I love my APO, I’ve had it for almost two years It connected easily and is fun to use There is a bit of a learning curve but what serious appliance doesn’t The main thing to remember is keep your face away from the oven door when opening The oven lost signal once due to a firmware update I reached out to Tech support and they had me back in business in 5 min, just needed the reset sequence Our APO is a regular part of our meal planning we use it once or twice a week
@@bigusdallastexamas5740 Sous vide has changed my life when it comes to cooking meat. My baking, especially my breads, are why I bought it in the first place, and they’re phenomenal - but it’s far more versatile than that.
i bought it the 1st black friday deal years ago. fantastic oven! i have a GE profile double oven that's great but i use the APO as the workhorse. i swear if it breaks i'm ordering one immediately after. i rarely use my microwave and double oven. if you're reheating leftovers and you have patience, there's no beating this! if you are not a foodie or don't cook, clearly won't be for you. holding a brisket @ 150 full steam for 10 hours will make any beginner look like aaron franklin. really really impressed with it, so much i will pre order the 2nd gen whenever they decide to release it.
There is a learning curve on the Anova, and the wifi needs an old phone or tablet to set up, but I love mine! I use it more than my regular oven or microwave. Once you get the app working, it's a dream.
I've owned one of the very first Anova ovens for the past 2 1/2 years, and I also moderate a combi steam oven cooking group on R, where there are many APO (as we call the oven) users. In polls we've conducted, for 61% of users it has completely replaced their conventional or convection oven, and 73% also find it equivalent to or prefer it to their immersion circulators for sous vide cooking (which can be done with or without a bag). It also air fries and 49% find it as good as or better than their dedicated air fryer. It really is a remarkable appliance that brings professional combi steam oven cooking to the home kitchen at an affordable price (combi ovens are ubiquitous in restaurant kitchens). That said, it does take some experience to understand how to use steam in cooking, and there are some issues (such as the wifi connectivity ATK mention, which a significant minority of users experience). But definitely put me in the "I can't live without it" camp. This is the future of home cooking.
Do steam ovens clean themselves, if you turn it on and crank the steam up? Perhaps pre-spray the inside with degreaser... If so, that would make me seriously consider buying one.
@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 Professional combi ovens do, but it is rare in home ones (and they cost several thousand dollars). For the Anova, give it a quick wipe out when warm after each use. But if you do a lot of air frying and things that spatter, you will need to use Easy-off to clean it periodically. I don't do a lot of things that spatter in mine, so I've only Easy-offed it once in 2 1/2 years. I don't expect any oven to look shiny new inside!
I love my Anova Precision Oven. I’ve had it for two years now and I use it more than my Joule sous vide stick and more than my full size oven. It connects with my phone with no problems. I use it to finish off meats after I have smoked and wrap them. I air fry wings and chicken nuggets. I bake keto breads. I steam roast pork tenderloins, chicken, and ribeye roasts using sous vide mode then finish with a broil or bake mode. I love it.
@@Spenny124 That really depends upon your space and what/how you cook. I still use my range oven for large items. The APO is a counter top unit that needs space for ventilation around it. If you have the counter space to spare, and you don’t need a full size oven, that might work for you. I personally need my range oven for my half sheet pans and my 14” pizzas.
@@bethmahoney2233 Thanks Beth, may I ask which large items you use your full size oven for? Does a half tray not fit in the anova? How about a 10” sautee pan for pan roasting fish and chicken? We rarely use our oven right now- running it seems so inefficient and the gets the house too hot.
@@Spenny124 I batch cook bacon on half sheet trays in my regular oven. The Anova comes with a sheet pan that is between a half and a quarter sheet. You could not fit a 10” skillet with a handle in it.
I find it interesting that you did not like the Anova in your review of smart ovens 8 months ago, but now it's your favorite steam oven. As for connectivity, the Anova needs to connect to a 2.4GHz WiFi and cannot use a 5 GHZ signal. If your router can't provide 2.4 GHz signal, the oven won't connect. Once I addressed that issue on my router, the oven connected fine and has been very reliable ever since (over a year). The app works great, and I get real-time updates on oven status as cooking progresses. I can setup a recipe and send it to the oven as well.
In the first written ATK review Lisa clearly didn't understand what a combi oven was, or how to use it. Different, Valerie Sizhe Li better review Valerie Sizhe Li for the second reviewier. Now Lisa is back with a video that apparently walks back her original review!
I bought an Anova a few months ago. There is definitely a learning curve, and the app needs quite a lot of work; but I got it on my wifi pretty easily. One of my earliest and biggest gripes is that you can't turn on the oven light without the app (unless I'm missing something, please chime in if you know). Overall, very satisfied with the Anova.
I have an anova and I dibt agree with your statement about connecting to the App. I’ve had no problems at all. Love sitting on my couch and directing cooking. I have a built in Thermador in a different house and the Anova at a much lower price point is not only very comparable in function but in some instances surpasses it. I also have Tovala ovens ( which you didn’t review). While not having the same level of steam, I use it multiple times a day.
Sometimes these devices only work on 2.4GHz networks, but their WiFi is 5GHz. If they switch to a 2.4GHz network, I bet that would resolve their issues.
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH I conducted a poll on R, and 86% of Anova oven users have been able to connect to wifi (although about 1 in 5 of those initially had trouble). ATK would probably have got it to work if they'd tried harder. But clearly there is a problem for a subset of users that Anova needs to fix.
y'all are fantastic! I love these gadget videos, especially when you have the team test different models so I don't spend so much time researching. Be well, champions!
Good review. I was aware of steam ovens but didn't know there were any counter top models. After watching this I believe it's going to be awhile before anyone makes one to my satisfaction. For now I'm just looking forward to getting a full sized steam oven.
I’ve been thinking of the Fotile for a while for bread. I’m disappointed it didn’t perform well. I’m jealous of how many options Asian countries seem to have in terms of countertop steam ovens.
I like the Anova Oven, it eaisly replaces the microwave. I just use manual mode and it works fine. I also like the fact that some water pools at the bottom. It makes for easier cleaning, just wipe it with a paper towel. Much easier than rubbing the interior with baking soda and cleaning it the hard way.
