I have a Thermomix. That sounded like a confession.
I’ve held off talking about it on my blog because the Thermomix appears to be one of those things that has the potential to divide people into groups — people who have them, and people who don’t — and I don’t really want to facilitate that. However, the time has come to do a frank review.
Nine months ago, my friend Liz from Lush Thermosphere turned up at my place with the Thermomix I had saved up for 6 months prior.
What IS a Thermomix?
Just in case you haven’t heard about it, essentially, a Thermomix is a kitchen aid that weighs, chops, kneads, mills, whisks, stirs, mince, cooks & steams. It comprises of a jug with a heating like elelment (a bit like a electric jug), and a cleverly design blade that will cut, stir or mix depending on what speed you set it.
My hesitations
When I first heard about the Thermomix I thought no, not for me. My main hesitations were thus:
- Price: just shy of $2,000 seemed excessive
- Size: with a family of 6 to cook for every night, I thought it would be too small
- Recipes: I didn’t want to have to re-learn to cook everything, giving away all my quick stable recipes
Why I bought one
After seeing Thermomix in action a few times, I began to change my mind. After many conversations with other users, I bought one. A few main reasons led me to this decision:
- Kitchen equipment: I’ve moved many times, so I keep things basic in my kitchen. When my last (cheap) hand beater broke a few years back, I didn’t replace it. So aside from my toaster, electric jug and slow cooker, I didn’t have any other kitchen appliances. Yes, I used to hand whisk my own thickened cream and egg whites. So by purchasing this machine, I didn’t feel like I was wasting other appliances.
- I don’t enjoy cooking so having something (anything!) to help me in the kitchen is welcome.
- Health: As I become more aware of food, I strive to cook more food from scratch and the Thermomix is great for this sort of thing.
What I like
Has the Thermomix lived up to my expectations? In one word: yes. I love that, while I still don’t enjoy cooking, I try more and make things myself that I would have purchased pre-packed. So for example, when making the children’s birthday cakes, in the past I would buy pre-made sponges to decorate. Now, I make my own cakes, like these two recent creations below made with a chocolate cake centre and cream cheese icing.
Other things I love about the Thermomix:
- I come home after picking the kids up from school and can have fresh hot cinnamon scrolls on the bench in 15 mintues or sorbet made from fresh fruit in 2 mintues.
- I make chicken stock (never done that before) and it makes my chicken noodle soup even more yummy. Food made from scratch using whole ingredients tastes better.
- I can set the timer to cook, and walk away and do something else.
- It’s easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Plus I don’t need as many items to cook a meal which means less cleaning up.
- It doesn’t have too many bits. I find it frustrating to have too many attachments for machines because it’s too fiddly.
- I make breadrolls, often.
- I can make risotto!
- It doesn’t take up a lot of room on my bench, and I like how I don’t need to get it in and out of a cupboard; it’s just there waiting for me anytime I need it.
- There are many recipes on the web and I find it easy to convert my regular recipes for the Thermomix.
- IT’S UBER FAST! Hand kneading takes 10 mintues; Thermomix takes 1 minute.
- It is big enough to make meals for my family.
- I use my Thermomix almost every day, and even sometimes up to 10 times a day. I’m only scratching the surface of what this machine can do, so there’s a lot of potential.
- I find myself making more of an effort with food and that makes me happy. For example, on a cold Winter night on the weekend, I’ll say, “Hey, I’ll make custard.”
- It easy enough for my older kids to use.
- One of my favourite things is the weighing function in the jug. It’s quick and fuss free (I rarely have to measure out cups anymore).
What I don’t like
After using the Thermomix for 9 months, these are the things I don’t like:
- While it does brown meat, you don’t get the same colour as if you use a fry pan.
- Setting the timer: This is only a minor picky thing, but to set the timer for longer periods means pressing the buttons multiple times as it goes up in increments.
- When I cook store bought mince (I haven’t tried mincing meat yet) it comes out a little too fine for my taste. I like it a bit more chunky. However, it still tastes fantastic!
- It is big enough for my family. However, when I want to do bulk cooking, I tend to use a combination of the stove and the Thermomix for different elements. The only thing I find it doesn’t cook enough of for my family is rice, so I continue to cook rice in the microwave.
- I’m still learning about the varoma (steaming) baskets (used on top of the Thermomix jug). I know there are many more ways I can use it, but it’s taking me longer to adapt to this aditional way of cooking.
- Cleaning after kneading dough or cooking things like custard is a little more tricky (but not hard).
- It is expensive. For me it’s been worth it, but it’s one of those big purchases you want to be sure about.
Should you buy one?
There’s no denying it’s a fabulous machine, and I think anyone could benefit from a Thermomix in the kitchen. However, I think it depends on what you want to get out of it. Some who like basic food preparation (eg. a piece of meat and salad/veges for dinner) and others who adore the entire process of cooking, perhaps wouldn’t utilise it so much.
