What Size Plastic Container Works for Sous Vide?

On this page (8 sections)

1. What size plastic container for sous vide should you choose?
2. Does container depth matter?
3. How do you check that a container fits your circulator?
4. Which plastic container size fits your cooking style?
5. How much counter space does a sous vide container need?
6. Is a regular plastic storage tub suitable?
7. How do you keep water and food in the right place?
8. How do you choose the right container size?

A 12 qt plastic container works for everyday sous vide cooking, while a 26 qt container suits larger cuts, several bags or batch cooking. Pick a size around your usual biggest cook, then check the depth, circulator fit and counter space.

A larger bath holds more water and takes up more room. If you mostly cook a few portions at a time, extra capacity may be unnecessary; if bags crowd together, a larger tub can give them more room.

If you're new to the method, our sous vide supplies list covers the other gear that helps you get started.

What size plastic container for sous vide should you choose?

Choose a 12 qt tub for common family meals and a 26 qt tub for larger batches or bulky cuts. The right size depends on how much food you cook at once and how much space you have to store the container.

These are useful starting points, not strict capacity limits. A flat bag of chicken takes up less space than a large roast, and the way you arrange food affects how much fits.

The container also needs enough water for your circulator to operate within its marked water-level range. Follow the cooker's minimum and maximum fill marks instead of filling the tub to the rim.

How do you estimate the space your cook needs?

Start with the largest meal you expect to cook in one bath. Count the bags, jars or portions, then leave room between them for water to move.

Lay the bags side by side in an empty container to see how they fit. If one must sit on top of another or press against the circulator, consider a wider container or fewer bags per batch.

Choose for your regular cooking pattern, not the biggest meal you might make once. A container that is too small can crowd food; a much larger one needs more water and storage space.

Does container depth matter?

Yes. The tub must be deep enough to keep the circulator upright and the food submerged at a safe water level.

Depth and capacity are different measurements, so compare both before deciding.

The LIPAVI C20 is a 26 qt rectangular polycarbonate container that measures about 20.87 in long, 12.8 in wide and 7.87 in high. Its depth is close to 8 in, which suits setups that need more vertical room.

A broad, shallow tub can hold a lot of water but leave less room for bags under the circulator. A narrower, deeper tub may take less counter space, but check that your bags can sit without bunching.

If you cook long or large cuts, see our guide to keeping sous vide bags submerged. It explains ways to keep food below the water surface.

How do you check that a container fits your circulator?

Check the container opening and the circulator's clamp or mount before you buy. The cooker must attach securely and sit at the required water depth for your bath to work as intended.

Some containers have a fitted lid with a cutout for a cooker. The EVERIE 12 qt tub comes with a flip-open lid and is described as compatible with several Anova models and the Instant Pot sous vide cooker; its product details also note that the Instant Pot opening may be slightly larger.

For other cookers, compare the opening size with your device's clamp and body. Compatibility can vary by model, so confirm the exact fit if the container and circulator come from different brands.

Do you need a lid?

A lid can help slow water evaporation and heat loss, especially during a long cook. A fitted opening also lets you check food or add water without removing the whole lid.

A lid is not a substitute for checking water levels during a long bath. Follow your circulator's instructions, and choose a cover that leaves enough space around the cooker.

If you plan to use a pot you already own, read can you sous vide in a pot. A pot may work for some setups, but its shape and depth still need to fit your cooker and food.

Which plastic container size fits your cooking style?

A 12 qt container is the compact everyday choice, while a 26 qt container gives more room to cook at once. These options match those two needs, with a set for cooks whose batch size changes.

EVERIE 12 Qt Flip-Lid Container: everyday cooks

The EVERIE 12 qt container suits routine meals and smaller batches. Its flip-open hinged lid is designed to reduce evaporation while giving you access to the bath.

The container is made from polycarbonate and is NSF approved for sous vide water bath use. The lid is food safe, but it is not NSF approved.

EVERIE describes compatibility with several Anova models and the Instant Pot sous vide cooker. Check your model's fit, especially if you use a cooker with a larger opening.

Choose it for common cuts, eggs, vegetables, jars or meal prep. It includes the container and lid; the cooker, rack and sleeve are separate.

LIPAVI C20 26 Qt Container: large batches

The LIPAVI C20 suits cooks who want room for larger cuts or multiple bags. It holds 26 qt and has an 8 in depth, with clear polycarbonate walls.

