Which Sous Vide would you buy?

TrailRunner · May 2016

I've been looking on Amazon and one has great reviews then there's a choice to click on new model and the new model has pretty bad reviews. Looking in the $200 range. Thanks

Carolina Q · May 2016

The one I see most often is this one from Anova. The current regular price from Anova direct is $179, but it is occasionally on sale for $130-ish as I recall. They have a wifi version for $199, but I have never seen the need for wifi on any of the stuff we use here, especially SV.

Disclaimer: I don't have one. I use a Crock Pot with the temp controlled by this $25 digital temp controller. No circulator. Works perfectly for my needs, but is limited by crock pot size as to how much food I can cook. I can't just put it in a bigger pot if I screw up and come home with a roast that's a bit too large.

From what I've seen and read about, if I do ever get a "real" SV device, it'll be the Anova non-wifi.

Judy Mayberry · May 2016

I'm not interested in wifi access so I went with the Sansaire because of its large and visible temperature display. I can see it wherever I am in or near the kitchen area. It works perfectly and I do recommend it.

RRP · May 2016

I'm happy with my $179 - bought on sale for $139 ANOVA. It's non-bluetooth and non-wifi. Extremely reliable - even test the water with my trusty Thermapen! I still don't get the need for a "smart unit" since sous vide cooking is set the temperature and leave it alone!

buzd504 · May 2016

I have the wifi Anova and I like it. It was a gift - so why not?

The wifi is definitely not necessary, but it is useful for checking the display. The app is nifty.

bigbadben · May 2016

I have the Anova WiFi and love it. I can throw food in an Ice bath. The Anova will alert me if the water bath climbs above 40F. I have logged in from the doctor's office and started the cook.

The WiFi adds flexibility so I don't have to be home to start the cook.

Carolina Q · May 2016

bigbadben said:

I have the Anova WiFi and love it. I can throw food in an Ice bath. The Anova will alert me if the water bath climbs above 40F. I have logged in from the doctor's office and started the cook.

The WiFi adds flexibility so I don't have to be home to start the cook.

Never thought of that. Still not any need for me, but I can see the benefit for some. @fishlessman, did you buy the wifi version? Lamb cooking from the boat!

Proser · May 2016

I owned the Anova for 28 months used it a couple of times a month and the LCD face when out. Anova won't repair it so I bought a Sansaire and hope to get better life out of it

The Cen-Tex Smoker · May 2016

Depends on what you are going to use it for. I use my Sous Vide Supreme Demi 90% of the time over my Annova. It's quiet, looks good on the counter and handles all but the biggest (whole briskets) jobs with ease. No moving parts and no clean up. The annova is more versatile but I've used it twice in 2 years and have used my SVS Demi close to a hundred. Can't go wrong, just throwing another option out there for you

nolaegghead · May 2016

I have 4 of them. The PolyScience is my fav, but I use the Demi the most because of convenience.

Chubbs · May 2016

nolaegghead said:

I have 4 of them. The PolyScience is my fav, but I use the Demi the most because of convenience.

Sweet. Ship me the one you use the least. Thanks in advance

hondabbq · May 2016

I'm on the fence to get the anova. If I do I'll get the wifi so I can start the cook when I'm at work so it's ready to finish when I get home.

JMCXL · May 2016

my Anova WiFi should arrive tomorrow, I can't wait

bigbadben · May 2016

nolaegghead said:

I have 4 of them. The PolyScience is my fav, but I use the Demi the most because of convenience.

I saw the polyscience options on Amazon when I was doing my research. Can you tell me/us more about them? Are they worth more than the other options?

Thanks

RRP · May 2016

The Cen-Tex Smoker said:

No moving parts and no clean up.

Huh? No moving parts? Just a heater dip stick? Up here in the North we can buy those to stick down the tube to keep the oil and engine block in our diesel engines nice and toasty even in the most brutal cold and they sure don't cost what a sous vide unit runs! Please tell me more!

