The Joule Sous Vide by Breville and the original ChefSteps Joule are the exact same best-in-class immersion circulator, differing only in branding and their parent company's ecosystem. Breville, a global kitchen appliance maker, acquired ChefSteps in 2019, which is why the same sleek, powerful device is sold under both names but is more commonly found with Breville's branding today.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide whether the brand name on the box makes a difference for you.
Breville Joule Sous Vide
The Breville Joule Sous Vide represents the evolution of a beloved product under the umbrella of a globally recognized appliance brand. Breville polished the packaging and leveraged its extensive retail network, making the Joule more accessible than ever before. It retains the same compact design, lightning-fast heating, and app-driven precision that made the original a hit, now backed by Breville's widespread customer support and warranty network.
- What it is: A compact, powerful, and app-controlled immersion circulator for sous vide cooking.
- Key features: Sleek and slim 11-inch design, 1100 watts of power for rapid heating, operates entirely via a feature-rich mobile app, voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Price: $199 - $249, depending on the retailer.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and compact, designed to fit in a drawer rather than taking up counter space. Features a clean black and silver finish.
- Materials/Construction: Durable, high-quality plastic exterior with corrosion-resistant internal components designed for constant immersion in water.
- Pros: Extremely compact and easy to store. Heats water faster than most competitors. Seamless and intuitive app experience with recipes and visual guides. Widely available at major retailers. Supported by Breville's extensive customer service network.
- Cons: Lacks any on-device manual controls for temperature or time. The device is entirely reliant on a smartphone or tablet to function. Price is at the higher end for home sous vide machines.
The Breville-branded Joule is perfect for the home cook who values performance and design and prefers buying from a trusted, big-name appliance brand with a reliable support system.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/sous-vide/bsv600.html
ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide
The ChefSteps Joule is the original incarnation of the device, born from a company of chefs, scientists, and engineers dedicated to smarter cooking. While it's the same physical product as Breville's version, the ChefSteps brand is built around a rich ecosystem of food science, creative culinary education, and an engaged user community. Purchasing the ChefSteps-branded Joule is an investment in this original vision of technologically-advanced home cooking.
- What it is: The original precision immersion circulator created by the culinary tech company ChefSteps.
- Key features: Identical to the Breville version - 11-inch compact body, 1100-watt heating element, precise temperature control, and full control via the Joule App.
- Price: $199 - $249, though now harder to find new than the Breville model.
- Style: Minimalist and sleek tech-forward aesthetic from the inventors of the device.
- Materials/Construction: Top-tier plastic housing with hardy stainless steel components and a magnetic base for secure placement in pots.
- Pros: The same powerful and compact hardware as the Breville. Connects you to the ChefSteps brand, which is a leader in online cooking education and food science. Supports the original creators of the technology. The Joule app is packed with recipes and techniques from the ChefSteps team.
- Cons: Now less common in major retail channels than its Breville counterpart. Primary support comes from the passionate community and ChefSteps online, which may differ from a traditional appliance support experience.
The ChefSteps Joule is for the culinary enthusiast who connects with the food-science ethos of the original brand and values its rich library of accompanying content and recipes.
Shop this product: chefsteps.com/joule
Breville Joule vs. ChefSteps Joule Comparison
Design & Build Quality
There is absolutely no physical difference between the two products. Both versions of the Joule feature a remarkably compact and slender 11-inch body, making them the easiest immersion circulator to store. The build is a combination of tough plastic and stainless steel, offering a premium feel and long-term durability. A key design choice for both is the lack of an onboard screen or controls, all operations are handled beautifully through the app, contributing to the device's sleek, minimalist profile.
Performance & Features
Performance is identical across both branded products. The 1100-watt heating element is a standout feature, allowing the Joule to bring a water bath to temperature significantly faster than many competitors. The temperature accuracy is precise and unwavering, which is crucial for perfect sous vide results. The app, shared by both versions, is the real star, offering features like "Visual Doneness" that shows you exactly how your food will turn out, alongside a vast collection of recipes and step-by-step guides.
