Sous vide, a special cooking technique which makes use of precise temperature control, helps to deliver excellent results. “Under vacuum” cooking was previously popular in restaurants, but you do not have to be a trained chef to master the art of sous vide cooking. It’s what home chefs practice a lot today. Although, there is no doubt that you will need the perfect tools for the job. Picking the best container for sous vide can get you the result you want.
Take your safety into consideration when choosing containers for sous vide cooking. You do not want to use questionable materials which can pose a health risk when heated. One more important thing to remember is that every container has its own minimum water depth requirement.
We know that there are a large number of options in the market, which is why we have done our research to help you out. We have evaluated some of the best containers for sous vide based on certain parameters such as volume options, testing certificates, temperature resistance, temperature range, and handles.
We have spent a significant amount of time compiling the data from our research and customers survey so that you get all the information that you need to pick the best sous vide container. We have highlighted the most important features in our detailed reviews, followed by a buying guide for those who are ready to do their choice.
More features: clear color, shatterproof, dishwasher safe, perfect match with Lipavi L20 Sous Vide Rack and Lid for extra heat capacity.
If you are looking for the best water bath containers for sous vide immersion circulators, then you should take a look at this model. It works perfectly with the Lipavi L20 Sous Vide Rack to give extended capacity and consistent warming.
Look to buy the lid to complete the package. Made with strong polycarbonate, the container is durable and will last you for a long time. It can tolerate high temperatures between -40 to 210 F.
Customers also appreciate this model for being the perfect height to fit in immersion circulators. The tight-fitting lid will reduce vaporization, and the sous vide rack will make sure that there is an even transfer of heat.
The C20L-AP Lid is perfect for the LIPAVI C20 Sous Vide Container. Made with strong and transparent polycarbonate, it has high-temperature tolerance and is dishwasher proof.
More features: lid and rack included, compatible with all ANOVA immersion circulators, patented Hemiflow design, raised base, easy to clean, dishwasher safe
Sous vide cooking has become extremely popular over the last few years because it yields delicious gourmet food. With this container, you will be sure to get consistent results making it one of the best polycarbonate containers for water baths.
Made with the best quality materials and certified by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), you can use this container with immersion circulators without any hassle.
You will be able to cook large meals fairly quickly because of the 17-quart capacity. If you have a big family, then this container is the way to go. It is also easy to clean since it is totally dishwasher safe. You will also find that this container is shatter-resistant, and will not break even if you accidentally drop it.
The Anova Precision Cooker Nano will work perfectly with this container.The patented Hemiflow design increases the water circulation and helps to heat it more efficiently. While the lid will reduce evaporation and protect your food. Neither the heat nor a dishwasher can ruin it.
More features: handles, volume scale, clear color, shatterproof, dishwasher safe
This model comes with graduated scale that will help you measure the amount of food that you are cooking. These are excellent containers because they will keep your food fresh.
Made with commercial-grade polycarbonate material, the container will not break easily. This means that the container will provide product visibility, it has smooth surface, and also is durable at the same time. The container has been designed to save space on your shelf and give you a compact storage option.
It is made with only FDA compliant materials, and the model is dishwasher safe. It can withstand any temperature between -40 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The high heat tolerance and innovative design make it the perfect Sous Vide Immersion Cooking container.
The Sous Vide Water Balls by Wasserstein will give you reliable performance and keep your container covered. Durable and compact, they are easy to clean and use. They will ensure maximum water surface area coverage and cut down on heat wastage.
More features: clear color, shatterproof, dishwasher safe, stain, acid, and odor resistant
Cambro has been in the business of manufacturing culinary food storage containers for a long time now, and you can rely on them for the best quality products. Their containers, made with virtually unbreakable polycarbonate materials, makes them perfect for immersion circulators. For the best experience, you should also buy a lid for the container. The robust material ensures that the container does not break accidentally.
