Tired of expensive sous vide containers? This article reveals a game-changing secret: you can achieve restaurant-quality sous vide results using a humble $6 Sterilite container from Walmart! Forget the hefty price tags associated with specialized equipment; this experiment proves that budget-friendly doesn't mean compromising on quality. We'll walk you through the simple modification process (it takes less than 30 seconds!), demonstrating how this surprisingly effective method delivers exceptional results.This detailed review showcases the successful sous vide cooking of seven tri-tips simultaneously in a 27-quart Sterilite container, proving its durability and performance even under prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Prepare to be amazed as we share the impressive results, highlighting the cost savings, ease of use, and surprisingly large capacity that this budget-friendly option provides. Get ready to elevate your sous vide game without emptying your wallet!
Pros And Cons
- Cheap ($6 including lid)
- Holds a lot of food
- Suitable for sous vide cooking (8.5 hours at 143 degrees)
Read more: Cambro Food Transport Containers: A Caterer's Review of Two Models
The Cheap Sous Vide Container Alternative
For years, I've been using expensive, specialized containers for my sous vide cooking. But recently, I decided to try something different – a budget-friendly option. This experiment involved using a standard Sterilite container, costing me a mere $6 from Walmart. Many people claim that only high-dollar, thick plastic containers are suitable for sous vide, but my experience proved otherwise.
I purchased a 27-quart Sterilite container with a lid. I then simply cut a hole in the lid to accommodate my sous vide immersion circulator. This entire modification took me less than 30 seconds. The results were quite surprising, and I'll share my findings in the next section.
7 Tri-Tips, 8.5 Hours, Perfect Results!
I decided to put this budget container to the ultimate test – cooking seven tri-tips simultaneously! I filled the container and ran my sous vide at 143 degrees Fahrenheit for 8.5 hours. After this extended cook time, I was eager to see how the container and the meat fared.
The results were remarkable. The container performed flawlessly. There were no leaks, no warping, and no signs of stress from the prolonged exposure to hot water. The tri-tips cooked perfectly evenly, comparable to what I'd achieve using my more expensive, dedicated sous vide container.
A Cost-Effective Sous Vide Solution
This experiment proved that you don't need to spend a fortune on specialized equipment for successful sous vide cooking. A simple, inexpensive Sterilite container can be a perfectly adequate substitute, offering significant cost savings without compromising results. The $6 I spent was a worthwhile investment.
The ease of modification—cutting a hole in the lid—was a breeze. The container holds a substantial amount of food. This budget-friendly method lets you cook significantly more meat at once, maximizing efficiency and value. This is a game-changer for home cooks who want to enjoy sous vide without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: Is the $6 Sterilite Container Worth It?
Absolutely! Based on my experience, the $6 Sterilite container is a fantastic, cost-effective alternative for sous vide cooking. It performs just as well as more expensive options, offering a significant return on investment. The simple modification is quick and easy, and the container holds a substantial amount of food.
If you're looking to expand your sous vide capabilities without breaking the bank, I highly recommend giving this method a try. It provides an excellent way to cook larger quantities of food, and the quality of the results is exceptional.