Home » Misc » Thermomix worth it

Thermomix worth it


Is a Thermomix really worth it? We tested one to find out

JavaScript is disabled
If possible, please enable JavaScript for an enhanced experience on the CHOICE website.

Whether you’re forking out for the original or a competitor, this is no impulse buy. We help you decide if this machine is for you.

Pru Engel

Last updated: 09 September 2022

Need to know

With its hefty price tag of more than $2000, adding a Thermomix to your kitchen collection is a significant investment. Now that there are plenty of competitor all-in-one machines also available at a range of prices, it's important to weigh up all your options before you buy. 

Is a genuine Thermomix really worth splashing the cash on? Are you going to use it every day and really get your money's worth, or is it another of those appliances that is going to sit neglected at the back of your cupboard gathering dust?

IMPORTANT UPDATE: 31 August 2022 Thermomix manufacturer Vorwerk has issued a safety notice about the TM5 and TM6 machines, due to the TM6 cup potentially allowing dangerously hot food to spill under certain circumstances.

The TM5 Thermomix has now been superseded by the latest model, the TM6.

What is an all-in-one kitchen machine?

All-in-one machines, such as Thermomix, combine multiple features such as slow-cooking, food processing, steaming and mixing, letting you make thousands of different recipes from homemade bread and curries to pasta sauces, stock pastes, yoghurt, ice cream and nut butters.  

"All-in-one appliances combine several appliances into one, which can free up precious cupboard and bench space," says CHOICE home economist Fiona Mair. 

In fact, the latest Thermomix model has a compact design that takes up only slightly more surface area than an A4-sized sheet. 

"This style of appliance is great for people who are just starting out setting up their kitchen or for keen cooks who want to get rid of multiple appliances in favour of just one," says Fiona. 

Our CHOICE home experts have tested the latest Thermomix model, the TM6, in the CHOICE kitchen labs as part of our review of all-in-one machines. 

The machines we tested range from budget brands such as the Kogan all-in-one machine priced at $350, through to the mid-range KitchenAid Cook Processor at $799, and up to the higher end of the price scale, with models such as the Kenwood kCook Multi Smart at $1699 and the Thermomix TM6 at $2269.

What can a Thermomix do?

The Thermomix TM6 does the job of more than 20 appliances, allowing you to chop, beat, blend, whip, weigh, mill, knead, mince and more. You can use it to whip up everything from banana bread and scones to butter chicken, pumpkin soup, pizza dough or mashed potato – the recipe possibilities run into the many thousands.

The TM6's Wi-Fi connectivity gives you access to 50,000-plus recipes from the touchscreen.

Here are just some features of the Thermomix TM6: 


The Thermomix is designed to help you whip up a dizzying array of dishes, including soups and stews.

CHOICE experts review the latest Thermomix

CHOICE kitchen expert Fiona Mair notes that the standout features for her that differentiate the Thermomix from other cheaper models is its general performance, and its pre-programmed recipes and Wi-Fi connectivity that gives you access to a huge database of step-by-step cooking guides and recipes. 

"When it comes to all-in-one appliances, you get what you pay for," she says. "Cheaper all-in-one appliance brands such as Aldi's Mistral and Kogan have limited instructions and recipe guides as compared with the more expensive brands, which can be an issue if you've never used an all-in-one appliance before.

"Using one of these appliances is a different way of cooking and preparing foods, so initially you'll need guidance and specific recipes. These are features that the more expensive brands are better at delivering.  

"If you're considering buying an all-in-one machine to replace most of your kitchen appliances, my advice would be to choose a brand that has excellent instructions with basic recipes, plus continued support and updates."

CHOICE tip: In our full review of the Thermomix TM6 we compare it with other machines, including the TM5 Thermomix, to give it a detailed score on performance, how easy it is to use and safety.

Our kitchen experts used the TM6 Thermomix to make honeycomb, following a recipe in the Cookidoo recipe database.

Reasons to buy a Thermomix 

Reasons to avoid a Thermomix

Is the Thermomix safe to use?

