Review Insights · App Store
Anova Culinary
Anova Culinary · 25,572 ratings · ★ 4.4
4.4
★★★★★
25,572 ratings
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Top complaints - extracted from 66 negative reviews
Recurring phrases mined from 1-2★ reviews. The bigger the percentage, the more users have the same problem. Fix the top 2-3 in your version and you have product-market fit on day one.
1
"subscription"
23 negative reviews mention this · 35% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Money grab breaks app. So now they’re going to a subscription model, but don’t worry OG adopters will still be able to use their device. No, they won’t does not connect using latest app I imagine if I paid the subscription it would magically start working, bu…" - MrBlanston
2
"anova"
21 negative reviews mention this · 32% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Don’t buy Anova products!. Anova ha a history of deliberately disabling features in order to get you to purchase a newer model, just to get back what you already paid for. Fraud!" - Ossifer
3
"connect"
17 negative reviews mention this · 26% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Money grab breaks app. So now they’re going to a subscription model, but don’t worry OG adopters will still be able to use their device. No, they won’t does not connect using latest app I imagine if I paid the subscription it would magically start working, bu…" - MrBlanston
4
"cooker"
13 negative reviews mention this · 20% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Latest app update ruined it. I downloaded the latest app update and now it will not connect to my cooker. It is a complete embarrassment for a company to have an application that is meant to help you run your sous vide machine from outside of your home to now not be ab…" - Erik Mansur
5
"device"
12 negative reviews mention this · 18% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Money grab breaks app. So now they’re going to a subscription model, but don’t worry OG adopters will still be able to use their device. No, they won’t does not connect using latest app I imagine if I paid the subscription it would magically start working, bu…" - MrBlanston
6
"wifi"
12 negative reviews mention this · 18% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Set up is flawed. Asks you to pair and connect via the devices WiFi. Doesn’t work Just beach balls Why don’t they design to connect via Bluetooth?" - billmorgan
7
"years"
11 negative reviews mention this · 17% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Version 3.6.4 super buggy. I’ve been using this app for years. This new release has made it unusable. the guides crash every single time." - Average Dude23
8
"sous"
11 negative reviews mention this · 17% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Log in?!. Why do I need to have an account and log in to use a kitchen appliance. I just want to monitor the temp on my sous vide. This is dumb. I will just use the device without the Bluetooth functionality. How lame." - treq
9
"vide"
11 negative reviews mention this · 17% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Log in?!. Why do I need to have an account and log in to use a kitchen appliance. I just want to monitor the temp on my sous vide. This is dumb. I will just use the device without the Bluetooth functionality. How lame." - treq
10
"sous vide"
11 negative reviews mention this · 17% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Log in?!. Why do I need to have an account and log in to use a kitchen appliance. I just want to monitor the temp on my sous vide. This is dumb. I will just use the device without the Bluetooth functionality. How lame." - treq
11
"work"
11 negative reviews mention this · 17% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Money grab breaks app. So now they’re going to a subscription model, but don’t worry OG adopters will still be able to use their device. No, they won’t does not connect using latest app I imagine if I paid the subscription it would magically start working, bu…" - MrBlanston
12
"doesn"
10 negative reviews mention this · 15% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Can’t even deliver on the basic stuff. Garbage product. doesn’t even pair or connect. i followed the instructions carefully. several times." - EtoileNoire
📋 All 66 negative reviews
Every 1-2★ review we fetched. Use the copy button to grab them all for your own analysis (paste into ChatGPT/Claude with a prompt like "summarize core user problems, group by theme, ignore bugs, focus on missing features").
Crashes every time
App has become useless since the latest update - crashes every single time I open the Guide.
Money grab breaks app
So now they’re going to a subscription model, but don’t worry OG adopters will still be able to use their device.
No, they won’t
does not connect using latest app
I imagine if I paid the subscription it would magically start working, but I’m not going to do that.
No, they won’t
does not connect using latest app
I imagine if I paid the subscription it would magically start working, but I’m not going to do that.
Version 3.6.4 super buggy
I’ve been using this app for years. This new release has made it unusable. the guides crash every single time.
Can’t open guides
Every time I try to open a guide the app closes. IOS 26.5
Can’t even deliver on the basic stuff
Garbage product. doesn’t even pair or connect. i followed the instructions carefully. several times.
Disappointing
Won’t recognize my device and no answer from tech support
App crashes
When I tap on "Guides" and then select what I want to cook, the app crashes. Doesn't matter which food I choose, it crashes every time.
Log in?!
Why do I need to have an account and log in to use a kitchen appliance. I just want to monitor the temp on my sous vide. This is dumb. I will just use the device without the Bluetooth functionality. How lame.
