If you're someone who enjoys cooking and experimenting with different culinary techniques, then you're probably always on the lookout for new and innovative tools to add to your kitchen arsenal. One such tool that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the immersion circulator.
While it may come with a higher price tag than some other sous vide machines on the market, I can confidently say that the Breville Polyscience HydroPro Sous Vide Immersion Circulator is worth every dime the company charges for it.
In this sous vide machine review, I will delve into the features and benefits of this product, and explain why it's a game-changer for home chefs and professional cooks alike.
Main Features
- Its brand is Breville PolyScience
- The capacity of this sous vide cooker is 45 Liters
- It is commercial sous vide immersion circulator made for both professional chefs and home cooks
- It has an adjustable and detachable clamp
- It is made of steel, comes with a travel bag, thermometer probe, is waterproof
- Has a big LCD screen for easier operation
- It is CUL and NSF certified
Breville Polyscience Sous Vide Review
The Breville Polyscience HydroPro Sous Vide Immersion Circulator is a top-of-the-line product that delivers high-quality results.
While this immersion circulator may be more expensive than other sous vide machines on the market, its precision and durability make it well worth the investment for serious home chefs or professionals.
I have been using the Breville polyscience hydropro for a few months after ordering it and I can say I am happy with its performance. This unit is substantial in size and comes with a fantastic storage tote.
It heats up quickly and maintains the temperature flawlessly, ensuring consistent cooking. The timer feature is a great addition, although it's important to remember to start it.
Additionally, the circulator's ability to handle circulating water in a large sous vide water bath is impressive. However, the circulator's high price is not solely attributed to its power. The onboard controls are amazing, offering simplicity and convenience.
Moreover, the circulator boasts nearly twice the heating capability, which is incredibly helpful when using a large vessel for sous vide cooking. It efficiently heats the water and effortlessly maintains the desired temperature.
While this model doesn't include a probe to check the internal temperature like another version does, I personally appreciate the way this unit cooks and the added convenience of having a built-in sous vide cookbook.
This is a Powerful Sous Vide Machine or immersion circulator
The circulator has a powerful 1450-watt heating element that heats up the sous vide water bath quickly and evenly, ensuring that food is cooked evenly.
When using it, its temperature control system allowed me to set the exact temperature I need for my food. This ensures that my food is cooked to perfection every time.
No Monitoring your Food
The circulator also has a timer feature that allows you to set the time it will take to cook your food. This helps to ensure that you don’t overcook your sous vide food, or have to constantly monitor the time it takes to cook.
Has a big LCD touch screen for Quick Operation
Another key feature of this is its user-friendly interface, which allows for quick and easy operation. The large digital display makes it effortless to read and set the safe cooking temperature and time.
The device is designed to be intuitive, ensuring a seamless cooking experience. It's important to mention that while it lacks a smartphone app, it does offer Bluetooth connectivity.
The touch screen enables you to select various food parameters such as type, cut type, shape, thickness, initial temperature (fresh or frozen), desired final core temperature, pasteurization level, and additional tenderness time. The mounting clamp is robust and adjustable, attaching with a convenient flip clip.
Although the touch screen could be a bit more responsive, it is bright and easy to read. Another notable advantage is the inclusion of a case by Breville/Polyscience.
Additionally, the clip fully detaches, and the screen can be positioned as needed. What I appreciate most about this device is Breville's capability to assist in selecting the perfect temperature and cooking time.
Pros
Cons
What Are The Disadvantages Of Sous Vide Cooking?
Sous vide cooking is a popular cooking technique that involves sealing food in a vacuum sealed sous vide bag and cooking it in a water bath at a low, consistent temperature.
While this method has many advantages, including precise temperature control and tender, flavorful results, there are also some disadvantages to consider.
Cost of Sous Vide Equipment
One of the main disadvantages of sous vide cooking equipment is cost. Sous vide machines can be expensive, and the cost can increase if you also need to purchase a sous vide vacuum sealer and bags.
Additionally, the process can be time-consuming, as food must be cooked for some period of time, which can be a drawback for those who are short on time or prefer quick meals.
How Do You Use Sous Vide Polyscience?
Here are the steps on how to use a Sous Vide Polyscience machine:
Remove It from the Box
When you first receive your Sous Vide Polyscience machine, carefully remove it from the packaging and read the instruction manual.
Fill Your Water Bath with Water
Before using your machine, you need to fill your water bath with water. Ensure the water level is sufficient to cover your food bag fully.
Clamp the Sous Vide Machine and Set the Temperature
Attach the Sous Vide Polyscience machine to the water bath and secure it using the clamp provided. Turn on the machine and set the temperature according to your recipe.
The Polyscience machine has an accurate temperature control system that maintains a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Insert Your Bag with Food and Set the Time
Once the water bath has reached the desired temperature, place your food in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag. Vacuum seal to remove air then insert it into the water bath. Set the cooking time according to your recipe.
Is It Worth Getting A Sous Vide Machine?
A sous vide cooker is a kitchen appliance that offers the convenience of precise cooking through a temperature-controlled water bath. Whether you're a home cook or a professional chef, but is it worth investing in?
- One advantage of a sous vide cooker is its ability to cook food to a precise temperature, resulting in consistent and evenly cooked meals.
- It also allows for multitasking, as you can leave your food to cook while attending to other tasks.
- Another benefit is that it helps retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the food, as it is cooked in a sealed bag, preventing moisture loss.
With all things being considered, its versatility is showcased by its ability to work effectively in various tub sizes, including full-size options up to 24 inches deep.
Recently, I had the opportunity to use this amazing device, and I was impressed by its performance. The 28oz porterhouse I cooked using the sous vide circulator turned out to be a culinary masterpiece.
Afterward, I simply seared it on the grill, resulting in a perfectly medium-rare steak that was incredibly tender.
The circulator not only delivered excellent cooking results but also operated quietly and consistently maintained the desired temperature throughout the entire cooking process.
In comparison, other models like the Anova may struggle with temperature variations in larger baths, but the performance of my old PolyScience couldn't match the sous vide cooker's outstanding capabilities.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the HydroPro immersion circulator is a robust and reliable device designed for commercial use. While it may be excessive for occasional home cooks, it is a wonder for those who frequently use the sous-vide method.
With its durable build, well-padded case, and convenient water flow control, it excels in meeting the needs of professional chefs. It is not picky about water levels and shuts off automatically if they are too low.
The circulation is excellent, temperatures are accurate, but the cooking menu may not be its strongest feature. Despite its higher cost, I recommend experimenting with cheaper alternatives first. Although I had initial reservations, the HydroPro has proven to be a worthwhile addition to my cooking routine.