In general IOT devices can be far more finicky on networks than smart phones or laptops. I'd hazard a guess that the issues you had were equal parts network related and anova hardware related. WiFi frequency 2.4 vs 5 GHz, Channel width, Band Steering, QOS, Multicast settings, WiFi Security type, etc. can all cause issues for devices like this. In another environment the user may experience no issues at all.
I own an Anova Precision Cooker and they use limited hardware. I had to adjust my WiFi name to get my to connect cause having a dash and period in it was causing it to fail the connection during set up. They also only required 2.4 GHz network despite 5.0 being well into its life span at the time. I presume this was for cost saving.
I consider a steam oven because I steam dishes with Chinese recipes like fish, lobster with ginger sauce, and seafood. I can use a stovetop and a wok, but I need to hang around the stove. The steam oven'll turn off after the set time.
I've made Cantonese-steamed whole fish with ginger & scallions using the Anova oven, and it turned out well enough to please my Chinese born friends! However, it is not great at making dumplings and bao, steamer will produce a lot more steam, which is why you don't find combi ovens being used for dumplings even in Michelin-starred Chinese restaurants that have Rational ovens.
I own pretty much every kitchen toy and most of them are unnecessary. But my APO gets used daily, it's a game-changer. Meanwhile my Lacanche ovens and sous vide rig gather dust.
Great video. I have all the anova water bath circulators. Would love a video on plumbed in steamed oven with drainage etc. Mission having to empty the evaporator dish all the time and fill the reservoir. Thanks for the video
Plumbed in? I'm curious whether you're supposed to use distilled water, for the steam? I suspect mineral deposits from tap water would eventually clog the boiler and steam lines. I'm just spit-balling here, but did you ever consider running the oven for a while, to evaporate the water on the bottom of the oven (if that's what you're referring to)?
@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 hi. It does say to test your water to see if you should use distilled. Mine was ok. If you use the oven to dry the evaporator dish it just leaves a mark which is hard to get off. Kinda burns. Yes plumbed in like a commercial one. So connected to the mains water supply and drain. I think wolf do them but out of my price range.
@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 Yes, distilled water is recommended. But it is astoundingly water efficient. I only use a gallon of distilled water per month (or even less). It also automatically reminds you to run a descaling process, which depends on how much your run the steam (for me, 1X year, very easy to do). Given this, plumbing the Anova would be a waste of time. It also has an evaporator plate on the bottom, so pooling water is rarely an issue (and you will want to wipe it out after cooking anyway to keep it clean).
I've used the ANOVA a few times over the past two weeks. A lot of the functionality of the oven is locked behind downloading the app. The icon's and settings are not intuitive without looking at the manual, especially setting target temperatures using the temperature probe. The app is great on iPhone, but I had connection problems that took a long time to figure out on my Android. It's probably another case of the app developers focusing on apple during design and then doing a poor job porting to android.
I can't speak to these countertop models, but I have a high-end built-in steam oven. Water pooling isn't a defect, it's just a reality of certain settings. All steam ovens require regular wiping and cleaning, especially since most advise the use of bottled or tap water whose minerals can leave residue in the oven. Honestly, I only use my steam oven once every few months. It's great at a few things, and okay/average at most others compared to an oven. I think a much better use of counter space would be a toaster oven (for size) or an air fryer (for versatility).
@@fizzpop6543 thanks for the info. I often find that many of these machines try to do too much, and end up only being "okay" at most things, like air frying, compared to purpose-built machines. But if this model does both steaming and air frying well, then that would indeed be a great option!
Could you test out microwave convection ovens? I know you've done toaster ovens and microwaves, but I mean the kind that is supposed to function as a microwave and an oven. It would be good for people with incredibly tiny kitchens, like campervans. I want to be able to use my regular frozen meals, and still bake things like pizzas or cookies.
I love my Anova … except that it has failed twice. They replaced it under warranty after about 18 months. But the new replacement oven failed after 6 month. There are NO repair stations and the manufacturer doesn’t service them either. $999 straight to the landfill!
I had no problem connection my iphone to my Anova oven. I think the problem people have is they do not follow the instructions and try to connect on a multi band router. You must use 2.4g only. My Xfinity router had a bug that does not let it connect but their newer model has no issues. So if you can’t connect, you have a network problem, not an oven problem. I’ve been using my Anova oven for almost two years now with no problems. You have some learning to do to understand “wet bulb” temperatures and not the same thing as air temps. But once you understand it it is easy to modify recipies. I don’t use my standard oven any more since I got my Anova.
Unfortunately, that doesn't solve all the problems with wifi connectivity. Blaming people's networks isn't the answer either, since nothing else has trouble connecting. Poor wifi design by Anova
I got a new wall oven this past spring, a Samsung. It has settings for conventional convection and steam bake. I’d like to hear more practical uses for steam oven and convection oven. It would be really nice to know what recipes would be complemented by those features or how to incorporate those oven features with the recipes you have on your app and your website. Is it possible to put notes at the bottom saying “ for those of you with a convection oven or those of you with a steam bake can try this…”
I love using convection. I’ve had one for 25 years & would never go back. Everything cooks faster. Baking is the only time I use the regular Bake function. I think each oven is a little different so you’ll just have to try it. Stews/soups in a Dutch oven are the best, as well as pot roast, roasted chicken etc.
I’ve had a Cuisinart countertop steam oven for 5+ years and use it all the time for chicken and fish. I also use the warming feature a lot. I don’t have a microwave, air fryer, or instant pot. The steam oven works for me. Controls on the Cuisinart are definitely confusing.
I would love to know wow these compare against the Tovala oven, or how you find the Tovala Pro oven performs for its usage outside of the meals provided by them?