Set up is flawed
Asks you to pair and connect via the devices WiFi. Doesn’t work
Just beach balls
Why don’t they design to connect via Bluetooth?
Just beach balls
Why don’t they design to connect via Bluetooth?
Latest app update ruined it
I downloaded the latest app update and now it will not connect to my cooker. It is a complete embarrassment for a company to have an application that is meant to help you run your sous vide machine from outside of your home to now not be able to have the machine connect to anything inside of your home. This is a massive disappointment.
Don’t buy Anova products!
Anova ha a history of deliberately disabling features in order to get you to purchase a newer model, just to get back what you already paid for. Fraud!
You just wasted your $$$
The product is Chinese junk. Cust service is another country and they don’t care, and the app just removed any benefit it had and now charge you monthly. Can’t even use the product you paid far.
Tired of Subscriptions
To be clear, the product can be used without a subscription, but it is limited. I’m just tired of paying for a product only to be pushed for a subscription that feels like should should be part of owning the product. It advertising using the app though it’s part of purchasing the product but it turns out a subscription required.
the Anova app SUCKS!
it rarely connects and constantly disconnects rendering the device useless.
Anova cooker won’t connect to current app
The app and my Anova precision sous vide cooker used to connect and worked great. A year or so ago I updated the app and the cooker will no longer connect to the app. The cooker works fine and can be manually operated, but the app is worthless to me, other than I can see a few recipes, but I can get recipes off the internet anyway. Thanks Anova for ruining my ability to remotely operate my sous vide.
Doesn’t connect app to sous vide
New Anova sous vide. Most recent app.
Does not connect despite repeated attempts, deleted and replaced app.
Get the basics right
Does not connect despite repeated attempts, deleted and replaced app.
Get the basics right
Done with it
New update requiring sign in is ridiculous. Deleted.
Limited design and instructions
The app only seems geared toward an iPhone and not an iPad. The app is very limited in its functionality. Instructions on how to setup are poor at best. Bluetooth does not seem to work but can’t find any other way to get it to work. Have to use it manually.
Won’t connect to WiFi
The Anova cooker advertises that you can connect to WiFi through this app and can control your cooker from the app. And they charge a $10 a year subscription for it. But it won’t connect!!! I’ve spent the last hour trying to get it to work, and many people in online threads are saying the same thing! The cooker seems fine, but this app is junk! I’m not paying a penny for it if it won’t do what it says!
App deleted... done with Anova.
What possible reason could there be for requiring an account and login to use my Bluetooth to turn on a cooker?! Screw off, Anova... I don't need to provide credentials and create yet ANOTHER passwords account to cook a steak. There are other/better options for the appliance available.
Requires Subscription Now
Used for years. They now require you to create an account to use their Bluetooth device. Not going to do that.
Need functionality? Be ready to pay.
This app is an obvious money grab from a greedy company. The functionality you get for free might as well be nothing. You don’t even get notifications without paying.
Given that the cost is $10 a year, it’s not a lot, but it is still frustratingly ridiculous to expect to pay for even a bit of functionality.
Immediate removed this app. Don’t waste your time with it.
Given that the cost is $10 a year, it’s not a lot, but it is still frustratingly ridiculous to expect to pay for even a bit of functionality.
Immediate removed this app. Don’t waste your time with it.
App and connection is terrible
My unit is constantly disconnecting from my Bluetooth. The buttons are annoying to use to set the timer so I'd rather use the app but it's always 15 min of screwing around to get it to work.
Generally awful app
Constantly logs users out, requiring you to log back in and reenter your password multiple times over the course of a long cook.
Used to be good, not recommended anymore
It is simply not possible to schedule a cooking start time, nor program Anova to turn off after the cooking is completed.
Worst app I have ever tried to use!
Unable to connect to my apple phone. Tried every trick I could find online. My son who is a software programmer could not get it to work. Don’t waste time or money on the application.
Now they charge you to use your item
Bought my Anova a few years ago. It came with WiFi. Now if I want to use all the features I already paid for I have to pay an annual fee. I have never seen a bigger money grab from a consumer product. Can’t access the recipes either. How can you legally disable a feature you have already paid for? Do not buy from this company. Buy a different sous vide. This one is nothing special and will nickel and dime you forever. Other brands are just as good without the BS fees.
Subscriptions! Greedy!
Stop restricting hardware with subscriptions. It truly makes your brand appear terrible and greedy. Push notifications, software updates for hardware, and even a WiFi connection should NOT be behind a subscription. This is pure greed!
Still the same.
Still the same.
Used to be amazing
Used the app for years. Was my go to guide and sous vide appliance. Just bought second Anova sous vide unit and now they want me to pay for the information that they have provided for free for years. I am giving away both units to first come taker. Will be buying one from manufacturer that doesn’t want to rape me every month.
Anova can suck it!!!
