Anova Precision Cooker - Cook sous vide with your phone
The Anova Precision Cooker is used to cook "sous vide," which allows anyone to produce restaurant quality results.
Anova Culinary
10,508 backers pledged $1,811,321 to help bring this project to life.
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San Francisco, CA Food
pledged of $100,000 goal
Please Note: The Anova Precision Cooker will have support for Android, iOS, AND Windows mobile devices.
To use the Anova Precision Cooker, you simply attach it to a pot, put your food in a ziplock bag and set the time and temperature. The Precision Cooker circulates water around the pot, ensuring a consistent temperature throughout. AND, the Precision Cooker Connects to your phone, allowing you to cook amazing meals by simply touching a button. The food is amazing, tender, and moist, every time.
Watch Chef Ming Tsai talk about the Anova Precision Cooker and precision cooking / sous vide:
Background on Precision Temperature Cooking (Sous Vide)
Once limited to the world's best restaurants, precision temperature cooking (sous vide) is now the fastest growing kitchen appliance category. Last year was a huge year for precision temperature cooking, as it was the first year that precision temperature cooking devices became very affordable for home chefs. The Anova Precision Cooker represents the next evolution of precision temperature cooking technology, making it easy and affordable for anyone to reap the benefits of this type of cooking.
Did you know that precision cooking (sous vide) is used in the majority of high-end restaurants?
Most people don't know how pervasive precision cooking is, but it's now used by a majority of high-end restaurants. It's also used at chain establishments, such as Chipotle.
While high-end restaurants have been using precision cooking for years, the technique has only become popular with home chefs in the past four to five years with the advent of reality cooking shows.
Despite the publicity from these cooking shows, until last year, most sous vide devices were still too expensive for home chefs, as models cost between $500 and $1,000. Anova was the first company to begin selling an affordable device for the home chef, with a price of only $199. Now, precision cookers / sous vide devices are the fastest growing kitchen appliance category.
What does sous vide mean?
For years people have called this type of cooking "sous vide," which is French for "under vacuum." This refers to the process of vacuum sealing food and putting it in a water-bath. However, that's a bit of a misnomer. You don't need to vacuum seal your food to cook sous vide.
Instead, this technique is really about bringing food to a very precise temperature and holding it there for a period of time. A better name for this technique, then, is "precision temperature cooking" or "precision cooking" for short. That's why we've named our system the Anova Precision Cooker.
Precision cooking is extremely easy. It usually involves these three simple steps:
1. Attach the Precision Cooker to a pot and set time and temp. Use the simple interface to set the time and temperature. Or, you can use the app to find what you're cooking and just hit "start."
2. Put food in a ziplock bag and then you clip it to the side of the pot. Simply put your food in a sealable bag. The circulator moves water around the pot, ensuring a consistent temperature throughout
3. Finish by sear, grilling or broiling. Some people like to finish their cook by searing their food, throwing it on the grill, or by broiling it. This gives the food a nice look.
The Advantages of Precision Temperature Cooking
Precision cooking produces results that are impossible through any other technique. Precision cooking gives important advantages over traditional methods, including the following benefits:
Consistency. Because you cook your food to a precise temperature for a precise amount of time, you can expect very consistent results.
Taste. Food cooks in its juices. This ensures that the food is moist, juicy and tender.
Waste reduction. Traditionally prepared food dries out and results in waste. For example, on average, traditionally cooked steak loses up to 40% of its volume due to drying out. Steak cooked via precision cooking, loses none of its volume.
Don't worry about overcooking. Traditional cooking can require your constant attention. Precision cooking brings food to an exact temperature and holds it. There is no worry about overcooking.
Precision cooked steak vs. traditional steak
Steak cooked via precision cooking is done perfectly edge to edge. In the image below, you can see that the steak on the right appears smaller. That steak was pan-cooked. In comparison, the steak on the left was cooked by the Anova Precision Cooker and it is consistent from edge-to-edge.
Precision cooked eggs vs. eggs cooked traditionally
Precision cooking eggs allows you to control how eggs turn out. Traditionally cooked eggs are a bit of a crap shoot. It's very difficult to time them perfectly to get the desired result.
Salmon cooked traditionally vs. precision cooked salmon
Much like steak, fish cooked by the Anova Precision Cooker is done perfectly, edge-to-edge. When pan cooked, the surface temperature of the pan is higher than the ideal cooking temperature, resulting in the edges being overcooked.