Thermomix in Australia was fined $4.6 million in April 2018 for misleading customers about the burn risks of their TM31 model. At the time, CHOICE testing had found the TM5 Thermomix to be an excellent all-in-one kitchen machine but we suspended our recommendation due to substandard customer care. 

As a result of the fine, Thermomix offered to upgrade any customers who had bought the TM31 model between July 2014 and 23 September 2014 to the newest model at the time – the TM5. The ACCC allegations about the potential safety risk in 2014 did not relate to the Thermomix TM5 or TM6.

Although the TM6 performs well in our tests, we would like to see a safety cut-off for speed when heating above 60°C before we recommend this product

CHOICE kitchen expert, Fiona Mair

Our kitchen experts agree that the TM6 model includes improved safety features, but there are still some concerns in case users choose to operate the machine manually.  

Fiona says: "The new safety feature in the latest TM6 model is that it will deactivate the temperature if the user exceeds speed 6 when using the heat setting manually. This is still an issue if the contents have been heated to 100°C, as it's still able to blend the very hot contents at high speed, which presents safety concerns.

"Although this product performs well in our tests, we would like to see a safety cut-off for speed when heating above 60°C before we recommend this product."

Thermomix issues safety notice in August 2022

Thermomix manufacturer Vorwerk issued a safety notice about the TM5 and TM6 in August 2022, saying it had observed a "few cases" where, under certain circumstances, the use of the TM6 cup in the machine could cause uncontrolled spillages and potential burns. They advised owners of both the Thermomix TM5 and TM6 models that they should use the simmering basket instead of the TM6 measuring cup when cooking at temperatures of 95°C and above to avoid any dangerous issues.  

CHOICE believes that although the Thermomix manufacturer has been proactive in dealing with the safety issue, the solution they have offered is imperfect and consumers may be entitled to a refund under Australian Consumer Law. 

What do Thermomix owners say?

CHOICE staff member Clarissa has owned a Thermomix for seven years and says she uses it at least once every day. 

"I use it for loads of things – smoothies, baking, cooking sauces and dips and things like dukkah," she says. "Today I will be making pizza dough and pizza sauce for homemade pizza. I also frequently do all-in-one meals (bangers and mash all at the same time is a favourite in our household)."

Of the expense, Clarissa says: "It is expensive, however, if I were to break it down and weigh it up against how often I use it, I would say it is probably worth it. I would be curious to try a cheaper competitor as well, though."

Another staff member and owner Kate says: "I bought a Thermomix when my youngest was a baby and I used it quite a bit because I was home all the time. I really like the built-in recipes as it makes it super easy to use, although we don't use it that much for cooking full meals. 

"Despite not using it every day, I do think the expense is worth it. Whenever I do use it, I marvel at its simplicity and functionality. Not needing to get out a bunch of chopping boards, scales, multiple bowls, pots and pans etc. is amazing." 

I use it for everything: cooking main meals, grinding, making smoothies, mixing dough and more. It is also great for kids to use with minimal supervision

Thermomix owner Karen

Thermomix fan Karen is onto her second machine – her first she owned for 13 years before upgrading recently to the newest model. 

"I use it for everything," she says. "Cooking main meals, grinding, making smoothies, mixing dough and more. It is also great for kids to use with minimal supervision. 

"If you broke the expense down to a cost per year, my Thermomix would cost me $140 per year so far, so I think it's worth the investment, as opposed to buying a cheaper machine that you have to replace every couple of years.

"This type of cooking is not for everyone, but you really need to see it in action before you dismiss it."

Where can you buy a Thermomix?

You can't buy a Thermomix from a standard retailer. They're sold by independent consultants, who hold 'Cooking Experiences' in home and workplaces to show the features of the machine. 

Once you've bought one, your consultant will deliver your Thermomix for an introduction, and the consultant is supposed to be available for advice, ideas and assistance with your machine.

If you don't want to buy one through a consultant, you're now able to buy one online through the Thermomix website. 

