While traveling on my first blogging trip last year, we had the opportunity to dine at a very expensive restaurant in Gettysburg, PA. It was there that I had the BEST prime rib I have ever tasted in my entire life. It was cooked medium well as I had asked and was almost like butter as it melted perfectly in my mouth. Wow, I am getting hungry just talking about it!
Since that trip I have tried desperately to learn how to cook a steak so juicy and tender to just be able to enjoy a meal like that again and of course to share with my family! I have been thoroughly unsuccessful no matter what I try. I have yet to come even close until I discovered the AquaChef Smart Cooker.
AquaChef works "by sealing your food air-tight with the Seal ‘N Fresh™ Vacuum System". Because your food is sealed in bags with little to no air and then submerged into water, it "retains 100% of the moisture, flavor and nutrients". The food cooks evenly without charring the surface or drying it out as you try to cook the center.
Once my AquaChef arrived I knew exactly what we were having for dinner that night - Steak!! What's neat about this was the fact that you must place each piece of meat in individual bags. This way every one can enjoy their steak cooked with the exact seasoning they personally enjoy. This for me was the biggest perk because I love love love spicy food and Kevin likes his food as bland as it can get.
I only have two complaints about the cooking system - the Seal ‘N Fresh™ Vacuum and the length of time needed. Cooking using the AquaChef system takes a little less than time than a slow cooker which is yes, why the food tastes so savory but it drives me crazy to have to wait. The initial vacuum I received was broken and even though I was quickly sent a replacement (which I of course was thankful for), the 2nd vacuum didn't work all that well either. Otherwise this is an awesome gourmet food cooking system!
Cost/Available to purchase: $160 AquaChef
Recommendation: I would definitely recommend getting one of these! The quality of meals that comes out of it are fit for a Queen. As far as cost goes this is much better priced than those similar. Even if it is still on the expensive side for a kitchen gadget it pays for itself in the meal quality that comes out of it as you would probably only get 4-5 similar meals at a restaurant.
Facebook: AquaChef
Giveaway: AquaChef is going to give one of A Lucky Ladybug's lucky readers an AquaChef Smart Cooker of their own! Begins later tonight as part of the "Tonight's Special Dinner" M.O.O.N. Giveaway Event.
*Read my Disclosure
Wow that looks so good! I have never cooked with an appliance like this but it would be so fun to create new meals with it!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I want one of these. I was a little surprised at how long it takes to cook for some reason I thought it would be fast to cook.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review! I didnt know that it took about as long as a slow cooker I thought it would be just a bit over oven cooking time maybe.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try making this too. My son has to eat gluten free and does not always like the stuff we want on our food so this would be perfect to cook with since each meal is in a package of it's own.
ReplyDeleteNice to know a new way to cook foods. I would love to try one of these, maybe when I get some more money saved up. Or you never know I may even win one lol
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting both the pros and cons to your review. The look of the food looks amazing. T am not sure I would purchase one immediately but possibly with time. Or maybe I can win one!
ReplyDeleteI want to win this so bad! I love that you are able to get restaurant quality food from it.
ReplyDeleteThis type of cooker sounds very interesting and that steak you cooked looks delicious. I would really like to try it with chicken breasts as I think they always dry out.
ReplyDeleteMy mom used to have something like this growing up, and I loved the way the food come out tasting. Now that I'm married and have my own daughter, I'd love to try this, looks like the same great way of cooking that she did. I'd love to keep all the moisture still inside, seems like the way I cook things, it usually loses the taste of the juices in it.
ReplyDeleteGreat review on this cooker!I would love to have one.It is so hard to get meat tender,and I love that you can fix each person their own special seasoned piece of meat.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is a time consuming process, but wouldn't you agree that it is worth it!! I am so jel you have to got to try this. Pick , me Oooo pick me!!!
ReplyDeleteThe steak looks so juicy. I hope you complained about the 2nd vacuum too and had it replaced.
ReplyDeletethanks for the cool idea! I like the idea of cooking seperately to suit differet preferences. It would be ideal for someone with children too because my kids are picky.
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought to prepare food that way. I'll bet it is tender and flavorful since it's all contained.
ReplyDeleteThat steak looks delicious! I would love to try it with chicken!
ReplyDeleteit looks like it can make you a gourmet chef even if you are just a so-so cook. this would make a great item for me to have
ReplyDeleteLooks good, I'd love to make different foods with this cooker!
ReplyDeletewow i would love this,the steak looks so good!
ReplyDeleteI would love to try it with pork chops.
this is a great give away.
Thanks for the honest review, good and bad points. I have never heard of the Aqua Chef Smart Cooker or anything like it.
ReplyDeleteI didn't understand how to follow on pinterest with the RSS feed
ReplyDeletelady bug you always have such great items
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review, I think AquaChef has its good points and I'd be very excited to make some steaks in one or I would throw pork chops in there or anything else I could think of to make!
