If you ask any sous vide fanatic to reveal their greatest challenge when they were starting, many will confess that picking the best container for sous vide from the multiple options in stores was a real challenge.
Why? While all the containers in stores promise to be the best, only a few can stick to that hype.
In fact, many are exaggeratedly expensive, less durable, and contain potentially harmful compounds.
For that reason, analyzed several top-rated containers for sous vide based on temperature resistance, safety, durability, price-value ratio, and ease of use. After that, we picked ten that are worth your dollars.
What Is The Most Suitable Construction Material?
Many if not all containers for sous vide are made from polycarbonate, a plastic material with plenty of benefits. Some of the great reasons why reputable sous vide container manufacturers use this plastic include:
Polycarbonate Has Superior Resistance To Impact
Unlike ordinary plastic, polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable. Therefore, your container won’t shatter if it slides off your counter accidentally, or when you bang it with other kitchen appliances unintentionally.
Polycarbonate Has Excellent Resistance To Elements
Apart from the first-rate resistance to elements, polycarbonate is highly resistant to corrosion and any form of deterioration occasioning from regular exposure to UV, high temperatures, chemicals, and other elements.
Are Sous Viding Containers Food Safe?
We all know that plastic cookware is potentially harmful, more so when exposed to high temperatures. They can leach toxic chemicals like Bisphenol A into your food, thereby exposing you to adverse health effects.
While these claims are true to some extent, the case doesn’t apply to the best sous vide containers. Why? Polycarbonate, the main construction material for sous vide containers are free of all known hazardous chemicals.
As well, many manufacturers make their sous vide containers under the strict guidelines of the FDA, HACCP, NSF, or USDA. Given that, your sous vide container should be safe so long as it is from a trustworthy kitchen accessory manufacturer.
Even if your sous vide container leaches harmful chemicals, the toxic chemicals will hardly contaminate your food since you will be cooking the food in a vacuum-sealed bag. That said, the chances of adulterating your food through sous vide container are minimal.
Is It So Necessary In Sous Vide Cooking?
While you can use any heat-resistant bowl for sous vide cooking, top chefs say that sous vide containers are fundamental for any enthusiast who wants restaurant-quality results, right in their kitchen.
The containers are designed to minimize excessive heat loss and minimize evaporation. Their lids have a hole to hold immersion circulators, and their racks keep sous vide bags immersed. As a result, they will help you cook at consistent temperatures.
What Is The Ideal Capacity Of a Good Sous Vide Container?
Frankly, there is no universal capacity that would fit the needs of each cooking enthusiast out there. That’s the primary reason why various sous vide cooking containers come in varying sizes and capacities.
If you want the right size, we propose that you vet the container’ against the number of servings you wish to prepare at a go, as well as your family’s size. Thus, large capacity units would be great for large families, while small containers would be ideal for small size families.
Sous vide cooking experts report that a 12-quart container for sous vide should be enough for many households. However, if you have enough space on your counter and you won’t mind spending more dollars, just invest in a large capacity container, regardless of your family size.
A large container will come in handy during those days when you have visitors, or when you just want to cook large amounts of food to preserve in your refrigerator.
What’s The Price For The Best-Rated Containers For Sous Vide?
The price for the best containers for sous vide ranges from around $20 to $100 or even more. The price varies depending on the size of the container, and the number of accessories provided along with the container.
For instance, sous vide containers with a lid, sleeve, rack, or cookbook will cost more than their counterparts that come as a single piece. Though the price tag for containers that come as basic sous vide kit seems high, it is lower than what you would have incurred if you bought the pieces separately.
What Extra Features Should I Consider?
Since stores have numerous sous vide containers, many manufacturers have been striving to add extra features as a way to make their containers stand out from the rest, as well as give their loyal customers more value. Some of these extra features that matter include:
Handles
Some sous vide containers have integrated handles to let you move your unit around effortlessly. The handles minimize the chances of the container slipping off your hands accidentally, more so when it is loaded.
