Got an email from Anova offering $60 off both their home sous vide cookers. I backed the original bluetooth only version on kickstarter years ago, never had an issue over around 50 cooks, including a few 72 hour ones. Never used the bluetooth though and I imagine the wifi is just as pointless so I'd take the cheaper one if I was in the market.
UPDATE: anyone on the fence, they've just knocked 19 cents off the shipping, strike now!
Shipping to Sydney:
DHL Express Worldwide (4 to 6 business days) $51.18 :(
I've convinced myself to buy one anyway so I will pull the trigger regardless!
Amazing price, a lot of competition in this space.
Awesome, been waiting to pull the trigger on one of these.
Anyone got a coupon code for further discounts?
On an earlier deal the code AU25WIFI reduced the price by $25 I couldn't see a place to enter the code on this links. But here there was the option https://store.anovaculinary.com/
when you do check out..it will show giftcard or discount code.
the code au25wifi works with wifi..
in the other hans BLUE20 for $20off bluetooth version, but the code doesnt work
I cant seem to find the screen to put in the codes either, there are 3 screen customer info, shipping method and lastly payment method. Which page and exactly where do I input the code please?
@XC3LL: it only works on the desktop version of the US sites, so you end up getting $25 off, but it's USD
These are excellent. Fantastic customer service as well.
Was gonna wait for the ChefStep Joule (International version) but this seems be just as good!
What's the purpose of these?
They cook things at very very low and precise (presuming this is a good unit) tempratures (inside plastic bags). It completely changes many foods, particuarly proteins so eggs and meat is just amazing, completely different to usual cooking methods.
However the equipment used must be capable of keeping very precise tempratures in order for the cooking method to work properly so choose wisely.
I sees. Thank you for the info. I need to learn how to cook first :D
Thought the whole point of this expensive device was that it cooks for you?
Haven't looked into sous vide in a while, what are the competitors for this? Is this still the best bang for buck model?
Is a vacuum seal essential to cook sous vide?
I've seen some youtube videos where Ziplocs were used as an alternative to vacuum sealing.
Zip locks are terrible for the higher temperature cooking.
+1 DO NOT USE ZIPLOC BAGS!
Ran out of vacuum bags once and tried making 48 hour dry rub ribs (@ approx 65*C) once with the glad wrap bags. The seam at the bottom burst spilling the ribs into the water and mucked everything up.
Use a proper vacuum sealed bag, have never had problems with them.
@Serapis: Actually, zip lock bags are fine, but you have to use the Zip Loc brand. The kind that comes from Costco. All the others are rubbish, and will leak.
Is it just me or are they using zip lock in the picture in the middle http://anovaculinary.com/anova-precision-cooker/
Correct.
I've used about 5 different brand of zip bags and the only ones that didnt burst at the seam were the ZipLoc brand ones. I had an OK run with Glad bags at lower temperatures but haven't bothered trying anything since I got a vacuum sealer.
This is not true.
It depends on many factors. Ie protruding bones in your protein. Human error when placing items in bag etc.
I have had no problems with the 'Hercules' branded bags from coles which are bpa/microwave etc safe.
In fairness, the longest cook has been 12 hours at 58C.
It was just my experience. I've had zero luck with Hercules bags at anything over 12 hours, and anything over 70C. Ive had zero issues with glad bags even up to 80C+.
Yes its going to depend on many factors but I'd rather just buy ZipLoc brand and not worry about my rib eye being ruined.
@toshin:
I also have no problems with Hercules bags, just need to leave them opened at the top and use water displacement.
What 2 zip lock bags?
Zip bags are good for short cooks; long cooks (4+ hours IMO, but opinions vary) require a Vac sealer. I use both, depending on what I cook.
Ziploc Freezer bags (or any 100% polyethylene bag) are food safe well past the boiling temperature of water. Some people have reported trouble with seams failing during extended cooks at high temperatures (over 70 degrees C), though I've never had a problem. It's only veggies that you cook at that high a temp, anyways - most people use sous vide for meat at temperatures below 70.
I have a vacuum sealer for my sous vide cooker but only use it for food that I seal and freeze (so that it can be thrown directly from the freezer into the water bath with near-zero prep). Ziploc bags work fine for the vast majority of preparations, and are actually preferable for some (e.g., anything cooked with liquid which is difficult to vacuum seal without freezing, or anything with onions in it, since onions degas during cooking).