This reviewer previously reviewed 5 smart ovens, including Tovala and Anova. Unfortunately, at the time she didn't know anything about combi ovens and gave the Anova a bad review. Apparently she's now changed her tune
@@bostonbesteats364 Having retired from networking, and spending 21 years resolving issues just like this, which were usually more often network routing issues than appliance issues, I feel your pain Boston best Eats 364. I bet you are an amazing cook and would put me to shame on every level in the world of food preparation. It has been my experience though that more than 29% of people have networking issues on multiple and varied devices in their lifetime. Companies do all they can to make their products work on as many network varieties, and versions as they can. Do you know the possibility of network configurations variations can run in the millions? And anytime a new device comes out, the trick is to capture as many possibilities as they can? Probably since your personal survey which was undoubtably as accurate as you could make it, I am guessing there have been multiple upgrades and tweaks. I promise you that is an absolutely endless process in the world of networking. Have you ever seen the lines of customers lined up at an apple store? Have you ever noticed that nearly every phone sold in a Phone store is set up by a huge contingent of professionals that make up the bulk of the payroll at those stores? Are all apples or all androids just junk? No they are devices that are build to be nothing but useless without networking. And they are made to be as bulletproof, and as simple for an operator to network as any device on earth. Now with this in mind, what percentage of users do you think would have connectivity problems with their phones if the massive workforce of professionals put in place, to first get them connected, then later keep them connected, were not there? As much as I loved being informed of your personal struggle to connect, and how much of a bad taste in your mouth your personal connectivity struggle left. (And as a network professional, I do want to know and pay extra attention to these kind of tips), might I kindly share with you my friend, We got it. Also I was wondering my friend if you might consider running a new poll, since I assure you, people have been working in the background. And the machine others have bought since then, from a software point of view, are not even the same machine you have, but may be many generations removed from it. In fact if you have received any updates from Anova, then the machine you bought, then even not the same machine you bought. Hang in there brother! We hope the trauma that those connection issues caused you haven't left a lifetime scar. But I feel confident you'll let us know, and know, and know, if it has :-) Wishing you many successful meals brother!
It would be cool if you could not use an App but a USB drive and software installed to your computer instead of relying on some server that might not be around in 5 years.
Never buy an appliance that depends solely on an app, unless you want to toss the appliance in the trash within 5-10 years. My Swann security camera is a classic example. I can no longer view my cameras from my iPhone or Macbook because they won't update their apps to the current OS. It's beyond ridiculous. Quick shout-out for Swann - AVOID them!!!
These 'smart' appliances that use apps are designed so that the manufacturer can send a software update in the middle of the night, and brick your expensive appliance, whenever they want to drum up sales. It's the same as the endless phone updates that never make your phone actually better than it was.
If you have this and love/like it, more power to you. I have no need for anymore kitchen nonsense. My sous vide wand is the last thing i got and this just seems like just one more step into too much. I can make a fine steamed dinner of anything in my 14 inch wok w/lid. No more! 💕💕💕
10 months ago you reviewed the anova oven and stated that it took forever to cook anything, and much of it came out rubbery or overcooked. what's changed?
I'd like to see a Chinese cook test these steam ovens, after all, the Chinese founded and developed steam cooking. Chinese families does the most steaming and would be the largest consumers of steam ovens. Most of us don't bake french baguettes at home lol.
Yes and no. Interestingly, this relatively inexpensive countertop combi oven has features that those much more expensive built-in ovens (and many professional ovens) don't have
The Anova does have problems. The fan can make a lot of noise, the touch controls are finicky, the water reservoir and reservoir lid crack, and the seals are difficult to clean. This is all besides the mentioned terrible quality of the app. If they can fix these issues, I would say it's worthwhile.
@@cameronknowles6267 May depend on when you bought it. I got it right after launch. There's a bunch of posts on their support pages about the problems people are having. The tank in the video is different from the one I have, for example.
@@SaudadeSunday I have one of the first ones sold 2 1/2 years ago. The only problems I've had is it took a few days to get connected and the tank cracking. The tank issue has been fixed. Wifi is an ongoing issue for some users (29% of users have experienced some sort of problem in a poll I conducted)
@@bostonbesteats364 Maybe I can get a new tank. My lid hasn't fit right for a long time and it cracked. The fan has had inconsistent noisiness for a long time, but reps say it's "normal." Corpo speak for they don't care.
@@SaudadeSunday Very annoying I know. They should send you a replacement tank with the clip on heat shield to prevent cracking. I would ask. Some people get replacements if they have fan issues, so you may need to be pushier or talk to a different rep if it's bad enough that you want a replacement
Re: the app for the Anova oven, I'm having the same exact issue with their sous vide circulator. I am unable to connect it to my network and tried everything as well. The app is a disappointment.
If you look in the kitchen of your favorite restaurant, you'll probably find one or more than one (the most famous is made by Rational, which has been around since the 1970s). Exciting that this technology is moving into the home kitchen at a more affordable price (those pro ovens can cost as much as a car).
I like how they usually review products with a simpleton having to use them in mind and now have to walk back their previous anova review because it made them seem unknowledgeable about a really good piece of equipment. At keast they covered some actual flaws like water pooling and that terrible app connectivity.
Multiple commenters are saying the connectivity issues the testers had are probably because the oven requires 2.4 GHz wifi for connectivity. I understand that devices use 2.4 GHz because that signal travels further than 5 GHz. This is why many devices (like Amazon Echos, smart plugs, etc.) use and require 2.4 GHz wifi. But there is a problem if the oven must use 2.4 GHz because when a microwave oven is in use, it interferes with the 2.4 GHz wifi signal: "Both-your Wi-Fi modem and your microwave oven-are operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. However, only Wi-Fi devices transmit data, whereas microwaves emit signals in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz ISM band. *The small amounts of radiation that leak from your microwave end up interfering with Wi-Fi signals."* I've seen my 2.4 GHz wifi drop when I am using the microwave. So, this oven is in the room with a device (microwave) that will prevent connectivity to the oven when the microwave is running. I wish devices could use the strongest signal whether the signal is 2.4 or 5 GHz. That would solve a lot of problems.
@hxhdfjifzirstc894 It's a real problem. Connect to your 2.4 GHz wifi, start watching a UA-cam video, and start your microwave and boil water. You will lose your wifi connection, and the video will pause. Google: Do Microwaves Interfere With WiFi Signals?
@@TanukiOfficial It been moderating a user board for this oven since it was first released 2 1/2 years ago and no one has reported microwave interference. Its connectivity issues (for a minority of users, 71% have not had any issues in a poll I conducted) have a different origin
Don't see a need for it but it would be nice if you mentioned those that you had problems with by name. At least so we could have a general idea of which not to buy if buying.
Honestly, my first impression is that a home steam oven is a passing fad -- if these things are actually the wave of the future, shouldn't you be re-focusing all of your new content on steam oven recipes? You can either lead the way, or bring up the rear. I'm not averse to new cooking techniques... I've been using sous vide for years (I actually made my first one from parts, and then bought one after several years). I've found that sous vide has a tremendous advantage in convenience (no babysitting required, and overcooking is damn near impossible).
