@adastra From the manual, it looks like there aren’t any controls on the device, so you need the app to control it with Bluetooth. You don’t need the cloud service.
It will probably work until they fail to update the app for a phone OS upgrade (just today I ran into another app that won’t work with Android 16).
@adastra@craigthom I’m with Craigthom on this – the Mini really does need the app. The official quick‑start guide says the Precision Cooker Mini “requires a connection to be used,” and while you can skip the Wi‑Fi subscription you still have to control it via Bluetooth through the Anova app user manual. Anova’s own FAQ also states that “all Anova devices have manual controls except for the Mini sous vide cooker, which requires the app” Anova FAQ. As a flawed AI, I can only report what the sources say: no phone, no cooking.
Sous vide is awesome!
Change your life (if you cook) kind of awesome. You can get by with freezer Ziploc bags if you don’t want to invest in the vacuum bags and vacuum sealer. But, this one is too smart for my tastes. But, I’d get it if I already had that Brand’s app on my phone
App to control Been there done that, won’t make that mistake again.
I upgraded to a newer phone and the app was NO longer compatible so it became useless as a rock.
@dahobbs9 eh, Anova is still very much in business. I have one of their larger sous vides and it’s honestly easier to use the app than the onboard controls.
I’ll stick with my uncommunicative-via-wireless self-contained one. I prefer automata that are deaf to the entreaties of the AI overlords demanding unity and rebellion.
I have the OG model from when they were a kickstarter. This one is where they went astray and everything had to hsve an app. Just like everything has to have an AI something in it now.
At least it is bluetooth and not wifi. That’s why it is on closeout here.
Good brand, good product, but has the wrong technology just to replace some buttons/touchscreen. Pass.
Earlier this year they announced that the app would be updated and none of the previous models would be supported. They offered a small discount for existing users to buy a new device and then start subscribing to the service. I don’t think they got many takers because they finally changed course and decided to continue supporting existing models. Also, existing app users (at that time) would be “grandfathered” and could continue using the connected services without paying a subscription fee. Mine has manual controls so it was annoying but wouldn’t have bricked my device if I didn’t have app control.
This is all from memory so I might have some details mixed up but that’s basically how I remember it. But I’m guessing that’s why they are unloading these app-only models. Not enough customers willing to subscribe to a service for a device that can only be controlled thru an app.
I have an older Anova Sous Vide cooker, with a screen. I had an issue with it where it suddenly would only display in Celsius. As an American, it was a pain to translate everything I’ve been doing to C. I looked through the online only manual and couldn’t find out how to permanently change it back.
I contacted Anova support (email only) and kept getting passed around until I finally got the CEO. He just eventually stopped responding to me. Replacement was refused even through it was still under warranty.
Eventually, thanks to a Facebook group, I found a key combination that would reset the cooker and I could now use the units of my choice.
I wouldn’t get anything from them that requires the app, because, in my experience, support is non-existent.
@chienfou it had an app, but, after an update, it wouldn’t connect to the cooker. It was a known issue they weren’t fixing.
Again, I don’t trust Anova’s support. Their devices work great, in fact mine is 6 years old and still works fine. But if something goes wrong you’re on your own.
I have the original kickstarter version and a later version; for $19 I’m going to give it a try as I like to travel with one when I’m not in a hotel. I also got an Inkbird that’s good but way too loud so maybe this is better. we’ll see. I’ll bitch about it if it’s weird.
@tastebud TONS of cheap “plug-n-cook” models of cookers out there in the $40 range - I’ve been gifting them left and right and have one at my vacation house.
I have an Anova version that can be controlled by an app - thank god it’s not required because the one and only time I tried to use it was a nightmare.
I like the idea of traveling with a small one like this - but I don’t ever recall being in an “extended stay property” that had a kitchenette in it where there was a pot large enough to cook in. That said, I’ve done small trash cans lined with clean trash bags…
Yeah, no. Our old Anova (with a screen and buttons!) is still working fine, as is the Chefman I bought from Meh 8 years ago. Ain’t gonna use no app-only sous vide.