Use them to store food and ingredients in bulk. The 4-3/4-gallon holding capacity ensures that you do not have to divide your food into several storage units. The smooth surface is easy to clean, and you should have no problem. It is undoubtedly one of the best water containers for sous vide immersion circulators.
The Cambro Lid for Half-Size Food Box is a perfect fit for this food storage container. Made with polycarbonate material, it is durable and heat-tolerant.
More features: clear color, shatterproof, dishwasher safe.
If you are hunting for an excellent sous vide container, then you cannot go wrong with this model. With a 12 Quart capacity, it can store all your food and ingredients.
You can use it in your immersion circulator without any problem as it is able to retain the heat inside. It has the most recommended depth for sous vide cooking and will be the perfect fit for your immersion circulators.
It can tolerate high temperatures, and will not break in the heat. It is one of the best BPA-free sous vide water containers available.
If you want to maximize the value of the container, you should invest in a matching lid. Certain lids are incompatible with this container, and you should be careful about that. The EVERIE Sous Vide Lid will work great for Anova Cookers and fit snugly. It will cut down water evaporation and keep the food cooking. The atent pending hinged lid allows you to manage the food easily. The EVERIE Collapsible Hinged Sous Vide Container Lid will be perfect fit for Chefsteps Joule cookers.
More features: rack included, clear color, 30-day warranty, crystal clear color, scaling gradation marks, compatible with all sous vide circulators 2.5″ or less in diameter
If this is your first foray into cooking with a sous vide cooker, you might find it somewhat difficult to use the cooker. However, there are some options on the market that make it very easy for you. This model, the ROMI Sous Vide Cooker, is the best for beginners on the market right now. It is very simple to use and is made to last for a long time.
Like some of the best models on the market, this unit is made out of durable materials and boasts of external certification. The unit is made of polycarbonate and stainless steel, which are BPA-free. Therefore, you have at your disposal a sous vide cooker that is easy to use, safe, and durable.
12 QT seems to be the standard, and that is what you get from this option. This capacity is relatively small, but it is large enough to allow you to feed a group of three or four.
This model also comes with additional features. For instance, it comes with a 30 day warranty period. It is also a versatile option that shows great compatibility with sous vide circulators 2.5” or less in size.
The body of the model is graduated, which means you will get accurate measurements from it.
More features: rack, sleeve, cookbook included, clear color, dishwasher safe
Cooking has to be carried out safely and without impediments, and that is what you get from this container It is the best certified option on this roundup and comes with several nice features that make it a must have.
The main attraction of this model is that it is the option with the best certification. For you this means that you have an option that will last for a long time and that is safe to use. The parts of this model are made of stainless steel and are BPA-free as well. The construction is lightweight yet durable. It also offers plenty of stability.
If you are a gourmet cook, regardless of whether you are cooking at home or are cooking at the restaurant, you will certainly have on your hands a cooking container that excellently prepares your food for you. The 12 QT capacity is relatively small, but if you are just looking to make a small meal for the family of 4 or a group of four, then this would be sufficient.
The model also comes with some useful accessories, including a cookbook that contains plenty of useful and delicious recipes.
There is a temperature range that ensures that your food is thoroughly prepared throughout the cooking time. It also comes with external certifications that reveal that this has been tested to offer you the best quality service.
More features: rack and sleeve included, collapsible lid, scaling gradation marks, compatible with all Anova models and others
If you are looking for the best cooking machine that is compatible with whatever you plan on using it with, then the EVERIE Sous Vide Container KIT-TY-GJ is just what you need. If you are a home chef and want something that gives excellent value for money, then you should strongly consider buying this unit. What do you get from using this model? Let’s consider the benefits.
First of all, the EVERIE Sous Vide Container KIT-TY-GJ gives you a reasonable amount of power. This will make sure that you have all you need to cook your foods, ranging from chicken to eggs, pork, beef and other types of food.
Additionally, the 12Qt volume is big enough and this size will ensure that the heat and circulation occurs evenly. Due to this size, you can comfortably cater for cooking food for up to three adults without any issues.