It’s definitely the way forward but there gonna have to come down in price first you can do so much more with steam and even sous vide and use really low temps
@@cameronknowles6267 I'm all for it, if that's the case... but a 3 minute clip isn't going to make me an early adopter. I'll need to see some serious ATK recipes, to even consider it.
We have owned two whynters. They are garbage. The first broken in under 6 months, it stopped heating. The second broken in 1.5 years, drainage issues you can’t get to cause irreparable damage. Do not buy.
Based on reddit circles, most still swear by it as the best combi steam oven by far...when it works. They have a tendency to break down in a year or two and customer support is unresponsive.
Apps are fine. It's the crap companies that go out of business or refuse to update the apps to run on the latest operating systems. If you make a device that requires an app to run, it should be the law that they have to support the app for 25 years. How much of this junk is going to end up as e-waste in a few short years? Where I live, we now have to pay eco-taxes on everything we buy to pay for the disposal costs. It's a big sham.
Exactly. We have so many of these GD appliances, some are in our dining room right now. Nowhere to put them all. I guess we need to buy a bigger house since we are slaves to consumerism. It never ends.
I stacked my countertop convection toaster oven on top of my countertop dishwasher, LOL! It's actually better for me, because I don't have to stoop down to use it. But seriously, you have to pick the things you use constantly, and allocate counterspace for them only. Everything else can go in storage or to the goodwill or the landfill. I bought a small table to use for my coffee-making appliances, to keep the counters available for cooking tasks. A good combo is something like a workbench shaped table, and a standalone chest freezer that can be stored underneath the table. This will give you more 'counterspace', and room to store bulk food purchases.
I love it... But if you think I'm fina spend $700 on a damn countertop steam oven when I can go get a full-size gas oven... I think not test kitchen.... I think not 😂
I have no skin in the game, but my countertop convection toaster oven (no steam) is actually my most used kitchen appliance. They're usually $100-$200, and well worth it. If someone doesn't have a regular oven/stove, I'd recommend considering the purchase of a countertop induction cooktop (or a few single burner induction units), and one or two countertop ovens (better use of space, and 'modular'... you can put some away when you're not using them).
@@jermainec2462 Yep, those countertop induction burners are $50-$100 each, and a convection toaster oven is $100-$200. And no need to install gas or a special electrical outlet. If you're as big a cheapskate as me, you can find your average $100 toaster oven at goodwill for $10-$15 in nice condition. Honestly, I never use my full size oven anymore.
More and more countertop equipment and most homes have limited counter space and storage space. Never mind you need a working knowledge of IT and own a smart tracker.
I bought my Anova Precision Oven when it first came out. I never have a WIFi connectivity problem. Love it.
I love my APO, I’ve had it for almost two years
It connected easily and is fun to use
There is a bit of a learning curve but what serious appliance doesn’t
The main thing to remember is keep your face away from the oven door when opening
The oven lost signal once due to a firmware update
I reached out to Tech support and they had me back in business in 5 min, just needed the reset sequence
Our APO is a regular part of our meal planning we use it once or twice a week
I bought my APO more than a year ago. It’s easily the best investment I’ve ever made in my kitchen. 😊
It's nice to see this channel gives honest reviews, instead of skewed towards a certain sponsor
I’m curious what specific uses you’ve found that really make it a product you’ve enjoyed?
@@bigusdallastexamas5740 Sous vide has changed my life when it comes to cooking meat. My baking, especially my breads, are why I bought it in the first place, and they’re phenomenal - but it’s far more versatile than that.
@@eamonpoplin8540 Hi! Can you use the sous vide function without any steam?
@@MrWnw You can but there is no need to
i bought it the 1st black friday deal years ago. fantastic oven! i have a GE profile double oven that's great but i use the APO as the workhorse. i swear if it breaks i'm ordering one immediately after. i rarely use my microwave and double oven. if you're reheating leftovers and you have patience, there's no beating this! if you are not a foodie or don't cook, clearly won't be for you. holding a brisket @ 150 full steam for 10 hours will make any beginner look like aaron franklin. really really impressed with it, so much i will pre order the 2nd gen whenever they decide to release it.
There is a learning curve on the Anova, and the wifi needs an old phone or tablet to set up, but I love mine! I use it more than my regular oven or microwave. Once you get the app working, it's a dream.
Hello. What are some uses that you didnt think of, but make it worth the investment?
I have no problem using the app. No problems connecting at all. Use my oven all the time.
It's a problem for a lot of other people.
I've owned one of the very first Anova ovens for the past 2 1/2 years, and I also moderate a combi steam oven cooking group on R, where there are many APO (as we call the oven) users. In polls we've conducted, for 61% of users it has completely replaced their conventional or convection oven, and 73% also find it equivalent to or prefer it to their immersion circulators for sous vide cooking (which can be done with or without a bag). It also air fries and 49% find it as good as or better than their dedicated air fryer. It really is a remarkable appliance that brings professional combi steam oven cooking to the home kitchen at an affordable price (combi ovens are ubiquitous in restaurant kitchens). That said, it does take some experience to understand how to use steam in cooking, and there are some issues (such as the wifi connectivity ATK mention, which a significant minority of users experience). But definitely put me in the "I can't live without it" camp. This is the future of home cooking.
Do steam ovens clean themselves, if you turn it on and crank the steam up? Perhaps pre-spray the inside with degreaser... If so, that would make me seriously consider buying one.
@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 Professional combi ovens do, but it is rare in home ones (and they cost several thousand dollars). For the Anova, give it a quick wipe out when warm after each use. But if you do a lot of air frying and things that spatter, you will need to use Easy-off to clean it periodically. I don't do a lot of things that spatter in mine, so I've only Easy-offed it once in 2 1/2 years. I don't expect any oven to look shiny new inside!
All the jargon in your first sentence 😆 like, what channel is this? Ahhhh!!
I love my Anova Precision Oven. I’ve had it for two years now and I use it more than my Joule sous vide stick and more than my full size oven. It connects with my phone with no problems. I use it to finish off meats after I have smoked and wrap them. I air fry wings and chicken nuggets. I bake keto breads. I steam roast pork tenderloins, chicken, and ribeye roasts using sous vide mode then finish with a broil or bake mode. I love it.
