If you’re here, you’re probably already fluent in French. At the very least, you’ve heard of sous vide (“under vacuum”), which is the process of vacuum-sealing food in plastic bags.
The food is then cooked to perfection in a water bath at a precise temperature. And you already know you’ll need a container to submerge the vacuum bags in in order to cook the food.
That is why you have come. You’re curious about which plastic containers are safe to use with your immersion circulator. So, no more postponing it.
We understand that there are many options on the market, which is why I evaluated a variety of containers based on various factors such as volume, safety, durability, bang for your buck value, temperature resistance and range, and so on.
Recommended:
TOP 6 WATER CONTAINERS TO SOUS VIDE IN
1. LIPAVI SOUS VIDE CONTAINER – BEST OVERALL
The LIPAVI Sous Vide Container is currently the best one on Amazon. If you’re not into DIY or simply want a container designed specifically for sous vide, this is the one for you.
FEATURES
- Specified sous vide container
- Polycarbonate – crystal clear and long-lasting
- There are four different sizes to choose from: 7, 12, 18, and 26 quarts.
- Withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Designed with an optimal height of 8 inches for almost any circulator
- Tailored lids for many circulators to keep the water where it belongs, inside the container – such as this one for the popular Anova Precision circulator.
LIPAVI is well-known for producing high-quality containers. They take great care to ensure that sous vide enthusiasts have the best containers available and that their food comes out perfectly. Through their cooking, they work hard to optimize sous vide cooking.
They’ve gone to great lengths to design multiple lids for various stick circulators. Anova Precision, Anova One, Nomiku, Sansaire, ChefSteps Joule, PolyScience Creative, Wancle, Garmercy, Gourmia, Instant Pot, and many more!
On their website, they have a nice find the right sous vide system feature. It recommends the container size and tailored lid based on the type of sous vide immersion circulator you have and the size of your family.
Choose the 12-quart size container if you have a family of four (LIPAVI C10). Choose 18 quarts if you have 4-6 adults (LIPAVI C15). If you need more, get 26 quarts (LIPAVI L20).
LIPAVI also manufactures a rack that is custom-made to fit each container size. Racks will come in handy if you’re constantly trying to figure out where to place the bags so that the food cooks evenly. Racks are also useful if your bags are constantly strewn about.
PROS
- Simple to Use
- Sizes that are convenient
- Dishwasher-friendly
- High-temperature tolerance
CONS
- The lid and racks are sold separately, which is fine because the lid is custom-made to fit your circulator.
2. RUBBERMAID SOUS VIDE CONTAINER – BEST SPACE SAVER
Get the square Rubbermaid Commercial Space Saving Container if you like things that are modular and easy to organize.
Rubbermaid is well-known for their square-shaped containers, which are easy to organize and are designed to be stacked on top of one another.
FEATURES
- For accurate water levels, use water measuring levels on the container.
- Polycarbonate – crystal clear and long-lasting
- There are four different sizes to choose from: 8, 12, 18, and 22 quarts.
- Withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dishwasher safe; smooth surface for easy cleaning
- Side handles for easy transport
The space-saving Rubbermaid commercial container has a strong integrated handle that allows it to be easily moved from one location to another. You can see what’s inside from the outside because it’s made of transparent polycarbonate.
They have smaller containers with capacities of 2, 4, and 6 quarts, but these should only be used for food preparation. You can’t sous vide in such a small space. Because of the square shape, all corners can be easily cleaned.
It is simple to use in all sauce machines. It is USDA food contact certified and follows HACCP procedures. As a result, it is the best container.
PROS
- Storage that is small
- Handles are built in.
- Ideal for sous vide cooking
- Made from high-quality materials
CONS
- There is no lid included. However, you can use this EVERIE Collapsible Lid for Rubbermaid with the Rubbermaid container.
3. ANOVA SOUS VIDE CONTAINER – BEST LOOKING
Anova makes fantastic sous vide products, particularly their three Anova Precision Cookers. Their containers are of comparable quality and are designed to fit more than just their own Anova cookers.
I like the way Anova’s container was designed, so I named it the Best Looking of all the containers.
The oval design allows for better water circulation. This helps to ensure that the water in the container is the same temperature all around.
However, the more circular shape loses some space due to the corners, making it difficult to fit in the food efficiently to maximize the space.
FEATURES
- Specified sous vide container
- The curved body shape promotes water circulation.
