Williams Sonoma’s Hand-Pump Sous Vide Set Makes Vacuum Sealing Simple at Home
Sous vide gear can feel intimidating, but this hand-pump set from Williams Sonoma lowers the barrier instantly. Instead of a bulky countertop machine, you get a pocket-size pump and heat-safe bags that make vacuum sealing as simple as lining up a valve and pushing out the air.
At $16.99, it's also one of the easiest ways to try sous vide without committing to a full setup. The process is straightforward: fill the bag, close the seal, align the pump with the valve, and press until the bag tightens. There are no cords or heat strips to manage, and no loud motors firing up in your kitchen.
Williams Sonoma Sous Vide Pump and Bag Set, $16.99 (Was $31.95) at Williams Sonoma
The set includes a compact ABS plastic pump and ten BPA-free polyethylene bags designed for sous vide cooking. Each bag has a built-in air valve, which is how you get a proper vacuum seal without a heat sealer. The pump is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup, while the bags should be hand-washed and tossed after holding raw meat.
Using it takes seconds. Just place your ingredients in the bag, seal it, position the pump over the marked circle, and press until the air is removed. Once the bag clings to whatever you're cooking, it's ready for the water bath. If you want everything anchored in place, clip the bag to the side of your pot or sous vide container.
The bags are heat-safe for sous vide but not for oven use, and Williams Sonoma sells refill packs if you work through the initial set quickly. The whole setup is small enough to live in a drawer without rearranging anything—a huge plus if you're cooking in a tight space or don't want another appliance sitting out.
Bring Restaurant-Level Meals Into Your Kitchen
Even if you're new to sous vide, the pump makes it easy to get consistent results with steak, chicken breasts, salmon, pork chops, or vegetables. Removing the air keeps the food fully submerged and helps it cook evenly from edge to edge.
It's also useful for meal prep. You can portion proteins, add seasonings or marinades, seal the bag, and drop it straight into the water bath. Once cooked, everything stores neatly in the fridge for fast lunches or dinners later in the week. The tighter seal also reduces freezer burn if you're prepping ingredients ahead of time.
For anyone who uses sous vide occasionally—or just trying the technique for the first time—this hand-pump set is a good entry point. It's inexpensive, it works, and it cuts out the hassle that usually comes with vacuum sealing.
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