Sampling the Thermomix
10 September 11
Today’s introduction to the Thermomix was a feast of delights and possibilities. With the expertise of local consultant Sonya Foley, the whizz-bang machine that proports to “do it all” demonstrated its value and versatility as we not only put it through its paces but made special requests!
The Thermomix is a French-made kitchen appliance that combines the functions of at least half a dozen other appliances. It’s very popular in Europe and was introduced to Australia about ten years ago. Sold only through personal consultants, we asked our local rep Sonya to come and show us what the hype is all about.

In order to demonstrate a range of features, Sonya took us through six menu items, preparing each one from scratch: sorbet, garlic and herb dip, bread dough, beetroot salad, risotto and custard. She brought most of the ingredients fruit, vegetables, rice, raw sugar and wheat (instead of flour). We veered from the standard menu plan to experiment with a vegetable smoothie, lentil flour and egg-free custard.

It was fascinating to be able to look into the Thermomix at each step of the meal preparation. We were amazed to see how finely it grinds the wheat into flour and the raw sugar into powdered sugar. Garlic and onions are chopped finely without turning to mush. Everything is prepared and cooked so much quicker than using conventional methods. It certainly seems that there would be less washing-up with a Thermomix that does the dicing and the cooking!
When each meal was finished, Sonya shared around little bowls of the food for us all to taste. The girls loved the sorbet even on a chilly day like today and I especially appreciated the beetroot juice.


Between cooking items, Sonya simply rinsed the Thermomix’s cooking bowl in our make-shift kitchen area. (She didn’t seem put off by using a tap and hose at the door to our shed!)
David and I can see the great benefits of having a Thermomix in the kitchen. I can also fully understand why people who own one rave about them! The $2000 price-tag can seem steep unless it’s brought into perspective with the savings one can recoup by buying whole-foods instead of pre-processed goods.
Our verdict? We love it, and I wish we had one today. However, we have one more whizz-bang product to properly assess before we make a purchasing decision, so we’ll hold off for a little longer (and I’ll try to stay neutral).
1 · Aunty Gwenda · 10 September 2011, 22:22
Loved reading this. I saw the thermomix demonstrated recently at a home show. My concern was that it didn’t hold enough for the size meals I cook. Do you think it will hold enough to feed your family of 7 hungry mouths??
2 · Lauren · 10 September 2011, 22:28
I think the trick is to cook multiple things at once using the cooker and the two-level steamer baskets. The demonstrator gave examples of how the Thermomix could feed a crowd, and it seemed credible.
3 · Helly · 10 September 2011, 23:10
Eh heh… Ah the thermomix… I’ve had mine for two years now, and not a day goes by I don’t use it for something. Even if it’s just making almond milk or porridge or something! Definitely not cheap, but once you’ve used one for a couple months, you really do forget the price tag. An ideal appliance for traveling, I think. :)
4 · holly c. · 11 September 2011, 02:35
Wow-that risotto looks devine!
I’ll be interested to see if you end up purchasing one and what you make with it if you do.
5 · Lusi · 11 September 2011, 08:15
My friend has one and raves about what a great investment it was. I’m wondering the same thing as Aunty Gwenda..will it be big enough for our family of 7?
Keen to hear what you decide and see how it works for you guys if you do end up getting one :-)
Lusi x
6 · ThermomixBlogger Helene · 11 September 2011, 14:05
Okay — well I have to step in here and speak on behalf of all of us who already own a Thermomix and say this: I/we really, really, REALLY hope that you choose Thermomix as your whizz-bang gadget because from reading this FABULOUS blog I can tell that you already are a Thermomix family. I have fallen in love with you Lauren, your family, and your blog and I would love, love, LOVE to read all about your experiences as you incorporate Thermomix into your creative, loving, passionate life.
(Also, I can’t help but think that you are in a perfect position to become a highly mobile Thermomix consultant, selling machines here and there as you meet people along the way.)
Hope to read about your sparkling Thermomix adventures soon ;-)
ps – I am adding your review to the list of best Thermomix reviews on SuperKitchenMachine.com — well done!