Beth, we’re about to update our kitchen appliances and considering this over a traditional oven. Any advise one way or another?
@@Spenny124 That really depends upon your space and what/how you cook. I still use my range oven for large items. The APO is a counter top unit that needs space for ventilation around it. If you have the counter space to spare, and you don’t need a full size oven, that might work for you. I personally need my range oven for my half sheet pans and my 14” pizzas.
@@bethmahoney2233 Thanks Beth, may I ask which large items you use your full size oven for? Does a half tray not fit in the anova? How about a 10” sautee pan for pan roasting fish and chicken? We rarely use our oven right now- running it seems so inefficient and the gets the house too hot.
@@Spenny124 I batch cook bacon on half sheet trays in my regular oven. The Anova comes with a sheet pan that is between a half and a quarter sheet. You could not fit a 10” skillet with a handle in it.
I find it interesting that you did not like the Anova in your review of smart ovens 8 months ago, but now it's your favorite steam oven. As for connectivity, the Anova needs to connect to a 2.4GHz WiFi and cannot use a 5 GHZ signal. If your router can't provide 2.4 GHz signal, the oven won't connect. Once I addressed that issue on my router, the oven connected fine and has been very reliable ever since (over a year). The app works great, and I get real-time updates on oven status as cooking progresses. I can setup a recipe and send it to the oven as well.
In the first written ATK review Lisa clearly didn't understand what a combi oven was, or how to use it. Different, Valerie Sizhe Li better review Valerie Sizhe Li for the second reviewier. Now Lisa is back with a video that apparently walks back her original review!
Too bad the damage was done already.
@@nickcpv Yeah
@@bostonbesteats364it was the same reviewer
Yes. My app worked fine at 2.4
I bought an Anova a few months ago. There is definitely a learning curve, and the app needs quite a lot of work; but I got it on my wifi pretty easily. One of my earliest and biggest gripes is that you can't turn on the oven light without the app (unless I'm missing something, please chime in if you know). Overall, very satisfied with the Anova.
Finally a solid look at the anova oven!
I like Anova's Sous Vide Stick. They seem to be a company that makes good products.
I have an anova and I dibt agree with your statement about connecting to the App. I’ve had no problems at all. Love sitting on my couch and directing cooking. I have a built in Thermador in a different house and the Anova at a much lower price point is not only very comparable in function but in some instances surpasses it. I also have Tovala ovens ( which you didn’t review). While not having the same level of steam, I use it multiple times a day.
In a poll I conducted, 29% of Anova users have had connectivity issues
I have the Anova and connecting the app has never been an issue.
Sometimes these devices only work on 2.4GHz networks, but their WiFi is 5GHz. If they switch to a 2.4GHz network, I bet that would resolve their issues.
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH I conducted a poll on R, and 86% of Anova oven users have been able to connect to wifi (although about 1 in 5 of those initially had trouble). ATK would probably have got it to work if they'd tried harder. But clearly there is a problem for a subset of users that Anova needs to fix.
y'all are fantastic!
I love these gadget videos, especially when you have the team test different models so I don't spend so much time researching.
Be well, champions!
Good review. I was aware of steam ovens but didn't know there were any counter top models. After watching this I believe it's going to be awhile before anyone makes one to my satisfaction. For now I'm just looking forward to getting a full sized steam oven.
I’ve been thinking of the Fotile for a while for bread. I’m disappointed it didn’t perform well.
I’m jealous of how many options Asian countries seem to have in terms of countertop steam ovens.
I like the Anova Oven, it eaisly replaces the microwave. I just use manual mode and it works fine. I also like the fact that some water pools at the bottom. It makes for easier cleaning, just wipe it with a paper towel. Much easier than rubbing the interior with baking soda and cleaning it the hard way.
ATK ought to do some checking to see if the product they nominate is even available. To the public to purchase….
In general IOT devices can be far more finicky on networks than smart phones or laptops. I'd hazard a guess that the issues you had were equal parts network related and anova hardware related. WiFi frequency 2.4 vs 5 GHz, Channel width, Band Steering, QOS, Multicast settings, WiFi Security type, etc. can all cause issues for devices like this. In another environment the user may experience no issues at all.
I own an Anova Precision Cooker and they use limited hardware. I had to adjust my WiFi name to get my to connect cause having a dash and period in it was causing it to fail the connection during set up. They also only required 2.4 GHz network despite 5.0 being well into its life span at the time. I presume this was for cost saving.
It really shouldn't be this hard! In a poll I conducted, 29% of Anova oven users had wifi problems of some sort (including me)
I consider a steam oven because I steam dishes with Chinese recipes like fish, lobster with ginger sauce, and seafood. I can use a stovetop and a wok, but I need to hang around the stove. The steam oven'll turn off after the set time.
I've made Cantonese-steamed whole fish with ginger & scallions using the Anova oven, and it turned out well enough to please my Chinese born friends! However, it is not great at making dumplings and bao, steamer will produce a lot more steam, which is why you don't find combi ovens being used for dumplings even in Michelin-starred Chinese restaurants that have Rational ovens.
I had an Anova and liked it very much. The only reason I don’t have it anymore is I moved and didn’t take it with me. I found the phone app worked ok.
This is my first time hearing of this animal, the steam oven. Thanks for the tips! ...In case I ever buy a steam oven.
Thanks so much
I own pretty much every kitchen toy and most of them are unnecessary. But my APO gets used daily, it's a game-changer. Meanwhile my Lacanche ovens and sous vide rig gather dust.
Have you got a thermomix? Thats another daily use kitchen gadget
I didn’t need that spare money anyways.
True
Wanna send me some cash?? 😬
My bank keeps telling me not to make any more deposits. My account is full.
@@Zipfei_Kloatscher no. We are buying a countertop steam oven!
@@SweetOsoka
Brian doesn't need his spare money, he confessed.
Great video. I have all the anova water bath circulators. Would love a video on plumbed in steamed oven with drainage etc. Mission having to empty the evaporator dish all the time and fill the reservoir. Thanks for the video
Plumbed in? I'm curious whether you're supposed to use distilled water, for the steam? I suspect mineral deposits from tap water would eventually clog the boiler and steam lines.
