So I Bought A Thermomix….

squonk · 02-02-2025 03:08PM #1

I’m posting this in case it helps anyone down the line. Honest reviews of this machine are hard to find as they’re swamped in tonnes of marketeer garbage.

I’d been thinking about getting one for a few years. I’d asked here to see if there were any owners and any feedback I got was along the lines that it just took the cutting steps out of a recipe and it was expensive and I can’t disagree with any of those.

For me, anyway I work from home, I want to be able to make dinner quickly in the evenings or also help out my mum with meal prep as she’s got arthritis. I had the flu at the start of January also which made me realise that, although I like cooking, sometimes you just want something quick without too much effort. The offer for this month was quite good so I figured I’d give it a whirl.

I’ve only had mine a few days and am very much at the baby steps phase but I’m so far impressed that I can make some decent porridge get breakfast without having to attend to a pot. I’ve made hummus which came out very nice and it’s the same with making hot chocolate. Set and forget. Next up I’ll make some soup to try that out.

Everything about the machine is very sturdy and works well. To be fair, for €1500 it really would want to.

The thing that really put me off thermomix is the whole “Consultant” schtick. Basically like a Tupperware sales model where you attend a demo in a home and they try to sell you a device. I didn’t attend one. I’d seen enough on YouTube to show me what to expect. I really do think this is the biggest issue with the thermomix because these consultants post plenty of content with glowing reviews and plenty of influencing rubbish. It’s extremely hard to find an independent review and when you do they aren’t overly great as there is a learning curve with the thing. I suspect it’s why they don’t sell the thing on Amazon or Curry’s etc. Firstly it’s too expensive but you need some guidance on getting used to the thing. I’d also say it’s to keep the prices up as well. There’s a bit of an Apple vibe in that Apple don’t sell discounted iPhones ever and so don’t Vorwoerk who make the thermomix.

I’ll add more as I get used to the thing if people are generally interested.

For now, all I can say is it does make things a bit easier but I can still see me doing things manually at the weekends when I would have more time. I’ll be honest the price is nuts and that’s a huge reason to not get one. I think if it cost €1000 they’d still be making a decent profit. It does what it does very well though and even heats up very quickly but for the price point you’d expect that anyway.

I’m not a consultant nor do I want to be ever but I’ll happily answer any questions if anyone has them. As I said at the outset, I want to give an honest impression of the thing as those are kind of hard to find amongst all the fluff. I’ll probably post some more later as I get used to using the thing. .

Dial Hard · 02-02-2025 03:26PM

Could you maybe post that in English next time, Squonk? 🤣

Joking aside, I'm not familiar with these, is it like a Ninja Foodi or Instant Pot or similar? Struggling to picture an appliance that could make hot chocolate quicker and more easily than a microwave, tbh.

We have a Ninja Foodi and it's grand, but I could easily live without it. I hate how much space it takes up on the counter too.

squonk · 02-02-2025 05:33PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123127440#Comment_123127440

Yeah, sorry about the typing. I’ll come back and adjust the previous post in. The Thermomix is nothing really like an instant pot or a ninja. I have an instant pot and love it. It’s a pressure cooker though. The thermomix is, for all intents and purposes, a fancy blender that can heat and cook food with a screen that can connect to a recipe service. You also control the machine through the screen. probably worth saying that the bowl capacity on the thermo is 2.2l Where as my instant? Potaa ctake up to 6 L. So if you’re trying to big crowd, probably are going to be annoyed with the thermomix.

the beer revolu · 02-02-2025 10:27PM

I like this thread because I'm interested in the phenomenon of the thermomix but I still don't understand why anyone needs/wants one. But people who have them love them (I've met one) and I know that professional kitchens use them. But I just can't quite grasp why. Perhaps it's just that I just don't have the specific needs and others do. People spend more money on machines that just make coffee, so I'm not judging people for spending money on an appliance if it is used. But are they really used the way a coffee machine or toaster or kettle or oven is used? I could buy several good quality blenders for that price that would probably each last decades. Someone explain this to me, please.

squonk · 02-02-2025 10:52PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123128908#Comment_123128908

