15 Best pressure cooker with sous vide: Trial & Tested 2024!

pressure cooker with sous vide

Sous vide, which translates to “under vacuum” in French, employs precise temperature control to achieve perfectly cooked dishes.

It originated in professional kitchens but has gained popularity among home cooks for its ease and consistency.

In this article, we will explore the best pressure cookers that integrate sous vide capabilities, highlighting their efficiency, versatility, and modern design.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, discover how to elevate your culinary repertoire with pressure cooking through sous vide.

What is Sous Vide Cooking?

pressure cooker with sous vide

Sous vide cooking is a method that involves vacuum-sealing food items in a bag and then cooking them at a precise temperature in a water bath.

The term “sous vide” is French for “under vacuum,” reflecting the critical sealing process that is a hallmark of this technique.

Unlike traditional cooking methods that often apply high heat from the stove, oven, or grill directly to the food, sous vide cooking relies on warm water to heat the food slowly, evenly, and to the correct temperature.

Definition and Overview

pressure cooker with sous vide

At its core, sous vide cooking is about precision, with the goal of achieving optimal and consistent culinary results.

In this cooking process, heat is transferred from the water to the food in a highly controlled manner, allowing for the maintenance of the exact temperature needed to cook the food to a specific level of doneness without the risk of overcooking or uneven cooking.

With sous vide cooking, chefs and home cooks can set the water to a particular temperature, such as 140°F (60°C) for a medium-rare steak, and then leave the food to cook for several hours.

Because the temperature is well-controlled and usually lower than traditional cooking temperatures, the margin for error is slim, and the food retains more of its natural flavor and texture.

History of Sous Vide Technology

pressure cooker with sous vide

The concept of sous vide cooking was developed independently by two chefs in the mid-20th century.

In 1974, French chef Georges Pralus was searching for a method to cook foie gras without losing excessive amounts of fat.

He discovered that by sealing the foie gras in a plastic pouch and submerging it in a warm water bath at a controlled temperature, the foie gras cooked uniformly, retained its original appearance, and had better texture and taste.

At around the same time, Chef Bruno Goussault, a scientist and the chief scientist of Cuisine Solutions, was directing research on the effects of temperature on various food items when he perfected the sous vide technique.

His studies established the times and temperatures needed for different foods to achieve optimal tenderness and flavor.

In the past, sous vide cooking was mainly restricted to professional kitchens due to the need for specialized equipment.

However, with the advent of affordable and user-friendly precision cookers and immersion circulators, this cooking technique has become accessible to home cooks worldwide.

Kitchen appliance manufacturers have even begun incorporating sous vide capabilities into multifunctional devices like the 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker or combination appliances like the pressure cooker with sous vide function, further broadening the appeal of this precise cooking method.

Benefits of Using a Pressure Cooker for Sous Vide

pressure cooker with sous vide

One of the remarkable benefits of using a sous vide function in a pressure cooker is how it combines the advantages of both precise temperature control and steam pressure.

Traditional cooking methods can sometimes be hit-or-miss when trying to achieve the correct temperature for different types of foods.

In contrast, sous vide relies on maintaining the precise temperature of warm water to cook food uniformly.

When it comes to a pressure cooker with sous vide capabilities, this appliance can provide a regulated environment that improves heat distribution, ensuring even cooking without the risk of uneven cooking spots.

For example, if you’re cooking a steak using the sous vide method in a pressure cooker, it will be cooked to the exact degree of doneness you desire, from edge to edge.

This precision is due to the combination of the constant temperature of the water bath and the airtight environment that a pressure cooker provides.

Moreover, since sous vide involves sealing the food items in a bag, the cooking process preserves more nutrients and juices, which might otherwise be lost with high-heat or open-pan cooking methods.

Additionally, the sealing in of flavors results in more aromatic and tasteful dishes, which is a significant improvement over flavors diluted in traditional boiling or steaming.

