The Best Thermomix Alternatives

Here I take a deep dive into the best Thermomix alternatives. What are the best options and how do they compare to the Thermomix? 

I make no secret about how much I love my Thermomix. But I get it. It’s expensive for a kitchen appliance. 

And although the Thermomix is the most famous thermo-cooker out there, there are other alternatives on the market that you may want to consider if you are thinking of going down the thermo-cooker route. 

Thermo-cookers make cooking faster, more convenient, and can help save you money in the long run. Often described as “life-changing”, many thermo-cooker owners wonder how they survived without them. 

What is a thermo-cooker?

These kitchen “robots” fulfil the function of several other kitchen appliances - they can weigh ingredients, chop, grate, blend, knead, cook, and steam.

As a result, all-in-one batch cooking is simple and eliminates the stack of dirty dishes and pans.

The cream of the crop, the doyenne of all thermo-cookers is undoubtedly the Thermomix. It is the machine that all other Thermo-cookers aspire to be. But there are plenty of pretenders to the throne.

So what is so good about a Thermomix? Is a Thermomix worth the money? And are the Thermomix alternatives any good? 

Let’s take a deep dive and find out. 

These are the alternatives to Thermomix covered in this article:

• The Magimix Cook Expert
• The CookingPal Multo
• Gourmate All-in-One Smart Multi-Cooking Machine
• CuisinArt FPC-100 CompleteChef
• The ChefRobot 
• The KitchenAid Cook Processor 

What is a Thermomix?

I have written a full article explaining all about what a Thermomix is and addressing some of your FAQs about it. 

But basically, the Thermomix is the most famous thermo-cooker on the market. It is an all-in-one food processor and cooker with multiple functions.

It can chop, mill, crush, grate and knead. It can saute, simmer, steam and blend. The latest TM6 model, also has multiple additional functions, including ferment, sous-vide, slow cook, rice cooker and egg boiler.

You can read more about the TM6 model here in my comparison article between the Thermomix TM5 and TM6.

Away from its impressive array of cooking functions, the  function that wows many people is the Guided Cooking function on the Thermomix.

Using a 20cm touchscreen, users can access more than 60,000 Thermomix recipes on the recipe platform Cookidoo using the built-in WiFi. New recipes are continually being developed and added.

This means that even the most nervous of cooks can confidently produce a range of impressive meals and dishes by following along simple step-by-step instructions.

You can heat the 2.3-quart stainless steel mixing bowl from 37 - 160 degrees centigrade, while embedded sensors ensure a consistent, accurate temperature. So no more guesswork and no more burning the bottom of the pan. 

Specialist kneading function takes away all the hard work of kneading dough, while the continual steady speed stirring function mean that sauces and risottos can be easily made without the need to stand over a pot and stirring. 

The in-built scale enables you to weigh food in 1g increments. On top of the yogurt or kimchi fermentation function, you can also brown onions, meat, and fish at high temperatures and make caramel, honeycomb, and other desserts.

The slow, low-heat cooking function aims to provide first-rate, succulent, flavorful meat or sous vide meat, fish, and veggies.

Why Would You Want A Thermomix Alternative?

The Thermomix has come a long way since 1961 with the first model. The latest model TM6 is the 9th and the first completely digital model, with over 24 features and self-updating software that improves independently.

So why would you want an alternative with so many features and decades of innovation?

Good question! 

As we all know, nothing is perfect, so here are some reasons to get a Thermomix alternative:  

• It is only available to buy through Thermomix or an independent consultant giving a demo, whereas you can buy the alternatives on Amazon and have it delivered right away.
• It is expensive.
• Other thermo-cooker’s guided recipes are free (Thermomix requires a membership to their Cookidoo platform to access this).
• The bowl is smaller than some other thermo-cookers, making it difficult to cook meals for larger families or groups.
• It doesn’t have a suitable food processor attachment, meaning it can't slice or grate properly.
• You can’t see what is going on inside during the cooking process.
• The temperature is capped at 120°C when cooking manually, whereas the 160°C is only available in the guided recipe function (which requires Cookidoo membership). Some other thermo-cookers allow this higher temperature, which can be useful for searing meat for example.

One point to note that may be important in your choice for whether to buy a Thermomix or a Thermomix competitor is that the majority of recipes you will find online (including on this blog) are focussed on Thermomix cooking.

Other machines may have their own settings (eg speed levels) and therefore you will need to learn how to convert these recipes for your machine.

Also bear in mind that although you have to buy a Thermomix through a consultant, this does mean that you always have a point of contact to help you with any questions you have or issues that may arise, which can be handy.

And finally, note that the Thermomix allows for software updates to the device via the integrated WiFi. This means that new functions can be added with software updates, so the machine is improving all the time, whereas other cheaper alternatives do not have this luxury.

