Recently, I embarked on an exciting project to integrate my Anova Sous Vide Cooker into my OpenHAB setup. The goal was to monitor and control the cooker’s status directly through my smart home system, enhancing my culinary automation experience. Here’s how I made it happen and the delightful results!
The Setup
I started by identifying the necessary credentials to access the Anova API. After some research, I opted for a method that didn’t require rooting my phone, which was a relief since my device wasn’t rooted. Using a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack on my home WiFi network proved to be the straightforward solution. This approach allowed me to capture the necessary API credentials securely.
Rule Development
Next, I focused on creating a rule within OpenHAB to fetch and parse the Anova API data. The rule, named “Check Anova Status,” runs every minute to ensure real-time updates but respects the API by only making requests every five minutes when the cooker isn’t actively in use. This balance helps prevent unnecessary API calls while keeping the status updated.
Here’s a glimpse of the rule:
plaintext
rule “Check Anova Status”
when
Time cron “0 0/1 * * * ?”
then
// Code to fetch and parse Anova status
end
Parsing and Displaying Data
The rule fetches JSON data from the Anova API and parses it to extract essential information such as target temperature, current temperature, and whether the cooker is running. This data is then updated in OpenHAB items, allowing me to monitor the cooker’s status directly from my dashboard.
Handling Offline Status
One of the challenges was detecting when the Anova cooker was offline. By checking for a 404 error code in the API response, I could accurately set the cooker’s online status and update related items like current job ID and timer details. This ensures that my system always reflects the cooker’s actual state.
User Interface Integration
To make the integration user-friendly, I added the Anova status to my OpenHAB sitemap. Now, I can view and control the cooker’s settings directly from my phone or desktop, making it incredibly convenient to manage my sous vide cooking process without leaving my kitchen.
The Outcome
This integration has been a game-changer for me. It not only simplifies monitoring my cooking process but also allows me to set timers and adjust settings remotely. The ability to start or stop the cooker from my OpenHAB interface has added a new layer of convenience to my culinary endeavors.
Tips for Others
If you’re looking to integrate your Anova Sous Vide Cooker with OpenHAB, here are a few tips:
- Ensure you have the correct API credentials and understand how to securely capture them.
- Test your rule thoroughly to handle both online and offline states gracefully.
- Consider adding visual indicators or notifications for status changes to enhance user experience.
This project has been a rewarding experience, blending my love for cooking with the world of smart home automation. I’m already brainstorming the next device to integrate!
Happy cooking and automating! 
