Machines like this one operate on the principle of convection: an item can be brought to the temperature of a surrounding medium (like air or water) at a faster speed if the medium is moving over its surface. As in the case of the wine shop water bath, some of these gadgets are meant to work as super coolers. In many cases, as with some ovens and microwaves, they are intended for even distribution of heat.
This Sous Vide ED Heating Immersion Circulator serves as an important functional component of Sous Vide cooking, a method in which food is sealed in an airtight plastic bag and immersed in a circulating bath of warm water. It heats the water bath using a heating element, then circulates the water, ensuring the the heat is dispersed evenly. This particular immersion circulator is designed to fit any tank up to a volume of 13.2 gallons, a depth of 6.5 inches, and a wall thickness of up to 1 inch, meaning that it can easily be used either with an existing tank or with a new one.
Unlike a saute pan, there are no hot spots in a tank that uses the immersion circulator. The bright LED display allows for greater cooking control than a pan as well, allowing you to set a target temperature to an accuracy within 1 degree.
The Sous Vide ED Heating Immersion Circulator is available online through Sur la table's Web site for $999.