Are you tired of guessing the perfect temperature for your sous vide cooking? With Dash Chef Series stainless steel sous vide cooker, that’s not the case since it offers precise temperature control. As a curious chef myself, I decided to give this product a try and put it to the test.
After experimenting with various recipes and ingredients, I have to say, the results were good. Let me share with you my findings in this Dash Chef Series sous vide review.
Main Features
- Its brand is DASH
- Its capacity is 8.5 Quarts hence can fit small to large batches of food
- It is able to circulate hot water making it ideal for sous vide cooking
- Wattage is 700 watts and it is made of Stainless Steel-built to last
Dash Chef Series Sous Vide Review
The first notable feature of Dash Chef Series Stainless Steel Sous Vide Cooker is its large capacity of 8.5 quarts. This is particularly useful if you are cooking for a large family or entertaining guests.
One convenient aspect is that it beeps just before the heating process ends, indicating the perfect time to place your food inside.
This is important because if you add your ingredients after the unit has fully heated, it tends to take a considerable amount of time to reach the desired temperature.
The cooker's shallow design is further accentuated when using the included rack, limiting its ability to accommodate large cuts of meat.
However, it can handle a 4-inch piece of meat vertically, and with strategic positioning, possibly even a slightly larger piece. This works well for individuals who prefer strip steaks, as the shallow configuration allows the fat to permeate the meat during the cooking process.
It is worth noting that the unit is slightly larger than anticipated, but it comfortably accommodates meals for 2 or 3 people.
If you regularly cook for larger groups, it would be advisable to invest in a larger and more expensive machine. Now, let's dive in and review the Dash Chef Series Stainless Steel Sous Vide Cooker.
Has Restaurant Quality Precision
The temperature control system is precise, and I found that the sous vide machine maintained a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. This resulted in food that was perfectly cooked to my desired level of doneness.
The machine's timer feature is also a plus, allowing me to set the cooking time and then leave the food to cook, freeing up my time for other activities. Also, the machine is easy to clean and maintain, with a removable stainless steel sleeve and detachable power cord.
It is Ideal for Cooking Sous Vide
One of the key advantages of many sous vide machines is their ability to circulate hot water evenly around the food, ensuring even and perfect cooking.
The Dash Chef Series digital sous vide cooker excels in this aspect, thanks to its powerful 700-watt heating element that helps maintain a consistent temperature.
As someone who is passionate about sous vide, I must say that I am head over heels for this appliance. I have prepared various dishes, including potatoes, an abundance of veggies, and plenty of chicken, wings, and fish.
The results have been consistently fantastic! The meat is infused with herbs and spices like never before. Throughout the cooking process, this unit maintains a steady temperature, and the magnetic agitator quietly circulates the water.
Furthermore, setting the desired temperature and cooking time is quick and effortless. Just set it and let it work its magic.
The Dash Chef Series Digital Sous Vide Cooker Is Durable
The cooker is built to last, with durable stainless steel construction. This not only adds to its longevity but also gives it an attractive and modern appearance that will complement any kitchen décor.
The touch control method of the Dash Chef Series digital sous vide machine is user-friendly. It allows you to easily set the temperature of the cooker, which ranges from 104-194°F. This makes it suitable for a wide range of sous vide cooking applications.
Comes with Useful Accessories for Cooking Sous Vide
In addition to the sous vide cooker, you will also receive a pump and sous vide bags. This provides everything you need to get started with sous vide cooking.
Overall, the Dash Chef Series Stainless Steel Sous Vide Cooker is a great product that offers both versatility and durability. Its large capacity, powerful heating element, and intuitive touch controls make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to explore the world of sous vide cooking.
Pros
Cons
Can You Sous Vide Something Too Long?
The Texture of Food Changes
While it's true that sous vide cooking produces perfectly cooked food every time, it's also possible to sous vide for too long.
When food is cooked for too long, its texture can change, becoming mushy and unappetizing. This is because the proteins in the food break down too much, causing the texture to become soft and almost gelatinous.
