You Really Should Be Cleaning This Small Kitchen Appliance More Often

If you're an avid home chef who loves adding new gadgets to your kitchen, then you've probably heard of (or perhaps even own) a sous-vide circulator. This impressive small appliance, also known as an immersion circulator, can help you cook food at the perfect water temperature. Though the sleek-looking tool may have once been deemed a trendy kitchen appliance, it has become a favorite among professional and at-home chefs. But as it turns out, it could also be an overlooked kitchen appliance you're forgetting to clean.

You may be wondering: Why would I need to clean something that only touches water? That's exactly why regular cleaning is crucial. A sous-vide circulator spends a lot of its time submerged in water. This kind of constant exposure means minerals, limescale, and other deposits are bound to collect on the circulator as you use it. Over time, the mineral buildup may cause your circulator to heat water unevenly, which could result in even the most perfectly-timed recipes coming out ruined. That would defeat the purpose of using the gadget in the first place, so make a habit of cleaning your circulator regularly. 

A little maintenance goes a long way in ensuring your circulator works efficiently for years to come. It only takes a few straightforward steps to prevent mineral buildup and ensure consistent performance. For daily cleaning, simply unplug your circulator and wipe down the parts that get submerged with a mild soap and a damp soft cloth or sponge. If your machine has a float or water-level sensor, check that it moves freely and isn't stuck so the appliance can heat and circulate properly.

To clear away any mineral buildup, you can use vinegar as a versatile cleaning tool. Simply fill a container large enough for your sous-vide circulator with a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water, then run it at a temperature between 140 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour. This temperature range is ideal for descaling since it's hot enough to help dissolve mineral buildup without damaging the circulator's stainless steel components. Rinse off the vinegar, then run your circulator again in the same container again for an extra 30 minutes, but this time only filled with water. If you use your sous-vide circulator frequently, this deeper clean should be done weekly. Incorporating these steps into your kitchen maintenance routine can keep your circulator running efficiently, ensuring that all your sous-vide meals come out perfectly cooked.