We care about accuracy. See something that's not quite right in this article? Let us know or read more about fact-checking at CHOICE.

Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.

Thermomix issues safety notice about the TM5 and TM6

An important safety notice has been issued worldwide for use of the Thermomix TM5 and TM6 by its German manufacturer Vorwerk Elektrowerke.

Owners of both the Thermomix TM5 and TM6 models have been advised they should use the simmering basket instead of the TM6 measuring cup when cooking at temperatures of 95°C and above to avoid the risk of uncontrolled spillages and potential burns.

CHOICE believes that although the Thermomix manufacturer has been proactive in dealing with the safety issue, the solution it's offered is imperfect and consumers may be entitled to a refund.

The TM6 measuring cup.

TM6 cup can spill dangerously hot food

On Vorwerk's Thermomix Facts website the company states, "We have observed a few cases in the market where a problem has arisen when using the Thermomix."

The company explains that when the standard measuring cup is inserted in the Thermomix TM6, it fits tightly in the lid, preventing it from falling out when the mixing bowl lid is removed. The measuring cup on the TM6 is designed so that sufficient steam from the mixing bowl can escape at the edges when cooking or simmering. 

However, during the cooking process or when following certain recipes, ingredients can float to the top, become compressed and prevent steam from escaping. 

Pressure can build up in the mixing bowl during cooking or simmering, which can lead to a sudden and uncontrolled spillage of hot food

Consequently, increased pressure can build up in the mixing bowl during cooking or simmering (or heating at temperatures of 95°C / 200°F and above), which can lead to a sudden and uncontrolled spillage of hot food, which can cause burns.

TM5 owners should check their cup

This situation does not arise if a TM5 measuring cup is used, as the measuring cup for the TM5 sits loosely in the lid of the mixing bowl. Users of a predecessor model should check if they are using a TM6 measuring cup. If you own a TM5 and have never upgraded your measuring cup to a TM6, then the warning won't apply.

You can differentiate between the TM5 and the TM6 measuring cups as the TM5 cup is clear, and the TM6 cup is a solid dark grey.

What Thermomix users need to do

The new guidance from Thermomix states that when cooking (simmering) at temperatures of 95°C or above (200°F), the simmering basket should always be used as the 'lid' instead of the TM6 measuring cup. The simmering basket rests loosely on top, is steam-permeable, and also prevents food spatter from the mixing bowl. 

'Guided Cooking'

If you follow recipes in the Guided Cooking feature, the software has been modified so that all affected recipes in Guided Cooking have been updated with the new instructions. You'll be prompted with the safety alert and to update your software when you turn on your Thermomix and connect it to Wi-Fi.

CHOICE home economist Fiona Mair says, "It's important to follow the new cooking instructions when using a Thermomix to avoid any safety issues. Make sure you connect your appliance to Wi-Fi and read and implement the new software update when the alert shows up."

Manual cooking

People who don't use the Guided Cooking function will need to pay extra attention.

"If you use a physical Thermomix cookbook, you currently have to adapt the instructions yourself. If the recipe directs you to cook at a temperature of 95°C or above, you'll have to remember yourself to use the basket instead of the measuring lid," she says.

"If you're using your machine manually, reduce temperatures once any food you're cooking has reached boiling point, and follow the maximum capacity grading so you don't overfill your machine."

Cleaning up

Fiona says that Thermomix owners may find having to use the simmering basket instead of the measuring cup inconvenient, as the simmering basket is bulkier and could be trickier to clean. 

You can find more information and some FAQs at the Thermomix Facts website. 

The simmering basket must be used instead of the TM6 measuring cup when cooking at temperatures of 95°C / 200°F and above.

What Thermomix customers are saying

The Thermomix is an expensive machine, with a price tag of more than $2000. It's billed as an appliance that makes cooking easier, and therefore appeals to people with a wide range of abilities who are attracted to its hands-free guided cooking features, and its ability to do a range of tasks from chopping, mixing and kneading to boiling, sautéing and steaming.