Therefore, it's important to keep an eye on the cooking time when sous vide cooking to ensure that your food doesn't become overcooked and lose its desired texture.
What's The Deal With Sous Vide?
Sous vide is a cooking technique that involves vacuum-sealing food in a plastic sous vide bag and then immersing it in a water bath that is kept at a precisely regulated temperature.
Helps To Achieve Restaurant Quality Precision
This method of cooking yields extremely consistent results as the food is cooked evenly and consistently. It also preserves the natural flavors and textures of the food, as the food is sealed off from the environment.
Many chefs have taken to sous vide as it allows them to control the cooking process with great accuracy, making it much easier to achieve restaurant-quality results.
It has been embraced by both Professional and Home Cooks
The technique has been used in professional kitchens for many years, but with the introduction of affordable sous vide machines for home use, it has become more accessible to home cooks. It has been embraced by many food enthusiasts and has even become a trend on social media.
Is Dash Chef Series Sous Vide Any Good?
The Dash Chef Series Digital Sous Vide is a reliable and efficient cooking tool that consistently delivers restaurant-quality results.
With its precise temperature accuracy and timer functions, it ensures precise cooking, allowing the savory flavors and natural juices of the food to shine.
However, it's important to note that during the initial use, the Dash may emit a burning plastic smell, which typically dissipates after approximately two hours.
To avoid any potential issues, it is recommended to run the Dash without any food for the first time, drain and refill the unit, and then begin cooking.
The Dash is designed to be the perfect size for two people, but it can accommodate up to six steaks, making it versatile for larger gatherings.
Cleaning is a breeze as the tub is easily cleaned, and the only moving part, the magnetic impeller, can be removed, cleaned, and replaced. Additionally, the cover ensures that 100% of the water stays inside the unit for extended periods.
Has a Large Led Display and Capacity
The Dash Chef Series Digital Sous Vide has an intuitive digital interface that allows users to set the temperature and cooking time with ease.
Its generous capacity of up to 10 gallons of water makes it ideal for preparing sizable portions of meat or vegetables. However, there is one puzzling aspect to its design; users must hold down the power button for three seconds to re-enter display mode.
This additional step seems unnecessary and time-consuming. Despite this minor inconvenience, I have successfully cooked over 10 meals with this device, and each one has turned out flawlessly.
The sous vide is incredibly simple to operate, and its temperature accuracy is exceptional. Not only is the device functional, but it also boasts an attractive design, highlighted by its large and visually appealing display.
It is Durable
Another advantage of the Dash Chef Series Digital Sous Vide is its durability. The device is constructed using high-quality materials, ensuring its longevity even with frequent use.
Personally, I primarily use it to cook individual portions of meats, such as steaks, although I do enjoy a variety of meats. One notable feature is its quick heating capability, coupled with its ability to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Additionally, I find it convenient for defrosting meats before seasoning and cooking them, as I don't need to keep the device running continuously. This eliminates the guesswork involved in grilling the perfect steak.
In the past, I've experimented with meat thermometers and timers, but found them to be too cumbersome. Who wants to risk ruining $50 worth of steak?
With the Dash Chef Series Digital Sous Vide, the meat turns out moist, tender, and delicious. I simply give it a quick sear on the grill for appearance and savor the delightful results.
Final Thoughts
However, the Dash Chef Series Stainless Steel Sous Vide Cooker is a convenient and reliable appliance. Its 8.5-quart capacity makes it perfect for cooking for a large family or entertaining guests. While it lacks memory settings for temperature adjustments, the intuitive programming and helpful manual make it easy to use.
The cooker heats up quickly but can get hot during the warm-up period, so caution is advised. However, once it reaches the desired temperature, the sides cool down, and the plastic bottom keeps the countertop safe. Cleaning is a breeze with removable components.
Overall, the Dash Chef Sous Vide Cooker is a beloved appliance that has been used consistently for years. While there have been occasional seal stretching issues, they haven't affected cooking. It's a great choice for families of four and offers excellent water circulation. Despite some minor drawbacks, it remains a popular option in the market.