Over the past decade, sous vide machines have gained popularity with home cooks. Also known as immersion circulators, sous vide machines (or “under vacuum” in French) allow home cooks the ability to perfectly cook proteins at a low and slow temperature. This technique is perfect for foods like steaks or duck confit, where getting a consistent, tender texture is key. 

While sous vide machines might have seemed unapproachable or too expensive, brands have started to deliver more accessible models. After testing 19 sous vide machines to see which was the most accurate and easy to use, the Anova Culinary Precision Cooker came out as one of our favorites. And best of all, it’s currently $100 off on amazon.

Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker

Why It Won Our Review

Throughout our tests, the Anova Precision Cooker maintained accurate temperatures for cooking chicken breasts and poaching eggs. We especially liked its built-in display with onboard controls, which made it easy to calibrate the water bath without having to fiddle with the settings. It’s also versatile, as we were able to secure it to several vessels, ranging from a Cambro to a Dutch oven. While it wasn’t the fastest sous vide machine (it got to target temperature in 60 minutes with a gallon of cold water — the runner-up!), it performed best overall at keeping consistent and precise temperatures. 

It also works quietly, so you can have it on in the background as you go about your day or prep other dishes. While we enjoyed using the onboard display, if you’re more of a control-everything-with-your-phone type of person (we get it!) the Anova Precision Cooker works with WiFi and Bluetooth, and comes with its own app featuring recipes and cooking guides. For the quality of its performance, the $120 price tag is a steal.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 3.1 x 5.3 x 12.8 inches
• Flow rate: 8 liters / minute
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Power: 1000 watts
• Compatible app: Yes
• Warranty: 2 years

FAQs

What can you use a sous vide machine for?

Sous vide machines, or immersion circulators, cook foods to the perfect doneness, so you can make the perfect brisket, carrots, pork tenderloin, pork ribs, and more.

How do you get started with sous vide cooking?

Once you get your hands on an immersion circulator, we have an introductory guide to sous vide cooking that covers the basics, and then some.

What is the benefit of sous vide cooking?

As well-practiced as some of us may be in the kitchen, one can never ensure that the food will turn out as intended. Because a sous vide machine keeps temperatures in the water bath consistent, you can guarantee a medium-rare steak, rare steak, or well-done steak, without any guesswork.

Why We’re The Experts

• An Uong is a Commerce Writer for Serious Eats and Food & Wine.
• We’ve recommended the Anova Precision Cooker through five years of reviews, and it’s even stood up against newer models.