Time efficiency

Sous vide cooking, while known for its precision, is also associated with long cooking times.

However, integrating this method with an electric pressure cooker significantly expedites the cooking process.

For instance, cooking a brisket could typically take up to 24 hours when using a regular slow cooker or a standalone sous vide immersion circulator.

By comparison, when using a 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker with a sous vide function, that same brisket could be cooked in less time while still maintaining tenderness and flavor due to the high pressure environment speeding up the cooking time.

Versatility in cooking methods

What sets these kitchen appliances apart is their versatility.

The same device that helps you create the slow-cooked sous vide masterpieces can also function as a rice cooker, slow cooker, food warmer, and in some cases, even an Air Fryer or deep fryer.

This means multiple methods of cooking converge in one machine. The Smart Programs available in advanced models allow users to shift between different cooking options seamlessly.

Such multi-cookers deliver on the promise of a multifunctional cooking pot without the need to purchase separate appliances for each cooking program.

Space-saving design

For those with limited kitchen space, the blend of a pressure cooker with sous vide technology is a game-changer.

Instead of having a separate immersion circulator, a slow cooker, a rice cooker, and potentially a deep fryer occupying valuable countertop or cabinet space, a multi-cooker with sous vide function consolidates these needs into a single unit.

These advanced cookers, constructed often in robust Stainless Steel, are not only aesthetically pleasing but are compact without compromising on capacity.

The intelligent engineering behind these appliances emphasizes minimalism and utility, where one control panel gives you access to a range of cooking options.

Some models even feature an easy-release steam switch, enhancing both the functionality and safety of the device.

In conclusion, the fusion of a pressure cooker with sous vide capabilities offers a symphony of culinary benefits conducive to a modern, efficient kitchen.

Whether a cooking enthusiast or a professional chef, the confluence of precise temperature control, time efficiency, versatile cooking methods, and a space-saving design makes this appliance a pivotal addition to modern-day cooking arsenals.

What to Look for in a Pressure Cooker with Sous Vide

When in the market for a pressure cooker with sous vide capabilities, it’s crucial to consider several factors that will determine the performance and utility of your kitchen appliance.

A pressure cooker capable of sous vide should be a harmonious blend of the high-pressure environment of traditional cooking methods with the gentle precision of water bath cooking.

Temperature range and accuracy

The critical aspect of sous vide cooking is maintaining a precise temperature.

Look for a pressure cooker with a broad temperature range, ensuring it can accommodate the specific requirements of different food items.

The ideal sous vide cooker should maintain temperatures typically between 120°F to 195°F (49°C to 90°C), with an accuracy of +/- 1°F (0.5°C) or closer.

This precision is vital for achieving evenly cooked meals with optimal texture and flavor.

Size and capacity considerations

Choosing the right size and capacity for your pressure cooker with sous vide function is important.

It’s essential to match your kitchen appliance to the demands of your household.

A large capacity cooker might be ideal for family gatherings, whereas a smaller unit would suffice for individual meals or couples.

Standard capacity ranges from 6 to 8 quarts, but there are both smaller and larger options available to suit varied needs.

Ensure that the cooking pot is large enough to accommodate the bags used for sous vide without overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

User-friendly controls and displays

A pressure cooker with sous vide functionality should have an intuitive control panel that simplifies the cooking process.

Look for a model with a clear display that provides real-time information about the temperature, cooking time, and other settings.

Programmable options and pre-set Smart Programs for different food items can enhance the cooking experience, offering an array of choices at the touch of a button.

Additionally, safety features such as an easy-release steam switch and automatic pressure release can provide peace of mind, making these appliances friendly for all users, regardless of cooking skill level.

Top Pressure Cookers with Sous Vide for 2024

As we move into 2024, the integration of sous vide into pressure cookers continues to reshape the landscape of kitchen appliances, blurring the lines between high-tech capability and home cooking convenience.