'Band-aid solution'

Several users on the Thermomix in Australia Facebook Group are disgruntled with what they believe to be a 'band-aid' solution to the latest safety issues, which sees the onus being placed on the customer to change the way the machine was originally intended to be used.

"I purchased a product and I expect it to function as originally advertised," says one customer.

'Not impressed'

The added effort in cleaning the simmering basket is also a sticking point. It's bulkier than the measuring cup with ridges that food can get stuck in, and it takes up more space in the dishwasher.  

"As a family of seven with lots of dishes to fit in the dishwasher I am not impressed one bit with now needing to find space for this every time we use the thermie, which is daily," says another customer.

I purchased a product and I expect it to function as originally advertised

Thermomix customer on the Thermomix Australia Facebook page
Concerns about poor cooking results

Thermomix maintains that using the simmering basket in place of the measuring cup will have minimal effect on cooking results and that they've adapted recipes accordingly. But some customers have noted that as more steam than usual will escape during the cooking process, the texture or consistency of food such as sauces or soups may be affected. 

Calls for Thermomix to provide replacement cup

If customers recently upgraded from a TM5 to a TM6, they can use the TM5 cup in the TM6 machine, though this would mean if they wanted to sell their TM5 secondhand it would be missing the cup.  

Many people are calling for the company to provide all customers with a TM5 measuring cup, but at this stage there appears to be no plans to do so.

The Thermomix software has been updated and you must indicate that you have read the safety warning to use the machine.

Are Thermomix customers entitled to a refund? 

CHOICE consumer policy adviser Patrick Veyret says, "While it's good that Thermomix has addressed the safety issue and provided a solution, the onus is now on the consumer to fix the problem by changing the way they use the machine, which isn't ideal."

This current issue with the Thermomix could arguably be classified as a major problem if the customer would not have bought the product had they known about the problem. 

A problem is major if at least one of these applies:

People who've bought a product with a major problem are entitled to a refund under Australian Consumer Law. Read more about your consumer rights. 

This is not the first time Thermomix has experienced safety issues. After CHOICE's long-running investigation into Thermomix safety issues, the ACCC took the manufacturers to Federal Court where they were eventually fined $4.6 million. 

The Court found the Australian-based sales team for Thermomix violated consumer law by failing to report dangerous defects.

We want to hear from you

If you own a Thermomix and you're affect by this safety notice, we'd like to hear from you. Visit the CHOICE Community forum to have your say or email us on newstips@choice. com.au.

We care about accuracy. See something that's not quite right in this article? Let us know or read more about fact-checking at CHOICE.

Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.

Madame has a VORWERK Thermomix food processor in Moscow at a low price!

VORWERK Thermomix food processor - 20 helpers in 1 box!

Thermomix ™ TM31 is a unique food processor model that has been produced for 10 years, still surpassing similar models from other brands in terms of functionality and reliability. The German brand itself has been producing kitchen appliances for 130 years, the company's specialists know absolutely everything about the correct and quick preparation of healthy and tasty food! nine0005

The mini-kitchen is placed on the table, prepares meals for absolutely all family members, takes care of health and saves the family budget. Creative and inexpensive soups, side dishes, sauces and salads with Thermomix ™ TM31 are obtained by everyone and always. The combine simply works, does not cause trouble even with maintenance, it is very easy to wash it.

Buy Thermomix - become the best housewife!

Thermomix TM 31 is perfect for commercial use, any cook will appreciate its capabilities. At the same time, the combine does not require absolutely any special skills. All actions are activated by pressing almost one button! You will easily play with 3 main parameters - time, speed and temperature. The design provides 1 container, a universal knife, which is suitable for performing many operations. nine0005

Even after a working day, you can please your household with fragrant buns or fresh bread, the dough for which will be made by your favorite Thermomix. Now, from simple products, you can make delicious jam for tea, a healthy dessert for a newborn, a cake decoration, sauce for meat or fish in a few minutes. Buy VORWERK Thermomix for instant:

preparation of puree;

obtaining whipped cream;

Mixing of complex compositions; nine0005

cutting ingredients for any dish

· Heating infant formula up to 40°C.