I'm just spit-balling here, but did you ever consider running the oven for a while, to evaporate the water on the bottom of the oven (if that's what you're referring to)?
@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 hi. It does say to test your water to see if you should use distilled. Mine was ok. If you use the oven to dry the evaporator dish it just leaves a mark which is hard to get off. Kinda burns.
Yes plumbed in like a commercial one. So connected to the mains water supply and drain. I think wolf do them but out of my price range.
@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 Yes, distilled water is recommended. But it is astoundingly water efficient. I only use a gallon of distilled water per month (or even less). It also automatically reminds you to run a descaling process, which depends on how much your run the steam (for me, 1X year, very easy to do). Given this, plumbing the Anova would be a waste of time. It also has an evaporator plate on the bottom, so pooling water is rarely an issue (and you will want to wipe it out after cooking anyway to keep it clean).
Interesting. Thank you.
Huh, I'm getting a small commercial oven soon and was wondering if I should spring for the steam option. Maybe I will.
Excellent information. Thanks
I've used the ANOVA a few times over the past two weeks. A lot of the functionality of the oven is locked behind downloading the app. The icon's and settings are not intuitive without looking at the manual, especially setting target temperatures using the temperature probe. The app is great on iPhone, but I had connection problems that took a long time to figure out on my Android. It's probably another case of the app developers focusing on apple during design and then doing a poor job porting to android.
I ain't buying any #$*)! that needs an app for functionality.
Are you saying you need to download the app for the oven to work? Cause that's just not true.
Yes. It’s my bread oven.
I can't speak to these countertop models, but I have a high-end built-in steam oven. Water pooling isn't a defect, it's just a reality of certain settings. All steam ovens require regular wiping and cleaning, especially since most advise the use of bottled or tap water whose minerals can leave residue in the oven. Honestly, I only use my steam oven once every few months. It's great at a few things, and okay/average at most others compared to an oven. I think a much better use of counter space would be a toaster oven (for size) or an air fryer (for versatility).
This oven has air fryer functionality too.
@@fizzpop6543 thanks for the info. I often find that many of these machines try to do too much, and end up only being "okay" at most things, like air frying, compared to purpose-built machines. But if this model does both steaming and air frying well, then that would indeed be a great option!
Thank you for this information.
Could you test out microwave convection ovens? I know you've done toaster ovens and microwaves, but I mean the kind that is supposed to function as a microwave and an oven. It would be good for people with incredibly tiny kitchens, like campervans. I want to be able to use my regular frozen meals, and still bake things like pizzas or cookies.
No, sorry
I love my Anova … except that it has failed twice. They replaced it under warranty after about 18 months. But the new replacement oven failed after 6 month. There are NO repair stations and the manufacturer doesn’t service them either. $999 straight to the landfill!
These are popular globally. Enjoy US cook fanatics! They’re great!
Can y’all review pans with removable handles?
Would love to see a review of the balmuda steam oven
I had no problem connection my iphone to my Anova oven. I think the problem people have is they do not follow the instructions and try to connect on a multi band router. You must use 2.4g only. My Xfinity router had a bug that does not let it connect but their newer model has no issues. So if you can’t connect, you have a network problem, not an oven problem.
I’ve been using my Anova oven for almost two years now with no problems. You have some learning to do to understand “wet bulb” temperatures and not the same thing as air temps. But once you understand it it is easy to modify recipies. I don’t use my standard oven any more since I got my Anova.
Unfortunately, that doesn't solve all the problems with wifi connectivity. Blaming people's networks isn't the answer either, since nothing else has trouble connecting. Poor wifi design by Anova
I got a new wall oven this past spring, a Samsung. It has settings for conventional convection and steam bake. I’d like to hear more practical uses for steam oven and convection oven. It would be really nice to know what recipes would be complemented by those features or how to incorporate those oven features with the recipes you have on your app and your website. Is it possible to put notes at the bottom saying “ for those of you with a convection oven or those of you with a steam bake can try this…”
Anova has a lot of recipes on their website you might be able to adapt for your oven
I love using convection. I’ve had one for 25 years & would never go back. Everything cooks faster. Baking is the only time I use the regular Bake function. I think each oven is a little different so you’ll just have to try it. Stews/soups in a Dutch oven are the best, as well as pot roast, roasted chicken etc.
I have the built in wolf convection steam oven.
And ?
@cart4574 It is a great oven.
I have the APO. Never had a problem with the app...Maybe got a bad batch?
No, it's a problem. It's all over the APO groups. I was without the app for the first year; I had to borrow my mom's old tablet.
Thx for doing this and sharing. 👍👍👍👍👍
I’ve had a Cuisinart countertop steam oven for 5+ years and use it all the time for chicken and fish. I also use the warming feature a lot. I don’t have a microwave, air fryer, or instant pot. The steam oven works for me. Controls on the Cuisinart are definitely confusing.
It's no longer listed for sale on their website
@@bostonbesteats364the oven is still available on Amazon
Can you do an update for the 2024 on Steam Ovens
Thanks
The Anova oven makes every other oven look like a cave man’s tool. I LOVE MY ANOVA!
Great review thank you
Man, I have been itching for a product review! Lol
Put your wallet somewhere safe... that money is burning a hole in your pocket!
We used them in restaurants
I would love to know wow these compare against the Tovala oven, or how you find the Tovala Pro oven performs for its usage outside of the meals provided by them?
This reviewer previously reviewed 5 smart ovens, including Tovala and Anova. Unfortunately, at the time she didn't know anything about combi ovens and gave the Anova a bad review. Apparently she's now changed her tune
I have no problem connecting with my Anova Oven. I use the function all the time. I do use an Android based phone.
I have Android, and I had a lot of trouble. I finally had to borrow my mom's old tablet, and it worked perfectly.
@@falovepa Sorry to hear, I've owned mine since 11/21 and haven't had any issues. Mine is not that far from my router.
