A sous vide cooker, also known as immersion circulator, is a cooking machine that cooks food in a water bath at an accurately controlled temperature. It usually consists of a heating element and a circulator that maintains a continuous flow of water, ensuring uniform temperature throughout the bath.

Sous vide cooking has many advantages:

1. Accuracy. Sous vide cookers can achieve accurate cooking temperatures, which results in perfectly cooked food every time
2. Consistency. Since the food is cooked at a controlled temperature, you can replicate the same results multiple times.
3. Richer flavor. Vacuum sealing preserves the natural juices and flavors of the food, while longer cooking time lets spices and seasonings soak in.
4. Tender texture. Sous vide cooking tenderizes proteins perfectly without the risk of overcooking, so you can avoid dry or tough texture.
5. Convenience. Once you've set the temperature and submerged the food, you can engage in other tasks, making it perfect for busy schedules.

Yes, you can use any large pot that can withstand high temperatures and is deep enough to keep the food fully submerged.

Unplug the sous vide machine and let it cool down completely. Use a damp cloth with white vinegar, citric acid, or dishwashing liquid to wipe down any spills or splatters on the stainless steel parts. Alternatively, add dishwashing liquid to the water and let the machine run normally, which allows the water circulation to self-clean. After everything is clean and dry, store your INKBIRD sous vide cooker in a cool, dry place until its next use.

Preheating is not strictly necessary, but it helps achieve even cooking. The time required to preheat the water depends on the volume of water and the desired temperature. INKBRID sous vide cookers are designed to heat water relatively quickly, usually in about 20-30 minutes for a standard home cooking amount.

No, all INKBIRD sous vide machines are designed to be quiet, running at under 20 decibels.