If you notice “LO” on your Anova Nano display screen, it signifies your sous vide container’s water level is too low. The Anova Nano lo error indicates that the device detects a lower water level than the MIN line drawn on the device’s exterior. If your Anova Nano senses that water level is too low, it shuts down instantly and shows the LO error message. Surveillance equipment often has this automated shut-off feature. Because sous vide cookers can’t function without enough water, this feature protects them from being damaged (thus prolonging their life).
While this feature helps extend the life of your Anova Nano, it may jeopardize the sous vide cooking promise of “set it and forget it.” Many sous vide users are concerned that their device will stop operating halfway through cooking because the water level has dropped too low. That is especially true for lengthier cooks. They’ll return hours later, expecting a wonderfully prepared lunch, only to discover that their time has been wasted. Sous vide machines are supposed to be so fantastic since you don’t have to babysit them.
In this article, we will discuss the Anova Nano ‘Lo’ error, how to fix it and prevent it from occurring from time to time. The troubleshooting process helps the Anova Nano prolong its life span since there will be no damage. Please continue reading to learn how to resolve the LO display error and avoid it in the future.
How to troubleshoot and prevent the Anova Nano error
The obvious solution to the Anova Nano’s LO display issue is to ensure the water level is between the MIN and MAX lines, rather than simply at the MIN line. The Anova Nano’s water circulator can create waves when it circulates the water, especially with smaller containers or pots, which can cause more turbulence. If the water level is too close to the MIN line, the waves may cause the water level to fall below it, triggering the low water sensor on your Anova Nano.
As a result, it’s critical to ensure that the water level rises sufficiently above the MIN line (and below the MAX line). Even after ensuring that the water level is between the MIN and MAX lines, Anova Nano customers may still experience the LO error. Here are some options for resolving the problem:
i. Be sure your bagged food is added to the container or pot, which will raise the water level (make sure you’re not above the MAX line once you’ve done this).
ii. Make sure there’s adequate room under the circulator; there should be at least a centimeter between the device’s bottom and the bottom of the pot.
iii. To turn off the gadget, unplug it, then plug it back in to turn it back on.
iv. Press the start/stop button to see if it helps.
v. Disinfect the equipment (and make sure you continue to clean it regularly)
vi. Inquire with Anova regarding a replacement.
Cleaning Tips for Your Anova Nano
Make it a practice to soak it in a water and vinegar bath once a week or once a month, depending on how often you use it and the quality of your tap water. You may not need to deep clean your sous vide machine if you cook sous vide once a week and use filtered water. Consider doing it more frequently if the Anova Nano is your major cooking equipment, and the water you use is harsh.
Another critical factor to consider is correctly sealing your sous vide bags to avoid over-cleaning your Anova Nano. Perhaps the worst thing that can happen to the circulator is a broken bag. That not only dirties the Anova Nano, but it also risks damaging its internal components.
It’s easier to prevent this from happening in the first place than to clean them up afterward. Use excellent, thick vacuum bags instead of inexpensive zip lock bags, and use sous vide clips to keep the sealing edge above the water. Keep an eye out for any bones or sharp edges in your food. Many Anova Nano users prefer CLR – calcium, lime, and rust remover when picking a detergent. It is said to be more effective than vinegar at removing build-up. However, you might want to start with a water and vinegar solution because it’s less harsh.
If vinegar isn’t cutting it and there’s too much limescale, try CLR. You can use your standard dishwashing solutions to clean fat and food particles from the Anova Nano, but don’t use too much in the water. Finally, consider switching to filtered or bottled water if you wish to clean your Anova Nano less frequently. That will not only prevent limescale from forming on the interior components but will also make cooking safer.
How Frequently Should You Clean Your Anova Nano?
You don’t need to clean your Anova Nano after each usage; a wet towel will be enough to keep the outside clean. However, you must watch for any build-up on the internal components, which will indeed occur if you use tap water. Depending on the minerals present in the water, they can be brown, black, or green.
Broken sous vide bag is another reason to clean your Anova Nano properly. In this scenario, wash your cooker as soon as possible because cleaning it after food chunks and fat have dried is considerably more difficult. Fat may get into some components of the Anova Nano because it is a gadget with an accessible internal circulator.
Is it necessary for me to clean my Anova Nano?
The quick answer is that you must clean your Anova Nano at least once every few months. The Anova Nano, unlike other circulators, can be opened to access internal components, which is particularly useful. That is useful if your stove has to be serviced, but it also raises the chance of fat, food, or water getting inside.
Don’t use strong chemicals or put them in the dishwasher if you need to clean your Anova Nano. The Anova Nano requires a particular cleaning solution that will not harm the internal components while also removing fat, food pieces, and build-up.
Frequently asked questions:
- What does the lo error mean in Anova Nano?
The ‘Lo’ error means that the water level has dropped below the minimum (MIN) mark.
Fill your vessel with more water.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this post has helped you figure out why your Anova Nano gives you the LO error message and how to fix it.
Keep in mind my suggestions for preventing this problem from recurring in the future. After all, there’s nothing worse than returning to your sous vide machine-hours later to discover your meal is only partially cooked!