GregW · May 2016

bigbadben said:

nolaegghead said:

I have 4 of them. The PolyScience is my fav, but I use the Demi the most because of convenience.

I saw the polyscience options on Amazon when I was doing my research. Can you tell me/us more about them? Are they worth more than the other options?

Thanks

Polyscience is used a lot in commercial kitchens. They are robust and designed to stand up to daily use. I have the Polysciences Chef model. It is a well made unit. The Chef model retails for $799.95
When Polyscience first released their circulator's there was not any competition from the low price units. Now there are a number of choices for home circulators on the market.

The Polyscience Chef series is a fine unit, probably more than a person needs for home use. It is very accurate and can easily heat a large water bath.

RRP · May 2016

GregW said:

bigbadben said:

nolaegghead said:

I have 4 of them. The PolyScience is my fav, but I use the Demi the most because of convenience.

I saw the polyscience options on Amazon when I was doing my research. Can you tell me/us more about them? Are they worth more than the other options?

Thanks

Polyscience is used a lot in commercial kitchens. They are robust and designed to stand up to daily use. I have the Polysciences Chef model. It is a well made unit. The Chef model retails for $799.95
When Polyscience first released their circulator's there was not any competition from the low price units. Now there are a number of choices for home circulators on the market.

The Polyscience Chef series is a fine unit, probably more than a person needs for home use. It is very accurate and can easily heat a large water bath.

WOW!!! $799.95 vs a ANOVA on sale for $139? Let me think this one through! LOL

nolaegghead · May 2016

I have the Polyscience Professional. I bought a used one, the new units were around $800 when I purchased. This unit was designed to be used in restaurants.

I've been using their equipment my whole life - I have worked in a lab since college.

This is commercial level equipment - it's designed to run 24/7 and is completely serviceable. When I purchased, there wasn't the plethora of cheap units.

That said, they make some less expensive units that are very well designed and made. The discovery (I think) is one.

I also bought an Anova - it worked for a day.

I also have a 24000 btu Polyscience water chiller for beer and whatever.

Anyway, I don't regret buying commercial equipment, ever. However, I often cook for large crowds, and I don't mind buying spending some extra money for that level of quality, and when it's made in the USA.

The Cen-Tex Smoker · May 2016

RRP said:

The Cen-Tex Smoker said:

No moving parts and no clean up.

Huh? No moving parts? Just a heater dip stick? Up here in the North we can buy those to stick down the tube to keep the oil and engine block in our diesel engines nice and toasty even in the most brutal cold and they sure don't cost what a sous vide unit runs! Please tell me more!

Nope. Just a box with a sealed element. You lose the flexibility of an immersion circulator but it sure is simple to use. It's dead quiet, does not look like a meth lab on your counter and never need to add water. If a bag leaks it does not get all in your circulator.

caliking · May 2016

Another vote for the Sous Vide Supreme Demi.

I bought mine on sale for ~$200. Relatively small footprint, stays out on the counter, very convenient to use. I didn't get one of the stick SV units initially, because I knew I would be too lazy to pull it out, get a container ready, etc.

I eventually bought an Anova unit when they had a sale a while ago, and keep it as a backup for large cooks, or to travel with. I've only used it a few times, as the SVS Demi is ready and set to go any time.

NERVOUS · May 2016

Damn you guys... Each and every one of you! Now I have to get a Sous Vide too!?!

The Cen-Tex Smoker · May 2016

caliking said:

Another vote for the Sous Vide Supreme Demi.

I bought mine on sale for ~$200. Relatively small footprint, stays out on the counter, very convenient to use. I didn't get one of the stick SV units initially, because I knew I would be too lazy to pull it out, get a container ready, etc.

I eventually bought an Anova unit when they had a sale a while ago, and keep it as a backup for large cooks, or to travel with. I've only used it a few times, as the SVS Demi is ready and set to go any time.

I paid $479....early adopter.

Which Sous Vide would you buy?

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