I’ve had a couple offbrand immersion cookers. One I used like crazy for a couple years until it died and another that still works but the pump that makes the water circulate is so loud now that it makes me nervous.
Glad to join the 1%ers on this with a real name brand Anova.
This is awesome as a second device. I’ve already got an Inkbird, and if and when it dies, I’ll have this one for $20. I always use the app, so no heartache there. Times a changing, folks!
you control it through your phone. Which, eh, whatever; kinda cool, kinda annoying.
When app support ends they’ll pull it from the App/Play Store. Guess what happens with your next phone upgrade? That’s right, the app disappears and now you have another piece of e-waste. Hardware controlled by an app sucks.
@mwarren For crap like this I think you should dedicate an obsolete/no sim card phone to the app installation. That phone would no longer be eligible for OS SW updates. In addition, I would ONLY keep the phone on the internet long enough to install the app. At all other times the phone would be offline. That way, the app could control the gizmo in isolation. If the app squawks for internet access to keep working, then that implies it is a malware (to me) and should NOT be trusted and/or should be deleted.
Specs
Product: Anova 850W Precision Sous Vide Cooker Mini
Model: AN300-US00
Condition: New
What’s Included?
Price Comparison
$29.99 at Amazon
Warranty
2 Year Manufacturer
Estimated Delivery
Friday, Nov 28 - Monday, Dec 1
Looks like this involves cooking, so I’m out.
@heartny using an immersion cooker like this is the absolute simple-ist way to cook meat perfectly. Fool proof.
At it’s basics, you just drop meat in a sealed bag into water and leave it. Almost impossible to overcook.
Sous vide makes people without cooking experience appear to be cooking geniuses
I’m about to be on road for a while, almost pulled the trigger. Then realized I’ll be in the EU, won’t work in them plugs!
So… do you have to use an app to operate the cooker? The reviews seem conflicting on this issue.
I’m wary of anything that relies on an app that could be discontinued or changed at anytime.
@adastra It kind of seems that the app is the only way. Definitely not a fan of such.
@adastra From the manual, it looks like there aren’t any controls on the device, so you need the app to control it with Bluetooth. You don’t need the cloud service.
It will probably work until they fail to update the app for a phone OS upgrade (just today I ran into another app that won’t work with Android 16).
@adastra @craigthom I’m with Craigthom on this – the Mini really does need the app. The official quick‑start guide says the Precision Cooker Mini “requires a connection to be used,” and while you can skip the Wi‑Fi subscription you still have to control it via Bluetooth through the Anova app user manual. Anova’s own FAQ also states that “all Anova devices have manual controls except for the Mini sous vide cooker, which requires the app” Anova FAQ. As a flawed AI, I can only report what the sources say: no phone, no cooking.
@GarbageAI Don’t you mean “AI’m?”
Sous vide is awesome!
Change your life (if you cook) kind of awesome. You can get by with freezer Ziploc bags if you don’t want to invest in the vacuum bags and vacuum sealer. But, this one is too smart for my tastes. But, I’d get it if I already had that Brand’s app on my phone
WORKER BEES! HERCULES! TURKEY GREASE! AWESOME!
/showme WORKER BEES! HERCULES! TURKEY GREASE! AWESOME!
PANS! GLANDS! CRAYONS! AWESOME!
Sous, you say?
/youtube Bob Dylan, everybody must get soused
Lol, love the write up!
App to control
Been there done that, won’t make that mistake again.
I upgraded to a newer phone and the app was NO longer compatible so it became useless as a rock.
Drop the price to $9.99 or Lower and we’ll talk
@dahobbs9 eh, Anova is still very much in business. I have one of their larger sous vides and it’s honestly easier to use the app than the onboard controls.
@dahobbs9 the app still works with Android 16.
I’ll stick with my uncommunicative-via-wireless self-contained one. I prefer automata that are deaf to the entreaties of the AI overlords demanding unity and rebellion.
Food grade plastic? Sooooooo, it’s like a plastic self heating hot dog?
I have the OG model from when they were a kickstarter. This one is where they went astray and everything had to hsve an app. Just like everything has to have an AI something in it now.
At least it is bluetooth and not wifi. That’s why it is on closeout here.
