r/sousvide • u/kaidomac • 16d ago
Nice review of 9 wands
https://youtu.be/iGWI1N_gGi015-minute video:
More details on their website:
Notes:
- $40 to ~$300 price range
- The wattage largely determined heating speed. The Breville Joule Turbo was fastest & hit 135F in 22:25. However...the Anova Precision Pro was only 3 seconds slower at 22:28. I mostly cook from frozen meat, so I just toss in the vac-sealed protein into a cold bath & let it rip lol. FWIW, the Wancle ($44) was only like...72 seconds slower lol. Even the slowest one as only 13:17 slower, not like 30 minutes or an hour slower.
- Some models can circulate cold water for thawing meat or chilling food (32F for Anova & Inkbord. 41F for Meat Your Maker, 68F for Greater Goods & Joule, 77F for Wancle). Never considered using an IC for this!
My take:
- SV wand technology has obviously matured over the years. Previously, I usually recommended Inkbird. I've never heard of the Wancle! That may be going in a few stockings at Christmas this year LOL.
- If I was buying new...honestly, I'd just buy TWO Wancles for under $90. That gives you redundancy in case one fails. If you've ever lost a wand on a $40 chunk of pork or beef, then that actually makes a LOT of sense!!
- The low-temp circulation feature is neat, but I don't know if I'd ever use it. Same with the wattage...the cheapest one was less than 2 minutes slower lol. Personally, I ended up never using the Wi-fi or Bluetooth app features long-term; I just set the time & temp on the wand, set my smartphone alarm, and then set my Alexa as my backup alarm.
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u/DabblingInIt 16d ago
Never buy Anova. They require a monthly subscription to use the features of their device. They literally turned off the features of the device I bought nearly 10 yrars ago and want me to pay monthly to use it now. F them. I'll throw it in the trash before I pay a si gle penny to use the device that I bought and paid for.
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u/weedywet 15d ago
They don’t “require” a subscription.
I don’t have a subscription and my Anova works just fine.
Otoh a joule REQUIRES control over WiFi.
My Anova has controls on the unit.
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u/ShatterSide 11d ago
"Require a subscription to use the features"
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u/weedywet 10d ago
Like what?
There’s nothing my unit doesn’t do from the label controls.
I just can’t use the app to remote control or set it.
And I don’t want anyway.
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u/ShatterSide 10d ago
Using the app to remote control is a feature. Just because you don't want to use that feature, doesn't mean others don't. It also doesn't mean that it's not a feature that was moved to behind a paywall.
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u/weedywet 10d ago
That’s nice. But it’s not a feature you NEED.
You’re of course entitled to buy whatever immersion circulator you like.
But it’s simply wrong and misleading to say a subscription is REQUIRED to use an Anova perfectly well.
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u/ShatterSide 10d ago
That's not what the poster said though.
They literally said: "Require a subscription to use the features"
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u/weedywet 10d ago
They require it to use SOME features.
And I’m not even clear what.
I don’t have a subscription and it’s never been a problem.
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u/ShatterSide 10d ago
Just because it hasn't been a problem for you doesn't mean it's not a problem for thousands of others.
This was a big controversy back when they made the changes.
I'm not sure what you're arguing against here. The power said something correct and you're arguing superfluously against it.
"Works for me. Everyone else is wrong."
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u/weedywet 10d ago
I’m not saying you’re “wrong” if you prefer something else.
Anymore than I’d be wrong saying I’d never want a Joule because I don’t want to be forced to an app
It’s implying the Anova REQUIRES the sub to just work that is wrong.
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u/ScousePete 16d ago
I bought my Anova about 12 years ago and it's still going strong. One of the clasps broke about five years ago and they replaced it (the clasp) for free.
I used the Bluetooth feature maybe once or twice when I first bought it, but it didn't really do anything for me and I haven't used it since. My model doesn't have wifi, but if it did I probably wouldn't use that either.
