Alright, sous vide fans, gather ’round! Let’s talk about a kitchen gadget that changed my cooking game forever: the Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker. I remember the first time I tasted a steak cooked sous vide – it was like unlocking a new level of flavor and tenderness. I knew right then I had to get in on this action at home. That’s how I ended up with the Anova, the WiFi + Bluetooth, 900W version. Now, it’s sadly been discontinued, but is it still worth your attention? Let’s find out.
Unboxing and Getting Started:
The first thing I noticed was the Anova’s solid feel. It just felt like a serious piece of kit. The stainless steel skirt? Classy. The clamp? Seemed like it could handle any pot in my arsenal. Setting it up was dead simple: plug it in, fill a pot, clamp it on. Easy peasy. Now, I won’t lie, waiting for the water to heat up felt like watching paint dry. I used the time to prep my ribeye and catch up on some YouTube. Patience, young Padawan, patience.
The Magic of Sous Vide:
Once that water hit the perfect temp, I dropped in my vacuum-sealed steak (oh, that beautiful ribeye!), set the timer, and walked away. Seriously, walked away! That’s the beauty of sous vide, folks. No more babysitting the stove, constantly poking and prodding with a thermometer. The Anova held that water at a rock-steady 132°F (55.5°C) for a perfect medium-rare. Talk about set it and forget it!
The app connectivity? Seriously slick. I could keep an eye on things from my phone while I was tackling laundry (the glamorous life of a food blogger!). And the notification when the steak was ready? Chef’s kiss!
The Taste Test (aka The Best Part):
Okay, people, this is where the magic happens. A quick sear in a screaming-hot cast iron pan, and boom! Dinner was served. And let me tell you, this steak was a revelation. Perfectly pink from edge to edge, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and packed with flavor. It was like that fancy restaurant steak, but I made it! Since then, the Anova’s been my go-to for everything from poached eggs that are always perfect to short ribs so tender they practically fall apart on their own.
A Few Bumps in the Road:
Alright, let’s keep it real. It’s not all rainbows and perfectly cooked meat. That heat-up time can be a drag, especially if you’re working with a big pot. And, yeah, it’s a bummer that this model is no longer made. You might have to do some digging to find one second-hand, or just bite the bullet and grab a newer version.
And here’s a heads-up: I’ve heard whispers about Anova disabling the WiFi and Bluetooth on some older models. If that happens, the app control advantage goes right out the window.
The Final Verdict:
Even though it’s a retired model, the Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker (WiFi + Bluetooth, 900W) is still a fantastic way to jump into the sous vide world. It’s user-friendly, cooks consistently, and the app connectivity is a definite plus. If you can snag one for a good price, I say go for it! Just be aware of the potential connectivity gremlins and the slower start-up.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Should you buy it? Here’s the deal: If you’re a sous vide newbie looking for a solid, budget-friendly option, and you’re okay with the possibility of not using the WiFi/Bluetooth features, then absolutely! Otherwise, you might want to check out some of the newer models on the market. Happy cooking!