Anova Precision Cooker
61 reviews
I've never been this annoyed with a product. I've never gone this far out of my way to warn people how bad a product is. Absolute abomination of a device. The cooking when it works is fine but it tries to force an app on you to literally just set the temperature and *even though it can connect over bluetooth* it won't cook until it's running over… Read more
your wifi. And that'd be bad, but not terrible, if the connectivity wasn't less responsive than a dog thats just been let off lead. Never get this. There's no version of me that adequately states how much you shouldn't get it that doesn't start to resemble the crazy guy that warns all of the teens before they go stay in the old mansion in a horror movie.
I wanted to love this so bad, but the cooker is literally unusable without an app - and of course the app is barely functional. My partner used it a few times, then I tried, and partway through a cook I lost connection to the sous vide, and haven't been able to reconnect. My partner can't either. So it's literally unusable now after only a couple… Read more
of uses.
Even when it was working, the app is such an egregious money hungry piece of trash. Beyond the audacity of again, LOCKING THE FUNCTIONALITY OF A KITCHEN TOOL BEHIND AN APP instead of a couple of buttons on the tool itself, the app is constantly hounding you to a paid subscription to access full sous vide functionality (eye roll). The free version of the app will give you a timer, but if you want the timer to go off and alert you? Pay up. Absolutely disgusting. Instead of adding value through a subscription, they take away BASIC functionality instead. I've had cr#ps with better UX than this.
I didn't know this sous vide would REQUIRE an app to work, and everything about this experience and the design decisions that led to this has taught me that Anovo has nothing but disrespectful and contempt towards consumers. They will never get out money again.
Another failed unit - I’ve had several Anova sous vide units over the years - the initial units failed out of warranty - so I bought the premium unit in late 2021 - the initial units failed was faulty and was replaced. The replacement unit has… Read more
failed. I didn’t use regularly mainly to sous vide beef briskets. I doubt it did 40 cooks - I reached out to Anova who have promptly replied that it’s outta warranty and to buy another. Re the video - The top temp is supposed to be adjustable to show the temp required for cooking water temp. The middle temp is actual temp of the water. The unit is wont adjust the cooking temperature. Failures on others out of warranty have been issues with inability to adjust water temp. So will definitely buy another- but it won’t be an Anova - great marketing but definitely have not meet my expectations because of failures.
Follow-up · Nothing from Anova - I’ve just sent it to land fill. The product just does not last - seems it’s common to have moisture get into Anova circuitry even though it needs to operate in high humidity conditions
Reviews with attachments
DO NOT BUY! As others have reported, the Bluetooth connection on these fails constantly. if you move your phone a few metres away the connection fails. Open a different app and you have to reconnect which means it loses whatever timer you were using on your cook. Pretty much everytime you turn it on you have to set it up like it brand new. Reviews… Read more
from years ago say the same thing and they still haven't fixed it. Don't waste your money on these cnts! Buy something else. The pics show waiting for 5 mins and still hadn't connected. Now have to reset it.
A great machine for fantastic steaks! – I was looking to buy the new model of one of these for a present. I thought I would check other peoples reviews of them and I was very supprised that they rated so low. I have had mine for just over four years and I think it is excellent. Far better that the previous one i had from another brand. Sous vide is a fantastic way of cooking… Read more
something like a steak to perfection. "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear" is an old saying that if you want quality you have to start with quality in the first place. So it won't turn a bad piece of steak into a good one. My main use of the sous vide machine is to partily cook steaks for a couple of hours and then finish them off on the grill of an exreeemly hot BBQ. The end result is steak cooked to perfection all the way through with just the char from the BBQ on the outside.
I season the meat and somtimes add some herbs before I vacuume pack it and place it in the water at the preselected temprature, usually 52C for a steak to my liking, just a little more than rare. I use a plastic container for the water that I preheat in the kettle so it is up to the required temprature quicker than just using the Anova Nano as it is only 750 watts. The temprature and cooking time are very easly adjusted by pressing spots on the top of the unit. You can also use your phone with it's bluetooth link.
I personaly don't bother using my phone to control it, I just can't see the need as while it is working I am in and out of the kitchen and until it has finished it's preset time, no adjustment is required.
Cleaning is very easy as there is no contact with food for it to get dirty as the food is in a vacuum plastic bag in the water, I just place the machine on the kitchen draining rack overnight to dry out.
Overall I am very impressed with the quality of steak I can produce with this machine, certainally to the standard that the best resturants can do or better.