Best Alternatives To Thermomix

There are several alternatives to the Thermomix on the market. These vary greatly in terms of functionality and in terms of price also. Generally speaking, the greater the price, the more features they will have. 

Below are some of the best alternatives to the Thermomix TM6:

• The Magimix Cook Expert
• The CookingPal Multo
• Gourmate All-in-One Smart Multi-Cooking Machine
• CuisinArt FPC-100 CompleteChef
• The ChefRobot 
• The KitchenAid Cook Processor 

Let's take a closer look at each of these equivalent Thermomix machines and see how they compare.

The Magimix Cook Expert Review

Note: Mama Loves to Cook readers can get a 10% discount on the Magimix Cook Expert: Click here and use discount code MARIANNE10

The Magimix Cook Expert is probably the biggest rival to the TM6 and many people focus their search for the ideal thermo-machine on Magimix vs Thermomix. 

These two thermo-cookers are comparable in many ways.

The Magimix Cook Expert has the following main features:

• A 3.5L stainless-steel double-walled bowl that can keep hot for up to 2 hours
• A lockable top and a see-through shatterproof glass cover
• A complete food processor that attaches to the same motor base
• Set of three BPA-free food processor bowls with capacities of 3.6L, 2.6L, and 1.2L.
• A Steamer basket
• Attachment for whisk
• Two spatulas in a set
• A physical 300 dish cookbook by Cook Expert Magimix and a recipe app

Magimix Cook Expert vs Thermomix

Here are the main differences between the Magimix Cook Expert and the Thermomix TM6.

In comparison to the Thermomix, the Cook Expert bowl is enormous (2 litres vs 3.5 litres). In addition, the stainless steel bowl of the Cook Expert is insulated and has a significantly broader base, allowing for more space to sauté or accommodate oversized items.

The Cook Expert has a no-blade rotating function for when you don’t want a blade moving inside the bowl while cooking delicate produce. While the Thermomix does have a reverse stir option, it doesn't have static blade functionality. The best option is to use a blade cover, but this is sold separately.

Another big difference is that the scales are built into the TM6, whereas the Magimix has a separate scale. I find the built-in scale really handy for quickly measuring ingredients into the Thermomix bowl and it is one of my favourite features, but I can also see the value in separate scales.

For example, to measure something that you don't want to add to the bowl right away with the Thermomix you need to add another bowl to the lid of the Thermomix jug.

The Magimix Cook Expert features 13 automated routines to prepare or cook your meals, while the Thermomix has 24 extra functions. Additionally the Magimix allows you to heat up to 160 C, whereas the Thermomix you can only achieve this with guided cooking, otherwise you can heat to 120 C.

For recipes, the Magimix Cook Expert machine has a free recipe app and a 300-item guidebook, while the TM6 has 120 built-in guided recipes and over 60,000 through the Cookidoo subscription. The Thermomix offers true guided cooking built-in, whereas the Magimix does not.

The most significant difference is the Magimix Cook Expert’s full food processor attachment which allows you to grate and slice in addition to just chopping, which is a huge advantage. 

Pros

• Its large bowl capacity is ideal for large families, friend meals, and parties
• The insulated bowl is incredibly effective at keeping meals warm 
• It has a two-hour keep warm function
• You can see inside while cooking through the glass lid
• The ability to set the blades speed to zero when you don’t want it to stir anything
• The ability to cook up to 160C without using guided cooking
• The velouté (creamed soup) program is outstanding to create the silkiest soups
• Almost everything is stainless steel, and minimal plastic usage is fantastic; no foul odors or discoloring
• 30-year guarantee on the motor

Cons

• It takes up a lot of cupboard space for all the additional accessories and food processor parts, the disks, and the large blade
• No built-in scale
• No guided cooking
• When grinding small items like spices or milling flour, the larger bowl and blunter blade seems to do a poor job compared to the Thermomix
• High price (basically the same price as the Thermomix)

There is no doubt that the Magimix Cook Expert offers a good quality machine from a renowned brand. I definitely love the large insulated bowl and the food processor attachment. Unfortunately it also carries a similarly hefty price tag to the Thermomix.

Note: Mama Loves to Cook readers can get a 10% discount on the Magimix Cook Expert: Click below and use discount code MARIANNE10

Click here to learn more about the Magimix Cook Expert.

The CookingPal Multo Review

The CookingPal Multo is another multi-function, all-in-one cooking machine and has more than 15 functions and cooking modes.

The Multo has a modern and user-friendly design with an interactive ring tone that gives you status updates through the speakers.

In addition, the company offers a free delivery service to your door with a 30-day full refund option, and it has a 2year warranty that covers the central unit and all electrical parts. 

There are four main settings to control this cooking appliance:

• Cooking temperature up to 130°C (265 F)
• Time settings for processing ingredients up to the second or 99 minutes
• Variable speed settings to activate the blade or stirring motions
• Two different blade modes for either stirring or chopping

Cookingpal Multo vs Thermomix

The Thermomix TM6 and the CookingPal Multo are identical in many of their features. Both are all-in-one cooking machines, but with a few key differences.