In addition, the food processor will grind grains flawlessly for making fresh morning coffee and much more.

Where to buy Thermomix in Moscow at the lowest price?

Do not know how much Thermomix costs in Moscow with home delivery, or how to order equipment from abroad? Stop looking for harvesters from Germany, the package from the U Madam online store will be delivered as soon as possible. nine0005

Why so cheap? Many people confuse the TM31 and TM5 models. The latest Thermomix food processor is compatible with prescription chips and is based on controlled cooking. The Thermomix ТМ31 is designed for manual cooking, otherwise it corresponds to the subsequent modification in terms of reliability, practicality and safety.

Specifications:

Total power: 1500 W

Heating element power: 1000W

Motor power: 500W

Overheat protection: provided

Body material: high quality plastic

Built-in balance: up to 6 kg

Mixing bowl material: high strength stainless steel

Bowl volume: 2 l

Dimensions: 300*285*285 mm

Weight: 6.3 kg

Thermomix - an innovative food processor nine0005

Thermomix and company

New products and services

Here is a really new product. Most often, the author of this column writes about new products known to him personally, taking into account his own experience. But not in this case: I don’t have a thermomix and, most likely, I never will, unless they give it. But this is by no means anti-advertising, we, relying mainly on the German press, will try to objectively evaluate this latest development. nine0005

Designed by Vorwerk from Wuppertal, best known for its vacuum cleaners. But do not be surprised that you have not seen these vacuum cleaners in stores: Vorwerk has a special model for selling its products - through intermediaries, agents, distributors, but not through stores and not via the Internet.

This is the Thermomix , an innovative food processor already distributed in 50 countries. Many thousands of company representatives make home visits, arrange a kind of culinary performance, the main purpose of which is to convince participants of the usefulness of the product. This distribution model is the main one for a number of companies, for example, AMC, a dishware manufacturer, or Amway, a manufacturer of chemical concentrates. It may not be as effective in the age of the Internet, but Vorwerk thrives with its device. In 2016, 1.35 million of these cars were sold through the efforts of 16,000 representatives. nine0005


Thermix TM 5

What is a kitchen miracle that costs (for the most advanced TM5) at least 1199 euros? This, according to the manufacturer, is an equivalent replacement for all kitchen appliances at once, when they write "10 in one". I mean typical kitchen operations, each of which requires a separate appliance, space on the stove, etc., and here there is only one relatively compact machine. nine0005

The Thermomix is a perfect food processor with a heating function, its modern model replaces up to 12 kitchen appliances. The very idea of ​​combining typical mixing-grinding operations with the actual preparation of ready-made food was patented 50 years ago, since then the device has been constantly improved, but the distribution model has not changed.

So, all processes take place in one container, Thermomix weighs, mixes, grinds, shreds, purees, emulsifies, heats in a closed space or steam, washes itself. All this is either automatically in accordance with the selected program, thousands of recipes are available, or in manual control mode. Cooking programs are on an electronic chip, all information is displayed on a color touch screen - everything is at the level of modern smartphones and other "smart" devices. nine0005

Krups Prep&Cook

All that remains for the owner of the miracle machine is to fill the container and nozzles on top with the original products and press the "Start" button, the machine does everything by itself, quickly, efficiently: guaranteed that nothing won't overcook or burn. The capacity is about two liters, not for a large family, of course, but where are the big families now? You don’t have to cook for several days at once - simplicity, speed and economy allow you to enjoy a new dish every day ... and so on for more than one year. And all this with a single appliance in the entire kitchen, occupying an area of ​​​​approximately 33x33 cm.

Cooking all kinds of food, solids and liquids (soups, sauces, juices and smoothies), dietary, low-carb, vegan, baby food, breads, confectionery... you name it.

Here it is appropriate to recall that you are reading after all not an advertisement, but an objective review, so let's turn to the minuses of the above miracle.