You are dead right in what you are saying. Yes, you can buy a perfectly fine blender and it’ll do s as great job. I think the thermomix thing is that it heats. You can cook with it as well. As a blender is powerful and fast. It heats up very quickly as well. I totally get where you’re coming from. I was the exact same. I just couldn’t see why people would love them so much. What actually makes it worse is that a lot of the videos that you people trying to insert the thermomix into a workflow where making something actually ends up taking longer. With regard to usage, I find I’m using mine two or three. Certainly when I’m back to work next week it be used twice a day anyway. I think really makes a difference is that it’s an extra pair of hands And you can leave it to do things without having to worry about it. I wouldn’t say I’m at the point where I’m raving about it but it kind of feels like your favourite brand of that it does what you wanted to do very well but yes, the cost is crazy. I kind of saying it’s a birthday present to myself Because I’ve had a significant. I guess what I can really say is, help you, yes. Do you need it? Maybe not. You can certainly live without it but it’s handy to have.

the beer revolu · 02-02-2025 11:04PM

If it's used daily and lasts years , I wouldn't fret about the price unless I went into debt or was going hungry to buy it!

squonk · 02-02-2025 11:12PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123129054#Comment_123129054

Yup. That’s what I think. My big fear was it would gather dust.

deandean · 02-02-2025 11:20PM

Well done OP, wishing you lots of lovely meals out of your thermomix. I love my kitchen gadgets. Two Q's for you:

1. Dows it take up a lot of space on the countertop? I guess its heavy and you have to leave it in the one place?

2. Did you still have to go through a 'consultant' to purchase it - or can you buy direct?1

squonk · 02-02-2025 11:27PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123129105#Comment_123129105

It’s about the size of an air fryer. I thought it’d be bigger but it doesn’t take up much space. It’s also not very heavy either. The weight I think is 7Kg but it doesn’t feel like a massive chore to move and there are handles.

You can only buy them through a consultant. I was going to write about that experience. I found it a little disconcerting. The I was in contact with is very chilled and wasn’t really trying to sell me on anything. When I had a good about it, I decided I would go for it And she asked if I wouldn’t mind placing the order through another consultant friend so that he could fulfil his sales. I had no problem with that. He placed the order and I received a link where I paid for the device after that I received an invoice and confirmation unlike buying direct you consultant with any queries. What’s also annoying is that you have to verify that your address is correct before they place the order because the address can’t be changed apparently afterwards. That seems a bit stupid. Any queries about your order such as delivery time or anything else also has to go through the consultant it’s not a system I particularly like. I haven’t been in touch with my actual purchase consultant since, just my original consultant and she has added me to a WhatsApp list which is very helpful so yes, it’s kind of you’re handing over that amount of it’s a bit unusual.

Dial Hard · 03-02-2025 10:17AM

Seems a very peculiar sales model alright. Almost like an MLM or something.

What's the warranty on it, out of interest?

squonk · 03-02-2025 10:39AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123129738#Comment_123129738

yes, there are definitely tinges of MLM there. I don’t think the consultants however get kickback from the consultants they have recruited mind you I may be wrong because I don’t really care enough about that side of things.

The standard warranty is two years. I can’t see too much going wrong. Apparently every five or so years you will need a replacement blade. I think that’s something like €50 or maybe 70.

squonk · 03-02-2025 12:36PM

Biggest annoyance so far is that, while making soup warmer, the screen froze on me. It came back but isn’t what you want mid cook. It didn’t stop you ready as much as it holds you up 20 seconds or so. I checked up and the screen apparently gets a bit temperamental if splashed. It may be down to my using a damp cloth to clean it. It’s not ideal for a cooking appliance though.

foodaholic · 03-02-2025 12:59PM

I'm approaching my one-year anniversary with my Thermomix, and it has truly been a lifesaver for us. I work shift hours, and my partner is quite hesitant in the kitchen. With our Cookidoo subscription, my partner selects meals he finds appealing, and then it’s as simple as cooking by numbers. The kids especially love the new dishes he prepares!

For me, it has been fantastic for meal prepping—I haven't chopped an onion in nearly a year! I also find it invaluable for baking bread. My 12-year-old loves experimenting with it too.

