Since I don't use the app (I do have it), it matters not to me what Anova does.
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My question has been answered, to some degree - does this render the device unusable. If not, meh, who cares. I think some companies overestimate the utility of their app.
I've had my 2 Joules for a number of years and haven't looked on the app for squat, like... ever. I have to log into it to control my devices, though, which I do not like. I wish I could just control them direct, to prevent this kind of scenario, loss of connectivity, etc. But I've never once cared what their app did as far as recipes or something - whatever the hell it does, I don't know and don't care.
They've been sending me regular emails to try to get my attention for years, never once (I think) clicked on them either. I only know because I peruse my junk folder periodically making sure I don't miss anything.
I agree, I think these companies overestimate their own importance. Personally couldn't care less about their app, only connectivity - and if they take away connectivity, they've cut their own throat.Comment
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I've had an Anova Precision Cooker (wifi, 2nd gen) since November 2017, when I got it for $111.95 (just checked my Amazon account) on Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales.
I've used the app MAYBE a half dozen times, and not in years to be honest. I just checked and the app was on my phone, but not signed in. I just signed in and had to create an account using my email to do so. That said, I really don't plan to use the app, as the times I use SV and need remote control of it just are too rare. What I like about the Anova cookers is that you don't HAVE to use the app, as they have the handy dandy temp dial and a start/stop button right there on top.
My mounting bracket that clips it to the edge of a pot or container has cracked - apparently something common for these Anovas. It still works, just has a vertical crack through the ring. If it breaks further, I'll use some JB Weld or epoxy to put it back together...Comment
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To be honest, I think the reason I did NOT get a Joule was #1 cost (I got the Anova marked down from $199 to $111.95 on Black Friday on Amazon), and #2 I think the Joule REQUIRED the use of an app, and the Anova did not. The fact the Anova has a built in temp display and on/off/temp controls is what made me go that way for my foray into SV.
So if I lose the Anova app, due to the age my unit or whatever, it is still perfectly useful. That would be disastrous for a Joule unit.Comment
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Exactly. The joule looked good, but the fact that it requires an app to work was a deal breaker. I like that I can simply press a button or two and spin a dial and it simply works. Same goes for their oven. I tried both apps when the units were new and really never saw the point. And it’s not like I need a golf cart to travel from the south wing to the north wing where the kitchen is located. LOL -
The need for the Joule app also kept me from even looking further into it. I still like my Anova, if I bought another one, I likely would buy another anova, again, the app is a non issue for me. But I could see for many people who truly are only using it, as they do not know how to cook, for various reasons, something they can feel successful with, which is why it was purchased. I dont think the AR crew, is really their target market with the app.
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I use my anova all the time, I just checked the last time I used the app was in 2020. Since I'm grandfathered in I'll be Okay, not sure I agree with the idea of a monthly fee though, should be included in the price of the circulator as in the past.Comment
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Yep, I checked my amazon account. Bought my Anova in Aug 2016, and I can't even tell what I paid because the model I got no longer has a page on amazon. It works fine. I did like the wifi when I was putting frozen into the vat before work in the morning, and turning it on mid-day. Now, no longer need or use or even want that option, I don't use it as much since I'm home a lot more, and remote cooking is a no longer necessary skill. Honestly, if/when this one croaks, I'm not even sure I'll replace it. I just don't need the sous vide option much anymore.Comment
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I think apps are nice for those getting used to sous vide. But once it's been in use for a while, you get to know what settings work for which foods, pretty much.
Plus if you use a reliable (as in good food safety science behind the recommendations) source for sous vide times/temps on the interwebs, you're probably all set anyway.
My go-to "science-y" sous vide source is https://www.amazingfoodmadeeasy.com/.
I don't use the Joule app as much any more to choose the time/temp, since honestly I think that some of their more sketchy times/temps got past their "science officer" Douglas Baldwin, who was very hands on in the early days of the product.
Mostly nowadays I sous vide to pasteurization times and temps found on the Amazing Food site link above.
KathrynLast edited by fzxdoc; August 21, 2024, 06:14 AM.Comment
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Oops, jfmorris , you do need the app to control the Joule. Thanks for helping me to clarify here.
What I was referencing was using the app-generated times and temps for cooks for SV units with power buttons.
With the Joule, you can choose the time/temp via prompts for each food item, or you can do your own thing with time/temp. With experience, choosing the time/temp for the desired result (heating vs. pasteurzation, for example) can be done without any app prompts or recommendations.
Thanks!
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I doubt that I’ve used mine 10 times in 10 years. I’ve always been satisfied with the results, but the device just doesn’t fit my work flow. I like that I don’t need the app, so my world doesn’t change.Comment
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Anova has "updated" their stance on this somewhat. If you have one of their SV devices, whether you use the App or not, it might make sense to download the App and create an Account if you do not have one. Then this "updated" policy would apply:
"Only new customers will have to pay for a subscription. Existing customers who have an account with us before August 21st, 2024, will not be charged a subscription fee. To be an existing user, you must have downloaded our app AND made an account in the app before August 21st, 2024. In the event you are an existing user, you will be grandfathered in to free usage of the app. You helped us build Anova and our intent is that you will be grandfathered in forever.
If you don't currently have an account but are using the app with your Bluetooth-connected cookers, after August 20th, you'll be asked to create an account in the Anova app so that we can automatically give you legacy / grandfather status and continued access to the full features of the app. This subscription will go into effect on August 21st, 2024. Again, if you already have an account with us and purchased a product prior to August, 21 2024, there will be no change in our service for you."
Update: Existing Users Grandfathered in; New Users will Pay a Small App Subscription Fee – Anova Culinary
Just a note that this does not impact me as I do have an Account and have used the App, just not very often. Again, I mainly use it if I am away from home and just want to make sure it is still running. I always set the temp using the controls on the device - the App really does not do anything for my cooking.Comment
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Most of us scoff at this crap. Stop for one minute and think off all the Gen Z'ers and Millenials that cant use the bathroom without wi-fi. These companies are just rolling the dice on who they project their next wave of customers will be.Last edited by Bkhuna; August 20, 2024, 01:50 AM.Comment
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I got my first Anova years ago for $30. I bought my mom one a few years ago that I got back when she passed. The first one somehow became misaligned and the blades rattle against the housing and I can't seem to fix it. I tried to use my mom's and it developed this high pitched whine after about an hour. So I am not so in love with Anova. I also have a Joule; I use it most of the time even though I hate having to operate it from my phone.Comment
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I use this cheaper alternative and have never had a need for an app. I just do Google search for say "sous vide London broil" and read a bit and then GO. Plenty of info online. This unit can be had for $64.50 and works great...
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I hate that everything is a subscription nowComment
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Well, it gives them an idea of how many actual users are out there and it funds improvements. And in cases like photoshop it cut down on piracy. The majority of those that threw fits weren’t the ones paying $1000+ for the software and $500+ for updates. For Adobe it made sense. Did it alienate some users? Probably. But hobbyists aren’t their core user. It probably doesn’t make sense for a home user to spend $50+ on a full subscription. OTOH, I can cover an entire year in an afternoon.
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