Sous Vide Temperature FAQ: Temperature & Time Guide
Temperature is the sous vide dial that matters most — it sets doneness. Six answers give you the whole map.
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
Beef 131°F (137°F marbled); chicken 149°F; pork 140°F; salmon 122°F; eggs 145-172°F; vegetables 183°F. The logic: lean = lower temp, tough = long time, fatty = higher temp to render. Every number is in our temperature guides.
FAQ
What's the most useful temperature?
131°F — medium-rare beef, the most common sous vide target.
Why 137°F for ribeye?
Beef fat doesn't melt below ~130°F — 137°F renders it silky.
What temperature for chicken?
149°F (65°C) — juicy and pasteurized at 30+ minutes.
What temperature for salmon?
122°F (50°C) for 30-40 minutes — silky.
What about vegetables?
183°F (84°C) — the universal vegetable temperature.
How do I pick a temperature?
Match doneness: lean cuts lower, fatty cuts higher, tough cuts longer at 140-155°F.
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.