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Portable Sous Vide Machine | Precision Cooker | Water Circulation | Caterlite CS939

SKU: CS939
£174.00 / exc vat
£208.80/ inc vat

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  • Precision Temperature Control
  • Powerful 1kW Element
  • 99-Hour Timer
  • Constant Water Circulation
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Product Overview

Thinking about bringing military-grade precision to your cooking without the massive price tag or kitchen reshuffle? This is the Caterlite Portable Sous Vide Machine, a clever bit of kit that clips onto almost any deep pot or container, turning it into a professional water bath. It’s a fantastic entry point for any kitchen looking to explore the world of sous vide, from gastropubs wanting consistently perfect steaks to experimental cafés creating unique infusions.

Designed for chefs and  caterers who value flexibility, this compact powerhouse delivers incredibly accurate temperature control, holding water steady to within a tenth of a degree. This means you get flawlessly even cooking, edge to edge, every single time. It takes the guesswork out of tricky proteins and  vegetables, locking in flavour and  moisture while freeing you up to focus on other parts of service.

With its straightforward LED display, a 99-hour timer for those long, slow cooks, and  a built-in safety feature that cuts power if the water runs low, it’s both easy to use and  reliably safe. If you want to elevate your menu, reduce waste, and  achieve results that are impossible with traditional methods, this portable precision cooker is your secret weapon.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Precision Temperature Control: Holds water to ±0.1°C for unbelievably consistent cooking results.
  • Powerful 1kW Element: Heats water quickly in small to medium-sized pots.
  • 99-Hour Timer: Set it and  forget it, perfect for overnight cooking.
  • Constant Water Circulation: Eliminates hot and  cold spots for a perfectly even cook.
  • Clip-On Design: Attaches to your existing pots, saving space and  money.
  • Low Water Safety: Automatically switches off if water levels drop too low.
  • User-Friendly LED Display: Simple, clear controls make it incredibly easy to operate.
  • Compact & Portable: Ideal for smaller kitchens or mobile event catering setups.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Caterlite
  • SKU: CS939
  • Dimensions: 400(H) x 150(W) x 110(D) mm
  • Weight: 1.94kg
  • Power: 1kW, 230V (13A Plug Supplied)
  • Temperature Precision: ±0.1°C
  • Max Timer: 99 hours
  • Function: Water Circulation
  • Material: Stainless Steel & Plastic
  • Safety: Low water level safety cut-out
  • Controls: LED Display

Expert Review and  Insights

The Caterlite CS939 is a cracking piece of equipment for any professional kitchen dipping its toes into sous vide. It’s not designed to compete with the big, built-in units, but it’s not trying to. Instead, it offers superb precision and  flexibility in a small, affordable package. For small restaurants, pubs, or caterers, it’s a brilliant way to achieve high-end results on a budget.

Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment Expert View Profile →

  • Pro: Its 'use any pot' versatility is fantastic for kitchens with limited space.
  • Con: The 1kW motor is best suited for pots under 20 litres.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Salty Caper, a bustling bistro in Bristol, was struggling with consistency on its premium pork belly dish, a customer favourite. They needed a solution that didn't require a full kitchen overhaul.

"The Caterlite sous vide has been a revelation. We now cook our pork belly overnight for 12 hours. It comes out incredibly tender every time, and  all we have to do is crisp the skin to order. It's simplified service and  the feedback has been amazing."

Ben Carter – Head Chef

Since introducing the sous vide method, the bistro has cut its protein waste on that dish by over 50% and  freed up valuable hob space during evening service.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Choose a flat, stable, and  heat-resistant surface for your pot or container.
  • Securely fasten the clamp to the side of the pot before adding any water.
  • Fill the pot with water, ensuring the level is between the 'MIN' and  'MAX' markings on the device shaft.
  • Plug into a standard 13A socket and  use the LED panel to set your desired time and  temperature.

Keeping It Going

  • After each use, unplug the unit and  allow it to cool completely before handling.
  • Wipe the main body and  display with a soft, damp cloth. Do not submerge the top part in water.
  • To clean the heating element, circulate a 50/50 water and  vinegar solution for 20 minutes at 60°C to descale it, then rinse.
  • Store in a dry, safe place to protect the controls and  element from damage.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Precision Cooker

Not sure what to look for in a sous vide machine? Here are a few pointers to help you decide.

Type: Immersion vs Water Bath

This is an immersion circulator, which clips onto your own pots. It’s brilliant for flexibility and  storage. A full water bath is an all-in-one unit, which is bulkier but can be better insulated.

