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As sous vide cooking gets more and more common as people realize how amazing it is, figuring out the right tools and supplies you need to get started is important.
Sous vide bags are a major part of sous vide cooking, and in this post we are going to take a look at the best sous vide bags for any situation.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best sous vide bags, essential companions for any aspiring or seasoned sous vide enthusiast. As the popularity of this precise cooking technique continues to soar, the right choice of sous vide bags can make a significant difference in achieving restaurant-quality results within the comfort of your own kitchen.
If you've stumbled across this post and are not even totally sure what sous vide cooking is, read both "what is sous vide cooking" and "the benefits of sous vide cooking" to really get a grasp on this amazing cooking method.
Once you're there, you ARE going to want to check out this post on the best sous vide containers, best sous vide weights and the best sous vide machines as well because that is where you'll be cooking all your food!
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How to Evaluate the Best Sous Vide Bags
In this post, we'll explore a range of options for different types of sous vide bags. From traditional vacuum-sealed bags to innovative silicone alternatives, we'll delve into the qualities, benefits, and considerations that make these bags ideal for sous vide cooking.
We'll discuss popular brands known for their durability, reliability, and superior sealing properties. Additionally, we'll explore the versatility and eco-friendliness of silicone bags that offer reusable alternatives to their plastic counterparts.
Furthermore, we'll highlight key factors to consider when selecting sous vide bags, including material quality, thickness, puncture resistance, ease of use, and reusability. By understanding these factors, you'll be equipped with the knowledge necessary to choose the perfect sous vide bags that align with your preferences and cooking requirements.
Prepare to elevate your sous vide game as we embark on this exploration of the best sous vide bags, helping you achieve culinary precision and unlock a world of delicious possibilities in your kitchen. Let's dive in!
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How to Choose the Best Bags for Sous Vide Cooking
When it comes to choosing the best sous vide bags, there are a few factors to consider, such as material quality, thickness, durability, and safety. Here are some popular options:
Food-Grade Sous Vide Bags
Look for bags made from food-safe materials, such as BPA-free and phthalate-free plastics, or silicone. Ensure they meet food safety standards and are labeled as suitable for sous vide cooking.
Vacuum Sealer Bags
These bags are designed to work with vacuum sealing machines. They are typically thicker and more durable than regular storage bags, providing better protection against leaks and punctures. Popular brands include FoodSaver and Weston.
Zip-Top Sous Vide Bags
These bags have a zip-top closure that allows for easy sealing and reuse. Look for bags with robust seals to prevent leaks during sous vide cooking. Some well-known brands include Ziploc, Anova, SousVide Supreme, and Stasher. We use these bags when using the waster displacement method.
Puncture-Resistant Bags
Sous vide cooking involves long cooking times at precise temperatures, so using bags that are resistant to punctures is important. Bags with multiple layers or thicker materials can provide extra protection against punctures from sharp bones or edges.
Pre-cut or Roll Bags
Pre-cut bags are convenient for quick and easy sealing, while roll bags allow you to customize the size according to your needs. If you choose roll bags, make sure they are compatible with your vacuum sealer machine.
I'm all about roll bags...I like the ability to cut my bag into whatever size I need. Plus they are cheaper when you buy by the roll!
Reusability and Sustainability
If you're concerned about reducing waste, consider reusable silicone bags or eco-friendly options made from materials like silicone or PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate). These can be washed and reused multiple times.
It's important to note that while some bags may be labeled as suitable for sous vide cooking, it's always a good idea to double-check the manufacturer's instructions to ensure they are specifically designed for this cooking method.
Ultimately, the best sous vide bags for you will depend on your personal preferences, cooking needs, and budget. Consider the factors mentioned above and read reviews from other users to make an informed decision.
Different Types of Sous Vide Bags
There are basically 3 different types of sous vide bags - vacuum seal, re-sealable and silicone. There are pros and cons to each, as well as options to choose from within each type.
Vacuum Seal Bags
When selecting vacuum seal bags for sous vide cooking, you'll want to choose options that are durable, puncture-resistant, and specifically designed for high-temperature cooking. Here are some recommended vacuum seal bags for sous vide:
FoodSaver Vacuum Seal Bags: FoodSaver is a well-known brand that offers a variety of vacuum seal bags suitable for sous vide cooking. They come in different sizes and thicknesses and are designed to be puncture-resistant and airtight for optimal results.
Weston Vacuum Sealer Bags: Weston produces vacuum sealer bags that are compatible with most vacuum sealing machines. These bags are heavy-duty and can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for sous vide cooking. Make sure they fit in your vacuum sealer though - they are too big for mine!
Nutri-Lock Vacuum Sealer Bags: Nutri-Lock offers vacuum sealer bags that are designed specifically for sous vide cooking. These bags are made with a multilayer construction for enhanced durability and are BPA-free. They are also compatible with popular vacuum sealing machines.
Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Bags: Anova offers their own line of vacuum sealer bags that are designed specifically for use with their sous vide devices. These bags come in different sizes and are compatible with the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer. They are made of durable material and provide an airtight seal.
SousVide Supreme Vacuum Sealer Pouches: SousVide Supreme produces vacuum sealer pouches that are made from food-safe materials and are suitable for sous vide cooking. These bags are designed to withstand high temperatures and create a tight seal to lock in flavors.
GERYON Vacuum Sealer Bags: GERYON offers vacuum sealer bags that are compatible with GERYON vacuum sealing machines. These bags are made from BPA-free, food-grade materials and are suitable for sous vide cooking. They come in various sizes and thicknesses.
