How accurate should the joule be?

Hi guys.

Complete newbie to immersion circulators. I was wondering how accurate they are supposed to be. If I set the temp to 120 degrees, I'm seeing temperature swings within the water bath of ~5 degrees (seeing temps ranging from 119 to 124). Is that normal?

I ask because the first few things I have tried making in it have turned out quite a bit overcooked. I have used the visual doneness guide to cook a ribeye and have used temps from 120 to 128 with cooking times between 30 and 90 minutes. Just hasn't turned out quite as I want it.

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Comments

brian_martin2001

I'd get in touch with ChefSteps, that doesn't sound like it's working properly.

HammeredChef_DEFINITELY_does_NOT_work_at_22134

Have you verified with a thermometer ?

Joseph_Lucchetti_336441

Yeah, actually used 2 different digital thermometers. Both said the same thing. Near the outflow is quite a bit warmer than other areas of the water bath.

Maybe I need to use a bigger container? I've only been making 1 ribeye at a time (each being a bit over 1 lbs), so I have been using smaller pots (6-8 quarts). Maybe the pots are too conductive and I need to get an insulated container?

Again, I am very new to using immersion circulators. I assume it is just user error.

wolfiegirl

Sounds like you need some assistance from the awesome CS team. If you don't know how to reach them, please let us know!

fisher23

Are you taking the temperature as the water is heating or once it has reached temperature? While heating it will be hotter at the outlet. Once Joule has reached temperature all the water should be about the same temperature. I use a 3 gallon cambro type container and mine is within .3 - .4 degrees using a probe thermocouple and a certified calibration Thermoworks meter. I am taking the temperature at the bottom of the cambro.

Joseph_Lucchetti_336441

Sent a support request. Thanks.

ppax86

Eek- mine is like this too. I will try a bigger container first and see if that helps.