Non-slip Base
If your kitchen workshop is too smooth or you just want to eliminate the chances of your container slithering off by mistake, we propose that you look around for one with a non-slip base. Such a container will sit stably on your smooth worktop without issue.
Best Container for Sous Vide Reviews
1. Anova Culinary ANRC01 Sous Vide Cooking Container: Best Overall
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 18.5 x 11.18 x 8.74 inches |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Anova |
Highlighted Features
- 16-quart capacity
- Clear polycarbonate construction
- Innovative curved body shape
- Silicone sealed lid
- Integrated wire rack
- Side handles
- 3mm raised base
Anova made the ANRC01 sous vide container for customers who want nothing but the best. This explains why this sous vide cooking container has five-star ratings from several cooking enthusiasts who have already purchased and used it.
Made from polycarbonate, this sous vide container has excellent resistance to impact and high temperatures. It won’t break when it collides or falls, and it will not lose its structural integrity even when exposed to high temperatures for an extended period.
Furthermore, the polycarbonate construction is free of BPA, phthalates, and other hazardous compounds that could contaminate your food. So, with this container, you won’t feed on possibly adulterated delicacies.
The container has integrated handles to enhance portability, curved edges to improve water circulation, a clear construction to monitor your food as it cooks, and a wire rack to keep your vacuum sealer bags submerged.
As a bonus, this sous vide container comes with a silicone-sealed lid that closes your container tightly while cooking. The lid will reduce evaporation, as well as retain maximum heat to cook your food at precise temperatures.
2. HOMENOTE Sous Vide Cooking Kit
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 7.7 x 4.3 x 1.9 inches |
| Weight | 4.74 pounds |
| Manufacturer | HOMENOTE |
Highlighted Features
- Complete starter kit
- Transparent polycarbonate construction
- 12-quart capacity
- External testing certification
If you are just starting, this sous vide starter kit from HOMENOTE would be ideal. It has a container, cookbook, sleeve, lid, and rack. It will save you from buying various sous vide cooking appliances separately.
HOMENOTE designed the kit’s sous vide container from polycarbonate, a safe, durable material. It is highly resistant to impact, and it can accommodate temperatures ranging between -40 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
This best sous vide container passes through NSF/ SGS checks before it reaches the end consumer. The SGS and NSF certifications are an assurance that the HOMENOTE container will truly live up to its marketing promise.
Its lid and sleeve work synergistically to prevent excessive temperature and water loss. As such, the container will help you cook at the appropriate temperatures, thereby achieving your precision cooking goals.
3. VPCOK Sous Vide Container with Lid and Rack
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 12.52 x 12.52 x 8.27 inches |
| Weight | 3.61 pounds |
| Manufacturer | VPCOK |
Highlighted Features
- Non-skid design
- Clear plastic construction
- Calibrated
- Integrated handles
This sous vide container comes with a lid and rack, at the price of just the container. It will therefore help you save some dollars, more so if you were looking to buy the included sous vide accessories separately.
VPCOK made this best cooking container for sous vide from a commercial-grade, food-safe polycarbonate material. It has superb resistance to impact and it can tolerate temperatures ranging from -45 to 135 degrees Celsius without issue.
Its handles will let you move the container effortlessly, and its non-skid base minimizes the chances of your sous vide container slipping off the counter. Into the bargain, this 12.6-quart container has calibrations to let you use the right quantity of water in cooking.
VPCOK sous vide container’s lid comes fitted with a silicone gasket to minimize evaporation and excessive temperature loss. The lid is compatible with Anova Nano, Wancle, ChefSteps, and Joule immersion circulators.
4. EVERIE Sous Vide Container
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 12.99 x 11.81 x 8.27 inches |
| Weight | 1.92 pounds |
| Manufacturer | EVERIE |
Highlighted Features
- Hinged lid
- 12 quarts capacity
- Polycarbonate construction
- NSF approved
This best sous vide container from EVERIE boasts of a hinged lid that will save you from the hassle of misplacing your lid, or struggling to fit it tightly on your sous vide container whenever you want to cook. The lid’s hinge has a lifespan of 100000 uses.
