New addition: Thermomix

[foraloysius]

I came across this NIB 12 year old Thermomix. Just when I had decided that I didn't really need a Thermomix, this came by on a Dutch auction site. I just couldn't resist! Overhere used TM31 models go for 450 - 500 euros. This one was still unused (when i used it for the first time, that new motor smell came from it). I got it for 300 euros. So far I made a few risotto's, tomato sauce and the Thermomix special: broccoli salad. I'll try making a smoothie with it soon, but also some more complicated recipes. You can cook and steam a whole meal in these machines.

Here are some pictures.

Anyone else here a happy Thermomix owner?

 

[vacerator]

Some of those

newfangled gadgets are $1,400.00 U.S. A cooker, stirrer, mixer in one. Someone got the idea to add heat to an Electrolux assistant.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Congratulations Louis!

I am happy for your find and the good price.

 

[logixx]

Congrats on that bargain. Quite a difference (the control panel) to the current Thermomix and the Bosch Cook It.

 

[Ultramatic]

 

 

Congratulations Louis! They are terribly expensive here.

 

My sister-in-law has one.

 

[brisnat81]

Hey Louis,

I love my Cook Expert, for much the same that you do. I can finally make risotto's and sauces without standing there stirring for hours, its really opened up those sorts of food for me. On the weekend, I made 2.5L of Cheese sauce for Vegetables, and then had it make the gravy as well. I bought a second lid seal as it works exceptionally well for cocktails also, who doesnt love being able to make 2.5L at a time .

I've had a couple of attempts at Bread and I still prefer the dough hook on the Kenwood Chef for that, I find it tends to mix unevenly, even with the bigger dough blade installed.

I'm yet to do the nifty thing and do multi level looking in their with the steamer basket, but maybe one day. Michael has made some recipes from the cookbook, such as Sweet and Sour pork, but that stuff is just easier in regular utensils.

The main reason I got it however, was because of the traditional food processor, I use that a lot and it let me gift my Magimix away to someone else, rather than adding an appliance.

Congratulations on your new toy.

 

[foraloysius]

Thanks guys,

The Thermomix is far from newfangled, they celebrate their 50th anniversary this year.



They are indeed very expensive, the new TM6 is 1369 euros at the moment, at least in the NL. IIRC the TM31 was 1199 euros back then. So I got this one for 25% of the price. It lacks ofcourse the guided cooking function but I don't find it a problem to have the iPad on the counter for the recipe.

I watched videos of the Bosch Cook It, quite an interesting machine, but a very limited number of recipes available. It's not sold in the Netherlands, but after an adventure with the Bosch Autocook, that disappeared from the market just as fast as it came out and there is hardly any support for it anymore, I'm very leery of buying it when it would pop up on the Dutch market.

I had a look at the Magimix too, but it's just too big for me. I don't cook for large groups, it's mostly only me or for two when somebody is coming over for dinner. I already had the Kenwood kCook, but that one is not only smaller but I had problems handling the bowl when I had to empty it because it has two handles. The Thermomix is way handier because it has only one handle.

Besides that I already had the bowl of the kCook replaced because an error that occured more and more. It started after I put it throug the dishwasher once. Although the manual said it could be done, the material is probably not as solid as expected.

Here's a picture of the Thermomix and the kCook together.

 

[jamiel]

This may seem like a silly question, but are these sold in a MLM setting, or in real stores? The promos look very similar to direct-sold vacuums/cookware. Further, is it just a cooker that stirs? It would seem to have some usefulness, but wouldn't it puree everything into oblivion (think Vitamix?)

 

[foraloysius]

Yes, Thermomix is part of the Kobold company, well known in Europe for their vacuums. Kobold products are sold through direct marketing. However, if you want, you can buy them online too through a Thermomix website.

It's more than a blender, it can turn counterclockwise too, so things get stirred with the blunt side of the blade. Speeds are between 40 and over 10,000rpm. If slow stirring with the blunt side of the blade is still too harsh, there is a blade cover available that keeps food from the blade.

 

[tolivac]

I have the TM6-It was sold by a salesperson much like a DTD vacuum sale.The salesperson fixed my dinner with the the machine.It is a nice unit.Mine requires and internet connection to make using the recipes to work.The TM5 has a plug in digital recipe device-should have gotten that one.The internet in my area is rather spotty.For the most part use my machine manually.I am braving up to see if it can make my scrambled eggs using the cook and stir functions.I use the machine like a blender or chopper.Works well for those functions.The machine CANNOT replace a food processor if you want to slice or grate foods.Indeed you can forward reverse the blade by pressing on the blade icon on the screen-then its like using the older forward-reverse VitaMixes.The forward reverse function works at any speed.The motor can reverse instantly!and no jumping as the VitaMix does.

 

[foraloysius]

Yes, in case your internet connection isn't too great, the TM5 is a good option. Otherwise the TM6 is the better choice. The price difference here is not that much and it gets updates now and then that can include new options.

Here's a video about scrambled eggs in the Thermomix. I'm not sure if it's a good idea to do it this way. lol

 

[petek]

Don't get me wrong as you all know Im a gadget freak but that seems like an awful lot of work for scrambled eggs.