Power & Capacity

The power (in watts) determines how quickly it can heat water and  the volume it can handle. A 1kW model like this is perfect for pots up to around 20 litres, ideal for most restaurants and  pubs.

Temperature Stability

The whole point of sous vide is precision. Look for a unit with a stability of ±0.1°C or better. This ensures your food is cooked perfectly and  safely every time.

Timer & Controls

A long timer (like this one's 99 hours) is essential for tough cuts that need extended cooking. Clear, simple controls mean less time training staff and  fewer errors during service.

Build & Safety Features

Look for a sturdy build with stainless steel on the 'wet' parts. A low-water cut-off is a non-negotiable safety feature that protects your investment and  your kitchen.

See all Sous Vide Water Baths

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pot or container can I use with this?

A: It's designed for use in any pot or tank up to 20 litres that is deep enough to allow the water level to sit between the MIN and  MAX markings on the shaft.

Q: Is it complicated to set up and  use?

A: Not at all. It has a simple clamp and  a very intuitive LED control panel. You can have it set up and  running in under a minute.

Q: How does it attach to the pot?

A: It has a sturdy, adjustable clamp on the back that you simply tighten onto the side of your pot or container.

Q: Can I really leave it to cook overnight?

A: Yes, the 99-hour timer is designed for exactly that. The low-water safety cut-out provides peace of mind for long, unattended cooks.

Q: Is the unit noisy when it's running?

A: You will hear a gentle hum from the motor as it circulates the water, but it's very quiet and  won't be noticeable in a busy kitchen environment.

Q: What is the maximum temperature it can reach?

A: The Caterlite CS939 can heat and  hold water at temperatures up to 99°C, suitable for all sous vide applications.

Q: Do I need to buy special vacuum bags?

A: Yes, for true sous vide cooking, you need to use food-safe vacuum-sealed bags to remove the air and  ensure efficient heat transfer.

Q: How do I clean the machine?

A: The stainless steel shaft can be cleaned easily. For mineral build-up, you can descale it by running it in a water/vinegar solution. The main body should only be wiped with a damp cloth.

What Customers Are Saying

"Absolutely brilliant for the price. We use it for our Sunday roast beef and  the results are spot on. Can't fault it."

Mark – The White Hart Inn, Cumbria

"Does the job really well. It's a bit noisy but for a commercial kitchen that doesn't matter. Holds temperature perfectly."

Chloe – The Corner Deli, Brighton

"Bought this for event catering and  it's so easy to transport and  set up. A real workhorse that gives us an edge."

Samira – Elite Events Catering, London

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Caterlite: Smart Cooking for Savvy Kitchens

The Caterlite brand stands for accessible, reliable equipment that empowers independent businesses. The CS939 Portable Sous Vide Machine is a perfect example of this philosophy. It democratises a high-end cooking technique, bringing the incredible consistency and  flavour benefits of precision cooking into reach for kitchens of any size or budget. This isn't just about a single piece of equipment; it's about a smarter way of working. By automating the cooking of key items, it reduces food waste from over- or under-cooking, frees up talented chefs from pot-watching to focus on plating and  creativity, and  ensures that the steak a customer loves on Monday is identical to the one they order on Friday. It’s a low-cost investment that pays for itself through reliability, consistency, and  giving your kitchen a new tool for culinary excellence.

Explore more from Caterlite

Why Constant Water Circulation Guarantees Perfection

Ever noticed how a still pond can be warmer on the surface than at the bottom? The same thing can happen in a pot of water. Without movement, you get pockets of slightly different temperatures, which can lead to uneven cooking. The Caterlite's 'constant water circulation' feature solves this entirely.

Think of it like the central heating pump in your house. A tiny, quiet propeller inside the unit constantly stirs the water, ensuring the temperature is exactly the same in every single corner of the pot. This means whether your steak is right next to the device or on the opposite side, it's being cooked at the precise temperature you set. It's this simple but crucial action that delivers those flawlessly consistent, professional results.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Gastropubs & Small Restaurants: For nailing that perfectly pink steak or tender lamb shank every single time, reducing costly errors during busy service.
  • Mobile & Event Caterers: Its portability means you can bring high-precision cooking to any location, ensuring consistent quality for weddings and  events.
  • Ambitious Cafés: Ideal for creating unique items like infused syrups, delicate egg pots, or perfectly creamy crème brûlée bases.
  • Test & Development Kitchens: A cost-effective tool for recipe testing and  development, allowing for precise replication of cooking parameters.
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