(checked 2026-10-10)1,670 ratings. The listing offers M800A and M800C variants, while Serious Eats calls its tested model the M820, so ratings may be pooled or a different variant (1-star 9%, 2-star 3%).
Serious Eats' under-$50 pick surprised testers with accurate, fast results and a 2-year warranty. It feels cheaply made with a loose clamp, and Amazon owners report units failing within months.
Subscription: None: no app or smart features (Serious Eats)
Top complaints
- Feels cheap; some fail early
Serious Eats says it felt cheaply made and questions long-term durability; Amazon's review summary says multiple owners report it breaking within four months.
- Loose clamp
Serious Eats found the clamp a bit loose, though it attached to a Dutch oven and a Cambro without issues.
Source: Serious Eats - Off by a couple of degrees for some
Amazon's review summary says some owners report it consistently 2°F off.
What owners love
- Accurate and quick in testing
Serious Eats was shocked: accurate, consistent temperature, 130°F reached in 14 minutes 59 seconds, and salmon on par with pricier machines.
Source: Serious Eats - Long warranty for the price
A 2-year warranty and a 77-194°F range (Serious Eats).
Source: Serious Eats - Easy and quiet
Amazon owners find it easy to use and quiet, with great steaks and good value.
- You want an app or presets
- You want a cooker built to last years
- You need a very secure clamp
- Trying sous vide for very little
- Simple buttons, no app
- Delayed start
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Best under $50: simple, accurate and surprisingly fast; feels cheap and the clamp is a bit loose.