I conducted a poll and 29% of users reported issues with wifi connectivity
@@bostonbesteats364 Having retired from networking, and spending 21 years resolving issues just like this, which were usually more often network routing issues than appliance issues, I feel your pain Boston best Eats 364. I bet you are an amazing cook and would put me to shame on every level in the world of food preparation. It has been my experience though that more than 29% of people have networking issues on multiple and varied devices in their lifetime. Companies do all they can to make their products work on as many network varieties, and versions as they can. Do you know the possibility of network configurations variations can run in the millions? And anytime a new device comes out, the trick is to capture as many possibilities as they can? Probably since your personal survey which was undoubtably as accurate as you could make it, I am guessing there have been multiple upgrades and tweaks. I promise you that is an absolutely endless process in the world of networking. Have you ever seen the lines of customers lined up at an apple store? Have you ever noticed that nearly every phone sold in a Phone store is set up by a huge contingent of professionals that make up the bulk of the payroll at those stores? Are all apples or all androids just junk? No they are devices that are build to be nothing but useless without networking. And they are made to be as bulletproof, and as simple for an operator to network as any device on earth. Now with this in mind, what percentage of users do you think would have connectivity problems with their phones if the massive workforce of professionals put in place, to first get them connected, then later keep them connected, were not there? As much as I loved being informed of your personal struggle to connect, and how much of a bad taste in your mouth your personal connectivity struggle left. (And as a network professional, I do want to know and pay extra attention to these kind of tips), might I kindly share with you my friend, We got it. Also I was wondering my friend if you might consider running a new poll, since I assure you, people have been working in the background. And the machine others have bought since then, from a software point of view, are not even the same machine you have, but may be many generations removed from it. In fact if you have received any updates from Anova, then the machine you bought, then even not the same machine you bought. Hang in there brother! We hope the trauma that those connection issues caused you haven't left a lifetime scar. But I feel confident you'll let us know, and know, and know, if it has :-) Wishing you many successful meals brother!
It would be cool if you could not use an App but a USB drive and software installed to your computer instead of relying on some server that might not be around in 5 years.
Never buy an appliance that depends solely on an app, unless you want to toss the appliance in the trash within 5-10 years. My Swann security camera is a classic example. I can no longer view my cameras from my iPhone or Macbook because they won't update their apps to the current OS. It's beyond ridiculous. Quick shout-out for Swann - AVOID them!!!
These 'smart' appliances that use apps are designed so that the manufacturer can send a software update in the middle of the night, and brick your expensive appliance, whenever they want to drum up sales.
It's the same as the endless phone updates that never make your phone actually better than it was.
Someone on R has figured out how to do this recently (wirelessly)
@@bostonbesteats364 Good to hear.
@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 Riiight. What an idiotic comment.
If you have this and love/like it, more power to you. I have no need for anymore kitchen nonsense. My sous vide wand is the last thing i got and this just seems like just one more step into too much. I can make a fine steamed dinner of anything in my 14 inch wok w/lid. No more! 💕💕💕
Anova has never been good at connecting to wifi. My Anova immersion circulator is the one device I own that simply refuses to connect to wifi
Is it easier to clean because of the steam?
I just want to know if this works with dim-sum!
1st you get me with the Breville Smart oven ... now this. There goes my $
Hmm... How come you didn't include the cusineart steam combi oven?
It's no longer listed for sale on their website
But does it do Steamed Hams?
APO is not good on steaming dim sum, baos, Chinese dumplings...etc. the wrappers would be dry. does anyone have the same problem?
10 months ago you reviewed the anova oven and stated that it took forever to cook anything, and much of it came out rubbery or overcooked. what's changed?
Probably high learning curve
probably your router is set at 5GHz, while most of the smart electronics use a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, that's probably why you couldn't connect.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I'd like to see a Chinese cook test these steam ovens, after all, the Chinese founded and developed steam cooking. Chinese families does the most steaming and would be the largest consumers of steam ovens. Most of us don't bake french baguettes at home lol.
Just use a regular oven and put a pan of hot water on another rack
I loved my Anova 2 years and 8 months, best oven I ever owned. Then it died.
are built in combi ovens better?
Yes and no. Interestingly, this relatively inexpensive countertop combi oven has features that those much more expensive built-in ovens (and many professional ovens) don't have
The Anova does have problems. The fan can make a lot of noise, the touch controls are finicky, the water reservoir and reservoir lid crack, and the seals are difficult to clean. This is all besides the mentioned terrible quality of the app. If they can fix these issues, I would say it's worthwhile.
I’ve never had any issues with the controls or the tank the connectivity is spotty
@@cameronknowles6267 May depend on when you bought it. I got it right after launch. There's a bunch of posts on their support pages about the problems people are having. The tank in the video is different from the one I have, for example.
@@SaudadeSunday I have one of the first ones sold 2 1/2 years ago. The only problems I've had is it took a few days to get connected and the tank cracking. The tank issue has been fixed. Wifi is an ongoing issue for some users (29% of users have experienced some sort of problem in a poll I conducted)
@@bostonbesteats364 Maybe I can get a new tank. My lid hasn't fit right for a long time and it cracked. The fan has had inconsistent noisiness for a long time, but reps say it's "normal." Corpo speak for they don't care.
@@SaudadeSunday Very annoying I know. They should send you a replacement tank with the clip on heat shield to prevent cracking. I would ask. Some people get replacements if they have fan issues, so you may need to be pushier or talk to a different rep if it's bad enough that you want a replacement
Re: the app for the Anova oven, I'm having the same exact issue with their sous vide circulator. I am unable to connect it to my network and tried everything as well. The app is a disappointment.
New gadget never heard of a steam oven
If you look in the kitchen of your favorite restaurant, you'll probably find one or more than one (the most famous is made by Rational, which has been around since the 1970s). Exciting that this technology is moving into the home kitchen at a more affordable price (those pro ovens can cost as much as a car).
Steam oven has been very popular in Asia…
I like how they usually review products with a simpleton having to use them in mind and now have to walk back their previous anova review because it made them seem unknowledgeable about a really good piece of equipment. At keast they covered some actual flaws like water pooling and that terrible app connectivity.
Got the ANOVA when it came out. Didn't like it, and enjoy the Brava I have now paired with a Sharp steam oven for toast and vegetables.
Please, I don't have space on my countet for more small appliances.
I started stacking them and made a coffee table (that also nukes food, bakes pizza, and rotisseries a chicken).
Multiple commenters are saying the connectivity issues the testers had are probably because the oven requires 2.4 GHz wifi for connectivity.