 

[foraloysius]

Oh yes , I agree. I'm a gadget freak too, but I will not use the Thermomix for this.

 

[foraloysius]

I made a risotto tonight. The Thermomix is not loud when it's working on a low speed, but the sound is a bit annoying. The Kenwood kCook can stir intermittently and the sound is a bit more pleasant. The video of the Kenwood is from months ago.

 

[foraloysius]

And here's the result of the Thermomix risotto. It was perfect and yummie.

 

[bewitched]

Here in Italy it is named Bimby Vorwerk.

 

[foraloysius]

Bimby

Oh yes, I know. And the best thing is, the app (Ricette Bimby) shows recipes for free!

I've watched a lot of Italian food video's and was surprised to see a Thermomix in many kitchens, especially the TM31.

 

[tolivac]

I use my TM6 to prepare-scramble the eggs and cheese before cooking in a pan on the stove.I use my machine manually for the most part.Internet is too much hassle.

 

[chachp]

Thermomix TM5

 

<span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Condensed', serif;">I picked up a Thermomix TM5 on eBay.  I got a great deal.  She literally used it only a few times and it shows.  It’s like new. I got the feeling she didn’t like to cook and thought this would entice her to cook more often.  You like to do it or you don’t.  LOL.</span>

<span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Condensed', serif;"> </span>

<span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Condensed', serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anyway, I got all the attachments including their Basic Cookbook and the Cookkey (which are separate purchases) which gives the machine Internet access.  It gives access to all their online cookbooks, etc. The first thing it did when I plugged it in, was an update so, for me, that was further proof she didn't use it much.  It even still had the plastic protective covering on the screen and the chrome areas had the blue plastic on it that I peeled off.</span></span>

<span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Condensed', serif;"> </span>

<span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Condensed', serif;">I am learning the basic techniques for converting recipes and have accessed their online cookbook for self guided cooking if you choose.</span>

<span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Condensed', serif;"> </span>

<span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Condensed', serif;">What I like best about this is cooking something that would require you to stand at the stove for a while.  This stirs for you so I can set it and walk away to continue with other things.  It plays a little tune when it’s done.  Another thing I like is the built-in scale.  You can weigh as you add which saves an extra step.  Then when your done the whole thing goes in the dishwasher.</span>

<span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Condensed', serif;"> </span>

<span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Condensed', serif;">The first thing I made was mashed potatoes.  I weighed the potatoes, peeled them, cut them up and put them in with some milk.  Twenty five minutes later I had mashed potatoes.  Easy Peezy!  This weekend I'll try a blueberry compote for our waffles, oh and I'll make the waffle batter in there too.</span>

 

[foraloysius]

Congratulations Ralph, that is quite a find! The mashed potatoes is a recipe that Thermomix users like.

The online cookbook is free for a month, at least the cookidoo. But there are a lot of free recipes available. And there are a lot of Thermomix recipes on Youtube too, although most of them are in German.

I love mine for making risotto. Will try things like a bechamel and a custard. All recipes that require standing at the stove indeed.

I see you have yours on a slider (or what you call it). That's a good protection for the built in scale.

 

[foraloysius]

BTW, this is a website with free recipes. It looks like it hasn't been updated for a while. There is an app too. The app has a button to switch between Imperial and Metric measures, so perhaps that's handy for you.

http://www.recipesforthermomix.com

 

[chachp]

Thank you Louis. I bookmarked that site

 

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">This morning I made waffles with a blueberry compote.  It was so easy.  </span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">To make the compote I put in the apples and butter and cooked it for a few minutes then added the orange juice, blueberries, etc. in the bowl and cooked for another ten minutes or so.  When it was done I put it in a thermo bowl and let it sit.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Then I made the waffle batter.  I was able to put the butter in first to melt then add the rest of the ingredients.  A couple of blitzes and it was done.  I didn't even have to dirty a pan to melt the butter.  That was very cool.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">It let the batter and compote sit for about an hour and then made the waffles.  When we ate the compote was still hot in the thermo bowl.  The compote was good on its own without any butter or syrup so I saved a few calories.  Not that I'm counting, but it never hurts.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">What I liked about this was when you set the blade to turn clockwise it chops and stirs.  When you set it to reverse or counterclockwise it only stirs.  So to chop and cook the apples I put in the butter and apples and set it to heat and stir clockwise.  When that was done it was still set to cook but in reverse so it just stirred and didn't chop or mush the blueberries.</span>

 

[chachp]

Best Christmas Gift ever

 

<span style="font-family: 'AMERICAN TYPEWRITER SEMIBOLD', serif;"> </span>

<span style="font-family: 'AMERICAN TYPEWRITER SEMIBOLD', serif;">How lucky am I to have a friend who knows me well enough to gift me with something I would really love….they are hard to find and bonus he is a member of this site.  I don’t know if he wants me to call him out or not, so I’ll leave that to him do that if he wants right Kevin?  Whoops did I spill the beans?.  Anyway, he gifted me with something for Christmas that is so fun I had to share.</span>