The hinged lid closes tightly to minimize evaporation as well as conserve the temperatures of your water bath. However, while the lid works perfectly, some sous vide enthusiasts claim that it complicates cleaning the container.
Made from polycarbonate, this sous vide container with a lid will offer its service for a reasonable number of years, even when used frequently. It will not break if it falls accidentally, and it will not lose its structural strength when used regularly at high cooking temperatures.
With an NSF certification, EVERIE built this container following strict public health regulations. It is free of BPA, Phthalates, and all other hazardous compounds that could contaminate your dishes.
5. GEESTA Crystal Clear Sous Vide Container
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 12.75 x 10.45 x 7.8 inches |
| Weight | 2.29 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Geesta |
Highlighted Features
- Polycarbonate construction
- Crystal clear
- Lid with integrated handle
- NSF certified
Made from ultra-strong polycarbonate material, this best sous vide plastic container stands as one of the most versatile in the market. It is therefore an ideal pick for cooking enthusiasts who want a container that can hold up well to regular and heavy use.
The premium polycarbonate construction is highly shatterproof and heat resistant. GEESTA’s technicians subjected it to intensive material testing to ascertain that clients get the high quality promised by GEESTA. As well, polycarbonate is free of those toxic compounds that could contaminate your food. That’s why it is NSF certified.
In addition to the long-lasting construction, this best cooking container for sous vide features a lid designed to enhance your convenience and enhance your cooking outcome. The lid has a handle to let you open and close the container with ease, and a rounded 2.5-inch opening to mount any immersion circulator. It closes tightly to minimize excessive evaporation and heat loss.
6. Rubbermaid Sous Vide Container: Budget Pick
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 11.31 x 10.5 x 7.75 inches |
| Weight | 1.54 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Rubbermaid Commercial Products |
Highlighted Features
- Multipurpose
- Calibrated
- Transparent polycarbonate construction
- Space-saving design
- Dishwasher safe
- 12-quart capacity
Obviously, there is nobody who hates a multipurpose kitchen appliance since it saves you from owning several accessories for each cooking task. This is so with the Rubbermaid sous vide container. You can use it for sous vide cooking, or for the storage of fruits, spices, and flour.
The container is made of durable, industrial-grade polycarbonate to withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. As well, the construction is virtually shatterproof and non-corrosive. Therefore, this best sous vide plastic container will survive for a relatively long period.
Rubbermaid, a respected manufacturer of household items, designed this best-rated container for sous vide according to the strict guidelines of USDA and HACCP. It is free of harmful compounds like Bisphenol A and Phthalates.
With a space-saving design, this plastic container for sous vide will consume limited space on your counter or kitchen shelf. If you have several Rubbermaid sous vide containers, just stack them together to save some valuable counter space.
7. LIPAVIC15 Sous vide Container
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 17.6 x 11.5 x 7.8 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Manufacturer | LIPAVI |
Highlighted Features
- 18-quarts capacity
- Transparent polycarbonate construction
- Dishwasher safe
- Included rack and lid
LIPAVI, one of the leading manufacturers of sous vide cooking accessories supplies this container along with a lid and a rack. Both sous vide cooking appliances collaborate to offer great outcomes.
Made from premium-grade materials, the rack, container, and lid will not give up too easily even when used for sous vide cooking regularly. As well, the sous vide accessories will not contaminate your delicacies with BPA, melamine, heavy metal, phthalate, and any other hazardous chemical.
The lid fits over the container to minimize evaporation and the rack holds your sous vide bags securely to keep them immersed. Furthermore, the rack holds your sous vide bags in an appropriate spacing to enhance water circulation.
LIPAVI fabricated this best sous vide container from polycarbonate, a material with superb resistance to heat and impact. The container’s lid has an opening that can fit virtually all sous vide immersion circulators.