Everything Tastes Better When Cooked Perfectly
It's not just steak, fish, and eggs that come out better when cooked with the Anova Precision Cooker. Chicken comes out moist and tender. Vegetables are bright and flavorful. Pork is tender and juicy. The Anova Precision Cooker can be used on a wide variety of foods and the results are delicious and healthy.
Jeff Wu has been using immersion circulation technology since the age of 13. While still in college, Jeff became an engineer for a scientific equipment manufacturer and started working with classmate, Natalie Vaughn on designing and selling scientific equipment.
Jeff has always been obsessed with two things: (1) designing and building laboratory equipment and (2) cooking. He had no idea that two could go together until on a visit to Harvard in 2007, he saw two grad students using laboratory-grade circulators to cook. Not long after that visit, Jeff tried to build his own device to cook sous vide-style meals. He also began using lab equipment to cook sous vide.
Jeff became determined to build a sous vide device for the home chef. In 2010, he did just that and created an early proof-of-concept of an affordable home sous vide.
The Proof-of-Concept
Anova I
In 2013, Jeff teamed up with Natalie to launch Anova Culinary, LLC. The first product, was the Anova 1. At $199, the Anova 1 became the first affordable immersion circulator for the home chef.
The reception for the first commercial unit was overwhelming. . . .
"So is it amazing? Yes. I'm kind of hooked." - TechCrunch
"If you're looking to get into sous vide, the way to go is the Anova sous vide circulator." The Sweethome
"[Anova] is the one to beat" - WIRED
"The Anova Sous Vide Immersion Circulator is an easy to use device that both beginners and pros will enjoy." - CNET
Despite the popularity of the Anova 1, we wanted to do better. We felt we could improve upon the following three major areas:
(1) The price. We think this type of technology should be affordable to everyone. We want to work to produce a unit that is extremely affordable.
(2) The unit must be more flexible. One of the limitations to current systems is that they require tall pots, which limits the type of equipment you can use with the device and makes its use somewhat cumbersome.
(3) The Precision Cooker should be a connected device. The interface should move to the iPhone, making the device even easier to use. People shouldn't have to search for hours for time and temperature settings. They should be able to hit a button and start cooking.
The Redesign
In addition to our three chief goals (low-price, flexibility, and connectivity), we also wanted to incorporate many suggestions from our users. The result is a redesigned system, specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the home chef. It's simple, yet powerful, flexible and accurate. It's incredibly light, weighing only 2.5 lbs. Its small, and easy to store. It truly represents a breakthrough in precision temperature cooking devices.
The Clip
We've redesigned the clip, so that it's detachable from the system. It's secure, but flexible. You can use the device with virtually any pot or container.
Vectoring / 360 Degree Pump
The clip allows the unit to turn, which means you can point the pump flow to any direction This gets water to flow around the pot, ensuring a consistent temperature throughout
The interface is completely new and incredibly easy to use. You slide the wheel up and down to change the temperature. Then you press start.
Bluetooth Connected
The unit is Bluetooth enabled, which for the first time ever allows you to cook perfect meals with your smartphone.
Removable Skirt
Anova has a removable skirt, which allows you to take off the bottom and clean it in the dishwasher.
The unit is made of polycarbonate and stainless steel. Stainless steel parts prevent rust and corrosion and last for ages.
Connectivity and Apps
The iPhone App makes it incredibly easy to cook with Anova. You simply find the food you're cooking, adjust the settings if you'd like, and hit start. There's no need to search for time and temperature settings. It will all be programmed into your phone.
We're going to release an SDK, so that people can develop their own apps to work with Anova. We anticipate people will make nutritional apps, apps that make it easy to share what you're cooking with others, recipe apps, and time and temperature apps.
We want you to be able to input what you've got in the fridge and simply touch a button to begin cooking the perfect meal.