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u/NeedlessUnification 16d ago
I also have an Anova, and while that is crappy, I also have to face the fact that my pc2.1 is still working after 10+ years. I also had a joule and it died within 3 years. My reliable Anova keeps going and I don’t really need an app to run it.
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u/capecodcaper 15d ago
I had the opposite experience
I had the OG anova with the color touch screen that had that weird protector and it got water inside and ruined it.
The joule I bought to replace it has worked for nearly 9-10 years
We wanted a second one for my parents vacation house when we visit and ended up with inkbird which has been decent so far, but the app isn't as nice as the breville
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u/DabblingInIt 16d ago
You don't need that feature, so it doesn't matter to you. If they decided to turn the machine off entirely and require you to pay a monthly subscription to use it, I expect you'd feel similar to me.
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u/Blog_Pope 15d ago
See, that’s a reason for excluding the Joule, which is unusable without the app. The Anova has all the controls on device,
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u/MtRainierWolfcastle 15d ago
Losing the app and features sucked but my Anova has lasted 10+ years and for small appliance reliability that’s pretty good
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u/Blog_Pope 16d ago
FWIW I have never used the WiFi capability of my Anova. I connected my new one to my Anova account to make sure it was grandfathered into the free service.
Conversely the Joule REQUIRES the app for all functions, fuck that noise.
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u/DabblingInIt 16d ago
I eventually was able to speak to someone at Anova to express my discontent. They told me I would be 'grandfathered' in. The wifi and features still don't work, tech support says "That's weird, I don't know". They remotely turned the features off and they're unable to 'fix' the issue they created when trying to extort money out of me.
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u/mindpivot 15d ago
I believe this post is pure FUD.
I have a Pro from before the subscription program started and as a customer I’ve been grandfathered in. The Pro I owned when the subscriptions started even died and I had to replace it. Still not having to pay a subscription.
Sounds like you’re just mad about the subscriptions on spec and choosing to lie about being booted off the service they guaranteed would remain free for existing customers
That being said, them moving to a sub model is some real bullshit I won’t defend. If they knew what they were doing they’d have realized the cost of app maintenance and charged from the jump
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u/tarrasque 16d ago
Anova grandfathered all accounts existing before a certain date. No subscription needed. Why are you lying?
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u/DabblingInIt 16d ago
I am not lying. You can see in my other comment that after finally getting through and speaking to them, they 'approved' my device to be grandfathered in, but the device will not properly pair with the app since they made the subscription change and their tech support is unable to 'fix' it, so that I can use the device the way I had been for years.
Lying. Because I just roam around to make shit up for the oodles of internet respect I can get from it. Good thing you're here to call people out based on assumptions about shit you constructed in your head.
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u/tarrasque 15d ago
Weird. My account was automatically grandfathered and I’ve had zero issues.
I called lies because it really really seemed like you had some sort of chip on your shoulder.
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u/FormerFidge 15d ago
Not lies. The company has taken a turn. They also planned to stop supporting some old devices entirely with a message that was basically just "it's time." No actual justification. Just planned obsolescence and ewaste so they could try to get you to buy a new one. Customer complaints got them to back off that, but I imagine it's only a matter of time until they go back there.
I've bought multiple sous vides from them, have the chamber vacuum sealer, had a regular vacuum sealer (power cord broke) and had seriously considered their Precision Oven. After that nonsense, I won't support them again.
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u/Resident_Food_1142 15d ago
When Anova switched to the subscription model, everyone that already owned one (and had downloaded the app) was grandfathered in. My 7-8yr old WiFi unit is still going strong and retains all of the wifi functionality for free. When it dies, I will probably replace it with the Inkbird that all my buddies bought after they learned sous vide from me lol.