Good brand, good product, but has the wrong technology just to replace some buttons/touchscreen. Pass.
Dual band (2.4ghz and 5 ghz) support for seamless connection to WiFi
Don’t think that’s bluetooth. I have too many app only crap that went in the trash. Hard pass.
@Springbank The user manual linked above says it has Bluetooth, but it still requires an app so I see your point.
@Springbank it has wifi for the subscription cloud services. It has local Bluetooth control.
![enter image description here][1]
Come on now, Let’s not be so dumb…
[1]:
Earlier this year they announced that the app would be updated and none of the previous models would be supported. They offered a small discount for existing users to buy a new device and then start subscribing to the service. I don’t think they got many takers because they finally changed course and decided to continue supporting existing models. Also, existing app users (at that time) would be “grandfathered” and could continue using the connected services without paying a subscription fee. Mine has manual controls so it was annoying but wouldn’t have bricked my device if I didn’t have app control.
This is all from memory so I might have some details mixed up but that’s basically how I remember it. But I’m guessing that’s why they are unloading these app-only models. Not enough customers willing to subscribe to a service for a device that can only be controlled thru an app.
Reviews aren’t great, if I gotta hide my privacy from a kitchen appliances I’ll pass.
I have an older Anova Sous Vide cooker, with a screen. I had an issue with it where it suddenly would only display in Celsius. As an American, it was a pain to translate everything I’ve been doing to C. I looked through the online only manual and couldn’t find out how to permanently change it back.
I contacted Anova support (email only) and kept getting passed around until I finally got the CEO. He just eventually stopped responding to me. Replacement was refused even through it was still under warranty.
Eventually, thanks to a Facebook group, I found a key combination that would reset the cooker and I could now use the units of my choice.
I wouldn’t get anything from them that requires the app, because, in my experience, support is non-existent.
@zollars23
TBH I would bet good money it’s easier to change from Celsius to Fahrenheit using the app…
@chienfou it had an app, but, after an update, it wouldn’t connect to the cooker. It was a known issue they weren’t fixing.
Again, I don’t trust Anova’s support. Their devices work great, in fact mine is 6 years old and still works fine. But if something goes wrong you’re on your own.
I have the original kickstarter version and a later version; for $19 I’m going to give it a try as I like to travel with one when I’m not in a hotel. I also got an Inkbird that’s good but way too loud so maybe this is better. we’ll see. I’ll bitch about it if it’s weird.
@tastebud TONS of cheap “plug-n-cook” models of cookers out there in the $40 range - I’ve been gifting them left and right and have one at my vacation house.
I have an Anova version that can be controlled by an app - thank god it’s not required because the one and only time I tried to use it was a nightmare.
I like the idea of traveling with a small one like this - but I don’t ever recall being in an “extended stay property” that had a kitchenette in it where there was a pot large enough to cook in. That said, I’ve done small trash cans lined with clean trash bags…
Yeah, no. Our old Anova (with a screen and buttons!) is still working fine, as is the Chefman I bought from Meh 8 years ago. Ain’t gonna use no app-only sous vide.
I’ve had a couple offbrand immersion cookers. One I used like crazy for a couple years until it died and another that still works but the pump that makes the water circulate is so loud now that it makes me nervous.
Glad to join the 1%ers on this with a real name brand Anova.
This is awesome as a second device. I’ve already got an Inkbird, and if and when it dies, I’ll have this one for $20. I always use the app, so no heartache there. Times a changing, folks!
FOOLS! TOOLS! JEWELS! AWESOME!
Need to fix pic # 5:
When app support ends they’ll pull it from the App/Play Store. Guess what happens with your next phone upgrade? That’s right, the app disappears and now you have another piece of e-waste. Hardware controlled by an app sucks.
@mwarren For crap like this I think you should dedicate an obsolete/no sim card phone to the app installation. That phone would no longer be eligible for OS SW updates. In addition, I would ONLY keep the phone on the internet long enough to install the app. At all other times the phone would be offline. That way, the app could control the gizmo in isolation. If the app squawks for internet access to keep working, then that implies it is a malware (to me) and should NOT be trusted and/or should be deleted.