5 Best Sous Vide Cookers for Moist, Tender Meat

Wattage: 1000 watts | Size: 3.1 x 5.3 x 12.8 inches

Anova has virtually become synonymous with sous vide cooking, so it’s no wonder that the Precision Cooker from the San Francisco-based appliance firm is a top-rated favorite. It heats water swiftly at 1000 watts and, as the name implies, maintains a precise temperature for consistent cooking outcomes. It can be programmed manually, so you don’t need a tablet or phone to use it (though there is an option to connect to Anova’s app if you want to go the digital route)—choose your desired temperature and cooking length to get started. An adjustable clamp makes attaching to pots or containers simple, and the entire unit detaches for easy cleaning.

Pros:

• Intuitive programming
• Attaches easily

Cons:

• Bulkier than others
• High water fill needed

Wattage: 800 watts | Size: 16.2 x 8.2 x 4.4 inches

The Monoprice Strate Home is one of the most economical sous vide cookers on the market, priced under $100, and great for individuals just getting started with this hands-off cooking method. The lower 800 watts means water takes longer to heat up, but the Monoprice has a lower minimum fill than other models, so you waste less water when cooking. ACCORDING TO REVIEWERS, the LED touchscreen’s settings are easy to modify, and it maintains a consistent temperature.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Ability to set water direction and flow

Cons:

• Takes a while to heat up
• No Wi-fi capabilities

Wattage: 800 watts | Size: 15.75 x 7.24 x 5.2 inches

Consider this Instant Pot (yes, the Instant Pot) option for a blend of cost and dependability. With its Accu Slim Immersion Circulator, the inventors of the popular electronic pressure cooker have addressed yet another frightening cooking technique. While it is meant to attach to the inner pot of your Instant Pot, it also works with other containers. Like the pressure cooker, it’s easy to use with a simple digital touchscreen for programming time and temperature. Though it lacks some of the bells and whistles of its more expensive counterparts (for example, Bluetooth connectivity), the Accu Slim does have several useful features:

• The clamp can be used with one hand.
• The LED screen provides color-coded status updates.
• It’s completely waterproof.

Pros:

• Slim design
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Quiet timer
• Auto shut-off

Wattage: 1100 watts | Size: 11 x 1.85 x 1.85 inches

There’s no denying that the Breville Joule is a work of art. Unlike its stainless steel and black siblings, the Joule is encased in white polycarbonate for a stylish, minimalist appearance. It measures 11 inches tall and is small enough to fit into a kitchen drawer, making it ideal for cooks with limited storage. Despite its small size, the stick provides quick heating and precise temperature control. However, because there is no display, programming requires the Joule app, which reviewers warn can be buggy.

Pros:

• Fast heating
• Magnetic base

Cons:

• No display
• App connection can be buggy

Wattage: 1,450 watts | Size: 3.7 x 6.7 x 14.6 inches

This powerful gadget, part of the Breville Commercial series, is undoubtedly the Cadillac of sous vide sticks. The high-end HydroPro has outstanding novel features, including a rotatable pump with three flow speeds, a heavy-duty spring-loaded clamp, and a built-in sous vide guide that estimates the time required for different foods. All this information and programming occurs on the huge 4.3-inch color touchscreen protected by Gorilla Glass. HydroPro’s speed and precision are its most crucial features. It heats up rapidly and stays warm thanks to its 1,450-watt power.

Pros:

• Super fast heating
• Built-in cooking experience

Cons:

• Pricey