The container is dishwasher safe and rated for temperatures from -40 °F to 210 °F. Matching lids and racks are available separately, so plan for those accessories if you need them.

Choose it when your usual cook needs more room than a 12 qt tub provides. Measure your counter and storage area first, since a larger bath takes more space.

For other large-capacity options, see our best large sous vide containers.

12 + 26 Qt Insulated Container Set: changing batch sizes

This set pairs 12 qt and 26 qt containers, giving you two sizes for smaller meals and larger batches. It also includes lids and neoprene sleeves.

The 12 qt size is described for weeknight meals, while the 26 qt size is intended for larger portions. The set is made from polycarbonate and has a stated upper temperature rating of 210 °F.

Choose the set if you expect to use both sizes. It needs more storage space than a single tub, and the listed compatibility claim should be checked against your circulator's opening.

26 Qt Container Accessories Kit: a larger setup with racks

The homenote kit combines a 26 qt container with two racks, a sleeve and a recipe booklet. Its opening measures 3.9 in long by 3 in wide, so confirm that your circulator fits before choosing it.

The container is described as BPA free polycarbonate, with a stated temperature range from -40 °C to 100 °C. The kit says it has been tested for Anova and CHEFSTEPS machines, but compatibility with other brands is not promised.

The adjustable racks are designed to keep bags from floating and leave space beneath them for water circulation. Choose this bundle if you want racks included and its opening fits your cooker.

How much counter space does a sous vide container need?

Measure the container's outside length and width, then leave room for the circulator, cord and safe handling. A 26 qt tub can take up much more counter space than a 12 qt one, even when both are empty.

The LIPAVI C20 measures about 20.87 in by 12.8 in at the base. The product details for the homenote kit give a 10 in by 18 in footprint, though its shape is described differently in the available details, so verify the dimensions before planning a tight spot.

Set the empty container where you expect to cook. Check that it won't block a sink, stove, or walkway, and that you can reach the controls on the circulator.

Is a regular plastic storage tub suitable?

A plastic tub can work if it is intended for hot water use and fits your circulator. Check the material and temperature rating, along with the container's depth and opening.

Avoid assuming that every food storage bin can handle a long warm-water bath. If a tub has no clear heat guidance, choose a container made for sous vide use or ask the manufacturer before using it.

A dedicated water bath can also simplify filling and lid fit. Our containers for sous vide cooking guide compares more dedicated options.

How do you keep water and food in the right place?

Keep the food submerged and leave space for water to circulate around the bags. Arrange bags upright or side by side, and avoid packing them tightly against one another.

Check the circulator's water level before starting and during long cooks. A lid can reduce evaporation, but you should still follow the cooker's instructions for monitoring the bath.

For guidance on how the bath works and how to start, read sous vide for beginners. It covers setup, gear and first cooks.

How do you choose the right container size?

Pick 12 qt for routine small batches and 26 qt if you often cook larger cuts or several bags. Choose a two-size set only if you have the space and expect to use both tubs.

Before buying, compare capacity, depth, opening size, lid design and storage footprint with your circulator and cooking habits. For most home cooks, the simplest choice is the smallest container that comfortably fits the largest meal they regularly make.

Frequently asked questions

What size plastic container is best for sous vide?

A 12 qt container works for everyday cooks and smaller batches, while a 26 qt container gives more room for large cuts or several bags. Choose the smallest size that holds your usual food without crowding, and check that your circulator fits the opening and reaches the water.

Can I use a regular plastic storage container for sous vide?

You can use a container only if its material and temperature rating are suitable for the water bath and it fits your circulator. A dedicated sous vide container may have a fitted lid or useful depth, but measure the cooker and bath before buying.

Is a 12 qt sous vide container big enough?

A 12 qt container is a practical starting point for everyday family meals, smaller batches, eggs, vegetables and common cuts of meat. It may feel cramped for large roasts or many bags, so size up if those are frequent cooks.

Do sous vide containers need lids?

A lid helps reduce evaporation and heat loss during long cooks, though it is not the only way to manage water loss. Choose a lid with an opening that fits your circulator, and follow the cooker's water-level guidance.

How deep should a sous vide container be?

Pick a depth that keeps your circulator upright and lets the food stay submerged while water can circulate around the bags. An 8 in deep example is available in the 26 qt range, but check the dimensions and cooker instructions for your setup.