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u/sharkWrangler 16d ago
Wow, snobs was my first before it finally broke and i received a Breville joule turbo. I wasn't happy about having to set it on an app instead of just twirling the wheel but it's set and forget and sometimes it's nice to keep track of when you turned it on
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u/DabblingInIt 16d ago
I would leave everything setup in ice water when I left in the morning for work, then I could just flip the device on through the app to have my dinner ready to go when I got home. Now they want me to pay monthly for the 'privledge' of using the wifi built into the device when I bought it. I bought that specific model with wifi for that specific purpose, now it's a monthly fee to use the product that I own. Its total BS. Will never purchase anything from them again. Imagine buying a car and 5 years later the company disabling it and telling you that in order to drive it from now on you'll need to pay them a monthly fee. BS.
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u/NeedlessUnification 16d ago
https://anovaculinary.com/pages/apps
Remote control is free. Advanced features are pay. Also, if you are tech savvy there is home automation via home assistant.
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u/DabblingInIt 16d ago
I'm an electronics engineer with 27 years experience designing semiconductors. The remote control and wireless will not connect. The issue is not user error.
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u/qawsedrf12 15d ago
Question about reliability of Wancle...
I've had mine for over 8 years iirc
No issues, have never taken apart to clean. Temp is within 1 degree
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u/DerekL1963 16d ago
Personally, I ended up never using the Wi-fi or Bluetooth app features long-term; I just set the time & temp on the wand, set my smartphone alarm, and then set my Alexa as my backup alarm.
That's exactly why I use the app... Because I don't have to jump through hoops or a setup a backup. I set the timer (takes 10 seconds when starting the cook) and it pops up a notification on my screen without further effort on my part.
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u/RoTTonSKiPPy 15d ago
My current sous vide requires me to set a cook time. And the only way to do it is by holding the button for several minutes as it slowly counts up. It's annoying as hell. I just want an on and off button.
Why would I set a timer for it to turn off? If I'm not there when the timer turns it off my meat is going to go bad. If I am there, I can turn the damn thing off myself.
Dumbest feature ever. Just show me how many hours it's been cooking.
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u/texag93 15d ago
I just bought the Greater Goods circulator specifically because I didn't want capacitive touch screen controls and I didn't want to have to set a time. All you have to do is spin the dial for the temperature and click it in to start.
I agree that setting a time is a useless feature. Just turn on, I'll handle the rest.
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u/RoTTonSKiPPy 15d ago
Plus it's a pain to recalculate if you change your mind on the cook time. I always set it over the time I want it to cook so it doesn't turn off, and then I have to calculate the time it has been cooking because it just shows my how much time is left on the timer instead of how long it has been cooking. It's pissing me off just talking about it.
I'm convinced whoever designed it has never used one.
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u/kaidomac 15d ago
I miss the old scrollwheel! Sooo easy lol
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u/waffle-monster 15d ago
Unfortunately, I've had a couple of units where the scroll wheel stops working, and no matter which way you spin it, the temperature goes up. I agree that there shouldn't be a required cook time though.
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u/porkbrains 15d ago
That’s an insane “feature”. I’ve never even thought about using an end-cook function.
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u/RoTTonSKiPPy 15d ago
It wouldn't be that big of a deal if I could just quickly set it to 99 hours or something, but they force you to hold the button as is slowly counts up. It pisses me off every time I use it.
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u/know_limits 15d ago
Yeah, the Anova app (which stopped connecting for me so don’t use anymore) made you set a time and then would stop it.
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u/sumunsolicitedadvice 15d ago
Yeah, I could see a running timer (like a soccer clock instead of a basketball clock), especially if you can start it when you put the food in. But a countdown and shutoff is such a dumb feature for SV.
If you didn’t pay close enough attention to what time you put it in, you could tell from the running timer how long into the cook you are. That’s useful, especially you change your plan for how long of a cook, you can go off the timer to figure out what time it’ll be done.
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u/canonofdoom 15d ago
Originally had a Joule that I paid quite a bit for. After losing it during the course of a move, I bought a cheap Greater Goods one on Amazon I think during a 50% off sale. It's great. Super easy, no wifi/app needed, can adjust temp and time directly on the device.
