You’re thinking about buying a Thermomix. You do some searching online and find a bunch of amazing reviews. You see influencers chatting about their Thermomix and raving about how great it is. You see social media pages and vlogs from consultants who assure you that it’s a purchase that you won’t regret.

It puts your mind at ease. You can see that it’s an amazing machine. After all, if everyone is saying that, it must be true, right?

This is where reviews can be tricky. How do you know which ones are legit? Which ones are unbiased?

If someone is given a product for free or receives incentives, their review will not be a true reflection of what they think.

I find it confusing to navigate this modern world, knowing who to believe. No wonder people get scammed.

After we purchased a Thermomix last year, I wrote about my experience. The first article was shared hundreds of times. Consultants were excited that someone unaffiliated with Thermomix was spruiking the brand. Many suggested that I join their team and become a consultant myself.

I was admittedly surprised and a little excited with Thermomix Australia asked to partner with me. What an honour! Part of me wanted to say yes. It would be nice to be sent some incentives for merely sharing my thoughts.

I also knew that becoming a consultant or partner wasn’t the right thing to do. I’m not affiliated or sponsored. No one has asked me to write this. No one has asked me for my opinion. No one has gifted me products.

I simply want to share my take on Thermomix, the good and the bad, the ugly and honest. I’d like to be a trusted source of information where you know that I have nothing to gain from a review except some views on a page. That’s it.

It’s been a while since I’ve posted. This time, I wanted to write another unbiased article. A review.

What are the Pros and Cons of buying a Thermomix?

I’ll start with the cons first. It’s always better to eat the veggies first and save dessert until after, right?

Cons

1. Cost: The AUD 2500+ price tag is a barrier for many. Those who would benefit most from a Thermomix simply can’t afford or justify it. I understand that this machine is amazing but the price is exuberant. I think Thermomix could still make profit whilst reducing the cost.
2. Pressure to upgrade: Some customers feel pressure to keep up with the new machines. Upgrading has its perks but is expensive. Know that you don’t have to upgrade to the new shiny model if yours is working.
3. Accessories: There can be pressure to buy all the accessories. They are wonderful but expensive. It’s like going to Aldi for milk and bread; if you’re not careful, you’ll walk out with a flat-screen TV, dryer and ski boots that you didn’t know you needed. The accessories might be cute and non-stick but ask yourself, do I really need them? I’d recommend sticking to what you really need to purchase unless a budget isn’t an issue for you. Some of the deals are fabulous and worth looking at. We were able to get a second bowl with our purchase for only a fraction more and it’s been brilliant. Nothing wrong with spending money and buying accessories, provided it’s what you need.
4. Cookidoo: It’s another subscription to pay for. Whilst not expensive, it is still $69 per year. I personally find it clunky to use. The search function is frustrating and won’t often show up with the ingredient or recipe you are looking for. I often search through Google for what I want and this takes me to the correct recipe on Cookidoo. I’m hoping that they update this in the near future so it’s not as frustrating.
5. Keeping Clean: We find it tricky to keep the outside clean. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like flour and sticky ingredients get stuck over the main button. I worry that these bits might get into the machine and affect its use.
6. Technology Reliance: Relying on technology is fine until it doesn’t work. If wifi is down, access to Cookidoo is stopped.
7. Limited supply: There has been hype around new items like the cutter, without enough to go around. It has been a sense of frustration for many who were excited to buy one. Not a massive deal but something that has been spoken about by customers online.
8. Noisy: It is a loud machine, especially when turned up to the high settings. I avoid using our Thermomix during nap time and bedtime. Our boys don’t like having it on when they are watching their favourite show (“can’t hear it Mum!”) and my youngest covers his ears and screams if the noise catches him off guard (“too noisy! Don’t like it!”). We find a way to work around it but is a consideration if you have sensitive ears or live with someone who does.
9. Cost of repairs: Like anything these days, paying someone to fix a broken appliance is costly. It’s not always worth it. To their credit, Thermomix have an organised system for repairs and much info is provided on their website. Just be aware that you need to pay for a service fee, additional parts and return postage (heavy and bulky).
10. Takes up bench space: Not everyone has a large kitchen. Keep in mind that a Thermomix takes up a considerable amount of space. After keeping our bench space as clear as possible, I admit storing our new machine there took some getting used to. The accessories also took up room in my cupboard. It’s not a major thing but worth figuring out where it could go before you buy.

Pros

There are many advantages to owning a Thermomix. Admittedly I found it easier to write about these which is why the list is longer.

