New Kitchen Aid Blender

[mieleforever]

It maybe a bit off topic but since we are discussing mixers/blenders that are rather expensive, what about a Thermomix?

http://thermomix.vorwerk.com/home/

Apparently it can do almost anything in the kitchen.

So if one wants to take gadgetry to the next level I think this will do.

 

[foraloysius]

If you want a Thermomix, get an older one. I have seen a lot of videos of people cooking with the new one, I was underimpressed by the recipes, so the new integrated recipe book is almost useless. A lot of them end up on eBay anyway, these machines are gadgets. I'd rather have a Kenwood Cooking Chef instead.

 

[mieleforever]

@ foralosius,

I had a look on the web at the Thermomix, but it seems to be extremely expensive!! And at the end of the day would one really use it that much, it just seems easier to chuck everything in a pot and put it on the stove.

Anyways to rich for me.

cheers

 

[tolivac]

Don't think Thermomix machines are sold in the US.Wanted to arrange for a demo just to see it-they were sold DTD.The salesman would prepare and cook a complete meal with the machine.Wanted to see this.Called their #-but NOTHING.The Blendtecs and VM machines are less expensive.Pretty much could do the same things.

 

[foraloysius]

Yes, even second hand they can get pretty expensive. There are quite a lot of them on sale on the German eBay site.

Here's a picture of all the Thermomix models. The first one is a regular blender, the second one has a heating element. From there on they devellopped it to what it now is.

Here's a video from an Australian Thermomix consultant. As I mentioned, I have seen quite a few videos and let me tell you that sound it makes when it opens gets ANNOYING!!!

 

[sudsmaster]

People do seem fascinated with blenders these days. It seems like every time I go to Costco there's some new pricey blender being demonstrated, which promises all sorts of health benefits from turning fruits and veggies into soup or juice or whatever.

 

Fast blenders, slow blenders, blenders with little taps at the bottom of the jar, blenders shaped like bullets, blenders specifically to make crushed ice drinks, yada yada yada.

 

I got by for years with no blender. My '80's umpteen speed Oster finally gave out after one to many daquiris. Now I have the three speed KA and a beehive Oster. I rarely use the KA, but do use the Oster to purée spices for kimchee. And that's probably how it's gonna stay until I lose all my teeth and have to gum my meals.

 

 

[tolivac]

I think another thing that got people more interested in blenders was Blendtecs "Will It Blend" website of Tom-their cheif design engineer "blending" various things.Shows how tough their blenders are.Could your Oster,Waring,KA,etc blend a hockey puck?But at the same time how many folks incorporate hockey pucks in their smoothies?or rake handles?the list goes on.You have to admit-the website is a VERY clever marketing device!

 

[tolivac]

Another thing that got attention was Blendtcs lawsuit against VitaMix.Blendtec claimed VM "copied" their 5 side jar and gullwing blade.VM lost the suit.I have one of those VM blenders!Guess it could be a collectors item?It works well!Max Performance model.A commercial machine.Beleive VM had to pay Blendtec something like 20 mil!If I need replacement containers for my MP-VM no longer makes the containers as directed under the lawsuit-but standard VM containers fit the machine fine.

 

[tolivac]

Watched the TM-5 video-FUNKY machine--yes the sounds it makes are kinda annoying.When the demenstrater was adjusting the speeds-sounded more like she was tuning a radio!Think I would pass on this model-think one of the older ones would actually be better.What do you do if the auto lock fails?do you unplug the machine and unlock it manually?That seems like a "James Bond" gadget!!!The password seems silly,too!If I have to enter a password into kitchen machines-will beat it to death with the large kichen spoon!

 

[tolivac]

Checked the Thermomix site-closest US dealer to me is in Florida-there are only 3 Thermomix dealers in the US.Guess those machines just aren't popular here.Remember the Cusinart blender that could heat?Sad thing of this is that it could heat or blend one at a time-you could not blend and heat at the same time as the Thermomix machine can.Its a nice unit-price and availability kinda kills it.

 

[countryguy]

The Home Shopping Channel had the K/A on sale this past weekend...$499. It seems to work well but it is large and takes a lot of counter space. The fill tube at the top removes from the machine for cleaning. Still too expensive to me just for a blender.