If you want efficiency, don’t like cooking (or love cooking), have allergies, like the idea of cooking from scratch with whole foods, there’s huge value in having a Thermomix. Go to a demo, or have one yourself (seriously the best home party you could have: a few friends and the consultant cooks all the food!) to see what it can do, and ask around for other’s experiences.
Is it worth it?
Is it as amazing as the buzz? Well, for me, it’s made a HUGE difference to my cooking and the types of food I cook. I use fresher ingredients; try more; make more. My husband said to me one day in a cheeky patronising voice, “It’s good darling; your cooking HAS improved.” Ha!
So yeah, I love (LOVE) my Thermomix every. single. day.
94 Comments
Lucy
August 11, 2013 at 9:23 amHey Kelly – thank you so much for this frank review. I have been dithering for years over this machine. A friend recently was pushing me to have a demo at my house…and based on reading this, I think I now might relent and go ahead and look at the demo at least…xx
Michelle
August 11, 2013 at 10:15 amWhat a great and honest review of your experiences! I’ve had mine for about the same time frame and have since become a consultant, because I love how mine has changed my life so much for the better 🙂
To help you out with a few of your downside points:
• Press down and hold in the + button when setting the timer, it climbs up much faster and doesn’t keep beeping as it does when you press the button repeatedly.
• I was a bit scared of my Varoma at first, so I decided to find 7 recipes using it I liked the look of and just jump in and try them by having a Varoma meal every night. It worked a treat and gave me the confidence to use it well. I can highly reccomend the meatloaf 🙂 I was also suggest getting along to one of the new Varoma cooking classes, really helpful and I pick up tips at everyone even though I’m a consultant.
• Cleaning, if you don’t have a Thermomix cleaning brush definitely get your hands on one. The best way to clean bread dough off is under cold water so the dough doesn’t go all soft and clog your brush. It comes away surprisingly well under cold water. I then use a flexible sponge or HUD cloth and run it through the base of the blade and it cleans up really well.
It’s a learning journey and whilst easy to master the essentials well, I find I’m always discovering better or different ways to use it. Hands down the best decision I’ve ever made was to get one. Saved my sanity, especially at dinner time, when I got it my eldest was 3.5 years, middle child 3 and my youngest was 4 months old – so I needed a break & that’s what Thermomix was for me 🙂
Stephanie Johnstone
January 13, 2014 at 2:04 pmAlso if you use Turbo most of the dough flicks to the sides and you just spatula it out and add to the dough mixture so less wastage
Michelle
August 11, 2013 at 10:16 amMiddle child was 2, not 3 :/ Don’t know how I managed that!
Kerri
August 11, 2013 at 10:34 amI love my Thermomix too and like you, saved up for mine. A hint for setting the timer: after pressing the – button to set it to 1 minute, then just hold down the + button instead of pressing it multiple times. It will get to your desired time super fast 🙂
Jo Carson
August 11, 2013 at 7:02 pmFor easier cleaning, ask your consultant to get you a $5 TM brush. They are soooo worth it!
Sarah
August 11, 2013 at 1:40 pmI have had my thermie for about 2.5 months now and am still experimenting. I have had some epic fails and some wonderful successes. For the first couple of weeks I was wondering if I had made the right decision, but with time, practice, patience, and successes I am so happy with my purchase. Only last Thursday did I go to a Varoma Cooking Class and it was fantastic. I saw them make the meatloaf, cook a chickpea soup in the bowl while cooking a pumpkin, chicken and cous cous salad in the varoma, and they also made steamed lemon puddings. It was great to taste test these recipes too and has given me more confidence to try new things. I highly recommend going to a cooking class 🙂
Lynette
August 11, 2013 at 3:09 pmA tip for the mince cook the mince in the steamer basket with the sauce cooking in the Jug you get a much chunkier texture. Thank you for your honest review
Liv
November 14, 2013 at 4:21 pmThanks Lynette, great tip. I too like my mince on the chunky side.
Kirrilly
August 11, 2013 at 3:46 pmTo make it easier to get dough and custard off the blades (or anything, for that matter). Give it a wizz at Spd 7 or faster for a second or two. Flings it all off the blades and onto the side of the bowl for easy scraping
Alana
August 11, 2013 at 4:23 pmiv always wanted a thermomix…maybe one day!!
Barrie Meyer
August 11, 2013 at 4:36 pmTo make the Thermomix easier to clean we throw in a special brush
From the company with the sale of the unit and cleaning is easy!! I am very fussy about having it spotless!!
Amanda
August 11, 2013 at 5:51 pmlove your review and your honesty! thank you.
Corinna
August 11, 2013 at 6:43 pmI’m a Thermomix lover. Had mine for over 2 years and still it is used many times each day. Also with a family of 6 to cook for, I find it so easy and definitely big enough. I have followed other thermomix sites/blogs etc. but I really liked your review. Honest and truthful.