- Polycarbonate – crystal clear and long-lasting
- 16 quarts in a single size
- It has a raised base to protect your countertops from heat.
- Withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Anova lid features a flexible silicone collar that adjusts to fit the size of your circulator. This will allow a greater number of circulators to fit in this container while also ensuring a tighter fit to prevent heat and water leakage.
PROS
- Simple to use
- Dishwasher security
- reputable brand
- Money-back guarantee of 100 days
CONS
- Because it only comes in one size, 16 quarts, it may be too large for just 1-2 people at home. If they made more than one size, I would have placed it higher on the list.
4. CAMBRO SOUS VIDE CONTAINER
Cambro is a square-shaped sous vide container that, like Rubbermaid, is well-known for food storage containers. As a result, they also make 2-, 4-, and 6-quart containers.
FEATURES
- For accurate water levels, use water measuring levels on the container.
- Polycarbonate – crystal clear and long-lasting
- There are three sizes to choose from: 12, 18, and 22 quarts.
- Withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dishwasher safe; smooth surface for easy cleaning
- Side handles for easy transport
Cambro makes a high-quality container, which is why they’re also suitable for the high temperatures of sous vide cooking. It has a textured bottom to protect the container from scratches.
PROS
- Simple to use and clean
- Heat resistant and long-lasting
- Square shape saves space
CONS
- There is no lid included. However, you can use this EVERIE Collapsible Lid for Cambro in conjunction with the Cambro container.
5. EVERIE Sous Vide Container
EVERIE not only manufactures lids for other brands, but they also manufacture their own Everie sous vide containers! The best part is that they include the lid with the container. The lids for the previous containers had to be purchased separately.
FEATURES
- It comes with collapsible hinge lids.
- Specified sous vide container
- Polycarbonate – crystal clear and long-lasting
- There are two sizes to choose from: 7 and 12 quarts.
EVERIE makes different containers and lids for different circulators, so make sure you choose the correct one for yours. Here are some of the most well-known:
For Anova Nano 750W and Anova 1000W sous vide cookers; also fits Instant Pot sous vide cookers, though the hole is slightly larger.
Other Anova circulators are available.
For use with the Breville Joule Sous Vide Circulator
Their Amazon listing includes an image indicating which versions will work with which cookers.
PROS
- Correct height
- The ideal form
- Heat-resistant
- Size and durability are ideal.
CONS
- It doesn’t feel as well-made as a similarly styled Lipavi container.
6. VÄESKE SOUS VIDE CONTAINER – BEST LARGE CONTAINER
The 26-quart VESKE Container is ideal for large gatherings, families, and friends. Excellent for commercial kitchens as well. Up to ten steak fillets, chicken breasts, ribs, or a whole brisket can be accommodated.
FEATURES
- Sous Vide Kit – 26-quart container with lid and two stainless-steel racks
- Fits all circulators with a diameter of up to 2.5″ (Anova, Nano, Joule, etc.)
- Design that is transparent
- Sleeve with insulation
- If you are not satisfied, we will refund your money in full.
Sous vide cooking is also excellent for meal preparation. Make enough food for a week at a time. To do so, you’ll need a large container, such as the VESKE Container.
The included insulating sleeves keep heat from escaping, allowing the water temperature to remain stable for precise cooking.
The container, lid, racks, and insulating sleeve are all included in the container kit.
PROS
- Everything you need is included in the complete kit.
- Excellent condition
- Simple to use and clean
CONS
- Too large for singles and couples
DO I NEED A SPECIAL CONTAINER FOR SOUS VIDE?
Technically, you do not. But I’m going to guess that you like food that’s well-cooked, if not perfect. In that case, yes, you should get a sous vide-specific container.
If you’re going to spend all that time and money on sous vide cooking, don’t forget about this essential sous vide tool.
I’m sure some of you are thinking about your metal pots and water-filled coolers. Why can’t you just use what you’ve already got? Let’s take a look at some of their benefits and drawbacks:
PLASTIC COOLERS
- Benefits: They’re well-insulated, so heat stays inside. Coolers are widely available and come in a variety of sizes. Rectangular shapes make vacuum bag placement simple.
- Drawbacks: Bulky and thick. It’s not as portable. If you want to use the thick lid to keep evaporation at bay, you’ll need to carve a hole in it.
Because of the higher temperatures when cooking, there is also a health risk of the interior cooler lining coming off. Keep in mind that coolers are typically used to keep things cold. Because coolers aren’t transparent, you can’t see what’s inside.
