Clifton FL428D 28 Litre Stirred Digital Sous Vide Bath

The Clifton FL428D is a 28-litre stirred digital water bath designed for sous vide cooking in professional kitchen environments. Unlike static baths that rely on passive heat distribution, this unit uses a propeller-driven stirrer to circulate water continuously around the tank, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the entire volume. The stirrer assembly is enclosed within a stainless steel guard, and the head unit rotates a full 360 degrees so the digital display can be read from any angle — a practical consideration in kitchens where bench space and sightlines are rarely ideal.

In service, the stirred design makes a meaningful difference when the bath is loaded with pouches. Circulating water recovers temperature more reliably after product is added and holds it evenly across the tank, which matters when timing is tight and product quality needs to be consistent across a full service. The high-precision controller displays temperature to the nearest 0.1°C, and the unit retains the last time and temperature settings in memory — a small feature that reduces set-up time during a busy prep period.

From a practical standpoint, a few features are worth noting:

• Bi-fold lid stays attached to the unit, removing the need to find somewhere to put it down during service
• Integral timer runs from 1 minute up to 99 hours, with both audio and visual alerts at the end of the set period
• Low-water notification and run-dry protection help prevent accidental damage during long unattended cooks
• Drain tap fitted as standard for straightforward emptying and cleaning

Installation is straightforward — this is a countertop unit requiring a suitable surface capable of bearing the weight of a full 28-litre bath. Standard electrical connection is required; no gas, water supply, or specialist ventilation is needed, though proximity to a drain is sensible given the drain tap. Bear in mind that a fully loaded 28-litre bath is a substantial item to move, so positioning is worth thinking through before first use.

The FL428D suits kitchens running a regular sous vide programme across multiple covers — restaurants, hotel kitchens, and contract catering operations where temperature accuracy and consistency are essential to the menu. It sits at a mid-to-upper capacity within Clifton's range; operations with lighter or more occasional sous vide requirements may find a smaller unit sufficient, while very high-volume sites running extensive overnight or batch programmes may benefit from a larger capacity model.

Clifton is a UK-based manufacturer with a long-standing focus on precision temperature control equipment, and this unit reflects that background. If you are deciding between static and stirred bath options, or want to talk through capacity and workflow before ordering, the team is happy to help.