This was my first experience with sous vide cooking, and this machine works so nicely. I like everything about it. I took a free course on YouTube from a chef and strongly advise doing so, because this a completely different cooking method than I have ever used, and there is a learning curve. I tried a less expensive steak first and it turned out well. I tried an expensive, thick rib steak next, and it was absolutely scrumptious. Tender and uniformly cooked throughout the entire steak. I will be trying other meats soon, but I don't think I'll ever cook another steak any other way.