To cater to the evolving needs of modern cooks, several leading brands have stepped up, offering top-tier pressure cookers with sous vide functionality.

These appliances provide not only rapid pressure cooking and slow cooking but also enable users to consistently achieve that impeccable, precise temperature control which is so critical in sous vide cooking.

Without further ado, let’s delve into the top pressure cookers with sous vide for 2024.

Instant Pot Duo Plus

The Instant Pot Duo Plus is often hailed as an essential kitchen appliance, thanks to its dependable performance across various cooking processes.

An upgrade from its predecessor, it boasts a 9-in-1 functionality, which now includes a setting for sous vide.

The appliance ensures an even heat distribution, a pivotal factor for the sous vide method of cooking.

With a user-friendly interface and Smart Programs, the Instant Pot Duo Plus can also double as a rice cooker, a slow cooker, and even a yogurt maker, all while maintaining a sleek, Stainless Steel design that’s both durable and easy to clean.

Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus

Advancing the capabilities of Instant Pot’s line, the Duo Evo Plus is engineered for cook enthusiasts seeking rapid results without compromising on taste or texture – the core aspects of sous vide cuisine.

Its innovative inner pot ensures consistent temperatures, addressing one of the most significant challenges in traditional cooking methods.

Among its many settings, sous vide happens to shine prominently, delivering the precise articulation of heat necessary for cooking to the correct temperature.

Stainless Steel construction ensures the cooker’s longevity, making it an indispensable ally in the kitchen.

Ninja Foodi Deluxe

Ninja Foodi Deluxe is a revolutionary multi-cooker that combines an electric pressure cooker’s speed with a slow cooker’s versatility, and further extends to a methodical sous vide.

What sets it apart is the inclusion of an Air Fryer, offering a healthier alternative to a traditional deep fryer without losing the coveted crispiness.

The Foodi Deluxe can tenderize the toughest cuts of meat with its pressure cooking prowess, and then, at the flip of a switch, can switch to a slow cook or sous vide mode, thanks to its easy-release steam switch.

Cosori Pressure Cooker

The Cosori Pressure Cooker is for the savvy home chef who values precision and efficiency.

This cooker’s standout capability lies in its advanced control panel that offers a multitude of cooking options, including a dedicated program for sous vide.

The precise temperature control is integral for accuracy in sous vide cooking, and the Cosori delivers on this front, alongside its multi-cooker functionality.

Its Stainless Steel pot makes clean-up effortless, and the addition of robust safety features solidifies it as a reliable kitchen partner.

Mealthy MultiPot

Rounding out this list is the Mealthy MultiPot, an appliance that garners appreciation for its user-oriented design and superior cooking capabilities.

As a 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, it embodies versatility, making meals across the spectrum from hearty stews to delicate fish, all with the convenience of preset cooking programs.

The Mealthy MultiPot’s highlight is its reliable sous vide function, which ensures dishes reach their utmost potential through careful cooking at controlled temperatures.

With its effective heat distribution and ease of use, it’s a solid choice for those wanting to explore the art of sous vide at home.

Whether you are a seasoned chef or a curious food enthusiast, these pressure cookers with sous vide capability in 2024 represent the forefront of kitchen technology, promising convenience, and culinary excellence.

How to Get Started with Sous Vide Cooking

Sous vide is a cooking technique that utilizes precise temperature control to deliver consistent, restaurant-quality results.

Traditionally considered a method used by professional chefs, sous vide has gained popularity for home cooks looking to elevate their culinary skills.

To get started, one must understand the basics: sous vide involves sealing food in a bag and cooking it in a temperature-controlled water bath.

Unlike traditional cooking methods that can lead to uneven cooking, this technique ensures that food is cooked evenly throughout, locking in moisture and flavor.

