Sous Vide Container Size Calculator

Enter your container volume, circulator wattage, and insulation type to get the heat-up time and a verdict on whether the circulator can maintain temperature. Nothing uploaded.

Heat-up time Circulator verdict Insulation comparison Min wattage for 90 min heat-up

Setup

Results

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Heat-up time from cold -
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Excess wattage (margin) -
Min circulator for 90 min heat-up -
Energy to heat up -
An insulated cooler reduces heat loss by ~4x compared to an open container. For large volumes (30L+), a lid is essential even with a 1200W circulator.

Learn more: sous vide container sizing

FAQ

How big a container can a 1000W sous vide circulator heat?

A 1000W circulator can comfortably heat and maintain temperature in a 15-20 litre polycarbonate container with a lid in a typical kitchen environment (20°C ambient). For a 30+ litre container or an uninsulated open container, 1200W or more is recommended. An insulated cooler dramatically reduces heat loss and extends effective range.

Does container insulation really matter for sous vide?

Yes - significantly. An open container loses heat roughly 9x faster than a well-insulated cooler with a lid. At 60°C in a 20°C room, an open 15L container loses approximately 25W per litre constantly. A cooler reduces this to about 3W per litre. This affects both heat-up time and whether the circulator can maintain temperature during a long cook.

How long does it take to heat 20 litres for sous vide?

Heating 20 litres from 20°C to 60°C (40°C rise) requires approximately 0.93 kWh of energy. A 1000W circulator against a covered polycarbonate container takes approximately 55-65 minutes. An insulated cooler reduces this to 50-55 minutes due to lower heat loss during warm-up.

Last reviewed: June 4, 2026