How to Clean a Sous Vide Circulator

The sous vide immersion circulator, similar to the majority of other kitchen gadgets, does not demand a great deal of routine upkeep. But if you use your circulator as frequently as I do, it’s certainly worth it to take an hour out of your schedule every so often to give it some “TLC” (tender loving care).

This article will give you with all of the knowledge that you require to return your immersion circulator back into peak operating condition.

What are the benefits of keeping my Sous Vide Circulator clean?

Mineral deposits will begin to form on several components of the immersion circulator, most noticeably the heating unit, depending on the chemical composition of the water in your sous vide bath. This buildup is natural because the sediments in the water come from the tap. Depending on the water pipes in your home and the source of the water, these deposits may seem white, brown, black, or even green.

If these deposits are thick enough, they can lessen the efficiency of the heating element and/or cause problems with the spinning impeller. Both of these things can happen if the deposits are allowed to accumulate. Therefore, it makes sense to clean your circulator on a regular basis if you want to ensure that it continues to function at its highest level of efficiency.

A Guide to Cleaning the Various Types of Sous Vide Machines

When it comes to cleaning a circulator, the method that is used will be different for each different type of circulator that needs to be cleaned. There are two primary categories, which are as follows:

When was the last time you cleaned your circulator?

It is difficult to determine how frequently this must be done because the frequency is dependent on the water in the water bath. It is in your best interest to simply keep an eye on the components found therein, and to clean them as soon as their sheen begins to diminish.

The other situation that calls for a comprehensive cleaning is one in which there is a disastrous occurrence in the water basin.

This might be the result of the contents of a sous vide bag spilling out or the shell of an egg breaking before its time when it is floating freely in the water. These scenarios are especially problematic if they are not spotted in a timely manner and “cooked” on for an extended period of time.

How to Maintain Cleanliness in Sealed Circulators

The components of a sealed immersion circulator, such as the heating unit and the impeller, cannot be accessed in any way, as the device is designed to be completely watertight. Because of this, the only way to clean the internal mechanisms is to operate the circulator while it is submerged in some kind of cleaning solution.

Unless there is some kind of “catastrophic” accident in the water bath, this is normally all that is required to be done afterward. Some examples of sealed circulators include the Anova Nano and the ChefSteps Joule.

Machines for Cleaning That Are Open

The outer shell of many immersion circulators may be removed at the point where the device is submerged in water, allowing the internal components to be accessed and cleaned as needed. This feature is common among immersion circulators. This easily accessible design makes it possible to clean the internal mechanisms of the circulation in a more comprehensive manner.

In most cases, direct access to the internal components of the device is not required; but, having the ability to do so can be a literal lifesaver in the event of a catastrophic water bath malfunction. A couple of examples of circulators that are easily accessible are the fusionChef and the Anova Precision Cooker.

Various Methods of Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning your immersion circulator, you have a number of various options available to you. You might use any one of these methods. Which one you decide to use is going to be determined by how dirty the equipment is that you are trying to clean.

Purifying Oneself in a Bath of Vinegar

The most frequent approach for cleaning a circulator is to use a vinegar bath because it is the easiest method and it rarely requires any further steps.

Sous Vide Vinegar Cleaning Steps

The following are the stages that make up this cleaning process:

Step 1: Locate a tiny pot, jar, or other container that you can use to house the circulator while requiring the absolute minimum amount of liquid. In most cases, I use a pitcher that holds 2 quarts. This reduces the amount of vinegar that is required by a simple amount.

Step 2: Attach the circulator to the inside of the container in a secure manner.

Step 3: Fill the container with water and distilled white vinegar in proportions that are equal to one another.

Step 4: Make sure the circulator is plugged in and set the temperature to 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit).

Step 5: Turn on the circulator and let it run for approximately one hour before switching it off.

Step 6 : Remove all of the vinegar water from the container and then refill it with clean water.

Step 7: After thoroughly rinsing the circulator by operating it for a few minutes, remove it from the container and set it aside.

Step 8: After cleaning the circulator, wipe it down with a damp cloth and put it away.

Optional Cleaning Steps

If you have a circulator that opens up, the following are some steps that are not required but are recommended to take:

Step 1: After the circulator has been operating continuously for one hour, switch it off and let it to cool down. First, remove the circulator from the container, and then carry out the procedures required to gain access to the device’s inner workings.

Step 2: If necessary, use the vinegar water (or mild dish soap) along with a toothbrush or any similar instrument to remove any deposits that may have been left behind on the working portions of the circulator. Take extra precautions to ensure that the impeller and the connection it has to the motor do not get bent.

Step 3: After drying the device with a gentle cloth, thoroughly clean the gadget’s inner workings by rinsing them with clean water and being careful not to damage them.

Step 4: Put the circulator back together and put it away.