The controls and interface are also easy and some of the best that we have reviewed/ With this feature, you will find it pretty easy to handle the time and temperature of the model. There are also plenty of recipes that will allow you to choose the recipes. Therefore, you don’t have to consult a cookbook or something similar.
Another nice thing about the EVERIE Sous Vide Container KIT-TY-GJ is that it comes with a plethora of features that let you get to cooking almost immediately.
More features: clear color, shatterproof, easy to clean, dishwasher safe, accessories kit (container with lid)
Your sous vide cooking efforts deserve nothing less than the best tools. This container is made with premium polycarbonate, which is one of the strongest plastics that you can get on the market. Not only is it easy to clean, but it is also ultra-strong.
Besides, the container also provides you with crystal-clear visibility allowing you to keep a check on the food. The lid keeps the water from evaporating, ensuring consistent results.
Moreover, this will save you some money because you will be saving electricity. This container has a low thermal conductivity, and it can store the heat in for longer periods. With its precision mold, this universal container will be a perfect fit for most sous vide cookers.
More features: rack included, compatible with all sous vide circulators 2.5″ or less in diameter, 100% satisfaction guarantee
While the others on this list might come with fancy features and interface, this unit is different because it is the one with the best capacity. Unlike others, it has a capacity of up to 26 QT. The effect of this is that you can cook plenty of food at a go. Because of the size, you can cook food for up to 6 people at a time
Although the brand is not the most popular brand on the market, its features are excellent and can rival those from even more expensive options. It comes with dependability, offers features, and at a reasonable price that makes for a good buy.
If you are cooking from home and want and option the will offer excellent value for money, you can do no wrong with this model.
Inside the cooker are functions that offer the best circulation, speed and power that ensures that all the types of food that you decide to cook are excellently prepared for the whole family.
The body of the unit is made of durable parts and is BPA-free. Therefore, you have a model that you will use for a long time and safely as well.
Another great feature here is that it is compatible with all types of containers, as long as these are 2.5” or less in diameter.
The sheer number of options available on the market might end up confusing you, and that is why we have prepared this buyer’s guide. It will help you understand your requirements and determine what you are looking for in your container for the immersion circulator.
Containers made with polycarbonate are ideal for sous vide immersion cooking as compared to metal pots and plastic bags. While the former poses a problem because the metal is a conductor of heat and the latter tends to contain BPA, known to be harmful to health. Polycarbonate has a high heat tolerance of 210F, and it will ensure consistent cooking. Moreover, a container is transparent, unlike a metal pot, and this will make it easier for you to keep an eye on the food.
Polycarbonate has lower heat conductivity as compared to metal as a result of which it tends to become hot faster, leading to better energy efficiency. Containers tend to be lightweight and can be easily carried from one room to another. You can also clean them easily because of the smooth surfaces.
When you are buying sous vide container, you will have to be specific about your needs. Looking for a particular set of features can make the process of selection much easier. There are different price ranges available in the store, and setting a budget will allow you to make the best choice for yourself. You should definitely consider the following when trying to choose sous vide container:
The volume of the water bath for sous vide will be determined by your cooking needs. There are different sizes available, so you pick the one that suits your family the best. The sizes begin from 8 quarts and go up to 12 and 18 quarts. If you know that you will be cooking maximum meals for your family and friends, then you should opt for a 12-quart container.
Also, take into account the height of the container. Ideally, it should 8 inches deep so that the food and any other accessories you might use can fit in there perfectly.
Traditionally, metal pots and saucepans have been used for sous vide cooking, but they are not ideal if you want the best results. Metal, being an excellent conductor of heat, causes wastage of time, fuel, and energy. You might think that any pot or container could be used for sous vide as long as it can accommodate the contents, but that is not the case.
Don’t use ice coolers or bathtubs because they might not be able to survive the heat. The best material for containers or immersion circulators is polycarbonate plastic. Polycarbonate can resist the heat of high temperatures and is lightweight.