Step-by-step guide for beginners

  1. Select Your Sous Vide Equipment: Choose a sous vide machine, such as an immersion circulator or an electric pressure cooker with a sous vide function like the 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker.
  2. Prepare Your Water Bath: Fill a large pot or container with water. Clamp the immersion circulator to the side of the pot, or if using an electric pressure cooker with a sous vide function, simply fill the cooking pot with water.
  3. Set the Temperature: Refer to sous vide temperature guides for the correct temperature needed for your chosen food item. Set your device accordingly, giving it time to bring the water to the precise temperature.
  4. Prepare Your Food: Season your ingredients as desired and place them in a vacuum-sealed bag or a high-quality resealable freezer bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
  5. Submerge and Cook: Once the water reaches the correct temperature, submerge the sealed bag in the water bath. Make sure it is fully submerged and not touching the sides of the pot or other bags.
  6. Time Your Cook: Follow recommended cooking times for the type of food you are preparing. Cooking times can vary widely based on thickness, density, and desired doneness.
  7. Finish and Serve: After cooking, you can serve as is or quickly sear proteins in a hot pan for added texture. Enjoy the perfectly cooked, moist, and tender results.

Recommended equipment and accessories

  1. Immersion Circulator or Multi-Cooker with Sous Vide Function: A dedicated appliance like a Precision Cooker or a multi-cooker with sous vide capability ensures accurate temperature control.
  2. Large Pot or Container: Needed to hold the water in which you’ll submerge your food.
  3. Vacuum Sealer and Bags or Ziplock Bags: Essential for sealing food prior to immersion to achieve uniform cooking and prevent water from entering the bag.
  4. Sous Vide Weights or Magnets: To keep your bags fully submerged and in place during the cooking process.
  5. Water Balls: Optional, but they help minimize water evaporation and heat loss.
  6. Kitchen Tongs: Aids in the safe removal of bags from the hot water bath.
  7. Instant-Read Thermometer: For spot-checking temperatures after cooking.
  8. Cast-Iron Skillet: Ideal for searing meats after they’ve been cooked sous vide.
  9. Trivet or Heat-Resistant Mat: To place under your pot or container and to protect your countertop from heat damage.

Remember, sous vide is about precision.

Paying attention to temperature and time will yield consistent and impeccable results that are hard to achieve through other cooking methods.

With the right equipment, some patience, and practice, even beginners can master the art of sous vide cooking.

Step-by-step guide for beginners

Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners: Using a Pressure Cooker with Sous Vide Mode


Getting Started:

  1. Read the Manual: Before using your 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker with Sous Vide function, familiarize yourself with the user manual for safety and proper usage.
  2. Prep the Ingredients: Collect all your food items, ensuring they are cut uniformly for even cooking.

Setting Up:

  1. Attach Precision Cooker (if separate): For models without a built-in sous vide feature, attach the precision cooker to the pot.
  2. Add Water: Fill the cooking pot with warm water, not exceeding the max fill line.
  3. Set the Temperature: Use the control panel to select the sous vide Smart Program. Adjust to the correct temperature for your recipe.

Cooking Process:

  1. Seal the Food: Place your ingredients in a sealable bag and submerge them in the water, ensuring no air is trapped.
  2. Start Sous Vide: Confirm the settings and start the precise temperature-controlled cooking process. Cooking time will vary based on the recipe.

Finishing Up:

  1. Monitor: Although sous vide is a more forgiving method of cooking, check occasionally to ensure the water maintains the right temperature.
  2. Remove and Serve: After the cooking time completes, carefully remove the food from the water, pat dry if necessary, and serve.

Cleanup:

  1. Release Steam: For pressure cooking features, use the easy-release steam switch before opening the lid.
  2. Clean the Pot: The Stainless Steel cooking pot often detaches for easy cleaning.

Using a combination pressure cooker and sous vide appliance streamlines the cooking process of various kitchen appliances, such as the rice cooker, slow cooker, and even a food warmer, into one versatile device.

This innovative approach integrates traditional cooking methods with modern technology to achieve flavorsome and uniformly cooked meals every time.