METAL POTS
- Advantages: If you cook at home, you already have one. There is no need to be concerned about the heat.
- Disadvantages: Only suitable for 1-2 person meals unless you have large pots. Cooking multiple bags becomes more difficult due to the circular nature. Metal material will conduct heat outside, making your circulator work harder. Because there are no lids that are made for pots and allow a hole for the sous vide cooker, you’ll need to make your own.
- Special Note: If you use a metal or steel pot, do not leave the hot pot on a stone countertop for an extended period of time, or the stone may crack due to the heat. Place the pot on a wooden cutting board or another non-stone counter first. Remember to use pot holders because they are made of metal.
I will say that using those larger coolers as sous vide containers has its benefits when cooking for large groups of people. That is when you should consider making your own sous vide cooler container.
However, I would not use a cooler as my primary sous vide container. I prefer a more controlled environment, which these specially designed sous vide containers and lids provide.
BEST REASONS TO BUY A SOUS VIDE CONTAINER
- Polycarbonate and BPA-free materials are used (more below).
- Rectangular shape allows for easy vacuum bag placement.
- Specialized lids designed to keep heat and water in the container as effectively and efficiently as possible. Different cuts in the lid are included to accommodate a variety of sous vide circulators.
- Transparent, so you can see what’s going on with the food.
- Portable and lightweight.
- It is simple to clean.
- Pots are available for pasta, soup, chili, and other dishes.
- Coolers are available for free to keep your drinks cold.
ARE SOUS VIDE CONTAINERS SAFE?
BPA Bisphenol-A (aka BPA) Bisphenol-A (aka BPA) is a synthetic compound precursor used in the production of plastic. BPA has been identified as potentially harmful to your health, so it is not food safe.
This industrial chemical can interfere with human hormones, and scientists have linked BPA to diseases such as cancer and diabetes when it comes into contact with food and liquids.
When that potential was realized, the plastics industry began using other precursors for food and drink products that will come into direct contact with food.
WHAT SIZE SOUS VIDE CONTAINER TO BUY?
Unless you have a lot of space and intend to use the container as part of your home’s interior design, don’t just go out and buy the largest sous vide container you can find.
You should also avoid purchasing a container that is too small, as this will result in insufficient food for everyone.
The size of the container is determined by how much you intend to cook at once due to family size and/or guests.
From my experience, the general calculation guidelines are 3-4 quarts per adult. The following sizes are available:
- 2 adults in less than 12 quarts (11 liters).
- 12 quarts: 2-3 adults; 4 person family (2 adults, 2 kids).
- 18 quarts: enough for 4-6 adults
- 10 adults in 26 quarts
12 quarts should suffice for the majority of your meals for most people. If you have the space, I’d recommend the 18 quarts to give you more options.
Who knows when you’ll have guests over. Uninvited guests will begin to appear once you begin sous vide cooking.
WHERE TO BUY A SOUS VIDE CONTAINER
When it comes to purchasing sous vide equipment, Amazon is usually the most user-friendly. However, I’ve had difficulty finding equipment at times because products sell out quickly.
It may take some time for Amazon FBA to replenish, so you can also try going directly to the manufacturer’s website and other sites.
My favorite places to buy sous vide equipment and accessories are:
- Amazon
- Obtained directly from the manufacturer’s website
- Walmart / Target
- Other lesser-known websites that may appear in Google
- Wherever you buy from, make sure you’re getting genuine products that are still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
CONCLUSION
You’ve got it now. The best sous vide containers available, as well as a comprehensive buying guide.
That should cover everything there is to know about sous vide containers. Please contact me if there is anything I’ve left out or if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Polycarbonate containers from companies like Cambro, Rubbermaid, and Lipavi are very popular for sous vide cooking. What’s great about these containers is that they come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1 to 22 quarts or 1 to 20 liters.
You’ll need a large, hot water-safe container for your water bath if you’re using an immersion circulator like Nomiku. Most standard stock pots will work fine, but not only will you lose a stock pot during those three-day sous vides, but you’ll grow out of it.
You cannot use a shallower sous vide container than this. The Anova Precision Cooker has a capacity of 5 gallons, which is equivalent to 20 quarts or 18.927 liters.
As a water bath container, a medium to large metal pot can be used. The pot should ideally be at least 8″ (20cm) deep, 12″ (30cm) in diameter, and hold about 12 quarts (11 liters). A stockpot, pasta pot, and/or large pressure cooker are all possible candidates.