It's important to choose vacuum seal bags that are specifically labeled for sous vide cooking and are able to withstand the high temperatures and prolonged cooking times associated with this method. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the maximum temperature and cooking duration recommended for the vacuum seal bags you choose.
Re-sealable Freezer bags
I typically prefer vacuum seal bags when cooking sous vide, unless I am cooking something liquid. Then the trusty vacuum sealer just causes me problems!
Freezer bags work great for this used alongside the water displacement method (slowly sealing the bag while submerging it to push all the air out).
When it comes to choosing freezer bags for sous vide cooking, you'll want to look for options that are specifically designed for high-temperature cooking and are durable enough to withstand the freezing process. Here are some recommended freezer bags for sous vide:
FoodSaver Freezer Bags: FoodSaver is a well-known brand for vacuum sealing products, and their freezer bags are a popular choice for sous vide cooking. These bags are thick, durable, and can be used with a vacuum sealer for airtight sealing.
Ziploc Freezer Bags: Ziploc offers freezer bags that are suitable for sous vide cooking. Look for the freezer bags specifically labeled as "Freezer" as they are thicker and more resistant to punctures and leaks.
Weston Heavy-Duty Freezer Bags: Weston is another brand that offers heavy-duty freezer bags designed for long-term storage and sous vide cooking. These bags are made of puncture-resistant material, suitable for freezing and can be used with vacuum sealers.
SousVide Supreme Zip Cooking Pouches: These cooking pouches are specifically designed for sous vide cooking. They are made from food-safe, BPA-free material, and have a zip closure for easy sealing. They are also freezer-safe and can withstand high temperatures.
VacMaster Sous Vide Bags: VacMaster produces a range of sous vide bags suitable for freezing and cooking. They offer various sizes and thicknesses to accommodate different food items. These bags are compatible with most vacuum sealers and provide reliable performance.
Always ensure that the bags you choose are labeled as suitable for sous vide cooking and can withstand the freezing process. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the maximum temperature and cooking duration recommended for the freezer bags to ensure safety and optimal cooking results.
Re-usable Silicone Bags
Basically, these types of bags can be washed and re-used, which is awesome for sustainability purposes. They are also very durable, which makes them great for those long sous vide cooks.
Stasher Bags: Stasher bags are made from food-grade silicone and have a patented airtight pinch-loc seal. They come in various sizes and shapes, are dishwasher safe, and can be used for sous vide cooking.
Homelux Theory Silicone Food Storage Bags: These silicone bags are designed for food storage but can also be used for sous vide cooking. They are made from 100% food-grade silicone, are leak-proof, freezer safe, and can withstand temperatures ranging from -40°F to 446°F (-40°C to 230°C).
MoKasi Silicone Sous Vide Bags: These bags are specifically designed for sous vide cooking and are made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone. They have a double-seal zipper to prevent leaks, and the set includes different sizes for versatile cooking options.
Platinum Pure Silicone Bags: These bags are made from platinum food-grade silicone, which is known for its high-quality and safety. They are suitable for sous vide cooking and can also be used for storing and freezing food.
The biggest downfall I have found with silicone bags is it is very difficult to get all the air out. It is also hard to get the food in without it touching the seal, meaning you will have to wipe that down before sealing and cooking.
Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the maximum temperature and cooking duration recommended for the silicone bags you choose.
What Bags are Best for Anova Sous Vide?
The Anova sous vide immersion circulator is a popular choice among home cooks for sous vide cooking. When using the Anova sous vide device, you have a few options for bags that work well with it:
- Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Bags: Anova offers their own line of vacuum sealer bags that are designed specifically for use with their sous vide devices. These bags come in different sizes and are compatible with the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer. They are made of durable material and provide an airtight seal.
- Ziploc Freezer Bags: Ziploc freezer bags are a convenient and readily available option for sous vide cooking with the Anova device. They are not vacuum-sealed bags, but they can work effectively if you use the displacement method. Simply place your food in a Ziploc bag, seal it most of the way, and then immerse it in the water bath, allowing the water pressure to push out the remaining air before fully sealing the bag.
- Stasher Bags: Stasher bags are reusable silicone bags that are suitable for sous vide cooking with the Anova device. They have a pinch-loc seal and can withstand high temperatures. Stasher bags come in various sizes and are a sustainable option if you prefer to avoid disposable plastic bags.
- FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Bags: FoodSaver vacuum sealer bags are compatible with the Anova sous vide device. They are thick, durable, and designed for vacuum sealing. They provide a reliable seal and work well for sous vide cooking.
Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the maximum temperature and cooking duration recommended for the bags you choose. Whichever bag you opt for, make sure it is suitable for sous vide cooking and can withstand the water bath temperatures involved in the process.
What I Use
All the above are good choices, but I use these 2 kinds of bags:
WishDirect Vacuum Seal Bags 11' x 25' (I get them on Amazon): I've used the name brand bags and a number of others, and these just work great and are a lot cheaper. Especially for someone who sous vides many, many times in a week!
Ziploc Freezer Bags: I do these grip and zip bags from Ziploc as I want to avoid the seal coming loose, especially during my longer cooks. These are great for the water displacement method.
I have thought about getting into the silicone bags as we are all about sustainability here, but I haven't done it yet. We have a few smaller silicone storage bags and I hate them LOL. So we'll see.
We have been known to wash freezer bags and reuse them numerous times!
All that said, I want to hear from you. Comment below and let us know what types of bags you're using as I'm always looking for new options!
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