Inexpensive Monoprice Strata Sous Vide Cooker

[pianoman9701]

This appears to be a knock off of the Anova Precision Bluetooth Cooker, the model I have. It's about half of the price at $69.95. The only difference I could see is the lack of Bluetooth, which I hardly use anyway. It has the same power output, so should heat up to and maintain temperature just like the Anova. The adjustments of the Strata appear to be identical to the Anova. I couldn't find any reviews of the cooker but a lot of good comments regarding the quality and value of Monoprice appliances. Maybe someone here has used this model? Here's the link: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=21594

[pianoman9701]

There are "customer" reviews on the website. Who knows who wrote them. I will say that if you have been wondering about sous vide cooking and are scared off by the Anova price tag, this might be a good one to start with. It might also be a nice Christmas present for your significant other if she or he does a lot of cooking. One of the outstanding characteristics of sous vide cooking is the ability to do other things while the meat is cooking and to time the side dishes precisely to be done when the meat is ready to serve. With beef or lamb, I usually sear the meat and then rest for 20-30 minutes. This gives me time to cook vegetables and starches and make salad during the rest. For big events like Thanksgiving, this appliance frees up the oven for other items, like pies or casseroles, breads, etc.

[DaveMonti]

Thanks P-man.  I've been thinking of buying one for a while now.  This looks like a good option!

[pianoman9701]

Very cool. I expect a full and detailed review when you get it and use it. 

By the way, Anova has a free phone app that has a ton of recipes. There's also a Youtube channel called Sous Vide Everything that's cool and a quick Google search will yield sous vide recipes all over the net.

[tjthebest]

I have used monoprice alot. They definitely have quality items and great prices. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a monoprice branded item.

[pianoman9701]

I have used monoprice alot. They definitely have quality items and great prices. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a monoprice branded item.

Thank you for chiming in. That's the general consensus for the brand that I've seen.

[Stein]

Thanks for the heads up and info.  For those that have used them, would you go with the immersion stick type or the crock-pot type like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Mill-Sous-Vide-Machine/dp/B01MRRGX15/ref=sr_1_9?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1510678570&sr=1-9&keywords=sous+vide

I've been wanting one bigtime and the prices have came down to a reasonable range for me.

[pianoman9701]

I've never used the crock pot type, but would likely go with the immersion type anyway. They give you lots of flexibility with the size of pot you can use, how much you can cook at one time. And, when you're done, they don't take up a whole shelf in the kitchen or pantry. They store in a drawer. I've had mine for a year and use it several times a week - three times since Sunday this week alone.

[quadrafire]

Thanks Pianoman.
I sent the link to my wife as an idea for me for Christmas. I've been tossing around the idea of getting one and even started a thread on here awhile back about tips/techniques for this style of cooking.

[pianoman9701]

I don't get into too many recipes, although I did do a Chinese pork belly dish on Sunday. Mostly, I'm cooking primal cuts, steaks, chicken breasts, all with some seasoning and most, searing at the end with a torch or on the gas grill outside. If you use a torch, get the gas in the yellow bottles. Gallon ziplock bags are the most frequent although I do use the vacuum sealer occasionally. I've not had one problem with the ziplocks up to 178F. I also learned this week to cover the top with plastic wrap to eliminate evaporation for long cooks of more than a few hours. Otherwise, you have to add water every three hours or so.

[blackpowderhunter]

looks like its 62 bucks on amazon...i'd been wanting to get one for a while and this makes trying it out that much easier!
Thanks for the heads up

[MikeCass]

looks like its 62 bucks on amazon...i'd been wanting to get one for a while and this makes trying it out that much easier!
Thanks for the heads up

$62 on Amazon? Sounds like a great deal.

[Buzz2401]

My buddy has one of these and just had us over for some elk shank that he put in it and it was unreal.  He took the most messed up cut of meat and it was all super tender and tasted great.

[gaddy]

I think I will show the wife this thread. I like the idea and would like to try it. Not sure if she will be up to a another kitchen gadget though.

[pianoman9701]

It makes the best hamburgers in the world. As thick as you want. No shrink. Put the cheese in the middle and go out and have a cigar and a couple of vodkas. When you take them out, brown for 1 minute on each side and let rest while you cook the bacon and brown the buns. I did one last night which was about 1 1/2" thick, perfectly medium rare from one side to the other. Try that on your grill without it being charcoal on the outside and raw in the middle.

[gaddy]

How are they with fish? I will have to look at some recipes. From what I have seen about this method in the cooking topic, You seem to be a good salesman on the Sous-Vide method.

