Anova Precision Cooker Fail

Well, I'm sure it was bound to happen, but on the fourth or fifth use of the new Anova Precision Cooker I purchased I woke up at 33.2C pork shoulder after 16hrs cooking.

Went to bed with it set on target at 72C, woke up to it still reading 72C...something was up because the water level had not dropped. Turns out these things sometimes freeze when utilizing bluetooth. A hard reset (unplug SV) and it read the correct temp, but I have no idea how long it was sitting at dangerous bacteria building levels.

My garbage has claimed another victorious meal.

Anyone have similar issues? One of the major reasons why I don't mind shelling out for a Joule is that I want a robust and dependable workhorse kitchen tool.

(Really more upset over loss of 16hrs and needing to scramble to make something else.)

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Comments

tshewman

I a.m on my 3rd anova due to temp issues but I've never done a long cook (don't trust it). I use my PS for those.

HammeredChef_DEFINITELY_does_NOT_work_at_22134

Mine struggles with 90C temps unless i insulate the container...and NO I don't trust it on long unattended cooks, I use my ancient VFR with an analog temp dial. It has never failed me in 10 years...

Rob

digitaldookiez

I had the same issue and at least for me, it appeared to have been an issue with too much steam getting into the unit. Once I started wrapping the container up for long cooks and keeping the unit dry, it has been very reliable for long cooks (I've done a few 48 hour cooks now). I no longer try to use the BT functionality, but then again, it wasn't really useful for me before. It's really not a necessary function IMO....

tshewman

Fwiw, bc I have/had similar problems, I always start ~3deg above target temp bc it's a guaranteed drop as soon as I put stuff in. I was using my PS for pork belly yesterday and wanted to do a couple purees in advance (e.g. Celery root) so to bring it up to temo I put the stock pot o was using on the stove on high with the anova plugged in and then moved it once the temp was reached. The anova seemed to do ok with this. Comparing it to Ps and Joule it simply does not have the same power. I have heard of others doing long cooks with it but I might need anxiety meds for the duration.

GaryT_92514

Likewise... My Anova cannot handle higher temperatures (as needed for plants) - it just goes nuts (indicated the water temp was above boiling point on a number of occasions) . I use a SVS for higher temperatures (insulated and stable). The PS is for longer cooks and the Anova for routine undemanding stuff. I am hopeful that the Joule (when released internationally) will be reliable for all these purposes.

m.buchanan0119

Do those Bluetooth enabled machines have an Alarm for low temps? If they don't that seems like a good idea.

elviswasjesus

I don't use the Bluetooth functionality at all either after an issue when it was set using BT and I found it running at full temp an hour later. Left me feeling that function is unreliable. As Joule was designed ground up to be wireless, more comfortable it'll work reliably.

That said, like David I always cover the container (dedicated cambro) in clingfilm and I've had no problems with long cooks (24-48 hours) and higher temps (regularly keeping water at 87C for half hour or more for first stage of yoghurt making).

tangma27

I also used an Anova and it died on me at one point. They were quick to send a replacement which is nice. I never use the bluetooth. Other than the time it died on me, I've never had a problem with long cooks if i cover whatever I'm making.

Douglas_Gourlay_559978

hi guys... i've recently purchased a 'used' anova precision (second gen) blue tooth model. just let me down last night after a 24 hr cook of ribs. sadly, i'm dead in the water. Woke up in the AM and the pot of water was room temp.

ok, not to worry, i've ordered a replacement. that being said, i'm out $100 on the original unit. I've sorted that problem out to being a failed relay. i might be able to replace, but i suspect that this is a 'weak link' in their design. a Solid state relay would have been the way to go.

doug