I've joined a few Thermomix groups on Facebook that offer plenty of recipe inspiration. For instance, I would never have imagined trying parsnip soup, but it has now become a staple in our household!

squonk · 03-02-2025 01:51PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123130272#Comment_123130272

Yes, I kind of feel braver in the kitchen with it. I haven’t tried anything exotic yet but I know I can. I like to experiment but have no backup in terms of somebody to chop or watch a pot while I’m doing something else so the thermie gives me a bit of that freedom. Once I build up more confidence with it I think my residents will expand.

Great to meet another thermomix user here. I started this because it didn’t seem like there are many of us and I edge to share my experiences.

cobham · 03-02-2025 02:07PM

I like my soupmaker that produces soup in 19 mns with a "ping ping ping". It is the size of a kettle which is is basically with a blender in it as well.

munchkin_utd · 03-02-2025 02:22PM

It is "only" a fancy blender, with heating feature, with inbuild scales, and access to 1000s of recipes off their portal via the touchscreen, that you can also browse and select on your mobile - that costs 1400Euro odd

I was insanely sceptical about it before we got one, the main benefit my wife and her best friend were telling me was that it can make soup, or mashed spuds- after the exact same amount of peeling , so i wasnt really seeing the benefit.

We took the plunge nevertheless as the wife was convinced it'd make her life better, and now that we have it its used every day. If you ask me, the main benefit, and this is not really pointed out by the consultants, is that someone with a busy life juggling kids and work (at home) cannot fk up the dishes.

It guides you through the recipe and does the measuring and fine chopping saving a bit of hassle and time but for me the key benefit is that during the cooking it "stirs" your dish constantly and the heat cuts out after the designated time so its impossible to overcook or burn or boil-over or whatever. It takes the stress/ jeopardy out of cooking when youre under pressure. When youre using it you can nearly turn off your brain, just follow the instructions on the screen and the results will be decent.

As a bonus, as mentioned above, if youve kids then they will start using it to make deserts/ cakes/ bread or anything they fancy. The inbuilt scales combined with step by step instructions means its almost foolproof

Dial Hard · 03-02-2025 02:32PM

So, it kind of sounds like an appliance for people who just don't particularly like cooking? No offence whatsoever to those of you who have and like one! I dunno, though, it just seems it would cut out a lot of what it actually is I enjoy about cooking - browsing cookbooks, doing the prep and the mise en place, stirring and tasting as I go, etc. But more power to anyone who has one and if it's the difference between feeding your family a home-cooked meal or sticking a ready meal in the oven, then I guess it might (just about!) be worth the money.

The screen not liking getting splashed does seem like a rather basic design flaw, though. Our induction hob is the same and it drives me dotty. If I had €1,500 to spend on something for the kitchen, it would 100% be a gas hob!

squonk · 03-02-2025 02:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123130542#Comment_123130542

I wouldn’t say it’s a machine for people who don’t like cooking. I think if you like cooking you’ll do it anyway. I like cooking myself. It’s why I’m here. I love the process. I love learning new skills and improving the ones i have but that’s when I’m either in form for cooking or have the time. It’s a time saver for busy times and, as I’m finding out, once you set up a recipe and follow it, you can go away and do something else knowing that nothing will get burned or anything else will go wrong. I made soup earlier following a recipe that turned out lovely and I am thinking of making it manually outside of the thermomix using my stove or the instant pot to get a larger quantity. It does inspire you a bit. All that being said, it’s so quick to lash up a fresh batch in the thermomix if I need it.

Raichų · 03-02-2025 02:55PM

the main benefit of a thermomix for professional cooking at least is the ability to do many jobs with one unit.

The thermomix can blend, puree, heat, cool, etc it’s almost unstoppable. For example, when making a puree, the food should be hot so it blends easier. The thermomix allows you to set a temp and it will maintain that (up to a speed setting of 6 max granted) but it removes the need to heat the food first and then blend.

It’s very good at blending also which is another positive. Not as smooth as a VitaMix but bloody good never the less. I found the only main issue was the bowl isn’t that big. Also if the lids not on exactly how the machine wants it is a nuisance.

Cleaning it is also really easy because the blender bowl can be taken apart fully (blade included)— be careful of getting the pins wet or you will have issues with using it. If you put the blender onto the base with wet pins it’s a nightmare to dry them inside the base.