Gary Lum
August 11, 2013 at 7:05 pmGreat review. I’m still not convinced it’s worth it for one person.
debbie
November 14, 2013 at 7:40 pmGary check this website out – a cook book is coming out early next year by a consultant who actually lives by herself and wanted to show the benefits of having a thermomix cooking for one or two – Although we are a family of 5 I think this book would also come in handy for us – often we are cooking separate and quick meals due to fussy kids… but i thought you would be keen to see how someone is showing the benefits not just for the health conscience, families, allergies – it is an appliance that can be used in anyones home…
http://cookingjust4me.com
Gary Lum
November 14, 2013 at 8:41 pmThank you very much Kelly
Gary Lum
November 15, 2013 at 4:27 amSorry, thank you Debbie
Katrina
August 11, 2013 at 7:29 pmI love my thermomix. I wouldn’t be without it mow. I usually only cook for myself and i’m amazed at the quality of food it produces.
Fantastic review.
Andrea - Mum behind the Box
August 11, 2013 at 7:55 pmWell said Kelly, it doesn’t have to divide people, you can do things on other kitchen appliances. I think my favourite is that you can prep a meal set the timer and it will cook. Sort baths, homework, washing, clear benches etc, while it cooks food evenly.
Elizabeth
August 11, 2013 at 8:20 pmThanks so much Kelly! I think you have given a wonderfully fair review…though I confess it shows up my slackness in teaching the easy cleaning and timer setting, and mince tips. I guess the others have mentioned there are some shortcuts, but I will be sure to touch base and be a little more helpful! Glad to hear it’s been a daily pleasure. And yes, a bit more Varoma inspiration and there is a whole other world of fun and bulk cooking options. Looking forward to an in person hug!
Love Liz
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
August 11, 2013 at 8:46 pmLiz my friend, YOU have not been the slack one! Ha! You know how hard I am to pin down. I’m like the worst client ever! Ha! Thanks for introducing me to the Thermie. It’s added to the warmth of our family life. Until soon lovely lady. x
Elysia
August 11, 2013 at 8:38 pmI love my thermomix. I have had mine for a month. I use it multiple times a day. I spend more time in the kitchen but that is because I love cooking anyway and I LOVE how easy the thermie makes things. I just don’t like cleaning it multiple times a day. I also need to use the varoma more. But I have made an omelette and I do steam a lot of veges in it.
Sharon Devi
August 11, 2013 at 9:08 pmThank you for this review. I’ve been contemplating this for the last 2 years, believe it or not. I just can’t justify the $2000 price-tag, especially when you can get it for 2/3rds of the price in Europe, even in Malaysia, so I heard. At one stage, when the Aussie dollar was strong, you could get a brand new one from Europe for $1100 with shipping. ***sigh… Yes, I know about the warranty rules. I figured, they only give 2 years if you buy in Australia. Then, what?
Anyhow, on another note, I was surprised to read that you are still using your microwave? I would imagine that people who cook with the Thermie are health conscious.
If anyone is interested, here are some articles on the “Dangers of Microwave & Irradiation Dangers”.
http://www.mercola.com/article/microwave/hazards2.htm
http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/cook6.php
You can make up your own mind. I’m a cautious person. We progressively reduced our microwave used over 2 year period. I wanted to test whether I could live without a microwave. Yes, I CAN live without it. We haven’t touched our microwave for over 1 year now. It’s time to sell it, I think 🙂
debbie
November 14, 2013 at 7:36 pmAh but Sharon – I have heard you do indeed have a thermomix – is this true?
Libbie
August 11, 2013 at 9:37 pmHi there, a tip in regards to mince. Firstly you should definitely try mincing your own meat, my hubby likes the texture and taste heaps better than bought mince. Second, to keep the chunkiness either cook it on reverse or cook it in the basket, that’s what my Group Leader does. But I cook it in the bowl, it comes down to individual taste I think 🙂
And remember, use your consultant! That’s what we are there for, so put all your negatives or questions towards him/her and they will be solved 🙂
Jane
April 9, 2014 at 2:24 pmI am a besotted thermo owner and being 68 years old I have cooked for a lot of years and the thermo has really brought back my love of cooking. I think it is worth its cost. I do have one problem – I want to mince my own meat but whether I do it partially frozen or not the thermo seems to turn the meat into stringy mince. Is there a knack to avoid this or am I the only person who has the problem
Dale
August 12, 2013 at 11:48 amGreat review. I have had mine for 8 months and use constantly. My 5 year old is more than capable of using on her own (makes her own custard).
