Complete guide: How to choose the best sous vide cooker in 2026?

Portable immersion heater or all-in-one water tank? 8L or 28L capacity? Discover which low-temperature cooking appliance is right for your kitchen, whether you're a passionate amateur or a demanding professional.

Sous-vide cooking has revolutionized the way we cook. No more dry meat or overcooked fish: this technique guarantees perfect cooking, down to the degree , while preserving nutrients. But with the wide variety of models available, it's easy to get lost in the options.

At Sealeuse Pro , we've selected and tested the best solutions on the market. This comparison guide will help you identify the device that perfectly matches your needs.

1. The big debate: Immersion heater or water tank?

This is the first question to ask. There are two main types of sous-vide cooking equipment:

Option A: The immersion heater (Flexibility above all)

It's a heating stick that attaches to the side of a pot or gastronorm container. It heats the water and circulates it using a propeller.

• The pros: Compact (fits in a drawer), transforms any container into a cooker, often cheaper.
• Who is it for? Individuals, caterers on the go, or those who lack space on their worktop.

Best Value for Money

1000W Immersion Heater

The ideal entry-level model for beginners, without compromise. Powerful and precise for containers up to 20L.

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Chefs' Choice

Professional Immersion Heater

Designed for heavy-duty use. Superior water circulation and impeccable thermal stability for large volumes.

Discover the Pro model

Option B: The Water Tray (All-in-one stability)

Also called a "water oven", it is a self-contained, thermally insulated tank with a lid.

• The pluses: Perfect insulation (energy saving), absolute silence (no pump), no water evaporation during long cooking times (24h+).
• Who is it for? Professional kitchens with fixed locations and enthusiasts who want a dedicated and stable cooking station.

2. Choose the right capacity: From 8L to 28L

If you opt for a water oven, the size of the tank will determine what you can cook.

For small kitchens and family use (8.5L)

A compact model is more than enough to cook 4 to 6 steaks, fish fillets or vegetables for a family.

Compact & Stylish

Compact 8.5L Stainless Steel Sous Vide Cooker

Ideal for home use. Elegant stainless steel finish, intuitive control panel and compact size.

See the 8.5L model

The versatile standard (12.5L)

This is the "all-purpose" format. It allows you to cook longer pieces (whole tenderloin, rack of lamb) or larger quantities without the bags overlapping too much.

Bestseller

12.5L Low Temperature Cooking Machine

The perfect middle ground. A spacious tank with a divider grid included to organize your bags.

See the 12.5L model

For "Large Volume" and Events (28L)

Here, we're moving into the big leagues. This type of equipment is intended for caterers, restaurants, or hunters who process whole game animals.

XXL capacity

28L Gastronorm Bain-Marie

Industrial power. Integrated drain valve, absolute thermal stability for large-scale production.

See the 28L model

3. Technical criteria to be verified

Whatever your choice, never compromise on these three points:

1. Precision: All our devices guarantee stability to within 0.1°C . That's the difference between a perfect egg and a hard-boiled egg.
2. Power: For an immersion heater, aim for at least 1000W so that the water reaches the target temperature quickly.
3. Circulation: Proper sous vide cooking requires water to circulate to avoid cold spots. Our immersion circulators actively stir the water, while our tanks use natural convection assisted by heating across the entire surface.

Are you still hesitating?

If you're a beginner, we often recommend the 1000W Immersion Circulator for its versatility. If you're looking for ultimate convenience without having to deal with a pot, the 12.5L Cooker is your best bet.

Remember: good cooking starts with good vacuum sealing. Make sure you use certified heat-resistant cooking bags .