How is “Tovala” pronounced?
It’s pronounced toe-VAH-lah. It’s a combination of the Italian word for table – tavola, and the Hebrew word for good – tov. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:44 pm EST
Can I use my Tovala to cook meals I prepared myself?
Absolutely. Our app allows you to precisely control cooking method, time, and temperature. You can even create your own cooking routine using multiple cooking methods! Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:44 pm EST
How long do meals stay fresh?
It will change for every meal, but most will last at least 5 days. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:44 pm EST
Can you freeze the meals?
We’re big on freshness, and the meals have been optimized for fresh cooking, so we don’t recommend freezing your meals. However, if you absolutely must do so, you need to thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:44 pm EST
How much will your meals cost?
We’re planning on pricing our meals between $10 and $15. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:52 pm EST
Can I put food in the Tovala in the morning before I go to work and use my phone to start it?
For food safety reasons, we would strongly discourage you from doing so with perishable Tovala meals or with any ingredients that are unsafe to leave outside of the refrigerator. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:52 pm EST
Is the Tovala a microwave?
No. The Tovala does not use any microwave technology. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:52 pm EST
I like my meat really well done. Can the Tovala cook it that way for me?
Yes, our app enables your Tovala to adjust for things like that! When you sign up we ask you for some basic preferences. As you rate meals and provide feedback, the Tovala will learn to cook just the way you like it! Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:52 pm EST
Can the Tovala feed a family of four?
Yes. Many of our meals are single dish, so you can fit four into a machine and cook them all at once! Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:52 pm EST
I live in a remote area – will you deliver to me?
Our goal is to deliver to the entire continental United States. While we aspire to do that by day one, it might take more time to serve the entire country. If you live in a very remote area or somewhere that does not regularly receive deliveries, please contact us directly. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:52 pm EST
What if I don’t enjoy my experience?
You’ll have 30 days to return your Tovala for a full refund. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:52 pm EST
Are you guys trying to replace home cooking?
No! We love cooking. Our founder cooks for our team all the time. We just want you to have a home-cooked meal on those days and nights when you’re strapped for time. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:52 pm EST
What happens if my wifi goes down while my Tovala is cooking?
As long as the power remains on, your Tovala will finish cooking the meal. The Tovala will need to reconnect to the Internet to scan and cook your next meal. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:52 pm EST
Will my Tovala oven work without internet?
You will be able to use Toast, Reheat, and your two custom functions without internet. An internet connection is required to scan Tovala meals, retrieve your preferences, and program your own recipes. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:52 pm EST
What happens if the power goes out while I am cooking?
If power is restored within 5 minutes, your Tovala will finish cooking the meal. If power is not restored within 5 minutes, the Tovala will not automatically finish cooking the meal because it may no longer be food-safe. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:59 pm EST
Are your trays good for the environment?
We have worked hard to make our meals earth friendly. Our trays are 100% aluminum, one of the most recyclable materials on the planet, and can be recycled with your aluminum cans. The covers are made of PETE (Recycle Symbol 1), which is very recyclable and accepted by almost all recycling programs. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:59 pm EST
Do you guys use organic ingredients? Local?
We are still building our sourcing and distribution model, but our goal is to use as many locally-sourced and organic ingredients as possible. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:59 pm EST
Do you have vegetarian options? Paleo? Gluten-free?
Yes we do! We will have a rotating menu each week that will draw off of dozens of meals, many of which are vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten-free, keto, etc. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:59 pm EST
Who are your chefs?
We are working (and have worked) with a handful of chefs across the country. Each brings many years of experience and a different skill set to the table. Ali Bouzari, Dan Felder, Cecilia Garza, Forrest Mason and others have all developed recipes for us! Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:59 pm EST
Do you guys have plans to go international?
Not at the moment – we’re focused on getting our product right for the continental United States. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:59 pm EST
How long does the average meal take to cook?
Cook times are always less than 30 min. The average is around 15 min. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:59 pm EST
Can you cook different meals together in the Tovala?
The components of a multi-tray Tovala meal are carefully paired for flavor and cooking profile. You should always cook multi-tray meals with their intended pairing. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:59 pm EST
What will be the calorie range of the meals you produce?
Our meals will range from 400-800 calories. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:59 pm EST
Can you serve offices?
Absolutely – the Tovala will ship anywhere in the continental US, and will ship for free on orders larger than 4 meal portions. Last updated: Wed, Mar 9 2016 2:59 pm EST
Current Estimated Shipping Date: December 2016
The ovens in our early shipment tiers are on track to ship before Christmas in December! For all others, they will be in your homes by March!
Last Updated At: 04/29/16What is BackerKit?
BackerKit is a service that crowdfunded project creators use to keep track of hundreds to tens of thousands of backers—from shipping details, pledge levels, preferences and quantities, whether they have paid or had their card declined, special notes, and everything in between!
The BackerKit software and support team is independent from the campaign’s project team—BackerKit does not handle the actual reward shipping. For more information about the preparation or delivery status of your rewards, please check the project's updates page.
How does BackerKit work?
After the campaign ends, the project creator will send you an email with a unique link to your survey. You can check out a walkthrough of the process here.
I never received my invitation. How do I complete the survey?
The most common reasons for not receiving a survey email is that you may be checking an email inbox different from the email address you used to sign up with Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account, or it may be caught in your spam filter.
Confirm that the email address you are searching matches the email address tied to your Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Tilt Pro account. If that doesn’t work, then try checking your spam, junk or promotions folders. You can also search for "backerkit” in your inbox.
To resend the survey to yourself, visit the project page and input the email address associated with your Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account.
How do I update my shipping address?
BackerKit allows you to update your shipping address until the shipping addresses are locked by the project creator. To update your address, go back to your BackerKit survey by inputting your email here.
When will my order be shipped, charged or locked?
That is handled directly by the project creator. BackerKit functions independently of the project itself, so we do not have control of their physical shipping timeline. If you want to check on the project’s status, we recommend reading over the project's updates page.
I completed the survey, but haven't received my rewards yet. When will they arrive?
As BackerKit does not actually handle any rewards or shipping, the best way to stay updated on the shipping timeline would be to check out the project's updates page.