I would like to add a couple of things if I may. Whilst the price is high the saving I make from cooking from scratch will have the unit paid off in no time. I enjoy to cook but am in no way an expert for some reason this machine has inspired me to learn more. The after sale support I factored into the cost was also a selling point for me (no buying a processer and not know who to use all the bits). There are regular and VERY cheap cooking classes to help keep you motivated and you come away with so many tips. For example: The dough left on your blades after kneading… throw in a bit more flour, hit turbo and done Dough is shifted from blade to bowl.
I would not hesitate in buying one again
Chris Lawrence
November 15, 2013 at 10:42 amHmm, yeah. The whole “Your family will save money on food!” pitch was one I heard a lot before buying one for my wife. It’s a bit like a bloke saying that his family will save money spent on fish by him buying a boat. He just wants the boat. My wife just wanted the Thermy. There’s no money saved. 🙂
Jas
April 22, 2014 at 9:05 pmChris Lawrence, my husband tells me regularly how much money he’s saved by buying a boat (instead of buying fish) hahaha! My argument is that a thermomix guarantees dinner every night, a boat is a little hit and miss! Anyway we’re about to buy a thermomix so we’ll both have our happy toys and are apparently saving heaps of money 🙂
Kymmie @ a day in the life of us
August 12, 2013 at 5:02 pmHi Kelly! First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on making the top five at Kidspot. So exciting! I’m a stalked by nature, but here I am commenting, because I have a thermomix and love mine. Worth the money I say. And it’s changed the way I cook too.
Thanks for your honest review! x
Kirsten McCulloch
August 14, 2013 at 2:39 pmI don’t have one, and I do -sort of – want one. I don’t have a food processor at all (I do have a an electric handbeater which I got a few years ago and I *love* it – before that I too whisked my cream by hand, but I can tell you, i didn’t make a lot of meringues!).
I have a friend who has one and uses it all the time. She is gluten free, so it is great for her to be able to make all her flours up in seconds. On the other hand, a 2 year warranty for something that cost that much seems a bit ridiculous. The scales on my friend’s thermomix became unreliable shortly after the warranty ended, which sux, obviously.
Still, I would love to have one, if I happened to have a spare $2000 I wouldn’t rather spend on travel…
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
August 18, 2013 at 1:13 pmI tend to agree about the warranty…I think it should be a longer one, at least 5 years.
Anne-Marie
September 3, 2013 at 11:54 amHi Kelly and everyone else,
I am impatiently waiting the arrival of my Thermomix. This is what I did to make absolutely sure that I needed one: In December last year I decided to buy a SuperChef (http://www.maxika.com.au/) which cost just under $ 400.00 and came with a 2 year warranty. I had done a lot of research and knew full well that this was a very cheap Chinese-made version of the Thermomix and that there was no way it would last two years so was relying on getting my money back once it broke. Well, it lasted seven months in which I almost daily used it, often up to five times. When it died I took it back to the shop and was refunded the full amount. Not only did I loose nothing but it also showed me that yes, indeed I did not only “want” a Thermomix but that I would also use it and it wasn’t wasted money. Well, it is on order and will hopefully arrive this week. I can’t wait! Some of the things I haven’t tried yet is the stock paste including the chicken variety, coconut yoghurt and flavoured liqueurs. I have bought a whole stack of recipe booklets from Germany and can’t wait to start experimenting! 🙂
Mary
November 14, 2013 at 5:19 pmHi Kelly,
I took delivery of my Thermie yesterday. I wasn’t entirely convinced and decided to have a demo at home…I was convinced before the first dish was done! I spend a lot of time cooking from scratch because I really don’t like to use my children as little guinea pigs for the food manufacturers and their crytic numbers and ingredients and the long term consequences. My son also has a salycilate intolerance. Coupled with an active lifestyle, I was spending hours on the weekends preparing meals ahead. Today I came home, have made a bolognaise for dinner (with leftovers to freeze), and a batch of pear sauce. I am about to make some dough for bread rolls and then get a sauce on to freeze for use ‘another day’. Best part of all is less cleaning up! It has only been a day and I don’t regret my purchase for a second. For anyone who may be, like I was…’reading lots and nodding that it sounded good’…book in a demonstration because NO amount of us telling you will convince you without that demo.
Kylie
November 14, 2013 at 7:10 pmLove your honest review. I also think the warranty should be five years and I have found the aftercare service to be terrible. Other then that, I also really love my thermie and all that it can do.
Stephanie
June 8, 2014 at 5:39 pmHi Kylie
If you are not satisfied with your consultant ask Thermomix if they can allocate you another one. A good consultant makes all the difference.
Eleonora
November 14, 2013 at 7:26 pm“Setting the timer: This is only a minor picky thing, but to set the timer for longer periods means pressing the buttons multiple times as it goes up in increments”.
If you press the “-” timer button, it goes automatically up to 1 minute. After that, if you press “+” button it goes up from minute to minute. it’s not so uncomfortable!
Michelle
November 27, 2013 at 11:47 amAnd you can hold down the timer buttons so it goes up super fast!