ReplyDeleteLoved this review! Very informative & I was surprised that the food is cooked in the bags in water AND that it takes that long to cook. I wish it didn't take that long. I'm sure the end result is wonderful tasting food but this couldn't be a quick meal! lol
ReplyDeleteI like that fish can be cooked without smelling up the house. We would eat it more often using this.
ReplyDeleteI loved your honesty, I do believe I could live without this product taking up a lot of space. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteIt is great tp be ablw to spice differently for each person
ReplyDeleteI've seen these so many times on cooking shows - would be awesome to hav eone of my own!
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of personalizing each person's entree to their taste; and be able to cook it all at the same time. I would love to get the chance to try this.
ReplyDeleteI love to cook and love to try new foods and ways to cook them. I would love to try this now.
ReplyDeleteI love your review. I have never seen one of these. I would love to try one.
ReplyDeleteDousen't that look yummy. :o
ReplyDeleteThis is great - I can cook meat for my husband and tempeh for me!
ReplyDeleteDelicious! I like the individual bags, as my family has some widely varied tastes as well...it would be great to spice everyone's meat to their preferred level.
ReplyDeleteWow that looks good. The other reason I would say it is great - I have picky-eater daughters - they would want their own spices (if any!) and it is a great way to have them help in the kitchen!
ReplyDeletewow it is really awesome cooking in individual bags like that, brings up a whole new outlook on feeding your family! thanks for the review!
ReplyDeletethis is so cool, I would love to have one, I love to try new products
ReplyDeleteI would think that these wouild be great for chicken breasts since they can get dry in cooking
ReplyDeleteThe AquaChef Smart Cooker sounds fantastic. Cooking in bags leaves a lot more time for mommy to do other things than cleaning an oven. NEATO !
ReplyDeleteYou can cook something different for each person at the same time.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to wait for a crockpot meal...it always smells so good but the waiting is hard! Loved your review on the vacuum sealer...i am thinking of getting one but always worried that they aren't worth it.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for more great ideas. Every time I log in I learn something new! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love this! I want one so badly =) Looks so tasty!
ReplyDeleteI wondered how this worked. I really wants some of that steak! Would like to own one of these as I cook allot of meats.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to try this in my home after seeing it on TV so much!
ReplyDeleteYou have successfully made me very hungry for a juicy steak! I would so love to try this AquaChef Smart Cooker :)
ReplyDeleteI would loe to try this with tofu and a marinade!
ReplyDeleteThe way the moisture is sealed in has to make for a very juicey end result
ReplyDeleteI'm hungry just reading the review. I could go for some prime rib right now.
ReplyDeleteJust looking at it, I thought it was like a frydaddy, not I know better and would have so much fun with this, since this is much healthier and goes along a lot better with our healthy diets that we are taking on. I am so glad to be entering this contests, and would definatly use it for a lot of the veggies that we eat.
ReplyDeleteI use bags to cook meats in my oven with to keep all of those juices packed in. This would be great to have and I would use a lot.
ReplyDeleteThis is kind of different as your not using oil for the foods and they wont be greasy either . They look tender and yummy. thanks for all the info on them
ReplyDeleteI can smell it already: a nice piece of prime rib. Yumm
ReplyDeleteThis seems like it is perfectly suited for marinaed meals, even veggie ones like tofu or seitan.
ReplyDeleteI think there are a few bugs to work out on this Aqua Chef. It takes too much time and the vacuum sealer needs work.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that this system is faster than a slow cooker
ReplyDeleteI am a 'chronic steak over-cooker', it never turns out tender and juicy like I want it. The outcome on your review of your beef being of a quality 'fit for a queen' is what I want to be able to cook!....and eat!
ReplyDeleteMMM. This would make a great pot roast!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of cooking without oils and butter for a more healthy meal.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a slow cooker, so this may even work for cooking beans!
ReplyDeleteI hope the vacuum sealer has beren working better and I would love to win this cooker
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a cook. Well, I just don't. This would make it easier to try.
ReplyDeleteThat's looks so yummy! I would love to have one of these b/c it has so many possibilities :)
ReplyDeleteI don't mind the waiting time because I am used to my crockpot...I like being able to do other things and have dinner be ready when I am :) LOVE that the foods can be individually seasoned... everyone around here likes something different!
ReplyDeleteI never thought to prepare food this way. It makes a lot of sense.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review. It's great to know what the pros and cons are of this product. I would love to be able to try it out first hand.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy I found this review. I have never herd of the Aquachef Smart Cooker or anything similar. I like that it cooks slow and keeps all the natural juices and vitamins. I can see this replacing my slow cooker.
ReplyDeleteI would try this for free, but I don't see myself spending money on it...I can't handle parts that don't work... I would freak!
ReplyDeleteEvery time I read this review I get a craving for beef.
ReplyDeleteA restaurant that close to me in Gettysburg had the best prime rib - thats in my living area. Well if this make meat just a tender and juicy Im all for it
ReplyDeleteI can smell that prime rib cooking already
ReplyDeleteI really am not a cook so this system would definitely help me out. I've seen shows on tv where they submerge the food in a bag, into water to cook it, but it's always in a huge vat, lol This would be great to use for a single family :)
ReplyDeleteI can almost taste the juicy tender roast I would be cooking in the AquaChef :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like this would be a great thing to cook organic veggies and keep their nutrients packed in!
