Polyscience Creative vs. Chef Series

[Ramathorn]

Hey all,

I'm about to take the plunge and buy an immersion rig. I've given it a lot of thought and decided it's down to either of Chef or Creative Polyscience units. I want a unit with a pump, a high degree of precision, and to basically be self-contained (not a controller and a rice cooker, for example). It seems like those two fit the bill and are (relatively) reasonably priced.

Based on the discounts, shipping, etc. it's essentially going to be a $217 difference between the two. I can't decide if the Chef series is worth it.

I'm not sure how often I'll use the rig, it could be 5 nights a week with some 24-48 hours cooking times, or maybe I won't use it that much. Anything is in the cards at this point.

I'm most concerned about the durability of the Creative.

Polyscience bills it as for "casual use", which I understand (in their definition of the term) to mean 2-3 times per week.

Does anyone have any experience, positive or negative, that might guide me here?

Thanks for any assistance.

[gfweb]

Let me say at the outset that I have no experience with either unit. But when I see wording like this, I suspect marketing people are trying to differentiate the two products and not cannibalize their more expensive restaurant unit's sales.

[weinoo]

Buy the more expensive unit. You probably won't regret it.

[Paul Bacino]

Thats what I have and love it!!

799$ i think --gets you a nice carring bag too!!

[Twyst]

I have both units and have been satisfied with both. The chef series is made in the USA and the creative series is made in China if that sort of thing matters to you.

[Lawless Cooks]

I just bought the Creative Series a month ago and it seems like a very well built device. You can definitely tell this company had a lab equipment background and not just some weak heat pump.

Anyway, I have the same thoughts, ended up buying the Creative Series MC@H kit, and have no regrets. I usually do buy the pro products but in this case I cheaped out and am totally happy.

I only use my 2-3 times per week right now, but one of those times will be 72 hours!

[Ramathorn]

Thanks for all the input everyone. For those that have had a chance to compare both, is there a comparable difference in build quality?

[Twyst]

For those that have had a chance to compare both, is there a comparable difference in build quality?

Ive only had the creative for about a month, but it feels as solid and well built as the professional series to me. I think they need to be on the market for a little longer before we know for sure about the durability of them. The professional series has proven itself to be pretty durable.

[Jonathan J]

I'm having the same debate. The big differences that I can find out about are the Professional has a variable 12L/min circulator and the Creative has a fixed 6L/min one. The Professional will go up to 100C while the Creative only goes to 99C. With those differences for home use, I think I will go with the Creative. I will keep you posted as my adventure unfolds.

[Jonathan J]

Sorry said Professional when I meant Chef.

[Ramathorn]

Thanks all. I've also ordered the Creative, will try to remember to check back here after a while with my impressions in case anyone with similar dilemma comes across this.

[sharpknife]

I also had the same dilemma and ended up buying the creative. I bought it 7 months ago and use it 4-5 days a week. So far no issues and have been very happy with it. I'm sure you'll be happy with the creative.

[Lord_Pall]

I also bought the creative. First rate device so far.

[hongda]

Bumping an old thread. I'm about to purchase the Creative as a house warming present. How have they been holding up? Thanks.

[Ramathorn]

Bumping an old thread. I'm about to purchase the Creative as a house warming present. How have they been holding up? Thanks.

Wow, great house warming gift!

I've been very happy with my Creative. That said, I don't use it more than the recommended amount so I can't speak to that issue (not because I'm concerned, just because I still cook conventionally quite often and I'm only cooking at home).

It seems very well constructed, however, and notwithstanding that I haven't compared it to the pro version I'm not all that worried about its build quality.

All in all, would recommend.

[sharpknife]

Going on 8 months of regular use and no issues. I happy with my choice

[Twyst]

Bumping an old thread. I'm about to purchase the Creative as a house warming present. How have they been holding up? Thanks.

That said, I don't use it more than the recommended amount so I can't speak to that issue

There is a recommended amount of time for use? I dont really read directions very often so I guess I missed that part!

[Ramathorn]

Bumping an old thread. I'm about to purchase the Creative as a house warming present. How have they been holding up? Thanks.

That said, I don't use it more than the recommended amount so I can't speak to that issue

There is a recommended amount of time for use? I dont really read directions very often so I guess I missed that part!

I'm referring to my original post which said:

"Polyscience bills it as for "casual use", which I understand (in their definition of the term) to mean 2-3 times per week."

[Rozin Abbas]

Scott Heimendinger (Seattle Food Geek and part of the Modernist Cuisine team) uses the Creative series as his main, personal circulator. From what I've read, it's more than capable of doing a few 72-hour jobs.

[FoodMan]

Argh...well after regular use for about a year and half my CREATIVE series IC (I posted about it a while back but am not able to locate the original posts to update) juts stopped heating. It circulates and powers on fine. The "waves" icon on the LCD indicating it is heating shows up but it certainly does not heat the water. Needless to say this is upsetting since my warranty expired and Polyscience wants $85 at least plus shipping to even look at it. At that rate I'd rather just get an Anova!

I'm posting this for two reasons:

1- to add to the conversation about this series and potentially their even cheaper latest model for those considering them

2- any suggestions how i might be able to repair it myself? is it a fuse that is burnt? can the heater be busted? 

[cssmd27]

FoodMan - while mine is still going strong, I would definitely go with something like the Sansaire or Anova.  (actually, I bought a Sansaire back in January to be able to do two temps at once)  The technology isn't getting more expensive and I'd take my chances that one of the new $200 ones will last longer that 1/4 as long as PS.

 

Sorry I can't be more helpful on the repair side.

[FoodMan]

I did chip in for the new Anova kickstarter, so I'll get one one of those later this year. As for my circulator, well I opened it up and found what the issue is. Basically one of the wires that goes to the heater just got burnt through! very odd. Looks like moisture somehow crept in there and caused corrosion (also odd...I would think PS units should be more durable than that!). I might be able to solder the wire back and have it working. We'll see.

[paulraphael]

If you can't fix it, maybe you can shame them into repairing it for a reasonable price. If they really insist on $85 plus shipping to look at a defect, that's a serious strike against the company.

[FoodMan]

If you can't fix it, maybe you can shame them into repairing it for a reasonable price. If they really insist on $85 plus shipping to look at a defect, that's a serious strike against the company.

My thoughts exactly Paul. I emailed them something along those lines this morning. FWIW attached is a picture of the circulator showing the issue.

[rotuts]

the one thing that might help you

 

if you are polite about it

 

is that your pictures might become 'viral'

 

you have to be very very subtle.