Poor quallity product, AVOID! – Purchased this from their AU website in January 2021, used for around 10 times in the first few months then got bored and stored it in the cabinet till 31st Jan 2023. Only found that the control panel completely fell off, and I saw other people had the same problem, from reviews on other Anova models. It is obvious their product quality is poor,… Read more
I still can't understand how these all four corners plastic that holds the screws are all broken, the plastic might be degraded due to the heat and water during use. But this is a DESIGN FAULT and POOR QUALITY CONTROL.
I reported this 3 weeks after my warranty period, because I did not use it for a long time, that was really unlucky for me. They offer me a $25 off for future purchases. I just told them thanks but I won't be buying their products anymore due to poor quality.
Absolute rubbish and no support! – Absolute rubbish! Received broken straight out of the box. Bought the whole kit, cooker, bath and vacuum sealer in Australia. No phone support, in fact no support at all! Hard to believe an electrical appliance that gets submerged in water can be so faulty and dangerous. Zero qulaity control. Trying to return for a refund is proving to be a nightmare. Avoid all their products at all cost! To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement! Show details
Perfect kitchen aid – Have had our Anova Precision cooker for about 5 years (at least). It has just died and we have purchased a new one for $159, delivered in two days. I love to cook and there is nothing better than "juicy" chicken breasts or thick sirloin done Sous Vide. Virtually mistake proof and with a quick browning in the pan or just straight to the plate as… Read more
with the chicken accompanied with a bechamel sauce...so easy. Fish comes out moist and retains all health benefits as well. 80% of our evening meals are done in the precision cooker and that will continue to happen for the forseable future.
Positive reviews
Worthy of the name Professional – I have now had experience using all 3 models of the Anova Precision Cookers and can confidently say that the Pro model is the most reliable and durable of the options. My previous review of the Anova Precision cooker (Wifi/Bluetooth) is fair to it but I do think that as their first iteration of the hardware it had problems and reliability issues… Read more
which is in keeping with the highly variable reviews on that model. My own experience involved 3 product failures and warranty replacements - not a great track record.
I will stand by my opinion that Anova has excellent, prompt and responsive customer service in my experience.
On to the Pro Model:
The pro model is a set up right out of the box. The unit is noticeably of a higher quality build with the use of precision milled metal parts in places where the standard model uses plastic. As I had failures in those parts as well I was very happy to see that these were upgraded in the pro model. Additionally it benefits from the same interface as the newer Nano Model with an all touch screen rather than the illuminated scroll wheel.
Functionally it works as expected, the unit attaches to a wide variety of water vessels with the metal clamp (I use the Anova Precision Cooker Container) and it achieves target temperatures very quickly thanks to the 1800W heater (up from 1000W in the Standard unit and 750W in the Nano). For big cooks this is also extremely helpful. Water temp is maintained without an issue.
One issue I have had so far was a problem with being able to interact with the touch screen properly after I first received the product. Fortunately Customer services was there to help with this as well and after a firmware upgrade I haven’t had a single issue with the cooker.
Regarding Anova Precision cookers in general. I would have to say that while their app is functional, it is not outstanding. The recipes are a nice feature but I think that there are simpler and more intuitive ways for them to have delivered the experience. With that said, Anova seems to be continually working on improving the user experience through Beta software programs.
I use my Anova about 3-5x per week for home cooking and 1-2x per month for larger dinner parties.
As always I tend to leave pricing opinions out of my reviews as everyone values things differently. I got mine on sale and it made it far more economical at the time.
Good when delivered – Originally we had issues with delivery, but we tried again a year later. The oven is very good, still using, if any issues will update, but its been a few months and its been very good thus far. Show details
A proven favourite – Purchased direct from US in 2014 prior to official Oz availability. Easily the most reliable & easiest to use sous vide wand out of 3 different brands experienced. Heats quickly despite smallish 800W rating, energetic water circulation, holds steady temperature, large easy to read digital display & easy to use thumbwheel temperature control.… Read more
Bluetooth connectivity & phone app is 'nice to have' bonus but can work completely standalone. Six years & many meals later still going strong with no complaints. Lost the bottom cap once & Anova customer service sent free of charge replacement without hesitation! Would happily buy again if necessary & have recommended to friends & family.