Watch Kenji Lopez from Serious Eats interview Jeff about the Anova Precision Cooker:
What Others Kindly Say
Pricing, Availability, and Specifications
Pricing & Availability:
Product Price: $169
Estimated Availability: October 2014
Black (Brushed / Machined)
White (Brushed / Machined)
Temperature Range: 77°F to 210°F ± 0.01°F / 25°C to 99°C ± 0.01°C
Pump Speed: 1 - 1.2 GPM 7-8 LPM (still optimizing)
Directional Pump: 360 degree directional pump
Tank Capacity: 4-5 Gallon 15-19 Liters
Timer: 99 hours Max
Safety: Bi-Metal Fuse
Power Input: 110-120VAC (220-240V EU)
Heating Power: 800W
Estimated Weight and Dimensions:
Length: 2.75 in / 6.98 cm
Width: 2.75 in / 6.98 cm
Height: 14.75 in / 36.8 cm
Immersion Depth: 7.25 in / 18.415 cm
Max Clamp Opening: 1.25 in / 3.175 cm
Minimum Immersion Depth: 2.5 Inches / 6.35 cm
Weight: 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg
Wet Sensor
Auto-shut off
Temp sensor
Display and Controls:
Temperature Display C & F readout
Timer HH:MM
Scroll wheel Increment/Decrement
24/7 display
Body: Polycarbonate
Skirt: Polycarbonate/Stainless in Late Q4
Transparent bottom piece: Polycarbonate
Cleaning:
Dishwasher safe skirt
Easy twist disassemble
Precision Cooker
Everything we do is to make this type of technology and this cooking technique accessible. In turn, we hope to give people incredible culinary experiences. To achieve our mission, our systems need to be very affordable and dead simple to use.
The redesign of Anova began in September 2013. Since that time, we've gone through several product iterations to get to the design that we feel is ideal for the home chef. We've completed the design and engineering and created a prototype, using our own 3D printing machines.
What's left
To complete this project we need to finish our injection molding and begin final production of the units. We need to finish development of the connected device which will allow for the machine to communicate with smartphones via Bluetooth.
We need a Community to Realize Our Goals
We're extremely thankful for the support we've received from customers. But we need even more support to make sure that we can continue to provide a product that is an amazing value.
Our Extended Team (With Our Thanks and Gratitude)
Get Fresh (Full-Service Agency)
Stephen Svajian, CEO, Get Fresh, and Kickstarter Producer
Colin Day, Video, Get Fresh
Aaron Sananes, Design, Get Fresh
Nicole Van Zanten, Social Media, Get Fresh
Stephen Thorpe, Audio Engineer
Fernando Camarena, Camera
Albert Lopez, Video Editor
Chef Nicole Poireer, Chef
Kara Tsuboi, On-Camera Talent
Use of restaurant video footage was provided under a Creative Commons license by the following:
Canlis Restaurant
Ristorante Caffè Vittorio Emanuele
Sepia Restaurant and Wine Bar
Anova has a team with extensive manufacturing experience. Specifically, our project benefits from the following key facts:
- We have a history of designing and manufacturing quality products in-house
- The Anova Precision Cooker is the result of detailed and careful planning
- We have previously designed and manufactured a precision cooker
Despite our expertise and careful planning, there are risks to the project. We've identified and outlined the following key risks to our project below:
1. RISK DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH THE INJECTION MOLD:
Injection molding is a process that can often set hardware products back. We're fortunate to have experience in injection molding, but in the event that there is a problem with the injection mold, our project could be set back several weeks.
2. RISK DUE TO EXCESS DEMAND:
We're fortunate to do our own manufacturing. Should we receive support in excess of our anticipated demand, there could be delays in backers receiving their products.
If demand is extraordinary, we could be forced to open a new manufacturing facility, which would further delay our project.
3. RISK DUE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOFTWARE AND THE CONNECTED DEVICE:
Our team has experience building and developing connected devices. Specifically, we've built devices that connect to software via Bluetooth. However, development of our connected device is currently in progress and is largely conceptual. Despite the proficiency of the team, it is possible that the development schedule could slip and we will not be ready to release source code to developers in time for them to build apps for backers.
Further, our schedule could slip to the point that there is no app for the initial batch of units to use, as we believe it is important to ship units as they become available, which could pre-date final delivery of apps.
4. RISK DUE TO SUPPLIERS:
We have long-standing relationships with our suppliers. In addition, we have a very robust supply chain for components. However, it is not impossible that our project gets delayed due to problems with a supplier. However, it is not impossible that our project gets delayed due to problems with a supplier.
LOVE AND THANKS: Have your name included in the Kickstarter product packaging and on our Website.
ANOVA T-SHIRT: Every dollar helps us reach our goal and to say thank you, we'll send you an Anova t-shirt (sizes s, m, l, xl, and xxl). Plus, your name and photo will be visible on our Website. Your name will be included in our product packaging.
FOUNDERS CLUB: Special pricing for the Anova precision cooker. The unit will retail for $169. Get exclusive product updates and your name and photo featured on our Website and your name included in our product packaging. Available in either white or black and 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING, WORLDWIDE.
Reward no longer available 1,000 backers
EARLY BIRD: Special pricing on the Anova Precision Cooker - $40 off the retail price. Available in either white or black and 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING, WORLDWIDE.