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
December 12, 2013 at 7:58 amYes, it does…but it still bothers me. haha. I just think it would be so much easier to just program in whatever number you want (like the microwave)
Susie
November 14, 2013 at 8:00 pmWith you in every point. (Although the timer really doesn’t bother me. Lol). However, had a friend that only had hers for 4 weeks and sold it. She found she was almost looking for a quicker version of a slow cooker. I find meals are the least I do in it cause my kids are fussy. But like yourself, often in conjunction with stove top cooking. For example, I made shepherds pie today in true and tried recipe. I got the thermie to chop onion and veggies and then added to meat on the stove but whilst that was cooking I made the mashed potato in the thermie, quick and easy. Being a coeliac sufferer it has been wonderful to make my own bread and cakes. Although I must add I think I have out in weight with it as I can now make plenty of gluten free snacks and cakes that don’t cost me a small fortune.
Maria
March 17, 2014 at 1:27 pmHi Susie,
Just wanting to know as a coeliac person do you recommend this machine for fellow coeliacs? What do the breads/baked goods turn out like? Also, are you are more ‘clean eater’ as a result from using the Thermomix? I do not own one, but am considering it. As a coeliac I think it’s a great investment but not sure of the practicalities and the use in everyday cooking.
Karlee
November 14, 2013 at 9:16 pmHi Lovelies,
I have been rather fascinated with the celebrity of the Thermomix for some time now and your review has further cemented that I don’t want or need one!
I am a Mum of one (truly amazing 5 yr old daughter!) who is blessed to be incredible healthy and allergy free and I absolutely LOVE cooking – especially from scratch.
We live on a property in southern NSW and also run a business in our local town. My husband & I (& our daughter who attends school in town!) each commute @ 80 kms a day yet still enjoy (most nights!) coming home to cook dinner!
Our weekends can revolve around lighting the wood fired oven, kneading dough, rolling out pasta sheets, preserving tomato based pasta sauces, cutting ham and salami and vegies and cooking amazing pizzas …
I love the heart and soul of these experiences and I doubt a Thermomix could provide that for me!
Kate
June 7, 2014 at 12:14 pmSlow food the whole way! Sharing the food journey with your daughter – beautiful. Nothing like hand kneading bread with your little ones and seeing them cream butter and sugar for their very own first cake without appliances. And the excitement when they hold their bowl of stuff peaks over their heads. I get so much joy from moments like this that will be memories in years to come.
julie
November 15, 2013 at 1:05 amHow can I arrange a demo? I live on the sunny coast qld. Can any of your readers advise or make contact. Ph 07 54421267
Peggy
December 12, 2013 at 9:16 amHi Julie,
If you fill out this form: http://www.thermomix.com.au/join-contact-us/contact-us.aspx?contacttype=demonstration
your local Consultant will get in touch with you to arrange a demo. 🙂 Enjoy!
Chris Lawrence
November 15, 2013 at 10:33 amMy wife became deeply convinced she needed one of these things after a friend of hers drilled the idea into her and took her to a demo. After several weeks of my wife slipping Thermomix sales pitches into our conversations, I ended up agreeing to buying one for her. I agreed to buy it for two reasons: 1) I could tell that I would never be able to fully prize the idea out of her head and would probably regret trying to, and 2) I love her.
So, while I don’t actually use the thing myself, here’s an assessment of the Thermomix from a husband with very few culinary aspirations or interests.
First, some positives. Despite my fear that it would be a popular appliance for about a month and then just become an annoying waste of bench space and a sore point regarding the family budget, it has in fact had regular use for over a year now. I wouldn’t say it’s been in daily use, but if there’s a cooking session going on, it’s in action more often than not. The second plus for me is that despite all of this use, it has not once broken down or needed me to fix or service it at all. I’ve not had to look up the warranty information, or ring a hotline, or remind anyone of my rights as a consumer – it has just worked.
Now for some criticisms. There really was a nauseating amount of hype surrounding the lead-up to its purchase, and at the end of the day, it still seems to me to just be a well-made blender that can also produce enough heat to cook what it has blended. $2000 could have also bought me a ride-on lawnmower which also chops stuff, gets used regularly and saves a lot of time. Except that it’s also a vehicle and you can ride it around. It was prophesied that it would replace 20 other appliances and yet not a single one has vanished from the kitchen cupboards. Granted, some of the other appliances have been used a lot less than before, but the Thermomix sadly can’t make me a toasted sandwich, cook a crumpet, fry up some bacon and eggs or roast a whole chicken. It is, however, excellent at turning any type of food into a warm purée – something I have generally been happy to do with my own teeth. It was also insinuated several times that it is “self-cleaning” or at the very least, “easy-clean”. Dubious about this claim at the time, I wisely put a single condition on purchasing it. The condition was that I would not wash-up any part of it, unless it was in an effort to make it look nice for an eBay photo. Not surprisingly, several parts of it do need to be washed up, and there are very particular ways of doing it so as to avoid diminishing its super-powers. My wife’s frequent warnings not to approach the jug with anything metallic or abrasive has helped to justify my opinion that I am not in anyway qualified to use or maintain such a sophisticated piece of German engineering. Any efforts on her behalf to change this opinion and involve me in any Thermomix training sessions have so far been deflected by me offering to show her how to operate and service my chainsaw in return. With only one person qualified to wash it up, the jug does tend to spend a lot of time “soaking” next to the sink.
