Now that you have decided to venture into preparing excellent pork chops, fish, and steaks, you need to have the best sous vide makers. Instant pot and Anova Sous Vide are the most commonly used items, but they are not the same.
To understand the differences, we have done in-depth research to ensure you don’t get confused. You will understand why many people claim that Anova sous vide are reliable and robust performers while some stick on the Instant Pot. However, differentiating between the two items should be easy so you can determine which one is the best for your case.
Under this article, you will be able to understand various differences that exist between Instant Pot and Anova Sous Vide. I have used both the items and I had to jot down their comparisons for people who is reading this article. I know you don’t have enough resources and time to carry out your own research.
Differences between Instant Pot and Anova Sous Vide
Heating rate
The Instant pot heats water slowly compared to the Anova Souse Vide. Such an issue won’t be something to consider until you notice the extended period Instant pot is using going beyond the normal temperature. Despite Anova heating water at a faster rate, it can still cope up with temperature fluctuations like when adding cold meat into the cooking vessel. With such ability, the temperature of the water in the vessel will be kept constant while you cook
Robustness and versatility of the clamp
Here is another criterion that we can use to differentiate Anova Sous Vide from Instant pot. When it comes to versatility and strength, The Anova sous vide boasts a more versatile and stronger clamp which is different from that of Instant pot. Instant pot clamp tends to bend when tightening it, failing to firmly support the circulator. Furthermore, you can easily set the circulator’s immersion depth in with the help of an Anova clamp; it achieves this regardless of the vessel’s depth.
On the other hand, the Instant pot clamp will only help the circulator to sit on the vessel’s bottom. While cooking, you can stretch the clamp, adjusting the Anova’s bottom above the ground of your pot; won’t come in contact. Such capability prevents additional vibrational noise, giving you a quieter cooking experience. The Instant pot clamp won’t support such adjustments since you can’t control the circulator depth; yes it’s not possible.
Strength and direction
The Instant pot features a non-directional and a weaker circulator while the Anova features a heavy-duty and directional circulator. This implies that the Anova can circulate water strongly in a certain direction, helping you to achieve the best results. On the other hand, Instant pot with its a weaker and non-directional circulator that radiates unnecessarily.
Therefore, the Anova will circulate the water while the Anova does so. Instant pot is also unsuitable for large vessels as it tends to heat water uniformly. This implies that Instant Pot isn’t suitable for huge cooks in bigger containers.
Timer function
Both Anova sous vide and Instant pot feature a timer function. However, using Sous vide cook, it’s possible for the water temperature to be kept constant until you decide to remove your food from the bath. This cooking method (sous vide) is convenient since you don’t have to be worried about overcooking your food if it’s set to cook for an hour or an additional 10 minutes.
However, the timer function can be unnecessary to both items and sometimes are risky. For example, when using sous vide to cook, you will utilize the timer on your phone, reducing the chances of the circulator to shut prematurely; before you think of removing your food. Therefore, the timer function is optional on your Anova, but useful to Instant pot. The pot operates with a default 3-hour timer whenever you decide to use it.
This means that it’s possible for the unit to shut down when the timer immediately goes off. For you to be in a better place, you should set it for an extended period if the food you want to prepare calls for prolonged cooking time. Another annoying fact about Instant Pot is that you can’t bypass its timer.
Water level
When it comes to water level, the Anova Sous Vide boasts both maximum and minimum levels compared to Instant Pot. This feature is notable and it makes it a bit more versatile compared to the Pot. When such a feature is coupled with clamps in the Anova Sous Vide, this option is more versatile for an impressive cooking experience.
Ease of altering the set temperature
With the Anova sous vide, you can easily change the default temperature to suit your desires. The deal is simple with the help of a mouse-wheel type dial as you simply key in your figures any time you wish to adjust it. It’s possible to alter the set temperature with an Instant Pot, but it’s a bit complicated since you are required to start by pressing the “M” function before changing the temperature; to finish the process, don’t forget to tap on the start button.
Additionally, you will be forced to set the previous water temperature to a bit higher degrees than the cooking temp. This might be because you like stopping the circulator whenever you wish to add meat into the water. This temp setting works excellently to those people using Ziplock bags and the water displacement approach; you don’t add meat into the water when the circulation is on.
Therefore starting with a slightly higher temp, the bags will be sealed and kept safe on the port side. Starting the circulator should therefore pick on the real cooking temp. All these hassles won’t be experienced with the Anova sous vide unit; it’s easily achievable.
Audibility of the notification beeper
This is another feature that we can use to distinguish the Anova Sous Vide from the Instant Pot. With Instant Pots, this mechanism tends to be barely audible which is really far and low too polite. You will only hear your Anova Sous Vide when the water clicks the Set Temperature. Therefore if you want a quieter cooking experience, then you can opt for Anova Sous Vide.
Display
Well, if you want the best unit with an ease of use design, then I would recommend the Anova Sous Vide. Its display will show you both the Actual water and Set temperature at all times. With the Instant Pot, such a feature isn’t there since you will only see one temperature. The confusion arises when you fail to differentiate between the Actual temperatures from Set temperatures. The reason behind this statement is that large space in its display is consumed by the timer; which is unnecessary.
Comparison table
| Anova Sous Vide | Instant Pot |
| Superior Temperature accuracy (+/-0.1˚C) (0.2˚F) | Inferior Temp range of (0.1°C) and (+/- 1°F) |
| Massive Temp range (32˚ – 197˚F) and (0˚ – 92˚C) | Smaller Temp range (68°F – 203°F) and (20°C – 95°C) |
| Can operate without the help of the timer and still achieve excellent results | You must use the Timer function; the device won’t operate with such a feature |
| You can use a phone app to control the unit | You can’t operate the unit remotely using a phone app. You are allowed to only use the display |
| Either temperature or time is shown on the display and you can tap on the Mode function to swap between time and temp. | Both Temperature and time are shown on the display |
| The Anova features a sizeable display size | Smaller display since it’s consumed by the timer. |
FAQs
Is Anova Sous better than Instant Pot?
After going through the above comparison, you can realize that the Anova beats Instant Pot. This item remains better sous vide immersion circulator to any home cooks. It comes from a prominent company when it comes to best-performing cookers and boasts the smallest size.
Is Sous Vide bad?
Not true, but some researchers claim that once the food is subjected to a temperature range of 40°F – 140°F for something like 1½ hours can result in food-borne illness. It’s risky due to the growth of pathogens. It doesn’t matter whether the food is prepared by conventional or sous to vide means.
Is Sous Vide worth buying than Instant Pot?
Not really, these comparisons don’t mean that Instant Pots are a bad option. Though Sous vide comes with a lot of benefits, but in a restaurant setting. This implies that it might be unsuitable for home environments compared to Instant Pot. Besides, Anova Sous-vide tends to be expensive, making it unsuitable for people with fixed budgets.
Final words
I know by now you’ve developed several judgments, trying to differentiate between Instant Pot and Anova Sous Vide. I know you are now thinking that The Anova Sous Vide is better than Instant Pot. It might be so, but that doesn’t mean that Instant Pot will not work. It can work perfectly, but you won’t enjoy impressive cooking as you would with the Anova Sous Vide.
However, Instant Pot is a bit cheap and associated with hassles while using. The above features and comparison table should guide you on determining which one is best for you.