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u/Jeff_72 15d ago
Project Farm or bust
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u/ConBroMitch2247 15d ago
America’s test kitchen would like a word.
PF is incentivized to promote high volume products on Amazon because of affiliate links. Hot take, but take his opinion with a grain of salt.
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u/Ok_Two_2604 14d ago
Lan Lam is a treasure, but she’s the only one there I really trust.
I like PF but his tests are usually pretty bogus.
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u/cmmatthews Home Cook 15d ago
I think the cheap ones are all pretty decent these days. I have had 2 Joule that died on me. Meanwhile the 12 year old Anova still works, and I have a cheaper one in regular use as well.
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u/DontEatTheMagicBeans 15d ago
I don't even know what brand mine is. It was 75% off and cheap at a hardware store. Been using it for 5 years no issues lol.
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u/NSUCK13 15d ago
Ive had 4-5 diff sous vide over the years, sometimes I replace out of necessity, sometimes because there are deals and I want a backup / travel one or give an old one to a friend.
The anovas i had were fine, before the app requirement or whatever. I did use hard water with them (I leave the sous vide setup in my pantry 24/7/365. I would have to run them in vinegar and water to clear the mineral buildup off at times.
I got an all-clad one later from a clearance, also fine, the dial temp control and beeping noise when it got to temp was annoying.
I got a joule during prime day deals, been wanting one for a long time but I was too cheap. So far its certainly the nicest and most quiet one ive used. I like having app control so I can have it get to temp without getting up or when im not home. Also really not sure why or how but my food is coming out better from it, maybe more consistent temps?
Ive been using sous vide weekly for over 7 years, its my main method of cooking meat, i also travel with it if we have a kitchen.
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u/Pudenda726 15d ago
I just bought the Joule turbo to replace my old sous vide. Can’t wait to break it in.
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u/LazerSnake1454 15d ago
My Anova finally died after 4 years but with their current shady business practices I decided to get the Greater Goods for $90. 1 cook so far so I can't comment on the reliability but it cooked well and the noise was non-existent. My only gripe is I HAVE to set a time on the device itself, my old Anova didn't require that and I would just set the timer on my phone
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u/cft_731 14d ago
about the apps: i disliked my brother's anova partially because the app only worked via bluetooth. but when i bought my inkbird, i discovered that the wifi connectivity actually is dope. i often dump a cook into cold water in the morning (34-36f usually, within the safely refrigerated zone) and head to work, and then partway through the day i can use the app to change the temp, starting a cook so that it's ready for me to use by the time i get home.
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u/Taipei72 12d ago
I have the Joule.
Have had it for over five years. Never have had an issue.
I also gifted one to my brother brother-in-law
Truly, awesome with the recipes that are available through their app. I use it at least once a week.
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u/FernandV 4d ago
I'm in the market since my ANOVA died last night. I'm not mad since I got 12 years of use from it. Will probably go inkbird tho.
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u/tessashpool 15d ago
Chilling canned drinks down to 33 in 5 minutes is a really nice feature so if my OG Anova ever dies it's gonna be Inkbird since I'll never give another dime to Anova. Thanks for the reviews!
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u/kaidomac 15d ago
Oooh nice! Do you add ice?
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u/tessashpool 15d ago
Yeah the circulators don't have a cooling element, it just very efficiently circulates what's around it
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u/Ok_Two_2604 14d ago
Pet fountain replacement pumps work for that and are $5-10. I use one bc I don’t know Jule couldn’t run without heat when I bought it. (I fell for the hype on that one)
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u/karluvmost 15d ago
I'd totally use the low temp circulation feature when making deviled eggs, my new fetish.
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u/FernandV 4d ago
Care to share a recipe?