The water containers for your immersion circulators can be multi-functional. You will be able to store food in the containers when they are not being used with the immersion circulator. Polycarbonate containers are lightweight, and you will have no problem taking them on and off the shelves. Some models have a rectangular shape which allows for easy placement on flat surfaces.
You will be able to fit in the containers anywhere in the kitchen. When you invest in a container for your immersion circulator, you also get a compact storage option.
You must cover the container during the cooking time.
You can buy a matching lid which will fit the sous vide container perfectly and seal it off completely. Lids can reduce evaporation and ensure better cooking. However, a large number of polycarbonate containers do not come with lids. When you try to buy a separate lid, there is a chance that you will end up with a mismatch.
Plastic food wraps can cover the container and help to reduce water loss. However, it can be difficult to seal them in place. Every time you want to add some water, you will have to do seal it all over again.
Ping pong sous vide balls have become incredibly popular, and they can cover the entire water bath surface irrespective of the shape and size of the container. They float on the surface and prevent evaporation.
The correct lid can make a whole lot of difference during sous vide cooking. Some containers for immersion circulators come with lids customized for them. As a result, the lids fit perfectly, and there is no space left on either side.
If you do not want to go into the trouble of choosing a separate lid, you should go for a container that comes with a lid. If you have a bought a container without a lid, you will have to hunt for a lid that fits the measurement of the hole in the container. Preferably, you should take it into a store and get it measured so that you make no mistake.
The water bath in the container tends to lose heat with evaporation. If you want to save energy, then you should try to keep the container as warm as possible at all times. This is why you need a lid that will keep the heat from escaping. As the steam rises, it will get trapped underneath the lid and then drip back into the food.
By keeping in the heat, the lid will allow more consistent and even cooking. You can also opt for plastic wraps or ping pong balls if you want to trap the steam.
If you are looking for an alternative that will work with your immersion circulators, you can use induction-ready pots. Traditionally, these have been used for sous vide cooking, and you will get used to it.
The Le Creuset Enamel-on-Steel Covered Stockpot and the Staub 1102687 Round Cocotte Grenadine are excellent choices. Both of them come with lids and can be used for your immersion circulators. They have a range of sizes that you can choose from.
Invest in a container that can store up to 20 quarts or 18.927 liters if you are aiming for maximum productivity. Most containers that are suitable for sous vide cooking come in a range of sizes nowadays to make it easier for you to pick a model that meets your requirements. If you love to frequently cook in the sous vide style, do ensure you’ve containers in different sizes.
They will cover the surface, but also have the added advantage of being able to take the shape of whatever container they are put in. These balls are designed to trap the steam when it rises and reduce evaporation. As a result, the steam gets collected at the bottom of the sous vide balls, and then drips back in. With ping pong balls, you will have the ultimate flexibility of choosing any container you want on a given day.
Whether you are planning to cook for your entire family, or you are going to cook a small meal for two, you can use sous vide ping pong balls as they can conform to the shape of any polycarbonate container as well. It becomes easy to adjust the food as well because you will not have to remove the lid.
When it comes to sous vide cooking, it is important to get the little things correct, and you should replace your water bath as soon as possible. You will find yourself in greater trouble in case the damage worsens over time.
The above list has been curated after much deliberation and a lot of research. We hope that you have found the answers you were looking for. While all the models that have been mentioned are excellent, we do have a few favorites.
The LIPAVI Sous Vide Container C20 is easily one of the best containers for sous vide. Easy to handle and wash, this heat-resistant container is loved by customers. On the other hand, the Cambro 4.75 Gallon Polycarbonate Food Storage Camwear Box is very durable and will last you for a long period.
You can store large amounts of food at a time. The Rubbermaid Food Storage Container, designed with industry grade materials, is perfectly safe. The modern design makes it the perfect addition to your kitchen.
If you are looking for a container for your immersion circulator that already comes with a lid, then you cannot go wrong with the GEESTA Crystal-Clear Sous Vide Container with Lid and the VÄESKE Large Sous Vide Container.