I wouldn’t bother with it for at home to be honest but they’re a right piece of kit tbh. Look after it and you’ll never need another blender in your life. I think you can also make ice cream with them— which is cool.

We used ours to make chocolate tuile etc as well so it can be used for dry blending also which some (vitamix ahem) require additional bowls purchased for those jobs. Great all round kitchen tool but I wouldn’t recommend it to majority for home as the price is very steep and there’s plenty of far more affordable options to do what most would need to do.

Enjoy it though OP, I can’t pretend if I could justify the money i wouldn’t own one at home 🤣

Raichų · 03-02-2025 02:56PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123130542#Comment_123130542

not at all. I love cooking, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I love wasting my own time.

foodaholic · 03-02-2025 03:16PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123130542#Comment_123130542

I know quite a few chefs who actually use Thermomixes in their restaurants. It can be a real time-saver during prep, eg making there own mayonnaise

There is a coffee shop near me and they have an old TM5 and make their cinnamon rolls from scratch each day in

Dial Hard · 03-02-2025 03:33PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123130667#Comment_123130667

Yeah, but as Raichu (who is a chef) has pointed out, there's a world of difference between a professional kitchen and a home one, and it just sounds a bit, I dunno… redundant, yet overkill at the same time in a home kitchen to me?

Anyway, this has all been an enjoyable lesson for me as I'd never even heard of them til this thread!

foodaholic · 03-02-2025 03:37PM

I've sent my OH on 2 cooking classes to no avail

He's finally cooking now so I will take that for the win !

It was great for the christmas prep this year - all the neighbours go christmas cookies

I even made the red cabbage this year instead of buying it from M&S

We even invested in a second bowl as we use it so much

Tree · 03-02-2025 04:05PM

I'm very curious if it can do caramel. That's the main thing that comes into my head when I hear about them. Hot to a set temperature and constant stirring? (the recipe I use for caramel squares requires about 20mins of stirring)

squonk · 03-02-2025 04:21PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123130800#Comment_123130800

Yes, it does make caramel. I haven’t done it myself yet but I’ve watched some YT videos on it. Trying to cut back on sugar so I’ll try it at some stage but I’m in no hurry right now

Raichų · 03-02-2025 04:25PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123130800#Comment_123130800

yes; here’s a simple enough recipe if you want to give it a go and see how it turns out

https://thermobliss.com/thermomix-salted-caramel-sauce/

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123130667#Comment_123130667

hugely popular in professional kitchens because they’re a multi use device which saves time AND space! The biggest problem with them; usually there’s only one and you can end up with a bit of a que for it. 😂

one kitchen I worked in you had to ask the chef for it and he’d only give it if you had a good reason because the thing was in such high demand; GM wouldn’t let him buy another one but to be honest we would’ve needed 3-4 to keep everyone happy. 🤣

Raichų · 03-02-2025 04:27PM

guys by the way; any of you who have a thermomix and a desire to make something really special (but without spending hours and hours) should check out Gronda app. It’s essentially an app where pros post their recipes etc and you can find a ton of thermomix recipes on there. What with valentines around the corner…

foodaholic · 03-02-2025 04:32PM

Thanks Raichu I'll definitely try it out

ive used it to make gourgeres - so quick. It really makes short work for kneading dough as well

the beer revolu · 03-02-2025 05:10PM

I must ask my chef pal what they use theirs in the restaurant kitchen for.

I still don't see any need for one in my life, though, irrespective of the price.

A example given was that it made spiced red cabbage. I make red cabbage every Christmas and all I use is a chopping board, a knife, a pot on the hob and a spoon. I'm not going to be getting rid of any of those things in a hurry and I reckon you'd still need the knife and board even with the TM.

squonk · 03-02-2025 05:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123130997#Comment_123130997

Yeah you need the knife and board in fairness but you can walk away while it’s making the red carnage and prepare sobering rise in that time.

Dial Hard · 03-02-2025 05:29PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123131034#Comment_123131034

You can walk away from loads of things and be doing something else while they do their thing, in fairness!

So I Bought A Thermomix….

Comments