Recommended equipment and accessories

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the world of modern culinary convenience, a high-quality pressure cooker with sous vide capabilities might be exactly what your kitchen needs.

Such an appliance melds the fast cooking times of electric pressure cookers with a precision cooking process, elevating your meals with efficiency and sophistication.

Recommended Equipment and Accessories:

  1. 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker: Features Smart Programs for an array of food items and caters to functions such as slow cook, pressure cook, and sous-vide.
  2. Precision Cooker: Enables precise temperature control in a water bath, which is crucial for sous vide cooking, offering that slow cooker tenderness without the uneven cooking.
  3. Stainless Steel Cooking Pot: Ensures even heat distribution, which is essential for both pressure cooking and sous vide.
  4. Air Fryer Lid Attachment: Turns your pressure cooker into a multi-cooker capable of air frying, reducing the need for a standalone deep fryer.

Essential Accessories:

  • A food warmer insert for keeping meals at the correct temperature.
  • A control panel that includes easy-release steam switch to quickly lower pressure after cooking.
  • Cooking Program presets to simplify the process, whether you’re slow cooking or using the appliance as a rice cooker.

In summary, the integration of smart kitchen appliances that combine traditional cooking methods with precise temperature control adds a variety of cooking options.

Modern cookers like the 9-in-1 serve as an exceptional foundation to explore the realms of pressure cooking, slow cooking, and the fine-tuned art of sous vide.

Sous Vide Cooking Tips and Tricks

When diving into sous vide, a method of cooking where food is placed in a vacuum-sealed bag and cooked in a warm water bath at a precise temperature, some handy tips and tricks can make all the difference in your culinary exploits:

  1. Preheat Your Water: Always preheat your water to the correct temperature before adding your vacuum-sealed food.
  2. Avoid Overfilling The Bag: Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking. Make sure food items have enough space between them.
  3. Remove Air From Bags: Ensuring as much air as possible is removed from the sous vide bags to prevent floating, which can lead to uneven cooking.
  4. Use A Rack: If cooking multiple bags, a rack can help keep them separated and submerged.
  5. Pat Food Dry Before Searing: After sous vide cooking and before searing, pat your food dry to ensure a crisp exterior.

Ideal cooking times for various foods

The beauty of sous vide cooking is its precision, which allows for the same perfectly cooked results every time.

Here are general guidelines:

Remember that thickness and personal preference can affect these times, so use them as a starting point and adjust as necessary.

Seasoning and marinating techniques

Seasoning and marinating can greatly enhance the flavor of sous vide dishes:

  • Vacuum Marinating: Add your marinade to the sous vide bag before vacuum sealing. The process can infuse flavors more deeply.
  • Simple Seasoning: Often, simple seasoning with salt and pepper before sealing can be sufficient for enhancing flavor.
  • Aromatics: Adding herbs, spices, and aromatics (like garlic or citrus zest) to the bag can impart subtle flavor notes.
  • Post-Cooking Marinades: Some food benefits from a quick marinate after sous vide cooking, particularly before searing or serving, to add an additional layer of flavor.

Achieving perfect texture and doneness

To harness the full potential of sous vide and achieve that perfect texture and doneness:

  • Understand Temperature: Higher temperatures often result in firmer textures, while lower temperatures yield softer outcomes.
  • Thickness Factor: Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the item, not just weight. Thicker pieces will need more time.
  • Resting Isn’t Necessary: Unlike traditional cooking methods, there’s usually no need to rest meat after sous vide cooking, as it hasn’t been subjected to high heat.
  • Finish With a Sear: For meats, a quick sear in a hot pan can add texture and flavor that only high-temperature cooking can achieve.

Sous vide cooking is about precision, so taking the time to accurately measure the temperature, thickness, and cooking times will bring you much closer to achieving your desired level of doneness and texture in all your dishes.