EARLY BIRD II: Special pricing on the Anova Precision Cooker. The unit will retail for $169. Available in either white or black and 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING, WORLDWIDE.
EARLY BIRD III: Special pricing on the Anova Precision Cooker. The unit will retail for $169. Available in either white or black and 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING, WORLDWIDE.
EARLY BIRD IV: Special pricing on the Anova Precision Cooker. The unit will retail for $169. Available in either white or black and 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING, WORLDWIDE.
EARLY BIRD V: Special pricing on the Anova Precision Cooker. The unit will retail for $169. Available in either white or black and 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING, WORLDWIDE.
WHITE ANOVA PRECISION COOKER: Special, early bird pricing on the Anova Precision Cooker. Plus, we'll thank you personally on our Website. Available in either 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING, WORLDWIDE.
BLACK ANOVA PRECISION COOKER: Special, early bird pricing on the Anova Precision Cooker. Plus, we'll thank you personally on our Website. Available in 120V + 220V. * FREE SHIPPING, WORLDWIDE.
ANOVA PRECISION COOKER: Special, early bird pricing on the Anova Precision Cooker (Note: Due to upgrades, the unit now has an estimated retail price of $179). Plus, we'll thank you personally on our Website. Available in either white or black and 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING, WORLDWIDE.
ANOVA PRECISION COOKER: Special, early bird pricing on the Anova Precision Cooker (Note: Due to upgrades, the unit now has an estimated retail price of $179). Plus, we'll thank you personally on our Website. Available in either white or black and 120V or 220V.
Limited 497 backers
ANOVA PRECISION COOKER: Be one of the first to get the Anova Precision Cooker (choose from White, Black, or Voter's choice). Get exclusive product updates and your name and photo featured on our Website and your name included in our product packaging. Available in either 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY).
Limited 19 backers
HACKER SPECIAL You'll get early access to the SDK and we'll send you a prototype Anova in August so you can get started coding. You will also receive another Anova in any color when the full batch ships.
SURF AND TURF I: You'll get TWO Anova Precision Cookers, one in white and one in black, so that you can cook multiple dishes at the same time. Special pricing for the Anova precision cooker. Each individual unit will retail for $169. Get exclusive product updates and your name and photo featured on our Website and your name included in our product packaging. Available in either 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY).
SURF AND TURF II: You'll get TWO Anova Precision Cookers, one in white and one in black, so that you can cook multiple dishes at the same time. Special pricing for the Anova precision cooker. Each individual unit will retail for $169. Get exclusive product updates and your name and photo featured on our Website and your name included in our product packaging. Available in either 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY).
SURF AND TURF III: You'll get TWO Anova Precision Cookers, one in white and one in black, so that you can cook multiple dishes at the same time. Special pricing for the Anova precision cooker. Each individual unit will retail for $169. Get exclusive product updates and your name and photo featured on our Website and your name included in our product packaging. Available in either 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY).
SURF AND TURF IV: You'll get TWO Anova Precision Cookers, so that you can cook multiple dishes at the same time (choose from White, Black, or Voter's choice). Get exclusive product updates and your name and photo featured on our Website and your name included in our product packaging. Available in either 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY).
SURF AND TURF V: You'll get TWO Anova Precision Cookers, so that you can cook multiple dishes at the same time (choose from White, Black, or Voter's choice). Get exclusive product updates and your name and photo featured on our Website and your name included in our product packaging. Available in either 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY).
SURF AND TURF VI: You'll get TWO Anova Precision Cookers, so that you can cook multiple dishes at the same time (choose from White, Black, or Voter's choice). Get exclusive product updates and your name and photo featured on our Website and your name included in our product packaging. Available in either 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY).
PRECISION PACK: You'll get THREE Anova Precision Cookers in any color (choose from White, Black, or Voter's choice). Get exclusive product updates and your name and photo featured on our Website and your name included in our product packaging. Available in either 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY).
FAMILY PACK: You'll get FIVE Anova Precision Cookers in any color (choose from White, Black, or Voter's choice). Get exclusive product updates and your name and photo featured on our Website and your name included in our product packaging. Available in either 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY).
FRIENDS AND FAMILY PACK: You'll get TEN Anova Precision Cookers in any color (choose from White, Black, or Voter's choice). Get exclusive product updates and your name and photo featured on our Website and your name included in our product packaging. Available in either 120V or 220V. FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY).
May 6, 2014 - Jun 17, 2014 (42 days)