Sous Vide Pasteurization Times: Temperature & Time Guide
Low-temperature cooking is safe because safety is a time-temperature equation: hold food at a temperature long enough and pathogens die. These are the reference numbers.
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
Chicken: 149°F for 30 min (or 140°F for 1h45m). Pork: 145°F for 12 min (or 140°F for 45m). Beef: 131°F for 2h (or 140°F for 30m). Fish: 126°F for 30 min (or 130°F for 15m). These times start once the food reaches temp — thick cuts need extra time to warm through. This matches Douglas Baldwin's published tables, the standard reference.
FAQ
How long does chicken take to pasteurize?
149°F for 30 minutes once up to temperature — that's the standard pasteurization figure.
Is 131°F beef safe?
Yes — 131°F for 2+ hours pasteurizes beef. Shorter times need higher temperatures.
Do I need to follow tables exactly?
Yes for safety — but our temperature guides include these numbers so you don't need to look them up.
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.