Anova can suck it!!!
Horrible app and device
I tried using the device and it immediately did not work. The app provided no help, and support/documentation online is horrible and only designed for their high end models. Do not buy
App looks nothing like this.
My app only shows my device/temp/time
No recipes. No pics of food. Nothing.
No recipes. No pics of food. Nothing.
Constantly losing connection
I’m not sure what happened to the app. It used to be great, but now my precision cooker will not connect. Sometimes I can force it and it will work. Then when I try to do a cook, it changes it from Fahrenheit to Celsius. Even though the setting say Fahrenheit. I used to love this app.
Pay to Use? Ridiculous!
One star because at the moment I can monitor the temperature from my phone. Corporate Greed over customer loyalty.
Simple…… but
I wish it had a detail description for the cook time on all proteins and images showing the cooked product. Just like the way the joule app does.
Can’t get past the setup
gives me a wifi list and it just sits there - i think it was designed for a bigger screen (regular iphone 13)
Will not connect
Device is worthless since the app will not connect to wifi
App now requires a subscription fee for features
I have had an Anova Precision Cooker for a number of years. I hadn’t used the app for over a year. Today I opened the app and it required a username and password and there is now a subscription fee to get the app features.
My original box says my unit has connected cooking but it seems I now need to pay a fee.
I recommend looking at competing products instead of Anova if you are interested in app functionality and not aware of needing a subscription fee. Or, make sure to build in the subscription fee into the cost for comparison with other companies products.
My original box says my unit has connected cooking but it seems I now need to pay a fee.
I recommend looking at competing products instead of Anova if you are interested in app functionality and not aware of needing a subscription fee. Or, make sure to build in the subscription fee into the cost for comparison with other companies products.
Subscription required
I received a precision 3.0 as a gift with my giver under the impression that Anova contained an app with controls and recipes. I was quite surprised that all these features are behind a paywall. Accidentally gifting a monthly bill is horrible.
Connectivity is Horrible
This is far and away the most frustrating app I have ever used. It virtually never communicates with the cooker so I either have to use the device manually or I just put it away and cook another way. That’s a shame, because the cooking results are great and the app worked when we first bought this. Seems like the Anova folks want a revenue stream so now they want me to pay a subscription so I can use an appliance that I already own. I strongly discourage anyone who asks from buying this device, just based on the app and the business model they try to impose. If I could give it 0 stars I would.
Removed existing features
They removed existing local features to a cloud subscription
Bait & Switch
I bought an Anova about six years ago. The app worked great as a Bluetooth remote control for *my* hardware.
But it’s suddenly changed to some always-online mandatory subscription fee nonsense now?
This was a bait & switch. Don’t pay tjem for expensive hardware and then pay them monthly for the “privilege” of collecting all your data.
But it’s suddenly changed to some always-online mandatory subscription fee nonsense now?
This was a bait & switch. Don’t pay tjem for expensive hardware and then pay them monthly for the “privilege” of collecting all your data.
Will not connect
The Precision Cooker 3 is a good product. The app, however, is useless since it will not connect.
Clippy no simpy
Frustrating example of a manufacturer needlessly paywalling the hardware’s i bought and paid for to leech more money off of me. WiFi and Bluetooth are locked behind this app which requires a subscription in app. Never buying from this company again
Unusable Product
Bought sous vide 6 months ago. All 3 times used, had problems. Thing won’t connect at all anymore. Waste of money
Unable to Get Started
Just opened followed all the prompts to connect, get the code for the cooker, connected to WiFi. But after repeated attempted to connect/ disconnect/re-connect, still fails to pair with the app. Was really excited to have this app and set up and manage cooks through my phone. When I tried to “contact service” for help the button would just ‘flash’ acknowledging me pushing it but it would do nothing. Feeling stuck and frustrated that there is not help for this app.
Absolutely useless without a subscription
They basically only sell subscriptions now.
Changing to subscription model is scammy!
Paid for what I thought was premium hardware years ago. Go to use my cooker yesterday only to find out they now want you to pay a subscription to use the app! Supposed to be grandfathered in but it doesn’t work. Tells me I have a “free” 2-week subscription! Will never do business with this company again!
Doesn’t seem to connect i equipment
None of the app instructions follow what it says it should do online. My Anova Pro has never connected via bluetooth to my iPhone nor to my wifi. The app asks for a paid subscription which probably fixes the issue. I would get the product or the app
My wifi no longer works
Worked for years, now its gone
What’s this?
I gave you my hard earned cash for my cooker years ago. You are quite simply out of your mind if you think I’m going to pay you every month for something that’s easily googled
+ 16 more in the clipboard copy
Sentiment summary
85%
Positive (4-5★)
3%
Neutral (3★)
12%
Negative (1-2★)