1. Versatility: The Thermomix is versatile. It is super clever and can make almost anything. Honestly, the options are endless. You can make virtually anything from scratch – rice flour, almond milk, Worcestershire sauce, condensed milk; you name it. Admittedly, there’s a lot I haven’t tried yet. This reduces the amount of items that you buy. (I’d recommend saving some jars and lids to store these items in.) You don’t have to panic if you run out of something as you can almost always make your own or substitute what you have. (There was that time that I went to make carrot cake and then realised we had no carrots. I then thought I’d make cinnamon donuts but had no cinnamon. Luckily our neighbours did!).
2. It saves time: I love that you can chuck in the ingredients for a risotto, hang out some washing and it cooks it for you. It can make caramel while you’re bathing the kids. Who needs to order a Hello Fresh box when you have a Thermomix.
3. Increases self-sufficiency: The Thermomix is handy if you can’t get to the shops easily or prefer not to do top-up shops (these can add up!). This reduces the items needed in the pantry, fridge and freezer.
4. Helps with food allergies: By cooking from scratch, you know exactly what is in your food. This helps with food allergies and intolerances.
5. Use it how you want: You can choose to use your Thermomix just for meal prepping, meals, desserts or everything. You can chop onions in 5 seconds to use in the wok with your favourite recipe. You can cook the way you have always done, using your Thermomix to speed up the steps. You can use your Thermomix for everything, importing recipes into Cookidoo and finding new ones. Some people find that two bowls (or even a second Thermomix) is perfect for what they need. Other people are in the middle. They use their Thermomix regularly for both meal prepping and meals, experiment with sauces and desserts but also use their old appliances and saucepans too. There are no rules. Do what works for you in your season.
6. Healthier meals: Cooking in the Thermomix generally uses less preservatives, salt and sugar when compared to shop-bought. I like that you know exactly what goes into the food. Recipes can be adapted to add less than suggested.
7. Baby food: Oh how I wish we had one of these when I had babies. I did have a few family members suggest this. At the time, I was so overwhelmed and it was just another thing to figure out. In hindsight, I would have saved time and energy preparing baby purees. It weighs, chops, cooks and mashes with ease. What a brilliant invention.
8. Minimalism: Owning a multipurpose machine like a Thermomix reduces the amount of appliances you need to own. This is great news for those in small houses or with limited storage in the kitchen. It’s perfect for those downsizing or simply who feel overwhelmed with the amount of stuff they have. We sold our blender, food processor, mixer and juicer. I have kept saucepans, frying pans and a wok. We still have a bar mixer, rice cooker and popcorn machine. I like the idea of making butter chicken in the Thermomix whilst rice is cooking at the same time. I’m sure as time goes on, I’ll have more confidence to pair down and reduce what kitchen items we own.
9. You can take it away on holiday: Many people choose to take theirs away in a caravan, cabin or hotel. It helps to make cooking easy whilst away from home. I know when we’ve gone to get takeaway on the first night, it can take time to search for places in the area that are open, cater for allergies and don’t cost an arm and a leg. By having some ingredients on hand, your Thermomix can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
10. It reduces waste: You can turn squashy tomatoes into ketchup, soft carrots into cake, broccoli stem into falafel and excess lemons into lemonade (the yummiest you’ve ever tried). I’ve recently used celery leaves in place of a garnish and made the rest into celery salt. If I’m not sure how to use an ingredient, a quick Google or search on Cookidoo shows me a clever suggestion. I am trying hard to reduce our food wastage. Our Thermomix really does help with this.
11. Saves on grocery bills: When you consider just how much grocery prices have gone up in recent years, the cost of a Thermomix feels slightly more justified. I know I can do better in this area and use my Thermomix more, but I’m getting there. Simple ideas like grating a block of cheese (rather than buying grated cheese), preparing own lunch meat (instead of buying a packet of sliced ham) and making cakes from scratch (rather than purchasing a cake mix) all help to reduce the cost of groceries.
12. Individual help: When purchasing a Thermomix, you have access to a trained consultant. These wonderful people can answer questions, provide a demonstration and be your go-to person if you have any issues. Choosing to purchase through a consultant does not cost you any extra. Doing so supports consultants, often enabling them to stay at home with their children whilst earning money to support their families.
13. Customer service: The customer service at Thermomix is excellent. They are always on hand to answer questions and their website is a wealth of information. Follow them on social media and their email list for ideas and inspiration.
14. Warranty: When buying a new Thermomix, you are covered with a 24-month warranty. This is against faulty parts and workmanship, provided it is used domestically. Be sure to check the fine print to know what exactly you are covered for.
15. Free shipping: No one likes paying for shipping, right? When you buy a Thermomix new, it is delivered for free. I loved that it arrived in a securely packed box with no issues.
16. Free trial on Cookidoo: When buying a new Thermomix, you receive a complimentary six-month subscription to the online platform Cookidoo. This is a handy way to discern if you like it and want to continue after the trial.
17. Cleaning cycle: Cooking is often the fun part. Cleaning; not so much. I love the cleaning cycle function on the Thermomix. You simply pop some dishwashing liquid and water in the bowl, select what type of clean you would like (quick, dough, caramel, etc) and let it start. Sit back and relax while it cleans. Marvellous.
18. Disability friendly: Thermomix makes cooking accessible and safer for those with disabilities. Did you know that you can sometimes purchase a Thermomix using NDIS funding? Find out more eligibility information here.
19. A tool for all ages: Our boys love using the Thermomix. My eldest would happily cook with it all day if I let him. It would be a useful gift for someone as they move out of home and navigate the big wide world of adulthood. It would be a lifesaver for couples both working full time. I have heard of OSHC (out of school hours care) facilities owning a Thermomix to prepare healthy snacks for children. Older people would benefit from the simplified way of cooking. It would make cooking for one a little more easier.
20. Competent cook: I’m the first one to admit that I’m not the best cook. My hubby is far better than me. Nevertheless, when using the Thermomix, it makes you look like you’re a good cook, even if you’re not! It is quite an amazing machine.

