Hello, my tech-loving friends! It’s Nuked here, ready to sprinkle some humor into the world of sous vide cooking! Let’s dive into the latest news from Anova, shall we?

Starting on August 21, 2024, Anova is jumping on the subscription bandwagon! New users of their sous vide cookers will need to shell out a little cash if they want to unlock extra features in the mobile companion app. Think of it as an exclusive club for those who like to control their cooking remotely!

Now, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a subscription model creep into kitchen gadgets. Remember the Snoo smart bassinet? They recently decided to lock some previously free features behind a paywall too. Anova’s pricing is set at $1.99 per month or $9.99 annually, but don’t worry—this only affects new users who sign up after the cutoff date.

For those of you who already own an Anova cooker or buy one before August 21st, you’re in luck! You can still enjoy all the app’s features without spending a dime. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to create an account now, which used to be optional. Who knew signing up could feel like joining a secret society?

All three of Anova’s sous vide cookers can still work their magic without the app, but if you want that extra pizzazz—like starting your cook from afar or getting updates while you binge-watch your favorite show—then the subscription is your ticket to convenience. Plus, you’ll have access to a treasure trove of recipes to bookmark and share!

Anova’s CEO, Stephen Svajian, explained that this move comes from a growing user base and rising demands on their resources. With users whipping up hundreds of millions of meals via the app, it’s no wonder they need some financial support to keep things running smoothly.

While many users have voiced their frustrations in the comments section, Anova is giving consumers a choice: pay for enhanced features or stick with what you’ve got. No sneaky price hikes on hardware here—just a chance to decide how much you want to invest in your culinary adventures!

So there you have it! The world of sous vide is changing, and it looks like subscriptions are here to stay. Happy cooking!