Brand, Support, & Availability
Herein lies the only true difference. Buying the Breville Joule Sous Vide means you are buying into the Breville ecosystem, a global appliance giant with an established network for customer support, service, and warranties. It is easily found at major retailers like Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and Best Buy.
Choosing the original ChefSteps Joule connects you with the heritage of the product. Support and community are run through ChefSteps, which is more focused on culinary content, recipes, and a tech-savvy user base. Post-acquisition, the Breville-branded version has become the dominant one at retail, so the ChefSteps version can be more difficult to find in new condition.
Price & Value
Both devices are priced identically, typically around $199-$249. Given that the hardware, app, and performance are the same, the value proposition is equal. The better value comes down to user preference. Do you value the broad support network and retail availability of Breville, or the specialized culinary community of ChefSteps? Your answer to that question determines which brand offers more personal value.
Who Each One Works Best For
This comparison is less about function and more about philosophy. The Breville Joule is best for home cooks who are already fans of the Breville brand, desire peace of mind from a traditional warranty and support system, and appreciate the convenience of buying from major retailers. It’s the straightforward, powerhouse appliance choice.
The ChefSteps Joule is for the culinary explorer. This user is intrigued by the science behind cooking, wants to be part of the community that innovated the product, and plans on diving deep into the cooking guides and recipes provided by ChefSteps. It’s a choice for someone who is buying the device and its educational ecosystem.
Which One Should You Choose?
Since the device itself is identical, your decision rests entirely on brand preference and the ecosystem you want to be a part of.
Choose the Breville Joule Sous Vide if:
- You prefer buying appliances from a well-known, established brand with a global reputation.
- You want the ability to buy from a wide range of major retailers like Amazon or Williams Sonoma.
- The security of a traditional, comprehensive warranty and customer support line is important to you.
- You already own and love other Breville products.
Choose the ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide if:
- You are passionate about the science of cooking and the culture of culinary innovation.
- You value being connected to the product's original creators and their educational resources.
- You can find a ChefSteps-branded model and prefer its lineage and brand story.
- You are a long-time fan of the ChefSteps community and its rich content library.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Joule and the ChefSteps Joule?
There is no physical difference. They are the same device, originating from ChefSteps, which was later acquired by Breville Group. The only differences are the brand name printed on the device and box, its retail availability, and the company handling support and warranty.
Is the Breville Joule app different from the ChefSteps app?
No, both branded devices connect to the same Joule app available on iOS and Android. Your user experience, including recipes, controls, and features, will be identical regardless of which brand is on your device.
Can you use the Joule without the app?
No. Outside of turning the device on by plugging it in, all control of the Joule - including setting the temperature and timer - is done exclusively through the mobile app. You must have a compatible smartphone or tablet to operate it.
How powerful is the Joule Sous Vide?
The Joule features an 1100-watt heating element, which is more powerful than many of its competitors. This allows it to heat water baths quickly, saving you time and getting you cooking faster.
Does Breville own ChefSteps?
Yes. In 2019, Breville Group acquired ChefSteps. This is why the Joule, which was developed by ChefSteps, is now widely distributed and marketed under the Breville brand.
Which version is easier to buy today?
The Breville Joule Sous Vide is far more common and widely available through major online and brick-and-mortar retailers than the original ChefSteps-branded version.
What kind of container do I need for the Joule?
You can use the Joule in most pots, but a dedicated polycarbonate container is often preferred by enthusiasts. The container just needs to be deep enough to meet the minimum water line on the device and be able to withstand the cooking temperatures.
Is the Joule worth the higher price tag?
For many users, yes. Its combination of a powerful heater, an ultra-compact size for easy storage, and an exceptionally user-friendly app make it a premium product that justifies its cost for those who value performance and design.
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