Sansaire Sous Vide Immersion Circulator (Renewed)

I don't usually review products but I felt the need to for this wonderful device for a few reasons:To start, there are many complaints in the reviews regarding the metal grate on the bottom that constantly falls off and the difficulty snapping the back cover on after cleaning the inside coils. I bought my unit from the Kitchen Clique and I received what I've now learned is the ***updated version*** (confirmed by Sansaire). The changes include a fixed plastic covering on the bottom which replaces the grate entirely and the back panel is now similar to a battery compartment cover (very easy to take off and put back on).I do not know why they aren't advertising these changes or calling the unit "version 2" (or something like that). I had to contact Sansaire because I thought the grate was actually missing. That is how I found out about the new version.I also wanted to provide a review because I spent a lot of time researching and comparing sous vide equipment and perhaps I can help some people avoid that.My Experience with the ANOVA:-----Like most, I initially bought the Anova because it was cheaper ($129 on sale last month), the reviews are excellent and abundant, and so many online publications recommend and support it. My experiences were awful though.I received the Anova and tested it out many times. On about the fifth attempt, the thermostat would become stuck at a certain temperature while it was heating up but the water would continue to heat; and wouldn't stop until it began boiling. This ruined short ribs that I had going for over 18 hours at this point. I contacted customer service and they immediately sent me a FedEx label to return it for a replacement. About 3 weeks later, I received the replacement and tested it out. After a few cooks, the same exact issue happened. I sent it back for a full refund and decided to try Sansaire.Differences between SANSAIRE and ANOVA----They probably have a lot more in common than not, so I'll focus on the differences that I've noticed so far:Construction: The Sansaire is all plastic and feels a little delicate but it seems fine. You should be careful with any electronic device so I don't see this being an issue. The Anova is sleeker and the exterior is metal and a solid rubber-coated plastic at the top. I prefer the feel and look of the Anova but it's not that important to me.Heating time: I didn't do any timed tests, but the Sansaire seems to heat water almost twice as fast. It's actually shockingly quick compared to what I was used to with the Anova. Unfortunately, the Sansaire does not alert you when the water has reached the target temp (unlike the Anova), but if the water is heating up this quickly, you likely won't be far when it gets there.Noise: This **updated version** of the Sansaire is ridiculously quiet. If it weren't for the LED lights, you wouldn't know it was on unless you put your ear up to it closely. The Anova had a buzz you could hear across the room, though it wasn't annoying or a problem at all for me.Clamp/Clip: The Sansaire has a big hair-clip-esque attachment that can be hooked up in a second very easily. It holds pretty well but it's not even needed that much because the unit stands up on its own. The Anova's clamp can be shifted up or down on the unit to adjust the height and the back of the clamp screw tightly in to the container. I prefer Anova's even though it takes a minute to set up properly, but it doesn't really matter to me in the end. The only time I could see the Sansaire's clamp being an issue is if you're using a really tall container and the unit cannot rest standing up.Connectivity: Sansaire offers no connectivity whereas the Anova has bluetooth and sometimes WIFI support. I don't get why any one would really need this. If you're using bluetooth you're in the same room (or close) to the unit; just walk a few feet and change the temperature; but since you set the temperature when you turn the unit on, why would you need to change it later on? As for WIFI, I can't possibly see me leaving meat out, then remotely starting the unit when I leave the house. Maybe this is important to some.. to me, it's pointless.Conclusion:-----It will still take many more cooks and time to determine if the Sansaire will hold up better than the Anova (which lasted about 4-5 cooks; twice). But so far, I like it better than the Anova and it's working great. The water heats up quickly, stays where it needs to be, and is very accurate (confirmed with three different thermometers). Their customer service answers quickly and they cover the unit for a year so there isn't much worry. I will report back if the unit fails.For some extra help/info, I am using this unit with a 12-quart Rubbermaid food storage container and lid (you can find them on Amazon for about $20). I cut an opening for the Sansaire so the lid can remain on during cooking. I use foam insulation strips to fill the gaps between the lid and the unit (the same ones sold for window air conditions).One last word of advice: when the target temperature is reached with this device, it seems to bounce around 1-2 degrees for about a minute or so. After that it levels out and stays precise; so have a little patience.

Mine worked well the first 10 uses or so. Early on I had to deal with the "RESET" issue. After a recent use I noticed a crack along the face of the product when putting it away. I never dropped it and I always handled it rather gently due to how cheap and fragile it feels. I could see through the crack right into the green electronic board. I contacted Sansaire about the crack. They responded with a 20% discount offer for a replacement because mine was out of warranty. An online search on "Sansaire Sous Vide crack" will result with other similar issues. I had a request for my Sous Vide prime rib roast for Xmas from family. So for the hell of it I used duct tape to hold the cracks together and keep the water out of the inside. In my opinion, I would never purchase another Sansaire product because of the poor engineering and apathetic customer service. See images I've uploaded.

We absolutely loved the Sansaire Sous Vide machine, until it stopped working after about 10 uses. When we contacted the company about the problem, we were told that there is no way to fix it. My husband (an engineer) is pretty sure that the problem is the thermostat. But Sansaire doesn't sell replacement parts. So now we have an expensive toy that can only be thrown away.

I love this style of cooking and got this unit with great anticipation. We had our friends for dinner who also enjoy great food, the first time we used this device the temperature was not able to be adjusted properly on the unit based on the reading. I checked the F vs C setting, no luck, so had to keep turning on and off to try to get my chops cooked. I ultimately sent an email to Sansaire customer service who indicated they would replace the unit and I had to re-connect the unit and take pictures demonstrating the issue. I delayed a bit in doing so and upon sending all of the documentation they then told me the warranty was expired and I was left with this useless unit.Poor quality control on the unit to ship something that failed upon first use. I will eventually purchase another unit, but it certainly will NOT be this one, would not recommend this unit based on the poor build quality and customer service.

Not sure if mine was the only defective one but the ring on my sansaire was stuck and couldn't be turned. Unit did turn on though. Didn't want to force the ring since it's made out of plastic. Maybe i should have gotten the ANOVA.

As a device, I loved it - it did what it said it would do - it made great food with a minimum of effort. I liked it so much that I bought 3 more to give to friends and family. I never had a problem with it.But after a year and a half, the plastic is coming apart. As near as I can figure, the plastic isn't up to the task of being heated and cooled; mine has cracked, and broken - all in places that were immersed in water. It still works, but I'm afraid that I may now have a dangerous device. The back of the device has come completely off exposing the heating coil, and several small bits were found in the cooking container. The shroud that covered the circulator propeller has split, leaving the propeller exposed. I wonder if some day it's going to electrocute me.Knowing that it has this flaw, I'm not going to buy another one. The electronics are fine, but where am I going to get a case replacement?Two stars, down from 5.