01.Introduction
Thermomix TM31
Price $1939
Contact www.thermomix.com.au
The Thermomix has been around since the 1960s, when it first launched in Germany as a food processor. After many years of innovation, it found its way onto the Australia market in 2000. Combining the functions of 10 appliances in one unit, the Thermomix can chop, beat, mix, whip, grind, knead, mince, grate, juice, blend, heat, stir, steam and even weigh food. After CHOICE tested the latest version, the TM31, our home economist Fiona Mair - a harsh critic - declared it her new favourite appliance.
Included with the unit is a mixing bowl and lid, simmering basket, stirring attachment, measuring cup, spatula and Varoma (steaming bowl), as well as a recipe book. The heating element is incorporated into the bottom of the mixing bowl rather than inside the main unit, and the lid has provisions for spillages should a mixture boil over while cooking. It has a magnetic motor, said to increase the longevity of the product as it has no moving parts or belts to wear out over time. Its handy scale increases in increments of 5g and at any time you can reset to zero to weigh newly-added ingredients. The unit will not operate until the lid is locked into position, and if it hasn’t been used for 15 minutes it automatically switches to standby mode, which draws less power.
We assessed most functions of the Thermomix and found it succeeded on all counts. We assessed most of its functions and found it didn’t miss a beat. Fiona also tried some of the recipes supplied in the cookbook, which the Thermomix cooked to perfection. It also makes decent servings, with some meals feeding up to six adults (though you can easily adjust recipes to suit your needs).
While the unit has many controls, which can seem daunting at first, they’re well labelled. The Thermomix is only available through in-home demonstrations so before you buy you’ll have a chance to familiarise yourself with the unit, and you’ll find it’s easy to use. Minimal parts mean it’s easy to assemble and disassemble, and cleaning is also a breeze. All parts are dishwasher-safe and the main unit is easy to wipe over. Keep in mind that the plastic parts may stain with some food colours, however bicarbonate soda should remove any stains.
CHOICE Verdict
The Thermomix is built to last; we would give it five stars except for its hefty price tag, although staggered payment options are available. It’s great for a busy family or a less experienced cook. It also saves time, as you can set the timer and be free to get on with other tasks, and allows for healthier cooking through its strong emphasis on using fresh ingredients.