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Israel, Jerusalem
1 Level
505 Review
0 Karma

Review on 🍲 Sous Vide Precision Cooker - Instant Accu Slim™ Immersion Circulator, 800W by Darla Wilmoth

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Great hardware is hampered by terrible off-the-shelf software options.

This is a very nice device and does the job well. However, there are a few things that I consider "design flaws" that should definitely be fixed for the next model (or a firmware update for that model): 1) The unit shouldn't always come with a default temperature of 133f and a Default time start from 4 hours. Why is this happening? Who always wants to cook like this? When people regularly cook the same thing (or cook more than one batch of something in a row), you just create extra steps. Why not start with the "last used” temperature and time like everyone else? I would probably fret less if the timer at least stayed where we last set it, because. 2) They put a timer on us that turns off the device once it reaches zero. Sous vide cooking is the ONLY cooking method where the timer is the LOST useful feature. If it sits in a water bath for a few more minutes or a few more hours, it won't be digested! The timer should be an ADDITIONAL feature that simply notifies the user after a certain amount of time has passed. In no case should it switch off the device after the timer has expired (because, again, the food is not digested). Turning the unit off without user intervention allows food to easily enter the "danger zone" - when the unit is on, the food stays in the safe zone where it won't be digested. What do you think about it? It's easy for the user to just go upstairs and press the button once the food is ready to turn off the device. Speaking of. 3) Pressing the play/stop button during cooking should not cause the time/temp to default to 133f/4 hours. It's bad that this happens when the device is connected to the network, but now is it enough just to press "Stop"? Sometimes people need to "pause" the heater for a moment (maybe the water is overflowing, maybe they want to change the position of the circulation pump anyway) and quickly get on with it. At the moment this is not possible because everything will be reset to default because you clicked the button. I could easily see how someone could accidentally press a button and continue cooking without realizing their temperature and time had just been reset. However, I don't understand how anyone would want to hit a button because they happen to want to start over at "133f / 4 hours". Seriously, these flaws keep you from achieving greatness. This is the only cooking method that doesn't require child supervision. Due to the lack of overcooking, it's very "set and forget". You've really changed your mind, things that should be easy and intuitive. I generously got along with 3 stars, and only because I really like the design of the device. The hardware is simple and elegant, but the software is anything but.

Pros
  • Good workmanship
Cons
  • Reliability