ReplyDeleteThis is agreat way to keep different meats juicy when cooked
ReplyDeleteSome of the food my husband cooks smells really bad to me when it first starts cooking.This would keep me from yelling at him.
ReplyDeleteI am horrible at cooking steak! Something like this appliance may just come in handy. I'm ok with the waiting....I use my crock pot a lot so I'm used to it.
ReplyDeletewhile your food is sealed in airtight bags and put into water it stays moist and tender and that makes a great tasting meal from using this smart cooker. Thanks for the review of it
ReplyDeleteI like how you can put in all the herbs you love into the dish I would do a prime rib with this looks so good
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique appliance this is and a nice addition to the kitchen, It seems like meat would be extra tender and juicy which is what we are all striving for constantly. I was confused as to if the vacuum sealer comes with it or not. Thanks for the review on this appliance.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it would be great of rmaking Greek SOuvlaki
ReplyDeleteI'm sending out invitations to my prime rib meal.
ReplyDeleteHow many bags come with it? Do you have to order extras or can they be purchased at the store?
ReplyDeleteI love this that you can make your individual meals at the same time and have what you want and they can have what they want as far as seasonings goes.......makes everyone happy.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful; to think that there is this device to perfectly cook and keep tender and juicy any meal
ReplyDeletewonderful review, this review makes me want
ReplyDeleteone of these so bad.
I love everything i have read about it,especially the fact that
i can cook individual meals, this feature would be great
for my family,cause we all want different things at meal times.
I bet chicken with BBQ sauce would be great in this - no drying out like on the grill!
ReplyDeleteI havent heard of the smart cooker before now. I especially like the idea that each piece of meat goes into its individual bags and can be seasoned to everyone own taste. i always hated when he put tons of spices on all the meat - I of course didnt want as much so this is ideal for me. thanks for the review
ReplyDeleteI'd so love to have this. The possibilities of food to make is endless.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of such a thing. Because I live alone, this would be nice to be able to just put in a bag what i need for me. Also, when I do cook, I use a crock pot, so the wait time is no big deal for me. Thank you Vicki
ReplyDeleteI am getting so excited thinking about the vegan foods I can make if I win this - PLEASE!!!!
ReplyDeleteI like that there appears to be very little cleanup. I'm lazy.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to havethis. To have juicy, tender food with little mess - That's a dream
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I have heard of this but based on the review, the wait is well worth it. Cant wait to get one of these!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great way to cook meals. I use my crock pot a lot so this will be a step up for me to be able to use this!1 Would love to have it!!
ReplyDeleteDo you know if you have to use their vacuum system with the product? Also, I love the fact that there is little to no clean up involved and that you can personalize each persons meal. This would be great for my family!
ReplyDeleteI don't think you have to use their system as it would be the same as any other vacuum system just make sure the bags are thicker so they don't leak or melt in the hot water.
DeleteThis machine allows one to imitate what can be done in a restaurant for a lot less!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to a new cooking method that leaves so little cleanup required!
ReplyDeleteThat steak looks pretty good! I love that it seals in all the nutrients usually most of that is lost in the cooking process
ReplyDeleteThis looks great. I would love to try it.
ReplyDeleteone of the most unique cooking systems I have ever seen!
ReplyDeleteardy22 at earthlink dot net
I usually don't win anything.IF I did win this I'm going to get a good steak and some mushrooms and enjoy!
ReplyDeletei would like to have one of these to cook with. I like the way you cook in them. Makes the meat tender and moist is great too
ReplyDeleteWow that looks so good! I have never cooked with an appliance like this but it would be so fun to create new meals with it!
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine how yummy some marinated fresh oyster mushrooms would be when cooked with this - oh, how I'd love to win one!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard about an appliance like this! What a strange concept! Did it come with a recipe book or anything? I wouldn't even know where to start.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw the machine I thought it was a deep fryer. This is the first time I ever heard of this machine and my mouth is watering looking at the picture of that steak. It looks so good. I would love to try this myself.
ReplyDeleteThis is a new product that I havent seen before. If it make your food moist and tender -then Im all for it.
ReplyDeleteI see that you can put the food in each own individual bag. thanks for the great giveaway and pictures
This intrigues me, love the even heat. no burning, flavor city...
ReplyDeletethis is such a neat idea i wonder what all it could cook and be yummy.
ReplyDeleteits so awesome how you can cook two different foods at the same time! I would love to try this out!
ReplyDeleteYour steak looks very tasty. Thanks for the interesting and informative review!
ReplyDelete(Signed in as Lagean)
ReplyDeleteI have some of the same issues as you. I have trouble with steaks and ribs. I've always had to just wait until I'm at my BF's house so he can grill/smoke them. I think, with the Aquachef, I could finally have juicy, tender steaks and ribs whenever I want them.
ubrewme@yahoo.com