Breville Joule vs. Anova Precision Cooker

Two of the hottest circulators on the sous vide market right now are the Breville Joule (formally Chefsteps) and the Anova Precision Cooker. Anyone who’s interested in giving sous vide a try should definitely consider both of these products. But, when you put them head-to-head against each other, which one will give you the qualities that you want most and help you create the tastiest meals? Check out the comparison below to learn a bit about these products’ main specs and standout features.

First Up, the Joule

What’s immediately obvious about the Joule is its size. This is the smallest of all of the immersion circulators currently available. But beyond being compact, which is certainly a nice feature, especially for those working in small kitchens, what else does this product have to offer?

• In terms of design, the Joule is elegant and refined but also solid and reliable. Plus, it’s simplistic, so you don’t have to worry about getting confused with a ton of buttons and options. A single button on the top of the Joule syncs with the app, and an LED light serves as a status indicator. Done and done!
• Tech enthusiasts will love the Joule because it can connect via WiFi and Bluetooth. This makes controlling your sous vide cooker from remote a snap.
• What’s nice about the Joule is the fact that it has a magnetic bottom, helping it remain sturdy in your pot without having to use cumbersome clamps. Yet, there’s also a clap on the back of this circulator, so you do have that option as well.
• The quiet 1100-watt heater allows the Joule to work quickly—and who doesn’t love saving time in the kitchen?
• Planning on cooking a lot of food? Don’t let the small size of the Joule fool you, as it can circulate more than 10 gallons of water, which is another impressive feature. And all you need for the product to work is 1½ inches of water in your pot.

• One feature that might be a turnoff for some is the fact that you can only control the Joule via the app that comes with it. But it’s worth noting that the app is easy to use, as it features the sous vide controls that you’re accustomed to. Plus, it even provides you with a host of recipes that you can try, as well as your own cooking history. And if you don’t want to use the app, you can connect your Joule to Amazon Alexa and give voice commands instead, which is really convenient.

Other specs:

• 11” tall, 1.85” wide, 1.3 lbs.
• 208°F (98°C) max. temperature
• 8” maximum water depth
• “Low water level” error message

Bottom line: the Joule is a small sous vide cooker that definitely stands up against its larger competitors. If you’re the type of person who wants a high-tech, simple-to-use device that will make cooking easier and more efficient, without compromising on quality in any way, this is it. But if you’re concerned about the fact that you can only use and control this circulator with your mobile device or Alexa, that feature alone might be enough to make you look elsewhere.

For a more detailed review of the Joule, click here.

Next Up, the Anova

If you’ve been researching the sous vide market for a while, you’ve likely come across the Anova Precision Cooker, which comes in two versions: the Bluetooth option and the Bluetooth+WiFi option. This brand is one of the most beloved in the world of sous vide, and for many good reasons. But what makes this product so special?

• When you first hold the Anova, you’ll immediately notice the high-end design elements. Constructed from stainless steel and polycarbonate, this circulator is durable, so you can expect it to function well for years to come.
• There is a strong, secure clamp on the back of this circulator, and what’s nice about it is that it’s adjustable and removable.
• Like the Joule, the Anova is simplistic and modern when it comes to getting it started and using it to cook up delicious recipes. A high-res display has a start/stop button, and all you need to do to change the temperature is spin a wheel.
• Something else that makes the Anova stand out: you can remove the steel skirt on the bottom, so cleaning is super easy. This also means that, unlike other immersion circulators, you won’t have to struggle to get rid of calcium deposits. Definitely a plus!
• The Bluetooth model features an 800-watt heater, so expect to spend more time when working with bigger water baths. But if you opt for the Bluetooth+WiFi model, it comes with a 900-watt heater, so it can help you save time. Either way, the 360° circulation will ensure the water is evenly heated.
• The free app, which also contains recipes like the Joule app, connects quickly to your Anova, so there’s no need to worry about time-consuming setup before getting started. Once up and running, the app will let you to keep an eye on your Anova while it cooks, and you’ll be able to control the cooker from remote.

Other specs:

• 14.75” tall, 2.75” wide
• 210°F (99°C) max. temperature
• Min-level alert sensor and max-level shutoff sensor
• Circulates 8 liters per minute

Bottom line: the Anova lives up to all the hype. This sous vide cooker performs exactly as it should, it has modern features that make cooking tasty meals a breeze, and it is a great choice for anyone who is looking for one of the highest rated circulators on the market today.

For a more detailed review of the Anova, click here.

Take Your Pick: Two of the Top Sous Vide Circulators

Both the Breville Joule and the Anova Precision Cooker are high-quality sous vide products that boast advanced, easy-to-use features. But there are some things to consider when trying to decide between these two immersion circulators. Hopefully, this comparison has helped you weigh the pros and cons of the Joule and the Anova so you can either try sous vide for the first time or take your sous vide cooking to the next level.