Popular Sous Vide Recipes

Sous vide cooking has revolutionized home kitchens, providing a method to cook with unparalleled flavor and consistency.

This technique is beloved for making a host of recipes that yield exceptional results.

Among the most beloved sous vide recipes are steaks cooked to precise doneness, chicken breasts brimming with juiciness, and vegetables that maintain the perfect crunch.

These recipes stand out for their ease of preparation and the remarkable taste that comes from the precise temperature control of sous vide cooking.

Perfect steak

The dream of cooking a steak with edge-to-edge perfection is realizable through sous vide.

By setting the Precision Cooker to the exact desired level of doneness—rare, medium-rare, medium, or well done—you can achieve a steak that is uniform in temperature throughout.

In general, the process involves:

  1. Seasoning the steak with salt, and other desired seasonings.
  2. Placing it in a vacuum-sealed bag to ensure even contact with the warm water.
  3. Sous vide at the correct temperature for anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
  4. Finishing with a quick sear in a hot pan for a deliciously caramelized exterior.

The precision of sous vide means that regardless of whether you’re preparing a filet mignon or a ribeye, the steak will come out just the way you like it every single time.

Juicy chicken breasts

Chicken breasts, notorious for drying out, are transformed via sous vide.

The controlled water bath temperature ensures that chicken breasts are cooked through yet remain incredibly moist and tender.

The steps are straightforward:

  1. Season the chicken to taste.
  2. Vacuum-seal it to avoid water invasion and ensure even cooking.
  3. Cook at the correct temperature—typically around 140-150°F (60-65°C)—for 1-2 hours.
  4. Optionally, finish by searing or grilling for a few minutes to add a golden exterior.

The advantage of sous vide here is the avoidance of overcooking, particularly important for lean cuts of poultry.

Vegetables and sides

Vegetables cooked sous vide retain their vibrant color and nutritional value while achieving texture perfection.

Whether you’re aiming for al dente or melt-in-your-mouth softness, the sous vide process allows for precise texture control. The basic steps for vegetables include:

  1. Selecting and preparing the vegetables—chopping, dicing, or leaving whole as best suits the dish.
  2. Seasoning or adding aromatics like garlic or herbs to the bag with the vegetables.
  3. Cooking at temperatures specific to each vegetable type; for instance, asparagus might be cooked at 185°F (85°C) for a short time, while root vegetables might require longer at lower temperatures.
  4. Serve as is, or quickly pan-sear or grill for additional flavor.

Sous vide vegetables can be a revelation, offering textures and tastes that are difficult to achieve through traditional cooking methods.

Incorporating these recipes into your cooking repertoire will not only diversify your meals but will also ensure delicious, perfectly cooked food every time, thanks to the precision and control afforded by sous vide cooking.

Safety Considerations in Sous Vide Cooking

When engaging in Sous Vide cooking, which involves maintaining food at precise temperatures in a warm water bath, safety is paramount.

Here are key safety considerations to ensure a secure cooking process:

  1. Temperature Precision: Sous Vide demands precise temperature control to ensure food safety. The cooking temperature must be sufficient to prevent bacterial growth, typically above 130°F (54.4°C) for meat.
  2. Water Level: Always maintain the correct water level in your sous vide container to prevent uneven cooking. Low water levels can lead to inconsistent heating and undercooked food items.
  3. Vacuum Sealing: Properly vacuum-seal food to prevent contact with water, which could result in leaching of flavors and potential contamination.
  4. Cooking Time: Adhere to recommended cooking times. While sous vide allows for longer cooking times without drying out food, insufficient time at the correct temperature can result in foodborne illnesses.
  5. After Cooking: Foods prepared sous-vide should either be seared for taste and to kill any remaining bacteria on the exterior or should be chilled quickly to prevent the growth of pathogens.

Always consult a reliable cooking guide or sous vide equipment manual to ensure that you adhere to the recommended temperatures and times for specific food items.

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