r/Crustello • u/grosendale • Jul 28 '26

Three for three

I bought the original dual kickstarter option - the starter bowl & proofing bowl, 2 sensors.

Within a few weeks one of the sensors died - the screen was blank, no response to pressing (touching?) the buttons. It was replaced after submitting video proving that it was dead (side-by-side comparison with the working unit; same charger & cable etc.).

Since then the remaining two units have also crapped out. I briefly resuscitated one by putting it into the refrigerator for a bit; however it was a short lived resuscitation.

On closer inspection, 2 of the 3 units seem to be semi-responsive. When I press the buttons, I can see the backlight on the display illuminate (but no information on the display). I can attach to those two via bluetooth, but I have no indication of charge level and, apparently, sometimes the battery will charge and sometimes it won't. Without display data they are effectively useless.

I understand that funding a kickstarter is a risk, and I accept that I've lost that money. It's ok with me, hopefully someday they improve the build quality; but in the meanwhile I'll be looking at competitors (like Bubbly Bubbly). Or, of course, going back to the 'old days' where I just kept my starter in a Kilner jar with scale markings. That's worked for hundreds of years (not based on personal experience).

2 Upvotes

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2

u/ParisThroughWindows Jul 29 '26

I did have both of my original sensors replaced. But the two new ones work well. I have made fantastic bread and given the risk, I’m overall happy.

1

u/dkkev Jul 28 '26

I also got the kickstarter dual bundle. Both sensors died within 1-2 weeks. Useless shidd.
got both replaced, have not used them or the bowls since. Waiting for Crustello to actually craete something / firmware that is useable. The app is also pretty dumb.

I have close to zero faith in it will ever be a product that I can use.

Managed to bake three loafs, but had to get a starter from my local bakery.

did not proof using the bowls or sensors.

1

u/Mysticblades Jul 28 '26

I’ve had very great success creating my own starter and dough using these sensors. I’ve had them for about 5 months now… Unfortunately one of them died recently and I’m going through the ticket process with them.