In summary, while the price tag and the promotional spin has certainly tainted my attitude towards the product, I am actually quite pleased with the purchase overall. And, as the old saying goes, ‘happy wife, happy life!’.
John
December 1, 2013 at 5:37 pmChris, your review had me in stitches! Thank you!
As the husband of a wife who’s keen on getting one, I relate to everything you say, particularly the nauseating hype. I think it may well be useful and save time (we have 2 little ones), but it sh*ts me that the warranty is so short, given the price tag and declared quality of the product. For this reason, I am not willing to fund the purchase. Thermomix maker, I wonder how many more potential purchases of your product you’re losing out on because of this.
Frogdancer
May 27, 2015 at 7:45 amI just bought a 30K car and it only has a 3 year warranty.
Perspective, people…!
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
January 9, 2014 at 4:51 pmChris, I love that you wrote this. Made me laugh…a lot.
Kristen Beever
November 15, 2013 at 10:54 amI agree with your review.
I held off for 18 mths after I first saw a Thermomix wondering if I’d get the use out of it to justify the price, but then I dove in and I haven’t looked back. It’s awesome. We have semi regular demo/cooking classes where I live and they are always inspiring.
Wing
December 11, 2013 at 6:49 pmI have been reading many blogs on this topic and have been debating for a few months now about whether to go ahead and get one or just dream about one. One thing I have noticed is there are no comments about the machine needing servicing. Has anyone had any issues with the machine after a short period of owning one, or perhaps after it has passed its short 2 year warranty? Plus, I am currently living in a country that uses 220v and our home country uses 120v. Will that make a difference in the machine’s capability? Has anyone ever tried to use a transformer? Will I still be covered by the warranty if I leave the country where I buy it from? I have read that someone said they take it wherever they go but that’s probably within the same country. Does anyone have issues with this? I’m also sure that the plugs are different too. I would love to have this as a X’mas present since that is just around the corner, but will it be worth it if I should need to move to another country? So, this is my dilemma.
Anita
January 4, 2014 at 11:15 pmHi Wing, Have had my thermomix for about 7 years and no problems, nor has my friend that got me onto it. It is used at least once daily (to blend smoothies and juices) and often more often. I took it away for the first time this summer but that was because we travelled interstate; not sure I’d take it overseas with me. Even after all these years, still discovering many new and wonderful things to use it for, from simply poaching eggs to making my own ricotta. I like to cook (understatement) but I imagine a thermomix would be just as useful to someone that doesn’t, particularly if you have a family to feed. Check out my food pics on http://instagram.com/myfoodsafari
Deb
December 12, 2013 at 8:37 amIt looks good, but our diet is based on meat and vegetables which are easy enough to cook without one.
We don’t eat bread, rice, pasta, or sugar…. So when you take the baking element out of it, it’s not worth it.
Kirsten
December 12, 2013 at 9:16 amI am looking forward to your Aldi version comparison reveiw, to see if this much cheaper version is worth it!
Veronica Neal
December 12, 2013 at 11:30 amI am comforted by your review….I am expecting delivery of my thermomix any day now and it was a bit of an agonising decision!!
I had seen and heard of them on facebook and then my daughter had a play date with a preschool friend and the mum had one….it was like 20 questions from me…the poor lady! A few weeks later this same mum had a veroma demo at her house and invited me along.
I went home and told hubby all about it at a million miles an hour. The 12 months interest free was the clincher.
So here I am awaiting its arrival somewhat anxiously!! We are heading away for 12 days after Christmas and I have insisted that it come too!!!!
Thank you for your review..!!
Easy Cupcake Recipe
February 6, 2014 at 10:22 pm[…] the cupcake recipe I’ve been using for a long time. Now I have a Thermomix (you can my review of the Thermomix if you’re interested) I’m converting some of my favourite recipes over and below […]
James
February 9, 2014 at 11:17 amHi It’s interesting you say you don’t like to cook
I really think the Thermomix suits different personalities, particularly people for whom cooking is not a natural obsession.
My wife is more of a gen y and while does enjoy cooking isn’t the sort to be embedded in the kitchen. The reason for writing is that this thing has been a revolution at our place. The immediate flavor we love in Thai food for example is now apparent in a lot of what we eat as it is recently chopped/blended. It is quick and the gen y love this aspect. It has inspired and facilitated daily experiments and momentum for cooking
We used to and still do share a lot of cooking pretty much 50/50 but the balance is swinging.
