Thermomix TM6
MSRP $1499.00
“Thermomix TM6 Cooking Robot takes the place of six appliances in your kitchen.”
Avg
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20 different cooking functions in one device
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Easy to use
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Thousands of recipes available
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Nice big screen
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Automated cooking methods with recipes
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Self-cleaning
Against
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expensive
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An annual subscription to Cookidoo recipes is required
We’ve all been there: you get a small device that seems like a good and useful product at the time, but it ends up in a cupboard and is no longer used after the initial excitement wears off. But now there’s a new kitchen gadget that promises to be much more than a one-task wonder. Meet the Thermomix TM6. This device is billed as some sort of ultimate all-in-one cooking robot, but some more cynical types might call it a “food maker with extra steps.” So what exactly is it, what can it really do and is it actually useful? In this review, I’ll show you what it’s like to own one, how it integrates into your life, and our thoughts on whether it’s worth it.
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
What is Thermomix?
Simply put, the Thermomix, manufactured by Vorwerk, is a kitchen appliance that looks like a giant food processor or blender. Although the Thermomix may look similar to other devices, it’s nothing like them: the Thermomix TM6 has the ability to connect to thousands of online recipes using Wi-Fi and the Cookidoo app or website, and will guide you through cooking them, measuring ingredients, and doing all the chopping, preparation and even cooking in this one device. All in all, the Thermomix TM6 can manage 20 different kitchen appliance functions.
Several special modes can also quickly automate common kitchen tasks. The egg mode can easily cook soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs. Boiler mode boils water, while rice cooker mode easily prepares fluffy rice. Boiling rice is actually my favorite way to prepare rice since it works so well, leaving it nice and grainy, perfectly cooked and never sticky.
The apparatus consists of a powered stand and a mixing bowl with a jug-shaped lid with a sharp blade inside. There is also what is called a Varoma basket that sits on top of the lid. This three-piece double-layer steamer basket is used for steaming fish or vegetables or even for baking cakes. Another small steamer basket will be inside the bowl, and there is also a whip.
Set
Setting up the TM6 is easy: plug it in and turn it on. You’ll connect it to your home Wi-Fi network, then you’ll need to sign in or register for a Cookidoo account ($50/year) to access the online recipes.
When you’re ready, choose a recipe and start cooking.
What’s up?
Thermomix TM5, left, and the new TM6, right. Image used with permission of the copyright holder
Anyone familiar with Thermomix might wonder what’s new in the TM6 version compared to the previous TM5. The upgraded TM6 has Wi-Fi connectivity (the previous version needed recipe “chips” installed) and a larger color screen, plus it now boasts a bigger warm-up option and longer run time.
Cooking with Thermomix
Despite the somewhat overwhelming range of functions, the Thermomix is easy to use. Just choose a recipe and the bot will guide you on what to do; manages task order, timing, all measurements, mixing, speed, heat levels and fine tuning. Just add the ingredients and follow the instructions.
I made about eight meals in the three weeks I spent with the machine, and perhaps the best way to understand how it works is to walk you through a recipe.
Anyone who has ever made risotto from scratch knows that it is difficult; it requires constant stirring and careful attention. This is why the Thermomix risotto is somewhat legendary for being able to achieve the perfect velvety texture of a risotto, while remaining slightly toothy.
The Thermomix will have you freshly grate parmesan cheese by placing a piece of parmesan in a bowl and turning it on high for a few seconds. Far from turning the cheese into mush, it can finely shred it.
The cheese is set aside and then the Wi-Fi connected recipe will tell you the next steps and measurements. After you add one quartered onion and a couple of cloves of garlic, the machine will prompt you to put on the lid and turn the dial. TM6 first chops and then sautés the vegetables in a bowl. When the cups are sufficiently sweaty, the TM6 will prompt you to add water or stock, which it will heat for a few minutes, then pause and prompt you to add rice. Then he will heat the soup and constantly stir the dish to achieve that creamy perfection. In about 30 minutes, you have a real restaurant-quality risotto.
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
I made a steamed fish dish with broccoli and a wonderful spicy cashew sauce. I also tried the butter chicken dish. I’ve never made butter chicken from scratch, finding it too complicated, but the Thermomix TM6 got me through it, chopping, mixing, cooking and braising. The butter chicken was creamy and saucy and pretty easy (and I served it with a fresh batch of fluffy rice using that rice cooking method), and I also made pretzel rolls. The machine makes the dough for you and you put the rolls in your oven to finish them.
It’s a great way to bring family recipes into the modern age.
While perusing the Cookidoo app one evening for inspiration, I found a blackberry gin cocktail called the Blackberry Bramble. It’s pretty fun to learn that this device can not only prepare dinner, but also cocktails, turning your Thermomix bowl into a de facto cocktail shaker. With the addition of some ice, gin, fresh blackberries and simple syrup, the TM6 made a beautiful purple sip that was a fun change from our usual glass of wine.
Create and save your own recipes
One of the newer features of the Thermomix TM6 is the ability to create your own recipes using the Cookidoo app. You can enter your own ingredients and measurements and then set the steps. TM6 will then execute them in order. It’s a great way to add family recipes and bring them into modern times.
Accessories included. Image used with permission of the copyright holder
A kitchen robot that cleans itself
All parts of the Thermomix are dishwasher safe, but one of the easiest ways to clean it is to add soap and hot water and then run the motor for 10 seconds. There is also a longer automated cleaning cycle called Pre-Clean.
Our opinion
The new Thermomix TM6 is a capable, useful kitchen appliance. Despite its larger footprint, it can actually replace a lot of small household appliances (goodbye blender, food processor, rice cooker, kettle and rice cooker) and automate many kitchen and cooking tasks. Plus, you can use it to cook a side dish or a full meal, and you don’t have to worry about overcooking anything because it’s programmed to prepare everything with a chef’s touch.
On the downside, it’s pretty expensive ($1,499), but when you realize that it can replace literally half a dozen other devices (or prevent you from having to buy them in the first place), it seems like it can more than pay for itself quickly.
Are there alternatives?
The short answer is: There are several alternatives. While the Julia cooking robot was touted by maker CookingPal back at CES 2020 as a similar product, it doesn’t appear to have ever launched under that name, but CookingPal’s “Multo” sells on Amazon for $1,499 (and looks suspiciously identical to the original version of Julia). The Cuisinart Cooking food processor is also available for $699. As I haven’t had the pleasure of reviewing either, I can’t say whether these are truly worthy competitors.
How long will it last?
The device feels sturdy and well-made, but the Thermomix includes a two-year warranty for home use and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the product.
Should you buy it?
If you want to learn more about cooking and prepare more food at home without taking cooking classes, the Thermomix TM6 is, in my opinion, the main road to culinary success. You can also check out our list of smart ovens if you’re not convinced. The Thermomix TM6 is available on the Thermomix website.
Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn