenience, design, and cost.
Click on the name to read reviews and check prices or skip ahead to read the entire list by clicking here.
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Best Sous Vide Machine Reviews
Here are the complete reviews of the ten best sous vide cookers in 2024. Keep reading after the reviews for a guide on what to look for when choosing a sous vide machine.
1. Anova Culinary AN500-US00 Sous Vide Precision Cooker – Best Overall Choice #1
The Anova Culinary AN500-US00 Sous Vide Precision Cooker earns the Best Overall Choice Award for its consumer-friendly price, easy-use design, and slick wi-fi compatibility.
Did you know that only three degrees of Fahrenheit make the difference between a rare and medium-rare steak? It’s true, and that’s what makes this sous vide cooker a winner.
With .12 degrees Fahrenheit of accuracy, this sous vide device gives you near-perfect results every time. Just plug it in, use the adjustable clamp to attach the device to the side of your cooking pot, add water, and dial in your temperature setting.
While it is a little sluggish in heating cold tap water (about 55 minutes) to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, this sous vide machine is unwavering in its ability to hold a stable temperature.
This sous vide machine also does a nice job of circulating water, which eliminates cold spots for even cooking.
I also like that this sous vide cooking machine connects to your favorite mobile device with the Anova app. From here, you can set timers and temperatures, drop your food into the water, and walk away.
There’s a lot to admire about the Anova Culinary AN500-US00 Sous Vide Precision Cooker. It is one of the best in terms of accuracy, circulation, convenience, and durability for a budget-friendly device.
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2. Breville CS10001 Joule Sous Vide – Best Overall Choice #2
The Breville CS10Breville CS10001 Joule Sous Vide earns high marks for its lightweight design, nimble heating ability, and mobile-device compatibility.
At only 11” tall and only 1.28 pounds, this is one of the market’s lightest and most compact sous vide cooking machines. So it stows away nicely and doesn’t have the cumbersome weight of other sous vide machines.
I like that the top and base of this immersion circulator are cold-forged from solid stainless steel to maximize durability and resist corrosion.
This unit attaches to cookware with a durable metal clamp. The downside is that you cannot hand-tighten the clamp with an adjustable screw. That’s certainly not a dealbreaker, especially when you consider all this machine has to offer.
With 1,100 watts of power, this unit heads quicker than most sous vide cookers on the market. And it is deadly-accurate. When you use this device, water remains stable and within .2 degrees Fahrenheit of accuracy.
A bonus is that this immersion circulator pairs with your favorite mobile device. It’ll even sync up with Amazon’s Alexa so you can power it up and set timers and temperatures using voice commands.
The Breville CS10Breville CS10001 Joule Sous Vide is one of the more expensive sous vide immersion circulators on the market. Yet, considering its compact footprint, sturdy design, and mobile-device compatibility, I think it a bargain.
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3. Instant Pot Accu Slim Sous Vide Immersion Circulator
The Instant Pot Accu Slim Sous Vide Immersion Circulator is one of my favorite budget-friendly sous vide cooking devices.
This unit earns solid points for its sturdy construction, simplicity, and 100 percent waterproof design. Even if this unit (including the LED screen) accidentally gets a full water bath, it won’t damage.
This is a no-frills immersion circulator. So while it doesn’t have wi-fi compatibility, it does have a sturdy stainless steel skirt for increased durability. At 800 watts, it is a bit of a “little engine that can.” So water may take longer to heat, but this unit does an excellent job of circulating water.
This sous vide circulator struggles to maintain dead-locking accuracy like higher-end units. Still, the Instant Pot Accu Slim Sous Vide Immersion Circulator is not a bad buy for the price.
If you’re new to sous vide and don’t want to experiment with the method before splurging on a higher-end sous vide circulator, this is an excellent unit to start with. It’s sturdy, completely waterproof, and while slow, it does a solid job of circulating water and maintaining temperature.
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4. Sous Vide Art Complete Cooker Kit
The Sous Vide Art Complete Cooker Kit is hands-down one of the best entry-level sous vide cooking packages.