Negative reviews
Unethical company – I will never buy another Anova product. I have purchased 5 of these items. They work just fine. No different than the competition's offerings. My issue is with the ethics of this corporation. They are cutting off the connectivity of working products in a money grab. Spend your money with ethical companies...and yes the competition is cheaper.
crap machine don’t believe the hype – Won’t link to Bluetooth unless you log in every time.not impressed. Takes literally hours to heat .Noisy. I followed a recipe from the app precisely it was a fail. Basically it a Dyson of water heaters. Doesn’t work as it should and is frustrating to use. Show details
Find out how Anova Precision Cooker compares to other Slow Cookers
Know better, choose better.
Only lasted for about 10 cooks before failing – I bought my Anova precision cooker a few years back and on average would use it a couple of times a year. I used it approximately 10 times before it died, the temperature sensor would randomly fluctuate between -15 degrees and +100 degrees. It worked well before malfunctioning but to only a few years was very disappointing. If you're dead keen on sous vide cooking I would suggest you research another brand before buying. Show details
Recent reviews
Excellent while it works - but two failed units - and now out of warranty – Following my introduction to Sous Vide, I purchased a Precision Cooker 2014 and used it to Sous Vide everything. It really transformed my cooking. The original unit lasted 16 months before suffering an electronics failure that rendered it useless. Anova replaced the unit under warranty with a Precision Cooker 2019. Unfortunately the Precision… Read more
Cooker 2019 is of very poor quality. Almost from new it started making a very short "screeching" noise. The frequency and duration of these noises was so short and infrequent that I was never even sure if they came from the Anova. However, now they are appearing more frequently, and now that my warranty has expired, I can tell they are coming from the bearing supporting the rotating propeller shaft. I have not used the 2019 model anywhere near as much I did my original Anova so at $250 AUD I estimate it has cost $20 for every time I have used it. I plan to try the Joule next - once it becomes available in Australia. Chefsteps Joule was purchased by Breville in 2019. You can sign up here to be notified of availability https://www.chefsteps.com/joule
Absolutely Poor Quality – I have had my Precision Cooker replaced twice under warranty. Well done Anova! But my third one has now failed for the same cause. The thermostat fails to control the temperature. I definately do not consider this a quality product. I have now ordered one of a different brand. Show details
Do NOT buy from Anova – Do Not order from Anova. I pre ordered august 2021. Delivery was expected in Dec but was delayed 3 times. Each time I had to follow up. When i was told my shipment had been finalised and will be delivered between 15 to 17 march I thought finally. On 16 March I had to call up TollGroup cz shipment tracking didnt show any update I was told shipment… Read more
had not been arranged to be pick up! I was advised to contact Anova to produce proof of pick up i had to follow up again with Anova to contact Toll with proof And of course Anova couldnt produce the proof. I actually received it on the 17 after an unpleasant email to anova.
When it finally arrived on 18 March I was shocked to find out the australian adapter didnt fit That was the final straw. I almost collapsed. 4 months of waiting in exchange of anguish and a huge junk taking up space in my home. Customer service is appalling. Reactive rather than proactive, QC is non existence. I cannot trust the oven on safety if basic QC cannot be met. Anova u have outdone yourself in failing QC and customer service.
Do Not buy from Anova to save yourself the anguish. You dont deserve this
Very inconsistent but good customer service – When the products work, they work great and produce really good food. However, their products are very inconsistent in quality. My vacuum sealer broke on second use. The precision cooker stopped because of some error and now the timer doesn’t work. It’s a real shame because it has the ability to produce some good food just it can be a really pain.… Read more
The customer service however is very good and they will do their absolute best to help resolve your issue.
Hopeless Company - Avoid – This is a general Anova review, not a product review. Why? Because product not yet received. I ordered direct from Anova on Dec 11 (Anova Precision® Cooker) ...soon after received a "Your Anova Culinary Australia order has shipped". Today its Jan 19 and still nothing. The worst part is that Anova have gone MIA. If I am lucky enough to get an… Read more
email response its a bog standard answer of "Apologies for the delay in response due to the high volume of ticket we are receiving this Holiday Season!"... and thats it.
Beyond Terrible customer service – I Purchased 2 nano precision cooker units through the online shop in mid late November ( link through FB ). 1 for me and one fir a Xmas gift for a friend. 1 turned up within 7 days which was fine, however, package contained only one unit instead of the two I paid for. I have been ignored from customer service through multiple emails and had 1… Read more
response from Anova on FB that said customer service is busy, we will endeavour to get to your request as soon as possible. From what I’ve read here, they are busy providing replacements for faulty units Just refund my money or send me the remaining unit Anova!
