Sous Vide Food Safety Guide: Temperature & Time Guide
Sous vide is food-safe when you follow the same rules as any cooking — plus one: time at temperature is part of the safety equation. Here are the facts.
Our top pick
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
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Quick comparison
| Pick | Why we like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Anova Precision Cooker 3.0 | A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking. | View → |
| Instant-read meat thermometer | Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork. | View → |
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
Editor’s PickA circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
- + On-device temperature control
- + 1100W heats fast
- + Recipe library for temps
- − Premium price
- − Some app features paywalled
Free shipping on eligible items
Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork.
- + Verifies actual temperature
- + Cheap insurance
- − Not needed if your circulator is accurate
Free shipping on eligible items
Buying advice
Key rules: chicken and pork to 149°F+ for at least 30 minutes (or 165°F instant); fish 122°F+; beef any temp if held long enough. Chill cooked food within 2 hours (ice bath). Refrigerate sealed food 5-7 days. Never hold food between 40-130°F for more than 4 hours total. When in doubt, use the higher temperature.
FAQ
Is sous vide chicken safe at 149°F?
Yes — 149°F for 30+ minutes pasteurizes chicken. The FDA's 165°F instant figure is a different (shorter-time) benchmark.
What's the danger zone?
40-130°F. Food shouldn't spend more than 4 hours total in it — including the time to reach serving temp.
How do I know it's pasteurized?
Time-temperature tables (like Baldwin's) give exact pasteurization times per temperature — our temperature guides include them.
Ready to cook perfectly?
Our top pick for this guide — check today’s price and clip any on-page coupon on Amazon:
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Want exact temps and times? Use our free sous vide calculators.