It comes with everything you need to start your sous vide cooking adventure, including the immersion circulator, a cookbook, 30 sous vide bags, a pump, clips, and clamp.
While more serious sous vide cooks will benefit from an automatic food vacuum sealer, beginners will do just fine by using the included hand pump and vacuum-sealed bag collection that comes with this item.
For a budget-friendly sous vide precision cooker, there’s a lot to admire here. I like that this unit comes with a sturdy side clamp that you can hand tighten. So this unit won’t slip, slide, or take a nosedive into the pot.
I also like that this unit comes with a stainless steel skirt for increased durability and easy cleaning. And the addition of the four food bag clips is also a nice touch.
The recipe book is also helpful for beginners and sous vide veterans. Inside, you’ll find delicious recipes and practical tips for whipping up poultry, fish, veggies, and egg dishes.
For the price, you can’t do much better than the Sous Vide Art Complete Cooker Kit. So if you’re just beginning to dabble with sous vide and are looking for a complete package that even includes clips and a simple vacuum sealing system, you’ll like this immersion circulator.
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5. Inkbird Sous Vide Cooker
The Inkbird Sous Vide Cooker is another fantastic immersion circulator for beginners. This unit earns a solid rating for its ample wattage, wifi compatibility, and virtually silent noise output.
This is a 1,000-watt sous vide immersion circulator, so it heats quicker than many other budget-friendly units.
Despite its power, this sous vide machine is virtually silent. Even on the highest setting, it only puts out 40 dB of noise; that’s about the volume of an average library reading room.
I also like that you can set timers and temperature settings with the simple LED control panel. I don’t imagine that you’d need to, but this unit even allows you to set timers for as long as 99 hours.
I like that a sturdy stainless skirt covers the heating element for extra durability. The beauty is that you can remove the shell for cleaning detail. A bonus is that the skirting has maximum and minimum watermarks, so you know exactly how much water to use.
Surprisingly, this unit is also wi-fi compatible. Just download the Inkbird app and sync. Now you can lock in precise temperature and set timers from afar. The app also comes with a collection of popular and practical recipes for sous vide beginners and vets alike.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly sous vide cooking device with many of the features you’d find on a higher-end machine, you’ll like the Inkbird Sous Vide Cooker.
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6. Breville CS20001 Joule Sous Vide
The Breville CS20001 Joule Sous Vide is nearly identical to the Breville CS10Breville CS10001 Joule Sous Vide. It’s a touch cheaper because it has a polycarbonate tip (rather than stainless steel), yet it shares most of the same features as its bigger brother.
So here’s what you get with this sous vide precision cooker: An 11” tall, 1.28-pound sous vide immersion circulator with a 1,100-watt heating element.
This is one of the most compact machines for cooking sous vide. So it stows away nicely and can even fit in a typical kitchen drawer without hogging space.
While the top and base of this immersion circulator are made from polycarbonate, this unit still feels sturdy and is built to withstand boiling temperatures.
This unit attaches to cookware with a durable metal clamp. The downside is that you cannot hand-tighten the clamp with an adjustable screw. I don’t see that as a dealbreaker, mainly because this unit is so light. Once it’s hooked to your cookware, it’s unlikely to move.
With 1,100 watts of power, this unit heads quicker than most sous vide cookers on the market. And it is deadly-accurate. When you use this device, water remains stable and within .2 degrees Fahrenheit of accuracy.
A bonus is that this immersion circulator pairs with your favorite mobile device and will even sync with Amazon’s Alexa.
If you want to start cooking sous vide using a compact, sturdy, and mobile-device-friendly unit, you’ll like the Breville CS20001 Joule Sous Vide.
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7. Anova Sous Vide Precision Cooker
If you’re looking for an intuitive, technology-packed tool, check out the Anova Sous Vide Precision Cooker. This may be a small, budget-friendly sous vide machine, but it’s surprisingly mighty.
This unit comes with a 750-watt heating element. So while it does take longer to heat than higher-end units, it does an excellent job of locking in temperatures with +/1 .2 degrees Fahrenheit of accuracy.
If you’re tight on storage space, you’ll also like that this unit measures 4” X 2” X 12.8”, making it one of the more compact sous vide meal makers on the list.