Weighing it all up

Prior to purchasing our Thermomix, our mixer broke. Again. I needed one to make cakes and biscuits. I considered buying a really good one this time (instead of one that would break easily). I looked into a KitchenAid, knowing their reputation is excellent. I was shocked at the prices.

My beautiful friend offered to lend me hers for a while. It was sitting in her cupboard, collecting dust. There was nothing wrong with it but she simply didn’t need it anymore. She remarked that she’d barely used it since purchasing her Thermomix.

When you consider the cost of buying branded appliances, the Thermomix doesn’t seem so expensive after all.

Despite the cons, would I recommend it?

Personally, I would. We didn’t rush into this purchase. We did our research. I can honestly say that it has lived up to the hype.

My advice:

1. It’s okay to take time to think about it. It is a big purchase and not one you want to make lightly. Make sure you’re buying it to actually use, not just joining the fad.
2. Host a demo or go along to one. Ask the consultant questions to see if it is right for you.
3. Run the figures. Calculate how much you currently spend on groceries, meal kits, takeaway and eating out. Use the Savings Calculator as a tool to see how much money a Thermomix could save you.
4. Avoid buying second-hand if you can. Knowing that it is in perfect working order and a warranty in place is important. You’ll get a good life out of it.
5. Back yourself. If you like the idea of having one and think you’ll enjoy using it, go for it!

Use it how you want

You don’t have your Thermomix for everything. I still like cooking on the stove and using the oven. I have handwritten recipes that I know I could put into Cookidoo but I like doing it the way I’ve always done it. That’s okay! You don’t have to change how you’ve always done it or sell all of your kitchen appliances. Do what makes you happy in the kitchen.

Some people swear by decluttering everything else and purely using their Thermomix as their wonder machine. Some even have two. That’s great for them. They might be the type of person who swear by a capsule wardrobe; wearing minimal outfits.

I like the idea of that but also, I like variety. I like options. I like picking from a vast wardrobe of items that make me feel happy. You have to do what works for you.

For us, the Thermomix saves us time, engages our boys and helps them to eat better. It helps us manage the cost and frustration of food allergies. I can leave it to cook our dinner whilst I hang out the washing or help my kids in the bath. I can see how it would be a lifesaver for those living with a disability. It’s handy for those who work long hours and those who work long hours, unpaid as a parent or carer.

It’s a brilliant, versatile machine. I just wish I hadn’t waited ten years to get ours.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in finding out more, I’ve put together a consultant directory. It’s one way of searching for someone local to you to help you decide if a Thermomix is right for you.

Keen to make a purchase? I now have a referral link. I am still not affiliated with or sponsored by Thermomix. Anyone can apply for a link (even you!). It simply means that I receive a $50 voucher for the Mix Shop in return for spreading the word. This would be a lovely bonus for our family (but not expected by any means).

You can still add the name of a consultant listed above to support them too, without it costing you any extra. It might just make their day.

Any questions? I’d love to connect with you over on Instagram or Facebook. Come and say hi!

7 Days With A Thermomix

How To Afford A Thermomix

Why Thermomix Is Great For Kids

35 Things I No Longer Buy (Now That We Have A Thermomix)

How Thermomix Can Help With Food Allergies

Melanie Wegener