First of all, price is , 1200 euros - for that kind of money you can buy a stove with an oven, a microwave oven, a couple of different mixers, pots and pans ... and still have some recipe books left over. nine0005

Secondly, don’t flatter yourself, even though a million recipes will be offered for the Thermomix, but truly cooked steak will not be among them (however, let’s be objective, grilling on the Thermomix is ​​still possible, and sauces for grilling are excellent).

Thirdly, one breakdown, and they are inevitable (there is equipment, especially such a complex one), is enough to leave you hungry until you get a replacement or repair it under warranty. nine0005

There are a lot of tests and reviews of Thermomix and similar devices, and among the shortcomings they usually also list grinding noise (up to an almost unbearable 102 decibels).

The Thermomix is ​​essentially an advanced hybrid of a slow cooker and a food processor. We still have not written about multicookers, and in Germany they have not found much use, in Russia, for example, they are better known and popular. The Multicoocer can also cook a variety of dishes, and they originated, I suspect, from electric rice cookers. Indeed, all these devices cook rice wonderfully, including pilaf and risotto. In the case of the Italian risotto popular in Germany, the advantages of the Thermomix are realized to the fullest extent, because it requires a long mixing during the heating process. nine0005

One of the “cheap” harvesters

And the eternal question arises: is it possible to do the same, but cheaper. Can! In the discounter Netto, for example, in February there was a special offer: for 100 euros they sold Thermo-Multikocher Gourmetmaxx, which replaces nine kitchen appliances, mixes or grinds at a speed of 180-4500 rpm, heats up to a temperature of 120 degrees. But this is a special offer, and usually cheap Thermomix analogues cost about 200 euros. nine0005

There is a curious case when a similar car was “thrown out” in many branches of Aldi-Süd at a price of 199 euros: people went on the assault, crowds, fights, police ... By the way, you could easily order from Aldi on the Internet. And no sooner had it been sold than it immediately appeared on eBay for almost twice as much.

The phrase “thermomix-mania” has already slipped through the press, that is, for some, Thermomix has become a status object (I have it, but you don’t, which means I’m more successful, richer, in a word, cooler). For the same reason, there is a hype around cheap Thermomix clones: to show that, they say, we are no worse, we also have it, and what is cheaper, so we just don’t throw money down the drain. Such a psychology of buyers, their motivation is described in sufficient detail by specialists, marketers and psychologists, but writers did not pass by either, remember Ellochka the cannibal with her Mexican jerboa. nine0005

So, at the top of the pyramid of universal kitchen machines, the Thermomix color display proudly shines, at the bottom - about a dozen of its inexpensive analogues of the brands Clatronic, Medion, Gourmetmaxx, Silvercrest, Severin ... There is also a middle - these are machines of reputable companies, they have been producing equipment of this kind for a long time, these are not copies of Thermomix, but independent developments. We mention, for example, Krups Prep&Cook (about 700 euros) and KitchenAid ARTISAN Cook Processor, Kenwood Cooking Chef, Jupiter Mycook, costing about 900 euro each. Of course, these prices are not fixed, like with Thermomix, you can make a good purchase and save a few hundred, but you can stumble upon a clone masquerading as the original when buying online. Moreover, these combines are quite competitive with Thermomix, some even surpass it in some way. For example, Supercook SC110, which also costs a lot, about 1000 euros, has, among other things, a removable control unit that looks like a smartphone, with a color display and the ability to update the recipe bank from the manufacturer's website. There is no doubt that the next step in the development of this type of kitchen appliances will be their integration via WLAN into the home network and Internet access (following refrigerators and other "smart" appliances). nine0005

Do modern kitchens need such appliances? A lot depends on whose kitchen it is. Bachelors and small families do not spend a lot of time and energy on cooking, just they could establish a full and varied diet with the help of such kitchen wagons, especially in the middle of the working week. But if you are a real gourmet, if you cook several dishes for different family members, if, finally, you just like cooking, then this technique, like many others, is completely unnecessary for you.

Learn more