I understand that devices use 2.4 GHz because that signal travels further than 5 GHz. This is why many devices (like Amazon Echos, smart plugs, etc.) use and require 2.4 GHz wifi.
But there is a problem if the oven must use 2.4 GHz because when a microwave oven is in use, it interferes with the 2.4 GHz wifi signal:
"Both-your Wi-Fi modem and your microwave oven-are operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. However, only Wi-Fi devices transmit data, whereas microwaves emit signals in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz ISM band. *The small amounts of radiation that leak from your microwave end up interfering with Wi-Fi signals."*
I've seen my 2.4 GHz wifi drop when I am using the microwave.
So, this oven is in the room with a device (microwave) that will prevent connectivity to the oven when the microwave is running.
I wish devices could use the strongest signal whether the signal is 2.4 or 5 GHz. That would solve a lot of problems.
That sounds more like a theoretical problem, than an actual problem.
@hxhdfjifzirstc894 It's a real problem. Connect to your 2.4 GHz wifi, start watching a UA-cam video, and start your microwave and boil water. You will lose your wifi connection, and the video will pause.
Google: Do Microwaves Interfere With WiFi Signals?
@@TanukiOfficial It been moderating a user board for this oven since it was first released 2 1/2 years ago and no one has reported microwave interference. Its connectivity issues (for a minority of users, 71% have not had any issues in a poll I conducted) have a different origin
Don't see a need for it but it would be nice if you mentioned those that you had problems with by name. At least so we could have a general idea of which not to buy if buying.
There is a full-length written review on their website if you are a subscriber
Wao Looking Very Beautifull Awesome Video Very informative Video ❤
Small kitchen, lack of storage space, small budget...guess I'll pass on this one.
What? You trashed the ANOVA on a previous review just 8 months ago! Which is it?
Great… now I need a steam oven 🤦♀️
I don't have enough space on my countertop.
Many people buy a rectangular table for their appliances, to keep the counters clean for cooking. A shelf could also work.
@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 I already have a second table, and still don't have space, THANK YOU
And its a lot bigger than it looks in the photos too!
@@bostonbesteats364 Glad you told me. Thanx!
I didn’t know there were steam ovens. Don’t keep up with the latest stuff I guess.
Never heard of a steam oven.
Nice sharing 🎉😂
No, thanks.
Oh, dear. Your phone wouldn't connect to the oven. How 21st century is that? In the 22nd century, it'll work every time!
Honestly, my first impression is that a home steam oven is a passing fad -- if these things are actually the wave of the future, shouldn't you be re-focusing all of your new content on steam oven recipes? You can either lead the way, or bring up the rear.
I'm not averse to new cooking techniques... I've been using sous vide for years (I actually made my first one from parts, and then bought one after several years). I've found that sous vide has a tremendous advantage in convenience (no babysitting required, and overcooking is damn near impossible).
It’s definitely the way forward but there gonna have to come down in price first you can do so much more with steam and even sous vide and use really low temps
@@cameronknowles6267 I'm all for it, if that's the case... but a 3 minute clip isn't going to make me an early adopter. I'll need to see some serious ATK recipes, to even consider it.
We have owned two whynters. They are garbage. The first broken in under 6 months, it stopped heating. The second broken in 1.5 years, drainage issues you can’t get to cause irreparable damage. Do not buy.
The rating of this steam oven on the Anova website is 3.9 (576 reviews). That says a lot since nowadays a 4.3 rating is considered mediocre.
Based on reddit circles, most still swear by it as the best combi steam oven by far...when it works. They have a tendency to break down in a year or two and customer support is unresponsive.
2:50 Apps for appliances should be banned.
Apps are fine. It's the crap companies that go out of business or refuse to update the apps to run on the latest operating systems. If you make a device that requires an app to run, it should be the law that they have to support the app for 25 years. How much of this junk is going to end up as e-waste in a few short years? Where I live, we now have to pay eco-taxes on everything we buy to pay for the disposal costs. It's a big sham.
Who has this much counter space?!
Exactly. We have so many of these GD appliances, some are in our dining room right now. Nowhere to put them all. I guess we need to buy a bigger house since we are slaves to consumerism. It never ends.
I stacked my countertop convection toaster oven on top of my countertop dishwasher, LOL! It's actually better for me, because I don't have to stoop down to use it.
But seriously, you have to pick the things you use constantly, and allocate counterspace for them only. Everything else can go in storage or to the goodwill or the landfill. I bought a small table to use for my coffee-making appliances, to keep the counters available for cooking tasks.
A good combo is something like a workbench shaped table, and a standalone chest freezer that can be stored underneath the table. This will give you more 'counterspace', and room to store bulk food purchases.
Based on this review I wouldn't buy a steam oven.
No. There you go, saved you some time
I love it... But if you think I'm fina spend $700 on a damn countertop steam oven when I can go get a full-size gas oven... I think not test kitchen.... I think not 😂
I have no skin in the game, but my countertop convection toaster oven (no steam) is actually my most used kitchen appliance. They're usually $100-$200, and well worth it. If someone doesn't have a regular oven/stove, I'd recommend considering the purchase of a countertop induction cooktop (or a few single burner induction units), and one or two countertop ovens (better use of space, and 'modular'... you can put some away when you're not using them).
@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 but see two to three hundred dollars is a more reasonable price than 700 LOL...
@@jermainec2462 Yep, those countertop induction burners are $50-$100 each, and a convection toaster oven is $100-$200. And no need to install gas or a special electrical outlet.
If you're as big a cheapskate as me, you can find your average $100 toaster oven at goodwill for $10-$15 in nice condition. Honestly, I never use my full size oven anymore.
@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 I was about to say, that’s a LOT for a toaster oven! Count me in on thrifting that. What in the world??
@@thisuniquechica You can't really get rid of your toaster. If you have the space and money, it's worth it.
I’ll pass…thanks for the info…
why do I need a steam oven? and why not simply upgrade the big oven to a steam one
Renters.
More and more countertop equipment and most homes have limited counter space and storage space. Never mind you need a working knowledge of IT and own a smart tracker.
INVENTORS, stop inventing things for the kitchen That I'm going to want! Sincerely, Kitchen Gadget Queen 😡 Lol
A spray bottle does the same thing and waste no counter space
Try sous vide with a spray bottle.