Worst customer service ever – Unfortunately I never received my device. After one month of no response from support no shipping details or anything I am still waiting for a refund. They have a hard advertising style with constant deals but obviously don’t have supply to match the “3-6” day shipping. This company is completely dishonest and is only after your money with no… Read more
intention of fulfilling drivers promises. I still haven’t had a refund after a month and I will never recommend their products to anyone.
Mother Day present - DOA? – After reviewing for quite some time, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the Precision Cooker Original (wifi) at Anova online store as the Mother Day gift to my mum. After it arrived, I opened the box. I followed the instruction and filled the water mid way between min and max, turned it on, set the temp and hit the Start button. Long… Read more
non-stop beep. Switched it off, wait for 10mins and restart it again. Same symptoms - Long non-stop beep when the start button is pressed.
I did some more googling notice that this long non-stop beep sounds is quite a common issues for new arrival Anova Wifi.
I felt some bad for giving my mum a gift that is not working.
Can someone please help? Thanks
Find out how Anova Precision Cooker compares to other Slow Cookers
Know better, choose better.
Faulty first unit awaiting the second, customer service is a joke – Order one after using my mates and it made a delicious meal but the First unit arrived faulty with a low water alarm. After a few weeks of terrible communication with their support team and utter annoyance I finally had a new ANOVA on the way. I tested it straight away and seemed to work fine but when my partner first used it it boiled the water… Read more
while the temp read out said 0.0c. I didn't see this happen and couldn't get it get to do it again so I put I down to my partner using it incorrectly. Now a few months and about 10 successful cooks I witnessed it do the exact same thing, was set to 55 and the temperature said it was 0.0c but it was 98c and ruined my brisket. I am so done with this product, I don't trust it whatsoever and I'm extremely discouraged from going through customer service because of my painful experience last time.
Wonderful product wonderful company – The clamp holding the Anova snapped. On contacting Anova a new clamp was sent free of charge no questions. Love using the Anova and have recommended it to several friends. Show details
Amazing, simple, easy sous vide – I've had my Anova for two years and it is great. Easy to use, doesn't take up any space, and it just works. Early-on, sous vide meant big costly equipment. Anova makes sous vide slow cooking easy in a normal kitchen. Watch online for good deals now and then - sometimes they are discounted massively. Show details
Amazing – Ordered with free shipping and arrived at home with express delivery one day after. I just tried it out with three beautiful salmon fillets and it gave an outstanding result! Really competing with a restaurant. Show details
4 dead anova precision cooker in 2 years – where is the zero star rating I use this occasionally as a home cook, and for the last 2 years, the official australian version Anova wifi device keep dying on me in various different way - just stopped, keep heating the water till too hot, the temperature is wrong, the pump stop circulating. I keep getting replacement unit as warranty. I… Read more
cannot fault the warranty service, they are fast and by now, don't even ask questions by the time I have the 2nd failed anova precision cooker.
what I don't understand is how can Anova precision cooker is so unreliable; so temperamental.
I never use it without an insulated covered 15L container, never more than 68C, no more than 72 hrs of cook. I dry the device standing up, I look after my precision cooker baby.
STILL, I receive the last replacement under the warranty (4th one) last week because the 3rd one died 2 weeks ago. I don't know what I will do when this one again dies.
Doesn't last more than a year – I had two of those devices - one lasted 7 months, second lasted 9 months. The first one had two problems: it was shaking above 80 degrees C, and temperature display was jumping chaotically above and below set temperature. I managed to return it since it was under 1 year warranty. The second one showed 0 degrees C regardless of the temperature of… Read more
water and didn't change when it is heating up. I didn't manage to return the second one, because apparently Anova doesn't refund the replacement devices (the devices that have been provided as a replacement for faulty equipment under warranty). When I spend US $130 plus US $60 shipping I expect the equipment to last at least a couple of years, but in both cases it was only a few months. By the way I used it only twice a month. If this was an Australian company you most likely would be able to get your money back, since Australian consumer law takes into consideration what a reasonable expected lifetime of such product. The bottom line is that there are many new, much cheaper and more reliable Sous-Vide cookers out there with longer warranty periods, so considering low lifetime of Anova, and difficulty returning it, I wouldn't see any reason to buy Anova Precision Cooker. I could only provide the image of 0 degrees display issue. Unfortunately I am unable to provide a video of shaking over 80 degrees C and jumping temperature of the first device because I am unable to upload a video from my laptop (this page only allows to attach links)
Easy to cook perfect meats – It is a good device to have the meat cooked perfectly. But you need to prepare something more, such as different sizes of vacuum sealing bags, other optional things e.g. Polycarbonate Square Storage Container to leave it at the corner, Balls BPA Free to keep the temperature, stop evaporation and save electricity consumption, Kitchen Food Frame Separator - Vacuum Sous Vide Rack to have the bags in place...
