Sous Vide Glossary: Temperature & Time Guide
Sous vide has its own vocabulary. Here's every term you'll meet, in plain language.
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
Circulator: the heater+pump that holds the bath at temperature. Immersion method: sealing a zip bag with water pressure instead of a vacuum machine. Pasteurization: the time-temperature combo that kills pathogens. Carryover: heat that keeps cooking food after you remove it — minimal with sous vide. Ice bath: rapid chilling after cooking. Sear: the high-heat finish for crust.
FAQ
What's the difference between a circulator and a sous vide machine?
Nothing — they're the same thing. 'Circulator' is the technical name.
What is the immersion method?
Sealing a zip-top bag by lowering it into water, which pushes the air out — no vacuum sealer needed.
What does pasteurize mean?
Holding food at a temperature long enough to kill pathogens — sous vide does this with precise time-temperature math.
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.