So fella’s if you are the bread winner and you are thinking 2k is a lot and it is, I can give you confidence because you’ll taste the best of things ever, without the risk of factory processing and packaging toxins . It becomes ‘owned’ and a generator of enthusiasm for food and cooking. It seems to do a lot more than I anticipated when thinking ok a very xy blender.
We took it to help make a wedding cake ( never again). It fits in carry on but is pretty heavy to lug around and a bit vulnerable even in the carry case. If on a long holiday in the same place could be good to have though for sure. Take the blades out for travel although we were permitted in carry on on one occasion when we forgot- got lucky I think.
James
Pam Tully
February 26, 2014 at 2:37 pmFunny how I read so many comments regarding the 2 year warranty on a Thermomix when so many kitchen appliances only come with a one year warranty , then if they break they go in the bin. A motor vehicle can cost more than 20 times the price of a Thermomix, yet usually only come with 3-5 year warranties. Look at your standard smart phone, no customer back up or service and maybe only a one year warranty, why the complaining about 2 years?
Kerrie
March 29, 2014 at 12:26 pmIf you don’t like fine mince, try cooking the mince separately in the steamer basket and just add it to the rest of the meal at the end 🙂
Tanya
March 29, 2014 at 6:11 pmI have had my Thermomix for 18 months and love it. You still need to be organised and meal plan but I found a fabulous site called Quirky Cooking on Facebook and it has revolutionised the meals I make and things I am prepared to have a crack at. Well worth a look. It’s also great to regularly attend the cooking classes and swap info with other Thermie users. There is a cheeky way to clean the bowl with egg shells (just google it).
Cate
March 29, 2014 at 6:48 pmThe $2000 price tag is preposterous consumerism in the extreme. If readers are pondering this purchase consider instead doing something useful with at least half of the cost – maybe donate to a charity that feeds starving children or deposit it into your child’s education fund.
Kate
June 7, 2014 at 12:20 pmAmen.
Bek @ Just For Daisy
March 29, 2014 at 7:20 pmThanks for an honest review Kelly 🙂 I have absolutely no desire to own a thermomix… I love the way I cook now and the appliances/pots and pans that I use suit me and my family perfectly!
I do love that it seems there’s a common thread amongst those who weren’t cooking from scratch or didn’t enjoy cooking who now do… because of the thermomix…that’s cool!
I just know for our family it would not be filling any need that is not already being met… 🙂
PS. You really should cook that rice on the stove lady! 😉 No more microwave!
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
April 1, 2014 at 4:06 pmI’ve reduced using the microwave heaps…but,but,but with rice…it’s the only way I can make it perfect. I have tried the stove top but I burn the bottom and it’s all gluggy. :/
Tips?
Bek @ Just For Daisy
April 1, 2014 at 7:05 pmYes we’ve tried to cut out microwave cooking. We now only use it for emergency defrosting and reheating… but I’m trying to cut that out too! We’ve thought of taking it out of the kitchen altogether and just seeing how we survive!
Tips… well, we used to have a plastic microwave rice cooker… until my brother in law told me his version of the absorption method.
So it’s basically one cup rice to 1 1/2 cups water. His way to measure was to put his finger in the rice.. then let the water run until it was that height again, does that make sense!?! 🙂
Then put it on a high stove top, let it come to the boil. Once it’s boiling slide it across to another hot plate set to low, cover and allow to cook for 10 minutes. We literally set the timer and leave it. And come back to perfect rice every time! 🙂 🙂
See how that goes?!
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
April 3, 2014 at 4:26 pmThanks so much Bek. I’ll give it a go!
Ck
September 14, 2014 at 12:53 pmRice cooker!
Annie
March 29, 2014 at 7:30 pmAs a mum of three kids aged 5 or less, I’ve found having a Thermomix is helpful. It has encouraged me to get more organised, plan a weekly menu and cook more foods from whole ingredients. I’ve cooked things I would never have tried like before like bread, dips, pasta sauces, whipped mash potato and hollandaise sauce. It’s handy for playdough too. It can’t shop or clean up though. For the price tag that would be good!
Monica
April 29, 2014 at 7:34 pmDon’t waste $2k on this. Everything plastic is inferior in quality & breaks. The cook books are ridiculous. The food typically looks like brown slop, great if you intended every meal to be brown slop. Sure you can make bread, but who’s got the time to clean the damn thing after & for a loaf that’s gone in a sitting. What cook book has like 37 ingredients & takes 3 hours, thermomix! If you’re thinking about it, the reason why you haven’t bought already is that your conscience is telling you “No!” Folk who buy it, including me, tell myself time & time,e again that it’s great in the faint hope it may come true. Save your coin!