If you want to vacuum seal with liquid the best way is with a chamber sealer.
Yah, but I got my vacuum sealer used for $50 on gumtree. Haven't seen a chamber sealer for less than $500.
the French word 'sous vide' actually means under vacuum.
But no, in a heat proof zip lock it works also.
Just checked my email and I was sent the promo too but only for the Wifi version. Can't seem to figure out how to select the bluetooth only version, anyone have any clues?
bluetooth is the old model, the new model includes both wifi and bluetooth
Great. Now I can enjoy my McCain's healthy choice dinner at 63 degrees.
Brilliant :)
I've got one of the original, non-bluetooth/wifi ones. Have probably used it 100 times I'd say, in fact I've got a pork belly in there now - it's been in since yesterday and will have cooked for 48 hours by the time we have it for dinner tomorrow. Excellent machine, I run it in a ~50L plastic tub with a hole cut in the side and lid.
I have used it for everything from a quick (well 1 hr, but 30 sec prep time) chicken breast or steak, right up to a 4.5kg turkey breast porchetta that I finished off by deep frying. Amazing results every single time.
If you're getting one of these, make sure to get a vacuum sealer from Aldi (about $69) - I had a ~$200 Sunbeam FoodSaver vacuum sealer and it gave up after around 6 months. The Aldi one has been going for over 18 months no issues.
What do the bags cost you?
I've got the Bluetooth version; Had a SousVide Supreme before (110 when I lived in states.) The Anova is great really; i use it daily (probably 300 cooks). The bluetooth function is useless IMO, but the cooker is fine. I don't think I'd go for the wifi personally, as the base model is fine.
Overall, great machine. It can cook a ton. I normally have it in a pot or polycarbonate container w/ some ping pong balls on top to insulate. I sometimes use an esky for larger or longer cooks (thermal efficiency). One of these days I'm going to bust out my hole saw and mod one of my eskies permanently so that the Anova can fit through the lid.
My chef son says thankyou for the ping pong ball trick :)
Where do you get cheap ping pong balls? Thought they would be an expensive sports item? May need some, the ones I'm playing are cracking one by one.
The ones I've seen in Thailand seem to withstand quite a bit of pressure.
Not sure if they're considered food safe though
Not sure that's my kind of sport ;)
Zip lock bags are food safe.
I don't think the same is applicable to ping pong balls - the plastic smells awful.
Try to burn plastic bag and try to burn ping pong ball - smell the difference. :)
I should be sleeping haha. I'm tempted to buy one now. Just as well the deal is on until the end of the month.
Back in the day, 'Anova' meant Analysis of Variance…
Oh god no more Econometrics 101 =/
Ironically, whenever I hear ANOVA, I get reminded of "science" thus molecular gastronomy in context of cooking.
It still does. Research methods in psychology
I didn't post these main page, but anyone who wants an ANOVA will love these decorating spoons too, and Ezibuy have a buy two get one free on their clearance sale as well. https://www.ezibuy.com/shop/au/daudignac-decospoon-set/p/144…
Tempted. Does this have an Australian plug?
I wonder if this is better than the Joule.
Is there a 230v version of Joule?
I think not available yet.
If you don't need to use a massive container, the Brevilles are excellent, and often around $200 with AU warranty, and so on.
Where can you still get the Breville?
Last time I saw them, Myer, Good Guys, HN, etc.
They have not been around for a long time.
I had 2 Breville units die on me over the past couple of years. Got full refunds on both as they were in warranty.
I have 2 anova's (older Bluetooth version) and the breville (bought it first). While the breville is good, the anova is a much better option. They heat up much faster. For short cooks they are even across the water bath due the the fact that they circulate the water (this is the biggest flaw of the breville). Sometimes the breville is too small… Nothing you can do about it, with the anova you just find a bigger eski/container.
i believe s/he made it very clear, "if you dont need to use a massive container, ….."
Yeah, that's why I lead with that, to stop people saying "it's too small." Oh well, I tried…
I've had the Breville for ages, and it heats up just fine.
The "water circulation" thing is great if you need that, which basically nothing does (well, except marketing).
Much more than marketing.
Just the other day I noticed my water temp was 63.5 when it should have been 60. Surprised as i had never seen it off by more than .3C
Turns out a rubber band has gotten around the impeller and stopped the circulation.