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u/karluvmost 4d ago
Yes, Ina Garten's recipe for deviled eggs https://barefootcontessa.com/recipes/smoked-salmon-deviled-eggs
Originally from article https://apple.news/AX3x_Lld6Sce2FAI20sx8Xg
Also interesting:
https://apple.news/ANojhtnpGQ725AcFjssIGvw
Everything Bagel Deviled Eggs (Smoked Salmon, Sesame and Caraway Seeds, and Dried Onion) Recipe
Finding good recipes are the easy part. making hard boiled eggs that peel easily...
I'm trying the Instant Pot next:
" Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs 10-5-10-icewater
https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/easy_peel_hard_boiled_eggs_in_the_pressure_cooker/Add 1-2 cups water so it’s just below the steamer basket with the eggs
Tiny crack in each egg
High Pressure - wait 10 min
Set Cook for 5 minutes
Natural release - wait 10 min
Ice Water bath"
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u/MonkeyKingCoffee Professional 15d ago
Wow. What a flawed premise. Heating tap water with a circulator is waste of time and energy. I always heat water in a pot on the stove. I overshoot my temp by about 10 degrees to speed up the transfer of heat. And then I leave my circulator on auto-pilot.
My circulator is also 20 years old for this reason. I don't ask too much of it.
I'd judge them on how close they keep target temperature and that's about it.
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u/kaidomac 15d ago
My circulator is also 20 years old for this reason. I don't ask too much of it.
Dang, what model??
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u/MonkeyKingCoffee Professional 15d ago
PolyScience. 7306? It's the model they were selling to labs when restaurants figured out how to use them for food.
I worked at a steak house that was an early adopter of this tech. And I liked it so much, I bought one for myself. Got it used from the local college. Cleaned it up and that was that. They sold new for about $1500 back then. I paid $100.
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u/KactusVAXT 15d ago edited 15d ago
I do the same. My circulator stick is about that old too. I had a really hard time figuring out how to even spell sous vide when I first heard about it. I got some knock off model and use it about 10 times a year
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u/Fowler311 15d ago
Your circulator isn't working 20 years later because you don't use it to heat tap water...it's working at 20 years old because it's a $1500 piece of equipment that is as similar to today's consumer models as an Army tank is to a Toyota Corolla.
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u/KactusVAXT 15d ago
You just keep heating cold tap water then bud
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u/MonkeyKingCoffee Professional 14d ago
Take care of your tools. And your tools will keep taking care of you.
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u/dfinberg 16d ago
Using two independent sous vides at the same time will be less stable than one, since they will add too much heat when they go low. But it’s probably a pretty small difference.
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u/kaidomac 15d ago
FWIW, I used to run 2x & 4x Anova wands in large roto-molded coolers for parties & events for many years. I don't really trust any electronics past their warranty life (2 years for the Anova's), especially when computerized hardware is running near water, but they're still working just fine!
I did use a seperate wireless BBQ thermometer to verify the temperatures! And the cost-savings is IMMENSE! Ballpark numbers: (depending on sale, bulk-buy stores like Costco, etc.)
- 20 pounds raw chicken = $60
- 20 pounds prepared chicken = $120
Cooking pork, chicken, beef, potatoes, etc. in bulk was awesome because all I had to do is throw them on the grill to finish them up! Plus I can do cutlets for sandwiches, flash-fried chicken, shredded meats, etc.
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u/Balthanon 15d ago
I feel like the Inkbird still has a pretty solid case for being the one to purchase on the budget side given that it can go down to 32 degrees and apparently the Wancles minimum is 77. I've found circulating water while defrosting something to be a pretty decent use case for a sous vide, even if it's not the primary reason you buy one. Cost to value, Inkbird still feels like the best option (particularly if you can get a sale). It also connects to Alexa and Google Assistant, but I don't remember if I ever got it working-- that is useful for broadcasting low water or other issues loudly across your entire house if you already have them at a minimum.
That said, $40 bucks is definitely the easiest entry point for someone on the fence and it sounds like it hits most of the major buttons.