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nwin

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Posts posted by nwin

    Anova Sous Vide Circulator (Part 2)

    in Kitchen Consumer

    Posted

    Heard back from Anova first thing this morning-They answered my questions and sent me a return label stating that they wanted to make things right. Pretty great customer service! Also, sleeper, I stopped by the local acemart today and picked up the Carlisle 12 qt+lid. The lid was very simple to cut and it seems like it will work great. Thanks again!

    Anova Sous Vide Circulator (Part 2)

    in Kitchen Consumer

    Posted

    Thanks for the tips! I've only used it maybe 15 times so far, but I will heed your advice on cleaning it in the future-also I'll pick up some CLR.

    As for that container, I'll have to see if a local restaurant supply store sells them-every online store wants just as much to ship it as they do to charge for the item itself! That or I'll try some Sugru like you suggested.

    Thanks again! I e-mailed Anova-can't hurt to see what they have to say in re: to the extra wear on the motor.

    first, when you start the anova in your video the first time, you can hear it 'clunk' as the impeller hits the frame, and it's *clearly* not circulating.

    second, it's normal for the impeller to not be exactly centered in the hole.

    thirdly, you should disassemble and clean the unit now and then.

    fourthly, vinegar is fine, or a solution of CLR (recommended in the manual) to clean up the crud.

    fifthly, the cambro isn't the best container, because the stepped sides cause the anova to push against them, which tends to push the bottom off center, and make it more likely that the impeller will rub (the scraping sounds you've heard, which are not normal.)

    I suggest either putting a small wedge under the bottom lip of the anova clamp, or using a better container, I like the carlisle 1072407 12 qt, it's got straight sides, front and back, it's cheaper, and the lid is easier to cut a notch in than the cambro.

    I have one of those cambros, and I took some sugru and made a mounting pad on the side to compensate for the step in the side, then I got the carlisle for my other anova unit, and i like it a lot better.

    Anova Sous Vide Circulator (Part 2)

    in Kitchen Consumer

    Posted

    I have a problem with my Anova (purchased back in October). The last few times I've used it, every now and then it will sound like metal banging against metal. I've never taken the thing apart, but normally turning it off and on again or moving it around a bit will fix it just fine.

    Well, I cooked some tenderloin for about 5 hours a few days ago at 140F, and the middle was completely raw. Everything I've seen for tenderloin says about 2-3 hours should be enough for 1-2" thick loin, so I was confused by this.

    I took out my thermapen and started seeing if it was a calibration issue. First temp I took was ten degrees shy of what the anova was saying. Then I started taking the temp in different spots. Sure enough, at the opposite corner of the cambro, it was off by 30 degrees.

    Here's a video before I took anything apart. Notice the lack of water movement and the sound at startup (note: the metal on metal sound I have mentioned does not occur in this video)

    http://youtu.be/2Km3rUSygb8

    I also noticed that the water wasn't moving around as much, so I was wondering if the impeller had gone out on it. I took it apart and the impeller looked a bit bent almost. Also, some of the metal probes had a bit of rust on them. Finally, I know my area has hard water, but all the metal on the heating element was scaled a bit.

    Here's a pic of how the impeller looks...

    BfgZZChl.jpg

    As you can see, it seems a bit off kilter as it were. I messed around with it and you can see where it has scraped against the metal. Right now it's working just fine, I've tested it twice and the temp matches perfectly and the water is circulating. However, i worry that the life of the impeller has been shortened somehow.

    Anyone experience this before? Since it has a year long warranty and I'm located in Houston (I think the office is in Stafford, TX...fairly close by), I might try e-mailing them and trading it in before the warranty is up.

    Second question-the scaling? Would it be safe to put some white vinegar/water in a cambro and have the Anova run for a bit in that?

    Anova Sous Vide Circulator (Part 1)

    in Kitchen Consumer

    Posted · Edited by nwin (log)

    Sent two emails out Sunday night and this morning inquiring about my order-still haven't heard anything. I know it's a small company, but if they are going to take the funds from my account already-I expect a response.

    Not making an excuse, because they SHOULD be answering emails, but I'd suggest a phone call for more prompt answers.
    I took your advice and called them up. Immediate feedback! They are shipping but are currently back ordered on the red/blue and plan on being able to ship those out next week. I changed my order to black and she said it would ship today.

    Anova Sous Vide Circulator (Part 1)

    in Kitchen Consumer

    Posted · Edited by nwin (log)

    Finally got my ship notice from Anova from my order on Sept 1. Should arrive by Tuesday. Can't wait. Has anyone ordered after Sept 1 and gotten their Anova already? Hoping all the updates have been added to my unit.

    The main downside for me has been that it has taken the better part of a month for my unit to ship. I was impressed that Anova Jeff was representing the company here and providing updates, but he has been quiet lately. Another big negative is that they never answer to my emails and didn't bother updating me regarding the delay to update the units, I had to call them up. Well hopefully, the device makes up for these short comings.

    I ordered mine on 9/5 and received it yesterday. I had a few of the same complaints that you had in regards to communication (also, wasn't very happy that they charged me for the unit before it was shipped.) But now that I've received it, all is forgiven.

    The unit comes with firmware 2.01.

    Wow no kidding? I also ordered on September 5th and I haven't heard anything yet. A bit disconcerting since I think I'm located nearby where they are manufactured (located in Houston, TX).

    I was also disappointed that they charged right when I placed the order.

    I have the container, I have a thermapen, I want to cook dammit!

    Edit: Did you get a shipping notification? I'm hoping not and I'll just have a nice surprise waiting for me at home tomorrow!

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