Sous Vide vs Stovetop: Cooking Time Comparison
Side-by-side cooking times for 9 foods. See which method is faster for each food.
By the CookTimeGuide Editorial TeamKitchen-tested Jan 2026
Foods Compared
9
Sous Vide Faster
0
Stovetop Faster
9
| Food | Sous Vide Temp ? | Sous Vide Time | Stovetop Temp ? | Stovetop Time | ← Sous Vide fasterStovetop faster → |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | 180°F | 15-30 min | medium-high | 4-7 min | 17 min faster → |
| Chicken Breast | 145°F | 90-240 min | medium-high | 5-7 min | 159 min faster → |
| Chicken Thighs | 165°F | 60-480 min | medium-high | 6-8 min | 263 min faster → |
| Duck Breast | 135°F | 90-240 min | medium | 6-8 min | 158 min faster → |
| Lamb Chops | 135°F | 60-240 min | medium-high | 3-4 min | 146 min faster → |
| Pork Chops | 140°F | 60-240 min | medium-high | 4-6 min | 145 min faster → |
| Ribeye Steak | 129°F | 90-240 min | high | 4-5 min | 160 min faster → |
| Salmon Fillet | 122°F | 30-60 min | medium-high | 4-5 min | 40 min faster → |
| Shrimp | 135°F | 25-45 min | medium-high | 2-3 min | 32 min faster → |
Times shown are for the default recommended temperature for each method. Actual times may vary based on cut thickness, starting temperature, and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sous Vide faster than Stovetop?
Stovetop is faster for 9 out of 9 foods in this comparison. Sous Vide is faster for 0 foods.
Should I use Sous Vide or Stovetop?
Both methods produce great results. Sous Vide and Stovetop each excel with different foods. Use the comparison table above to see which method is faster and at what temperature for your specific food.
How many foods can be cooked with both Sous Vide and Stovetop?
9 foods on CookTimeGuide have cooking times for both Sous Vide and Stovetop. See the full comparison table above.