This is a very good sous vide temperature control device and I think the biggest advantage of buying this over the all in one solutions is being able to cook larger portion sizes. The ones that retail for about $300 (only $100 more than the anova) are very small and great for just 2 people or a small meat dish only. To use a larger pot you have to upgrade to the sous vide that costs over $1000. The only big draw back is that they do not also sell a vacuum sealer and those also cost around $200-300. Do not just use a zip lock bag, those will not work.