Kate
June 7, 2014 at 12:34 pmRefreshing and honest. I find it bizarre that this appliance claims to replace every other appliance and makes our lives so much healthier. It can not replace my beautiful cast iron saucepans that I inherited from my mother and will pass on to my girls. A casserole will not brown or taste as good as anything cooked in my pots slowly in the oven. I think the healthiest thing I can do is slow down and take the time to teach my children to cook properly. Perhaps people resort to the thermomix because they never learnt to cook. There are an abundance of community cooking classes to solve this problem. The friends that have demos get freebies and cheapies off other purchases. The fact is to real foodies food made in a thermomix is not up to the same standard of food cooked from scratch and with time.
Cinnamon Scrolls Recipe (4 Main Ingredients)
May 24, 2014 at 1:39 pm[…] On a cool afternoon, I sometimes make a batch of cinnamon scrolls for the kids after school. They can be ready in under 20 minutes! The recipe I use is adapted from the Thermomix Forum. I make it with no icing (because it’s sweet enough) and converted to a non-thermomix method too. (If you want to read my review about the Thermomix, it’s here). […]
Cinnamon Scrolls Recipe (4 Main Ingredients) | Social bookmarking
May 24, 2014 at 1:59 pm[…] On a cool afternoon, I sometimes make a batch of cinnamon scrolls for the kids after school. They can be ready in under 20 minutes! The recipe I use is adapted from the Thermomix Forum. I make it with no icing (because it’s sweet enough) and converted to a non-thermomix method too. (If you want to read my review about the Thermomix, it’s here). […]
Pippa Buxton (@littleeconest)
June 12, 2014 at 2:13 pmI would love you to read my Thermomix review post Kelly 🙂 I have loved reading all the comments on your post too. Helps to feel that I’m not the only one who isn’t quite sure yet! http://littleeconest.com.au/blog/thermomix-review/
Lego Play & Storage: Brikbag Review
August 3, 2014 at 12:46 pm[…] Thermomix Review […]
The Time I Used To Laugh and Poke Fun at Thermomix Owners… | Daisy Roo and Two
September 2, 2014 at 11:55 am[…] to lay down just shy of $2000 on a kitchen appliance and WHO DOES THAT?! – definitely start here with Be a Fun […]
Nigel Wiseman (Taiwan)
September 13, 2014 at 2:03 amI have not yet bought a Thermomix, but it fascintates me. I spent 5 hours today watching Youtubes about it. As an Englishman living permanently in Taiwan, I cook mostly Chinese food, and occasionally Western food. I use an electric pressure cooker to cook brown and cook western-style beans from scratch. I use a hologen with a bamboo basket steamer to steam ready made bread buns (baozi) and to steam vegetables like okra and peppers for chinese-style cold amuse-bouches (or is it abuse-mouches?). I use a blender for healthy morning smoothies, and a Korean slow grinder for making sesame paste (used in dresssings for Chinese cold noodles) and for making hummus and pesto. Thermomix interests me because it is purported to be able to (a) make stir-fries; (b) reduce the fuss of making smooth thick soups like pumpkin soup; (c) steam veggies; (d) make smoothies; (e) make sesame paste; (f) make hummus and pesto (favorite Western dishes for me as a largely vegetarian eater).
My questions are: (1) Are the smoothies smooth enough (Thermomix has 10,000 rpm, only a third of Vitamix rpm)? (2) Since the temperature settings seem to be from low to 100 degrees centigrade (boiling point of water), with an extra setting of 120 degrees C (varoma), I wonder if the frying temperature is even hot enough for cooking onions (as for soups and stews), let alone doing stir-fries.
Furthermore, I wonder why the Manufacturer, Vorwerk, limits the cooking time to 60 minutes. A longer cooking time could make Thermomix replace a slow cooker (for certain things, as least). Beef heel needs two hours, and many Chinese soups (such as chicken) require 1 hour plus.
Many of the reviews suggest that Thermomix is great for people who don’t like cooking and who live on preprepared TV dinners, because it enables them to learn how to cook from scratch. I cook every day and teach Chinese medicinal cookery. I can chop a clove of garlic into 500 pieces in 50 seconds with a Chinese cleaver (and have no need of a fancy array of German knives designed for silly specific purposes, thank you). What I need is simply less gadgetary on my countertop, and a machine that performs purported functions well (I am not looking for something that cooks a main dish + plus rice/potatoes + vegetables to create a complete meal). For me, if Thermomix can produce a good smoothie, good pesto, good hummus, steamed vegetables, and a quick veggie stir-fry, I would certainly buy one. I don’t want something that does everything, but does nothing well.
clara
December 2, 2014 at 7:13 pmI bourght my thermomix 2 years ago, recently i notice one of the timer button rubber break, Is there anything i can do about it. thanks