3 degrees can make a huge difference, especially for good steak, salmon or long cooks.
I thought usually it is not a good idea to heat the plastic, which would make it unstable and produce particles causing cancer.
Beware. Life leads to death.
Any idea of the mortality rate? ;)
100% death rate confirmed!
You'd better not eat any BBQ'ed food ever!
if ur BBQ'ing in plastic ur doing it wrong
Not a fan of cooking in plastic either tbh
I think eug is referring to carcinogens created by burning meat, which is what happens.
or drink alcohol… or work shift-work… or go out in the sun…
Will any plastic/vacuum seal hold up in the bath? eg - I'm wondering if it would be a great way to cook these (which are already individually wrapped and vacuum sealed)
http://shop.coles.com.au/online/mobile/national/birds-eye-oc…
The plastic will hold up due to the low temps used (especially for salmon).
The hardest part is finding out if they're food safe. ie. bpa free and microwaveable.
I have similar packaged frozen salmon, but i've never bothered cooking them sousvide. Fresh only.
Wifi version slightly cheaper on Amazon (~$247 delivered, AUD): http://www.amazon.com/Anova-Culinary-Bluetooth-Precision-Coo…
EDIT: not express shipping - so for a few dollars, better off ordering direct IMHO.
Possibly better warranty support with Amazon? Could be 120v though.
This would be the 110-120v version with a US plug
Yup you are right - do not buy!
So this other one definitely has an Australian plug?
@jazoom: from manufacturer directly, yes. (on the US site you need to choose the AU version, but it is more expensive on that site. On the AU site it is default)
Can I come over for dinner sometime?
Are they making fish?
Thinking of picking one of these up, but will want the whole kit and kaboodle of a vacuum sealer as well. The ALDI one was mentioned earlier, is this one of their weekly special once or twice a year? Any other places/reliable units?
I've used the kmart sealer for the last couple years without any problems
Interesting discussion about Sous Vide and endocrine disruptors here: http://nomnompaleo.com/post/12463202060/cooking-sous-vide-pl…
I've had the Bluetooth version from release and use it at least once a week without a problem. I've also bought the kmart vacuum sealer and it's still going strong http://www.kmart.com.au/product/vacuum-food-sealer/763803
make sure to sous vide corn on the cob…best corn i've had.
It seems cheaper on Amazon after adding shipping and doing a currency conversion.
See: http://www.amazon.com/Anova-Culinary-Bluetooth-Precision-Coo…
Am I missing out on something here?
Thanks I just noticed the discussion above.
Why does shipping have to be that expensive! I am tying to convince myself that I need this
Haha same here :)
I'm in the same boat :P
This device actually intruiges me. I have never tried this method before and only realized it today when the OP posted this deal. How would the Anova go up against with something like this? http://www.harveynorman.com.au/proappliances-sous-vide-cooke… I like how it's portable… My kitchen has 10,000 machines that are no longer used, so storing it would be nice, however if one finds this a great tool, would having a dedicated machine setup be better?
I have the sunbeam sous vide (was lucky to pick it up 2nd hand with the vacuum sealer for $80), which is my first experiences with one. Would be very similar to that HN one you’ve linked (just cheaper looking.)
Must admit food comes out better than I thought. I’m not big on extra kitchen appliances, but this one has a permanent home on my precious kitchen bench space (coffee machine is the only other device allowed to stay out)
The principle is very simple, keep water at a constant temperature between 10-100C for slow sealed cooking.
I wouldn’t hesitate snapping this up, if my sunbeam had died. I can’t see why a wand circulating and heating water, couldn’t do just a good job.
The great thing about the anova is you can drop it into almost any container under 20 litres. If I'm doing 3-4 burgers or steaks, I put it in a tall Tupperware container. For a large brisket or a few racks of ribs, you can put it in a long storage container and anything in between. Also great that you can keep it in the cupboard, or throw it in a bag to take it to friends houses. I precooked a bunch of stuff at Xmas, vac packed and froze it, and took everything to the in laws, reheated in the bags at 55 degrees ready for lunch.
Works well in an esky with 25 to 35 litre capacity (you don't fill esky to the brim)
The prices I see are $175 AUD and $199 AUD. Is shipping $50 for this thing?