If you are unfamiliar with a sous vide water oven, you’re not alone. Sous vide means under vacuum in French. When it comes to cooking, sous wide generally refers to a style involving cooking a bag of vacuum-sealed food in a bath of heated water.
Cooking can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to achieving precise temperatures and maintaining consistent results. This is where a sous wide water oven comes in handy.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what a water oven is, its benefits, the types available, features to look for, and how to use one. We’ll also discuss how you don’t actually have to vacuum seal all foods to use the sous vide cooking process
What is a Water Oven?
A water oven, also known as a sous vide oven, is a cooking appliance that uses heated water to cook food. The food is typically vacuum-sealed in a plastic bag and submerged in the water bath. The water temperature is then precisely controlled to cook the food evenly without overcooking or undercooking.
Water ovens are popular for cooking meat, vegetables, and fish among other foods, which we’ll discuss in greater detail below.
The benefits of using a water oven are:
- Enhanced flavor and texture of food
- Consistent results
- Retention of nutrients and vitamins
- Energy-efficient cooking
Types of Water Ovens
There are three types of water ovens available in the market:
- Sous Vide Water Oven – This type of water oven is a standalone appliance that includes a water container and temperature control system. They often come with reusable plastic bags to cook the food in and a pump to remove air from the bag.
- Countertop Water Oven – This type of water oven is small and designed to fit on a kitchen countertop. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require any installation.
- Immersion Circulator – This type of water oven is a heating element that is attached to a container of water. It’s a budget-friendly option for those who want to try sous vide cooking.
Features to Look for in a Water Oven
When purchasing a water oven, look for these features:
- Capacity – The water oven should be large enough to hold the amount of food you want to cook.
- Temperature Control – The temperature control system should be precise and easy to use.
- User-friendly Interface – The water oven should have an easy-to-use interface that is straightforward to operate.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity – Some water ovens have Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to control the cooking process from your smartphone.
- Durability – Look for a water oven that is built to last and is made from high-quality materials.
- Plastic Bags – A good water oven will include sealable and reusable plastic bags along with a pump to remove air from the bag that you fill with food for cooking. So you put the food in the bag, partially seal it and then use the pump to remove excess air, to ready the food for sous vide cooking.
- Vacuum Sealer – Some higher-priced models include a vacuum sealer which will remove air and seal the bag for cooking. The great thing about this vacuum sealer is you can use it to preserve food to be frozen or otherwise stored rather than cooking it immediately.
How to Use a Water Oven
Using a water oven is easy. While you should follow the provided instructions of your product, here’s a quick overview if you’ve never used a water oven before to get an idea of how it works.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat the water oven to the desired temperature.
- Season and vacuum-seal the food in a plastic bag using the provided bag(s) and pump to remove air from the bag.
- Submerge the bag in the water bath.
- Set the cooking time and temperature on the water oven.
- Once the food is cooked, remove it from the bag and sear it on a hot skillet for added texture and flavor, if desired.
Why Choose a Water Oven?
If you’re looking to elevate your cooking game, a water oven is a great investment. Here are some reasons why you should choose a water oven:
- Precision Cooking – With a water oven, you can achieve precise temperatures and cook your food evenly every time.
- Healthier Meals – Sous vide cooking allows you to cook your food without adding any fats or oils.
- Saves Time and Energy – Water ovens are energy-efficient and require little to no monitoring during the cooking process.
- Versatile Cooking – A water oven can cook a wide range of foods, including meat, vegetables, and fish.
- Consistent Results – With a water oven, you’ll get consistent results every time, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking or undercooking your food.
Is Vacuum Sealing Always Necessary For A Water Oven?
Yes, vacuum sealing is an essential part of the sous vide cooking method, but it’s not always necessary for sous vide to work.
Vacuum sealing removes the air from the bag and creates a tight seal around the food, allowing the water to circulate around the food and cook it evenly. Without a vacuum-sealed bag, the food may not cook evenly, and the water may not circulate correctly around it, resulting in undercooked or overcooked food.
Additionally, vacuum sealing helps to preserve the flavor and texture of the food, making it more tender and flavorful.
However, it’s possible to use the sous vide method without vacuum sealing by using the displacement method. This method involves placing the food in a zip-lock bag and partially submerging it in the water bath, allowing the water to push the air out of the bag. While this method is not as effective as vacuum sealing, it still provides better results than traditional cooking methods.
So, while vacuum sealing is not always necessary for sous vide to work, it’s highly recommended for optimal results. If you’re new to sous vide cooking, vacuum sealing is the best way to ensure your food is cooked evenly and retains its flavor and texture.
Dishes That Can Be Cooked Using Sous Vide
A water oven using sous vide method can cook a wide range of dishes, from meats and fish to vegetables and even desserts. Here are some popular dishes that you can cook in a water oven using sous vide:
- Steak – Sous vide steak is tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection. You can cook any cut of steak in a water oven using the sous vide method.
- Salmon – Salmon cooked in a water oven using sous vide is flaky and flavorful. You can add herbs and spices to the salmon before cooking to enhance its flavor.
- Chicken – Sous vide chicken is moist and tender. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and add herbs and spices to create different flavors.
- Vegetables – Sous vide cooking is a great way to cook vegetables to perfection. You can cook vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, and broccoli in a water oven using sous vide.
- Eggs – Sous vide eggs are perfectly cooked, with a creamy texture. You can cook eggs in a water oven using sous vide and add them to salads or sandwiches.
- Desserts – You can also use a water oven to cook desserts, such as cheesecake or custard. Sous vide cooking helps to create a smooth and creamy texture.
These are just a few examples of popular dishes you can cook in a water oven using sous vide. With the precise temperature control, you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a wide range of dishes.
Final thoughts
A water oven is an excellent addition to any kitchen. It allows you to cook your food with precision, saves time and energy, and provides consistent results. With a variety of types and features available, you can choose a water oven that suits your needs and budget. Not only does it offer healthier cooking options, but it also enhances the flavor and texture of your food.