<span style="font-family: 'AMERICAN TYPEWRITER SEMIBOLD', serif;"> </span>

<span style="font-family: 'AMERICAN TYPEWRITER SEMIBOLD', serif;">It’s a toy Thermomix.  This thing is so cute and it actually works.  The blade spins and according to the directions it will make milkshakes, muffins and a number of other things.  The interface is so close to the real deal and even the Cook-key is functional.  You press the cook-key to discover it has a few programmed recipes just like the real one.</span>

<span style="font-family: 'AMERICAN TYPEWRITER SEMIBOLD', serif;"> </span>

<span style="font-family: 'AMERICAN TYPEWRITER SEMIBOLD', serif;">It has the varoma for the top, the measuring cap top and the spatula.  If you set the temperature for heating the lights go from green to red just like the real thing.</span>

<span style="font-family: 'AMERICAN TYPEWRITER SEMIBOLD', serif;"> </span>

<span style="font-family: 'AMERICAN TYPEWRITER SEMIBOLD', serif;">Just so realistic.  I hope you all got something you like as much as I like this for Christmas.</span>

 

[foraloysius]

Cute indeed! What a great Christmas gift.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Cute name made me immediately think of Vorhaut

 

[thomasortega]

Luis, congrats for your new toy that is definitely much more than a toy.

I had the exact same model about 15 years ago.

My only regret was not using it much more. The uses I had ended up in perfection.

Nope, that's not an "Electrolux Assistent with heat" actually, decades ago there was a version of the Electrolux assistent that had heat but it didn't come close to what a Thermomix can do. The same way a Thermomix doesn't come close to what an Electrolux Assistent can do. They're completely different machines, with one focusing on cooking (and can do other stuff) and the other focusing mainly on monster batches of heavy dough (and also can do other stuff)

More recently I had the chance to play a bit with the controls on a much more advanced brand new TOL Thermomix my best friend got. I was thrilled and I definitely want one, the only problem is the absurd price here in the US. If my Thermomix had all those recipes and the smart connectivity, I'd definitely have used it much more.

 

[thomasortega]

Luis, congrats for your new toy that is definitely much more than a toy.

I had the exact same model about 15 years ago.

My only regret was not using it much more. The uses I had ended up in perfection.

Nope, that's not an "Electrolux Assistent with heat" actually, decades ago there was a version of the Electrolux assistent that had heat but it didn't come close to what a Thermomix can do. The same way a Thermomix doesn't come close to what an Electrolux Assistent can do. They're completely different machines, with one focusing on cooking (and can do other stuff) and the other focusing mainly on monster batches of heavy dough (and also can do other stuff)

More recently I had the chance to play a bit with the controls on a much more advanced brand new TOL Thermomix my best friend got. I was thrilled and I definitely want one, the only problem is the absurd price here in the US. If my Thermomix had all those recipes and the smart connectivity, I'd definitely have used it much more.

 

[foraloysius]

The model I have is the most popular one for in restaurant kitchens. You don't need a database with recipes when you use it in a professional kitchen. It's perhaps also the most reliable one, because there is no software that can get stuck. You certainly don't want that to happen when you have guests waiting.

Overhere in the NL there are companies that specialise in refurbishing TM31 models. They go for around 500 - 800 euros.

The Thermomix is indeed expensive, but in the US it's not more expensive than in Europe. In Germany the TM6 costs €1359.-, which converts in today's exchange rate to $1543.-. So with $1499.- it's even marginally cheaper than in Germany.

The original Electrolux Assistent doesn't carry that name any longer. It's called an Ankarsrum these days. Electrolux sold the plant to AB Traction.

https://www.ankarsrum.com

 

[chachp]

TM Software

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">I know this will sound crazy but this software has actually made me a little more organized in the kitchen.  I do all the work on line.  When I pick a recipe I can save it in a collection of my own or one that says make today.  These choices sync back to the TM over your wifi connection.  Then you  add it to your shopping list.  You can remove from the list the things you have in the house so you only deal with the stuff you need to buy.  When you are in the store the phone app displays the shopping list organized the way the grocery store is set up which is a really nice touch.  It's really worth the extra money.  They are about to announce an upgrade where you can add your own recipes to the database which really takes it to the next level.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">If anyone is on the fence about buying one, I would whole heatedly recommend the purchase.  I know it's a lot of money but it can replace a number of things in the kitchen which is also really nice. </span>

 

[petek]

Ankarsrum mixers etc.

While I have my trusty old Bosch Universal mixer, I've been pondering an Ankarsrum for awhile and have been watching endless youtube videos. However, the more of them I've watched the less I'm inclined to buy one. They are after all quite pricey,and I don't need one. Just my inner gadget geek needs it. The reason being is that in every video where someone is making bread or cookie type doughs, they are having to hover over the mixer constantly adjusting the roller and scraper. Even using the dough hook it doesn't seem much easier. In the videos put out by Ankarsrum themselves they either do not show the machine making dough or they edit that fussing part out and just show the near finished product.

Naturally I'd love a new Thermomix as well to play with but at about $2000.00 Cdn if not more I don't think it's going to happen. Bosch has one as well called the Bosch Cookit but it isn't sold in N.America and the price for it in Germany is close to the price of a Thermomix.