New Sous Vide Equipment Resource
One problem for “do it yourself” sous-vide has been the high cost of a thermal bath. We’ve written before about the approach of getting a refurb unit from an eBay seller, but of course we’d all like to get a nice, new digital unit.
Finally those are starting to be available for a discounted price. BCU Plastics (www.bcuplastics.com) is offering new units for as low as $650 for a 5 Liter unit, and $800 for the more versatile 10 Liter unit. They also offer an alternative to the FoodSaver product line and other sous-vide equipment.
The thermal bath units look similar to the Cuisine Technologies units, but discounted?
–David
melvin replied:
Just a quick note to say that we manufacture a range of baths for sous vide applications and low temperature cooking which some people may find of use.
Can look at discounted prices for the home chef. Also have a range of accessories which may prove useful.
October 5, 2006 at 1:16 pm. Permalink.
sousvide replied:
Melvin–Good to hear from you. From looking at your site, [for our other readers Melvin is with Clifton Food range: Clifton Foodrange] it looks like you have some excellent and applicable products.
Obviously you’re in the UK, but are your products available in the US or elsewhere outside the EU also?
In terms of accessories I know that for me the foam seals would be helpful, as my improvised attempts with weatherstripping haven’t been entirely successful.
Thanks!–David
October 5, 2006 at 2:46 pm. Permalink.
Max replied:
You can also find scientific water baths for good prices at used and refurbished lab equipment sites.
November 10, 2006 at 11:42 pm. Permalink.
sousvide replied:
For sure. I currently use a $99 refurb I purchased on eBay. Only caveat is to make sure they are cleaned really well and don’t have any hygiene issues. Mine only has a basic “dial” temp control with a scale, not temps., so I keep a “cheat sheet” with my thermometer.
–David
May 28, 2007 at 8:02 am. Permalink.
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May 31, 2007 at 12:51 pm. Permalink.
Michael Coyle replied:
We are selling brand new sous vide circualtors for 750.00
with a three year warranty.
November 9, 2007 at 12:24 pm. Permalink.
salsa replied:
I’ve had good results using a PID temperature controller with a thermocouple and a relay switching a cheap electric burner. Cost ~$50 for parts, and it can control different systems at different temperatures. email me for more info if you’re handy– it’s a snap, really.
December 9, 2007 at 10:54 pm. Permalink.
Michael replied:
David, can you do a short post about sous-vide and botulism? It is really difficult to find a website that has concise information and bulletpoints on what you should definitely not do, and why most people have nothing to worry about.
From everything I read so far, home users would more likely prepare a sealed bag to sous-vide right before cooking. And if this is done, botulism isn’t going to be a problem.
The perfect enviorement for botulism you would be is when one has improperly handled the food and then was vacuum sealed for then stored for an extended period of time (a month+), stored above 37 degrees, and then prepared very very slowly (days??), even for sous-vide standards. That’s all I’ve gathered so far. Not sure if its 100% correct or not, so I’m hoping you can provide some information.
February 20, 2008 at 1:12 am. Permalink.
Irena replied:
Hi David
I have been using a Tiger rice cooker as a thermal bath with its temperature controlled by Sousvidemagic. The results are very good, most of all it is a very inexpensive way to cook sous-vide.
Just to let you know.
I really enjoy your site for SV info. Thanks
April 6, 2008 at 6:20 am. Permalink.