Do I Need a Thermomix?

zero waste blog
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you’ll have heard about the Thermomix. You might have also noticed that the Thermie (as it is affectionately known by owners) tends to evoke a lot of passion. People divide their lives into pre and post-Thermomix, such is their devotion to this all-in-one kitchen device. So what exactly is a Thermomix? Why is there so much hype around it?  And, most importantly, do you really need one?

  • What is a Thermomix?

    At its simplest, the Thermomix is a food processor and cooker in one. However it’s the sheer scope of what this German-designed machine can do that sets it apart.

    The Thermomix can cook, boil, simmer and stew; chop and mince meat, nuts, herbs and vegetables; blend; make yoghurt; mill rice, nuts and grains into flour; grind coffee, sugar and nuts; knead dough; whisk; grate; puree and crush. It can replace pretty much every kitchen gadget you own.

  • It saves a lot of time and effort

    Along with saving you on prep time, the Thermomix has a set and forget function, so you can throw in your ingredients, press the button, and go and do something else while it cooks. Owners describe it as having an extra pair of hands in the kitchen

    “You press start, walk away and 20 minutes later you have risotto. You can completely forget about it, go and feed your baby or whatever,” said Sunshine Coast mum-of-two and yoga instructor Emily Spurling.

  • It helps you eat healthier

    Busy mums say that they no longer buy take-away, because it is just so simple to whip something up in the Thermie. A prep time of two to three minutes, turn the machine on, then forget about it until it beeps you for dinner.

    It’s also a great tool for those trying to avoid packaged and processed foods, additives and preservatives, or those with food allergies or intolerances. The Thermomix makes it quick and easy to whip up things like biscuits, cakes, breads, mayonnaise, sauces and stocks from scratch, and there are a lot of people who have bought a Thermomix for this reason alone.

    Di Wilson, who has a vegan daughter, and runs her own farmers market stall specialising in gluten free and vegan food, makes all of her flours in the Thermomix: “I’ll buy my quinoa or brown rice and grind it myself. That way at least you know that’s all you’re getting. There’s no fillers, no preservatives… you can live additive free,” she said.

  • It can shake things up in the kitchen

    If you’re in a bit of a cooking rut, the Thermomix can help you get more creative.

    People who would never have tried to make bread, pastry, pizza dough, jams, stocks, dips, ice creams, lemon curd, curry pastes or custard from scratch suddenly do, because the Thermie makes it so quick and simple.

    “I’m trying new things and new recipes, whereas before I’d never deviate from the normal shopping list – it took me out of my comfort zone,” said Emily.

    There is a massive amount of Thermomix resources online, with thousands of recipes, along with hints, tips, support and inspiration.

  • Is it worth the pricetag?

    It depends on what you want to do with it. There is nothing you can do in the Thermomix that you can’t do with another kitchen appliance; it’s just that it’s a lot easier and quicker in the Thermomix. It’s not cheap, but if you’re time poor, it could be a lifesaver, and you’ll probably end up using it every day.

Emily, who initially bought the Thermomix to make healthy, additive free purees for her daughter, says she now uses it for about 80 percent of her cooking.

“I’m so dependent on it now,” she laughs. “If this one broke down I’d have to go and buy another one.”

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