Best kitchen utility – I love my Anova! I've cooked so many things using this gadget and it really delivers each time and everything cooks to perfection providing you follow the recipes or know your required temp.
Customer service vaudeville – My unit was faulty: I was getting the alarm "water below minimal level". I get it, problems happen, and I contacted customer service. Which turned out to be a big joke. Live chat operator told me that this service is available 24/7. The very same evening it turned to be false. Email support demanded the list of my details, from the order number to… Read more
my home address and then disappeared for three days. Eventually I filled in the return request and received the following reply: "This is a confirmation that we received your return request. Please note that it's a busy time for our Returns and Exchanges department, so your request will be answered outside the usual 24 hour window; however, we will help as soon as possible. Your patience is greatly appreciated!" Why would the middle of October be a busy time? Either the Exchange/Returns Department is poorly staffed or it is overloaded with requests.
It's up to you. This is a very popular machine and the most customers seem to be happy with the device. However, if you get a faulty device don't expect the company to be helpful.
UPDATE. Today - a week from the initial purchase - I received the replacement unit. Haven't tested it yet.
UPDATE No.2. I used it couple of times. It works ok, as expected. Heats up the water fairly quickly and is quiet. Controls are a little complicated though. I don't like that I have to run it via my phone. I also couldn't connect it to my wi-fy. Which is not really a big deal.
While dealing with Anova I bought another sous vide unit, AIO, a Korean device. It does the same job without complicated set up. It also includes the vacuum attachment. As I don't need two sous vide devices I am giving one to my daughter. She is getting the Anova.
Great device – Fantastic product. Cooks meat to perfection every time. We have cooked chicken, beef, lamb and pork with it. Meat comes out so tender and juicy. Only downfall is the app which crashes often. Excellent otherwise. Highly recommend it
Quality, Simple, Perfect Steaks – This piece of kitchen equipment is simply impressive; there is no other way to cook a perfect steak consistently, every single time, without fail. Even a novice couldn’t go wrong with this simple device; turn it on (pump will be heard), turn the wheel until desired temperature, that’s it. I purchased an Anova Precision Cooker WiFi version in… Read more
August 2015, and it is a delight to use, so accurate in maintaining its temperature, which once reached, it doesn’t move from, not even 0.1 of a degree (I use a lid on the container).
While it can be used on any normal deep pot, I decided to purchase a Vogue Black Polycarbonate 1/1 Gastronorm Container 200mm and lid, so I could cook 10 x 2 inch thick steaks at a time for fire-pit nights with friends: https://www.nisbets.com.au/vogue-black-polycarbonate-full-size-gastronorm-container-200mm/u457
We have found a really good meat to use for taste and texture is nothing more than a 2 inch thick grass-fed, export quality RUMP steak.
1. Trim off the fat. Fat can go rancid if slow cooked for over 48hrs.
2. Salt the steak TOO much
3. Pepper the steak TOO much (seriously, it will neither be salty or peppery after 48hrs slow cooking).
4. Place in a Hercules Click Zip Large Storage bag (like zip-lock), available from Woolworths or Coles: https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/706057/hercules-click-zip-sandwich-bags-large-storage
5. Lower the steak into the water bath until all the air has been dispersed, and then zip the bag closed, peg it onto something.
6. Cook at 53.5c for 48hrs. I have tried, 9hrs, 18, 24, 48 and 72 hours, the best results by overall consensus were 48 hour slow cooks.
About safe low temperature cooking:
https://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/magazine-archive1/februarymarch-2004/the-danger-zone-reevaluated/
7. FLAT PLATE of BBQ heated ALL burners going, lid down for 15+ minutes.
8. Use a really good fat from Coles/Woolworths, sear each side for about 30 seconds to 1 minute (until almost black).
9. Serve straight away.
We serve with an awesome mushroom and cream sauce (only those 2 ingredients).
Now that you have set the standard for perfect steaks, it will be hard to have one in a restaurant that doesn’t know how to properly cook a steak to perfection.
Awesome – Love using this, I have never cooked such perfect food. Use the app and you can't go wrong. Show details
Fell apart – Faulty damaged product. Not very good. They did refund fast though. Really poor quality product Show details
Extra Information
ProductReview.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ProductReview.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.