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questions before buying

KAWendler_677408 · 2017-12-08T21:19:00+00:00

I am considering buying either the Joule or an Anova, but I have some questions first. I do like the apparent simplicity of the Joule and some of the features, but I've run into some "snags". We will likely only be using it in a simple "stand alone" mode: decide on a temp and, like the other TV pitchman says, "Set it and…

KAWendler_677408

I am considering buying either the Joule or an Anova, but I have some questions first. I do like the apparent simplicity of the Joule and some of the features, but I've run into some "snags".
We will likely only be using it in a simple "stand alone" mode: decide on a temp and, like the other TV pitchman says, "Set it and forget it". So:
1) Is it really still necessary to have a ChefSteps account to connect a bluetooth device to the Joule? I can see the logic in not having an on-device temperature control, but not in necessitating connecting to the company to possibly observe our cooking.
2) Will the Joule continue operating if started using a bluetooth and then disconnected to continue running standalone? Keeping a control device running connected to the Joule during many hours of cooking seems pointless to me.
3) I downloaded the ap into my IPad to explore it, but I could not find the simple quickstart temperature control, which is all I think we really need. Is an account needed to access this.

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Comments

FrankM_3301

Get Joule, download app.

Connect via wifi or bluetooth

Use the app to set temps manually or use "visual done-ness" recipes and instructions via the app to control Joule

If you have Amazon Echo...tell it to turn Joule on and off and set temperatures.

Joule runs until you tell it to stop or there is a problem, in which case it informs you through the app.

Start and stop Joule remotely...

It's pretty simple, and the account (free)/app just provides more ideas and recipes.

I owned a Polyscience circulator for years before Joule. Today, the Polyscience sits basement storage, Joule is either running or in the kitchen drawer.

robert.c.brown15

Get a Joule. I have an Anova. I can’t tell you how convenient it is being able to fit Joule in a draw. I’ve sous vide cooked more in the past 4 months I’ve had it than in the previous 3 years I had the Anova simply because it wasn’t a huge production setting it up and using. Making ramen? I love an egg with ramen. Grab a small pot. Heat it to 90C almost as quickly as my water boils for my ramen. So simple. Love it. Buy it. I’ll probably be buying another one.

KAWendler_677408

Thank you for your recommendations, but they do not really answer my questions. Do I really have to have an account to use the Joule or not? I most specifically do not wish to use wifi and we will never be using any of the "voice appliances". The only thing I anticipate doing is starting the Joule, turning off the controlling smart phone (or IPad), and simply letting the Joule set there and cook, all by itself, for half a day or so, usually on tough meats.

brian_martin2001

1. Yes. Just use the one you have now, with the user name KAWendler.

2. Yes. However, if you disconnect the bluetooth, you will not get alerts through the app until your reconnect it (and are within range).

3. Yes. Once you've log in, and connect to your device, there will be an option in the lower right corner of the screen to manually set temperature, and set a timer if you want.

brian_martin2001

Yes, you need an account to log in and use Joule.

Then don't use any voice controls (I don't think there are any, unless you start playing with other connection options) or WiFi.

You can use it however you like, that's entirely your business.

KAWendler_677408

One other thing I've seen in the various reviews - assuming the otherwise high quality of the Joule, what about 10 to 20 years from now and the continuing evolution of connectivity and corporate support. With no manual controls what is the risk of the Joule becoming simply inert with no controls?

brian_martin2001

Unless you get rid of your smart device, you'll never be without controls. True, the controls aren't integrated into the device, but they are still there. If ChefSteps goes belly up, then chances are there will no longer be support, however, unless you delete the app from your phone, you'll still be able to use it. If the company dissolves, and the machine craps out, then the unit will be useless. However, this is nothing new. There are plenty of companies that have existed, which no longer do, and those products they've put out there can no longer be service. This is just one of the unfortunate facts of retail. No one wants this to happen, but it us a possibility. This is also a possibility for literally ever other unit on the market. They do all have integrated controls, but if the machine craps out, and the company doesn't exist, guess what: you're SOL. I think its a good unit, there are, however, some inherent risks that you assume by purchasing it. These risks are no greater than any other companies' products.