Using Your Predictive Thermometer for Sous Vide CookingUpdated 4 days ago

Can I Use My Thermometer for Sous Vide?

Both 1st- and 2nd-generation Predictive Thermometers can be used for sous vide cooking, but there are important differences to understand for safe and effective use.

1st-Generation Thermometer Guidelines

• Water Resistance: 1st-generation thermometers are rated IP68, which covers full submersion to 1 meter for more than 30 minutes. That is enough for sous vide on a probe in good condition, but the seal can degrade with repeated high-heat use, which is why the caution below matters.
• Important Caution: If your 1st-generation probe has been used for high-heat grilling, we do not recommend using it for sous vide
  • High heat exposure can affect the seals over time
  • Use only probes that haven't been exposed to high-heat grilling
• Vacuum Sealing: Do not use commercial-strength vacuum sealers with 1st-generation probes

2nd-Generation Thermometer Advantages

• Enhanced Waterproofing: Hermetically sealed and completely impermeable
• IP69K Rating: Highest possible waterproof rating
• Versatile Use: Safe for switching between cooking methods
• Commercial Compatible: Can be used with commercial vacuum sealers

Turn on Always-On Mode first

Your thermometer goes to sleep when something bridges the two metal charging contacts on the handle, and a water bath does exactly that. Left on the default setting, it can switch itself off partway through a sous vide cook.

Turn on Always-On Mode in the app before you start and it will stay awake for the whole cook. You will find it under the thermometer's settings, in Power Mode. Switch back to "Standby in Charger" afterwards, because Always-On uses noticeably more battery.

One other thing worth expecting: the surface temperature reading behaves oddly in a water bath. Everything sits at almost exactly the same temperature, so there is no real difference between surface and core for the app to find. That is the nature of sous vide, not a problem with your thermometer.

For more detail, see Combustion App: Always-On Mode.

Best Practices for Sous Vide Cooking

1. Always ensure the probe is fully inserted into the food
2. Avoid direct contact between the probe and the water bath
3. Use appropriate vacuum sealing methods based on your thermometer
4. Monitor the app for accurate temperature readings

Summary

While both generations can be used for sous vide cooking, the 2nd-generation Predictive Thermometer offers enhanced waterproofing and greater versatility. For 1st-generation users, successful sous vide cooking is possible with proper precautions and by using probes that haven't been exposed to high heat.

*High heat: anything above 450°F

Still have a question?

If your thermometer is going to sleep mid-cook or the readings look odd in a water bath, email [email protected] and tell us which generation you have.

Combustion App: Always-On Mode covers the setting. Is it totally waterproof? covers submersion and vacuum sealing.

[Related keywords: sous vide, sousvide, water bath, immersion circulator, can i use it for sous vide, is it waterproof enough, submerge, submersion, IP68, IP69K, vacuum seal, vacuum sealer, commercial vacuum sealer, bag, always-on mode, always on, goes to sleep, switches off mid cook, charging contacts, power mode, standby in charger, surface temp looks wrong, no difference between surface and core, 1st generation, 2nd generation, high heat, 450f]