My Joule is noisy or making unusual sounds

Some noise from Joule or variation in motor speeds is typically no cause for concern, but we know it can be unsettling.

First try modifying your cook setup. I.e: try a different water container, change the surface which the water container is on or put a pad underneath, try changing the position where Joule is setting in the container or where it is clamped to.

Louder than expected noise can happen when Joule stands in the bottom of a pot and that pot sits on the right kind of surface. Essentially, the quiet vibration of the motor is transferred through the pot onto the counter and the entire counter amplifies the noise like a speaker. A soft trivet between the pot and the counter will often dampen the sound.

The shape of the pot can also make a difference in the sound. With some pots, the shape and fullness of the pot itself amplifies the noise from Joule, making it much louder. For example, we use stainless steel asparagus steaming pots for a lot of Joule testing at ChefSteps, and they can make Joule louder just by how they direct the noise (sort of like the way an old-fashioned gramophone amplified the noise of the vibrating record needle). Trying out a different cooking vessel and using a cover might make a big difference.

Make sure that your cook setup is not pushing askew or forcing undue pressure on Joule's foot.

Electrical power fluctuations may also have an effect on the motor noise. Try using Joule on a different, clean, grounded electrical circuit and make sure no other high-power drawing appliances are running on the same circuit as Joule (microwaves, toasters, electric kettles, hair dryers, space heaters, etc.)

Otherwise, please try the following to troubleshoot:

1. Use the manual temperature setting mode to set your Joule to 20c/68f.
2. Wait one full minute and then observe whether the sound still appears to be happening.
3. If you still hear the noise, please let us know and we will move forward from there. If you no longer hear the noise, please follow the following steps:
   • Initiate a full cleaning of your Joule with vinegar. For noise, we recommend doing a longer vinegar circulation bath for 20-30 minutes.
   • Once the cleaning cycle is complete, check the inside of Joule by first ensuring that the foot of your Joule is cool, then removing the foot and propellor. Check to make sure the entire internal heater surface is clean and clear of any buildup.
   • Upon completing this check, please put the propellor back in place and screw the foot back on. This should resolve the issue! If it doesn't, please feel free to open a support ticket below and please send along a video or audio recording so we can take a listen.
     
     

Related articles:

• My Joule won't circulate or is not heating.
• What should I do if Joule is reporting a “low water level” error?
• What should I do if Joule reports a power loss?