[magnanimous_j]

It makes the best hamburgers in the world. As thick as you want. No shrink. Put the cheese in the middle and go out and have a cigar and a couple of vodkas. When you take them out, brown for 1 minute on each side and let rest while you cook the bacon and brown the buns. I did one last night which was about 1 1/2" thick, perfectly medium rare from one side to the other. Try that on your grill without it being charcoal on the outside and raw in the middle.

The sear at the end is critical. I had steak from a sous vide once, and it was perfectly cooked, but I was kinda turned off my it's grey, rubbery color.

[Angry Perch]

It makes the best hamburgers in the world. As thick as you want. No shrink. Put the cheese in the middle and go out and have a cigar and a couple of vodkas. When you take them out, brown for 1 minute on each side and let rest while you cook the bacon and brown the buns. I did one last night which was about 1 1/2" thick, perfectly medium rare from one side to the other. Try that on your grill without it being charcoal on the outside and raw in the middle.

That's on the short list. Sounds delicious!

[Angry Perch]

How are they with fish? I will have to look at some recipes. From what I have seen about this method in the cooking topic, You seem to be a good salesman on the Sous-Vide method.

We recently did some salmon, and it was absolute melt in your mouth goodness!

[gaddy]

Was thinking about some Steel Head with a dab of butter and lemon pepper.

[pianoman9701]

It makes the best hamburgers in the world. As thick as you want. No shrink. Put the cheese in the middle and go out and have a cigar and a couple of vodkas. When you take them out, brown for 1 minute on each side and let rest while you cook the bacon and brown the buns. I did one last night which was about 1 1/2" thick, perfectly medium rare from one side to the other. Try that on your grill without it being charcoal on the outside and raw in the middle.

The sear at the end is critical. I had steak from a sous vide once, and it was perfectly cooked, but I was kinda turned off my it's grey, rubbery color.

Yeah, you never eat a steak or other meat straight from the bath. Even a piece of salmon I sear for a minute each side. The caramelization is key for top flavor.

[DaveMonti]

Pman,
I'm looking into an immersion cooker for Christmas.  I've read a lot of reviews and the Anova seems to rise to the top. 
I am seeing a few cookers that are greater than 800 watts and am just wondering, in your experience, is 800 watts plenty for doing things like a 5 lb. rib roast?

Thanks!

Dave

[pianoman9701]

Mine is an 800W Anova and I use it all the time for everything. I got the bluetooth model, not the wifi and would probably get the wifi if the $70 difference didn't mean that much to me. It's plenty. I just did prime rib for Thanksgiving. Cooked it for about 8 hours and finished it in the oven at 475 for 20 minutes. It was herb-encrusted with rosemary, thyme, garlic, coarse salt, and pepper. You can get 2.5 gallon ziplocks at Walmart, which you'll need. I also have a 16 qt tall plastic tub that I used to sous vide it - get that at Cash & Carry. Cover the top with stretch wrap and you won't need to worry about evaporation.

[DaveMonti]

Thanks for the info!  I'm looking forward to a great new way to cook!

[Fl0und3rz]

I've never used the crock pot type, but would likely go with the immersion type anyway. They give you lots of flexibility with the size of pot you can use, how much you can cook at one time. And, when you're done, they don't take up a whole shelf in the kitchen or pantry. They store in a drawer. I've had mine for a year and use it several times a week - three times since Sunday this week alone.

You are quite the salesman.

This the one you have?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UKPBXM4/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_79_of_17?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=MXGRKHQ8DZ3EDZ9GNGKZ

I put it in my cart, and I am going to think on it. 

That prime rib sounds amazing.

[Chase2008]

Have an Anova as well and can vouch for the goodness it creates. Turns some tough cuts to tender eats. Just finished puttting some smoke on a top round roast for 2 hours at low temp. Went into the sous vide at 530. Cooking for 24 ish hours then a quick sear on broil. Can't wait for tomorrow's dinner

Look for deals on amazon. Picked up 2 for presents on cyber Monday for $85

[pianoman9701]

I've never used the crock pot type, but would likely go with the immersion type anyway. They give you lots of flexibility with the size of pot you can use, how much you can cook at one time. And, when you're done, they don't take up a whole shelf in the kitchen or pantry. They store in a drawer. I've had mine for a year and use it several times a week - three times since Sunday this week alone.

You are quite the salesman.

This the one you have?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UKPBXM4/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_79_of_17?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=MXGRKHQ8DZ3EDZ9GNGKZ

I put it in my cart, and I am going to think on it. 

That prime rib sounds amazing.

Yes, that's the one I have.

[lamrith]

Anyone have the Monoprice unit and want to chime in on how it has worked for you?