There’s a lot to like about this vide cooking machine. I like that it has a sturdy side clamp that you can hand tighten for additional stability.
To use, just attach the sous vide cooking machine to the side of your cookware, add water, and dial in your temperature setting and time. Or, use the Anova app to control this best sous vide machine from your favorite mobile device.
The Anova Sous Vide Precision Cooker is consumer-friendly, technology-packed, and does a solid job of locking in temperatures. So it’s ideal for perfecting your sous vide cooking methods without breaking the bank. It’s one of the best sous vide machines on this list.
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8. Instant Accu Slim™ Sous Vide Precision Cooker
The Instant Accu Slim Sous Vide Precision Cooker may be one of the most affordable machines to help you perfect the sous vide cooking process. It’s made with quality materials, has an 800-watt element that heats quickly, and is entirely waterproof.
This is a no-fluff kind of unit, but it can hang with the best sous vide machines. Also, I like that this unit is completely waterproof, even the LED screen. So the Instant Pot Accu Slim won’t damage if it accidentally plunges into the water.
The Instant Pot Accu Slim doesn’t have wi-fi compatibility. But I don’t see that as a dealbreaker, especially when considering the price, stainless steel construction, and even-circulation power.
While this unit may not lock in temperatures with the kind of precision as higher-end units, it is still within three degrees Fahrenheit of accuracy, which is sufficient.
So, if you’re new to sous vide immersion circulators and want to hone the sous vide method before purchasing a slightly more powerful unit that costs twice as much, you’ll like the Instant Accu Slim Sous Vide Precision Cooker.
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9. Breville Polyscience HydroPro Sous Vide Immersion Circulator
If you’re looking for commercial quality, top-to-bottom stainless steel construction, and dead accurate temperature readings, check out the Breville Polyscience HydroPRo Sous Vide Immersion Circulator.
With its impressive 1,450-watt heating element, this is one of the most powerful sous vide machines on the market. So it heats the water quickly. It also has an impressive circulation system that produces a 17 liter-per-minute flow.
Unlike other immersion circulators, this one is built like a tank. The body is made from 100 percent stainless steel and the LED “gorilla glass” screen is as easy to use as it is tough.
The impeller and foot are dishwasher safe and come apart quickly and without any additional tools.
At 14.6” X 6.7” X 3.7” and 4.2 pounds, this is one of the largest and heaviest immersion circulators on the market. That’s not surprising since this sous vide circulator is made from quality stainless steel.
This unit stays in place thanks to its adjustable and detachable clamp despite its weight and large footprint.
This unit is also deadly accurate and locks in temperatures within .2 degrees Fahrenheit of accuracy. I also like that this precision cooker is 100 percent waterproof. So even if you accidentally submerge the LED screen in heater water, it won’t be damaged.
If you’re looking for stainless steel design, commercial quality, dead accurate temperature control, and a precision cooker that’s waterproof, check out the Breville Polyscience HydroPRo Sous Vide Immersion Circulator.
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10. Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro
The Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro is another one of my favorite mid-priced units for making perfectly cooked meals.
The Anova precision cooker earns a solid rating for its intuitive design, wifi compatibility, stainless steel components, and temperature accuracy.
Unlike other sous vide machines, this one is heavy on stainless steel and light on plastic. What’s more, this Anova sous vide device is drop-tested and IPX-7-rated, which means it is 100 percent waterproof and shock-resistant.
The Anova precision cooker is also deadly accurate. With .12 degrees Fahrenheit of accuracy, the Anova precision cooker gives you near-perfect results every time.
To use, just plug it in, use the adjustable clamp to attach the device to the side of your cooking pot, add water, and dial in your temperature setting.
This unit runs on a 1,200-watt heating element, so water temperatures rise quickly and remain stable thanks to this machine. This sous vide machine also does an excellent job of circulating water and eliminating cold spots.
What’s more, this machine is also wi-fi ready. So it hooks to your favorite mobile device with the Anova app. From here, you can set timers and temperatures, drop your food into the water, and walk away.