8. Vaeske Sous Vide Container with Lid
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 12.56 x 10.35 x 7.87 inches |
| Weight | 3.99 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Väeske |
Highlighted Features
- Neoprene sleeve
- Adjustable rack
- Clear polycarbonate container
- 12-quart capacity
The Vaeske sous vide container comes equipped with a neoprene sleeve, an adjustable sous vide rack and a lid. These sous vide appliances work simultaneously to help you cook at a precise temperature, reduce your cooking times, as well as minimize heat loss.
The neoprene sleeve insulates the sous vide container to minimize excessive heat loss, and it works as a shield protecting your counter from the detrimental effects of high temperatures. With the sleeve, your food will cook faster.
Additionally, this container’s stainless steel rack prevents your vacuum sealer bags from floating, thereby minimizing issues of undercooked food. The lid closes securely to minimize evaporation and heat loss.
Just like its rivals, Vaeske’s engineers made this model from polycarbonate, a durable, heat-resistant material. It is free of toxic compounds, offers superior resistance to high temperatures, and is virtually shatterproof.
9. Cambro Sous Vide Container
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 20.75 x 18 x 12.5 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 pounds |
| Manufacturer | food service warehouse |
Highlighted Features
- Calibrated
- Polycarbonate construction
- Textured bottom
- Multipurpose
- 19 quarts capacity
With a 19-quart capacity, the Cambro sous vide container stands as one of the most high-capacity sous vide containers in the market. As such, it is a suitable pick for homemakers and chefs who want a unit for cooking large quantities at a time.
Apart from sous vide cooking, you can use this container to store fruits, spices, ingredients, and any other foodstuff. Thanks to a durable construction that can bear even the heaviest cooking or storage tasks.
The container features a textured bottom that protects your counter from scratches. As well, the textured bottom impedes the container from sliding off your kitchen worktop or any other smooth surface.
Built from polycarbonate, this sous vide container will withstand temperatures of up to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. It will not melt. In the bargain, the polycarbonate material will never break easily when the container drops or collides with other appliances.
10. LIPAVI C10 Container with Lid and Rack
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 20.9 x 12.9 x 1 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Manufacturer | LIPAVI |
Highlighted Features
- 12-quart capacity
- Rack and lid included
- Calibrated
- Dishwasher safe
- Polycarbonate construction
This best cooking container for sous vide comes with a lid and a stainless steel rack. We would, therefore, recommend it to sous vide cooking enthusiasts who want other sous vide appliances on top of the container. Buying the accessories together would be much cheaper than buying each piece separately.
The stainless steel rack will prevent your sous vide cooking bags from floating on the water bath, and the lid will prevent evaporation and excessive heat loss. This means that using the three sous vide appliances concurrently will help you achieve great cooking results.
The container’s clear polycarbonate plastic can withstand temperatures ranging between -40 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit without issue. It will hold up well for several decades of regular sous vide cooking.
If you are one of those people who prioritize their health above everything else, this LIPAVI C10 container will never disappoint. It is free of all the toxic compounds associated with the use of plastic kitchen accessories.
Final Thoughts- What Is The Best Container For Sous Vide?
We compiled this list of best containers for sous vide after lots of research and deliberation. Our picks are free of toxic compounds, durable enough to endure heavy use, and have excellent ratings on Amazon. They rank among the most purchased sous vide containers.
If you feel undecided, get Anova Culinary ANTC01 sous vide container. It has a raised base to protect your counter from the effects of high cooking temperatures, and a durable polycarbonate construction to endure regular use. With a 16 quart capacity, Anova Culinary ANTC01 stands as one of the most capacious units.
If your budget is low, the Rubbermaid space-saving sous vide container was made for you. Made from commercial-grade polycarbonate, this container will not give up easily even when used for sous vide cooking regularly. It is FDA-compliant, has integrated handles for enhanced portability, and you can use it to store groceries.
It is time to make restaurant-quality meals in your kitchen!
