Sous vide needs a seal that survives hours in hot water. Look for a double seal, and avoid sealing so hard that juices get pulled into the seal.
- Best overallAnova Precision Vacuum Sealer ProAbout $100
- Best chamberAnova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer$374 list
- Best compactAnova Precision Vacuum Sealer$89 list
Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro
- Price
- About $100
- Type
- Countertop (edge)
- Seal bar or bags
- 11.8 in rolls
- Liquids
- Wet mode; freeze liquids first
- Pump
- Single pump
- Warranty
- 2 years
A double seal, a wet mode for juicy meat and marinades, and a passed sous vide seal test on its default setting in Healthy Recipes 101's trial. About $100 with a two-year warranty.
What we like
- Double seal
- Wet mode
What to know
- Loud
Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer
- Price
- $374 list
- Type
- Chamber
- Seal bar or bags
- 11.8"
- Liquids
- Yes
- Chamber size
- 12 × 8.6 × 3 in
- Pump
- Dry pump, no oil
Chamber sealing lets you bag meat with marinade or butter without the liquid reaching a pump, and its infuse and compress programs suit sous vide cooks who like to experiment.
What we like
- Seals with marinade
- Infuse and compress programs
What to know
- $374 list
Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer
- Price
- $89 list
- Type
- Countertop (edge)
- Seal bar or bags
- Up to 11.8 in
- Liquids
- No
- Pump
- -0.5 bar (maker figure)
- Warranty
- 2 years
Anova's slim sealer weighs 2.3 lb and stores in a drawer. It's rated at -0.5 bar by Anova and has a two-year warranty, but no accessory port. Fine for occasional sous vide.
What we like
- 2.3 lb
- 2-year warranty
What to know
- Lower suction than the Pro
- No accessory port
Tips for sous vide bags
- Fold the bag mouth back while filling so the seal area stays clean and dry.
- For wet food in an edge sealer, use the wet mode or freeze the bag flat first.
- See our full guide to vacuum sealing for sous vide.
Questions
Do I need a vacuum sealer for sous vide?
No, zipper bags with the water-displacement method work for short cooks. A sealer is better for long cooks and for freezing food to cook later.