If you’re looking for a mid-priced unit to get you started on your sous vide journey, the Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro is one of the best in terms of accuracy, circulation, convenience, and durability.
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How does sous vide work?
To cook sous vide, you vacuum seal food in temperature-safe resealable bags, remove as much air as you can, and then submerge the bag in a pot with water.
To cook, you use a sous vide device, which heats the water to within 3 degrees of accuracy. As a result, you get gently cooked food that requires less oil, is juicier, more flavorful, and cooked exactly the way you want it.
Once the food is done, you finish the cooking process by dropping your food onto a grill to add a crispy finish.
Why buy a sous vide machine?
Translated from French, sous vide (pronounced sue veed) means “under vacuum” or “under pressure.” This cooking method has been around since 1799, but it has recently gained popularity with home chefs for several reasons.
Consistency
When you cook using sous vide appliances, you’re cooking moist foods in a bag. So there’s a barrier between food and water. Water temperature is controlled by the sous vide circulators, so food is cooked gently and to precision. No more under or overcooking your meat.
Better taste
When food is vacuum-sealed and cooked at a precise temperature, juice and flavor are locked inside the meat rather than burned off over hot grates. So food is more moist, flavorful, and has a perfect texture.
Plumper food
Here’s a fun fact: Most meat loses up to 25 percent of its mass when broiled and baked. That’s a pretty severe loss in volume. However, when using a vacuum sealer and sous vide devices to cook, food loses virtually none of its body mass.
No more guesswork
Even the most experienced grillers and cooks rely on thermometers to avoid under and overcooking food. Sous vide machines work like meat thermometers, but they are generally waterproof and designed specifically for sous vide cooking.
Thanks to these handy devices, food is cooked with precision every single time.
What to look for in a sous vide machine
There are several features to consider when shopping for sous vide machines. These include power, noise levels, style, and ease of use.
Power
The best sous vide machines typically have a 750- to 1,450-watt power rating. Budget-friendly units with 750 watts of power are sufficient for those who only need to heat a small pot of water. However, if you are cooking for a family, you’ll find that you can reduce heating and cooking time with a 1,000+-watt sous vide device.
Noise levels
Sous vide machines utilize a small water pump, impeller, and fan, so they often make a whooshing or gurgling sound. In general, sous vide machines rarely exceed 40 dB of noise. That’s on par with the sound of a running stream, a humming fridge, or a quiet library.
Price
Sous vide machines typically begin at just under $100 for an entry-level device and rise to as much as $500 for a commercial-quality unit.
Entry-level machines typically have a smaller power rating, are louder, and take longer to heat large pots of water. However, if you’re new to sous vide and only cooking for one or two, you’ll find an inexpensive unit helpful in learning the cooking method.
Higher-end units have more heat output, are frequently shock and waterproof, and are mobile-device compatible. So these units are best suited for experienced cooks who like to cook for large groups.
Ease of use
While this cooking style does have a bit of a learning curve, sous vide cookers simplify the process by setting timers, temperatures, and alerts. Some units even allow you to change settings and monitor your cooking progress from a mobile device or issue commands through your Alexa device.
What is the best sous vide cooker machine for you?
So what is the best sous vide device on the market? That ultimately depends on your budget, needs, and preferences. However, if I had to choose one standout unit, it’d be the Anova Culinary AN500-US00 Sous Vide Precision Cooker.
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In terms of power, this 1,000-watt Anova unit has an excellent rating, especially for the price. With a 1,000-watt heating element, you have enough energy to heat large pots of water in a short amount of time.
With .12 degrees Fahrenheit of accuracy, this sous vide device gives you near-perfect results every time. This sous vide machine also does an excellent job circulating water and eliminating cold spots, which is critical when cooking a sous vide.
I also like that this sous vide cooking machine connects to your favorite mobile device with the Anova app. From here, you can set timers and temperatures, drop your food into the water, and walk away.
If you’re looking for a consumer-friendly unit that’s easy to use, well-made, and wi-fi compatible, you’ll like the Anova Culinary AN500-US00 Sous Vide Precision Cooker.
I hope you found a sous vide cooker and enjoy this new cooking method. Until next time, happy cooking!
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