01.Introduction
Thermochef Natura
Price $795 (plus $40 shipping Australia wide)
Contact newwavekitchenappliances.com.au
In 2010 we reported on the Thermomix, which our home economist, Fiona Mair, praised it for its versatility and time-saving ability. Since then you’ve asked us to look into the Thermochef, a similar appliance but less than half the price.
Like the Thermomix, the Thermochef can perform a variety of functions, however, Fiona found it’s not as easy to use as its more expensive counterpart.
Attachments
A mixing bowl, butterfly attachment, spatula, measuring cup and steamer are included in the unit, and all parts are dishwasher-safe except the mixing bowl.
The scale allows you to reset to zero at any time to weigh in new ingredients, however you need to remove the mixing bowl from the base each time to place it on the scale, which isn’t ideal if you need to weigh during cooking.
The heating element isn’t incorporated into the bowl like the Thermomix, sitting instead in the main unit.
Performance and ease of use
When assessing the functions of the Thermochef using the recipes supplied, Fiona found vegetables to be chopped too finely and potatoes overcooked, resulting in a grainy, watery mash. The recipes are fairly limited and some may need modification - she was unable to blend the mayonnaise made from the recipe as there wasn’t enough mixture.
But once you’re familiar with the unit you can easily adjust recipes to suit. On the upside, it’s excellent for kneading, whisking, melting chocolate, mixing wet ingredients, grinding and milling, mixing thick batters and crushing ice.
The Thermochef has fairly clear labelling, push-button controls and a large digital display. Recipes with several steps require you to select the function, speed, time and temperature multiple times during cooking, which can become annoying.
You also need to be at eye level with the digital display to view it properly. The lid, which must be locked into position to operate the unit, requires some strength to open and close and we found it difficult to fit (the same goes for fitting the steaming basket). It’s also noisy during operation, which will be irritating when you’re cooking for a longer period.
When making heavy batters or doughs the unit can vibrate around the bench, and removing these mixtures can be difficult. Liquid can splash out when mixing wet ingredients if the measuring cup isn’t in position, and when braising, browning can occur on the bottom of the bowl and be difficult to clean.
The unit’s stainless steel exterior requires close attention when it comes to cleaning. To remove doughs and batters you can run through a cycle with water and detergent, however baked-on food can be difficult to remove from the bottom of the bowl.
CHOICE verdict
Like the Thermomix, the Thermochef is great for a busy family or less experienced cook, saving time and promoting healthier cooking - but it doesn't impress us as much as its rival.
It performs very well for cooking but just isn't as easy to use. Although you'll pay substantially more for the Thermomix, that is a product whose quality justifies its high price tag.