What are the main types of sous vide cooker?

Sous vide, French for "under vacuum", is a popular cooking method in both commercial and home kitchens these days. This technique features cooking at a low-temperature range and precise temperature control in a vacuum.

Benefits of sous vide

• Cooking at low temperatures allows you to customize the best texture of the food
• Precise temperature control ensures consistent and perfect results every time you cook
• The vacuum environment prevents food from oxidation and retains nutrients

Main types of sous vide cooker

There are currently two main types of sous vide cookers: immersion circulator and water oven. They both work well and it depends on your preference to choose one. About what you should take into consideration, you can read another article: Sous vide cooker buying guide

Immersion sous vide cooker

Immersion sous vide cookers, also immersion circulator, includes a heater for warming water, a pump to promote water circulation for more even heating, and a temperature controller for constant and precise heating.

Features:

• Easy storage—fits neatly into a kitchen drawer
• User-friendly touch display
• Water-resistant for long-term use

Water bath sous vide cooker

Different from the immersion circulator, the water bath sous vide cooker (water oven) is self-contained, without the need for an extra water container. This type of sous vide cooker is more popular in commercial kitchens.

Features:

• Larger control panels that are easy to operate
• Special water circulator, more even heating
• Powerful pump design and stable temperature control