Firstly the Multo’s Smart Kitchen Hub allows for remote cooking control, allowing you to keep an eye on your food while you’re away from the kitchen, with the smartphone app giving you more remote monitor access.

Rather than having the built-in touchscreen, the Multo comes with a separate touch screen tablet with a comfortable, interactive control that allows you to connect to the central unit through the Hub.

They don’t charge for recipe subscriptions, so you’ll have access to everything as their recipe library grows, whereas with the Thermomix you need to pay for an annual Cookidoo subscription to access guided cooking.

Pros

• Multo’s Smart Kitchen Hub allows for remote cooking control
• Free recipe subscription service
• Large capacity bowl (3 litres vs 2 litres in the Thermomix)
• Separate touchscreen tablet with interactive control allows you to connect to the central unit through the Hub

Cons

• Not as many recipes available and feedback on the recipes isn’t great
• New on the market and has not proven the test of time
• There are reports that it chops unevenly compared to the Thermomix 

Gourmate All-in-One Smart Multi-Cooking Machine Review

The Gourmate Smart Cooking Machine is a 10-in-1 machine that can cook, mix, chop, sauté, weigh, knead, boil, steam, whisk, emulsify, grate, grind and crush.

Like the Thermomix it comes with a 2 liter bowl, steamer trays, butterfly whisk and cooking basket. Plus it has a built-in scale.

Its main selling point is its app. Unlike the CookingPal Multo that comes with its own touchscreen tablet, the Gourmate allows you to download the app to your own phone, removing the necessity of yet another device.

You can even check on your cooking progress and control some of the settings through your app, meaning you can continue to cook from the comfort of your couch!

Gourmate vs Thermomix

The Gourmate is another impressive multi-cook machine. Clearly modelled on the Thermomix, it has a very similar range of accessories, including the built-in scale, bowl, steamer trays, butterfly whisk and cooking basket.

The Gourmate has 10 functions, whereas the Thermomix has 24 functions - the WiFi integration of the Thermomix allows them to add new functions with software updates so this number can also grow.

Where it differentiates itself is through its app, which allows you to control the device from your phone.

While it doesn't have as many recipes available, they don’t charge for recipe subscriptions, so you’ll have access to everything as their recipe library grows. With the Thermomix you need to pay for an annual Cookidoo subscription.

At around a third of the price of the Thermomix, this could be a great option for you if you aren't concerned about some of the functions and/or having a large library of recipes on hand.

Pros

• You can download app to your phone - no need for a separate touch screen
• App allows you to check and control the machine remotely from your phone
• Low price point compared to Thermomix
• Free access to recipes

Cons

• Not as many functions
• Not as many recipes available
• No ability to save your own recipes
• Not a renowned brand

CuisinArt FPC-100 CompleteChef Review

The CuisinArt CompleteChef is basically a food processor with a heating element added.

Its processing functions include chop, mix, puree, knead, slice, shred, dice and whisk, while the various cooking modes are sauté, simmer, slow cook, steam, proof dough and risotto.

As a food processor, it comes with the food processor accessories such as the Slicing Disc and Shredding Disc allowing you to slice and grate ingredients.

It also comes with 200 integrated recipes.

CuisinArt vs Thermomix

The CusinArt doesn't really compare with the Thermomix as it is really just a food processor with a heating element and a few other functions such as risotto and slow cooker modes.

However if you want a cheaper kitchen machine that allows you to prepare food and cook all in one bowl, then this could be worth looking at.

There's no guided cooking and some customer feedback has included that it is difficult to clean and has a 'clunky' design.

Pros

• Larger bowl than Thermomix (3.5 litres vs 2 litres)
• Can heat up to 140 C without guided cooking
• Food processor attachments allow slicing and grating
• Lower price point

Cons

• Functionality is way more basic than Thermomix
• No guided cooking
• Clunky design

ChefRobot Review

The ChefRobot is a cheap Thermomix alternative that has the functionality of 10+ appliances.

Like the Thermomix it has the ability to knead, slow cook, whisk, mix and steam and it also has rice cooker and yoghurt fermentation modes. Plus the all-important self-cleaning mode.

It is very similar in design to the Thermomix and comes with similar accessories such as the steamer, basket, whisk and spatula.

It's temperature range goes up to 160 C and it has a built-in scale. It also has over 500 guided recipes built-in, plus an app with up to 1000 recipes.

ChefRobot vs Thermomix

The ChefRobot has obviously been modelled on the Thermomix as it is so similar in design, including its functionality and all its accessories.

Pros

• The ability to cook up to 160C without using guided cooking
• Larger bowl than Thermomix (3 litres vs 2 litres)
• Free guided recipes

Cons

• Not as many recipes available (1,000 vs 60,000) and feedback on the recipes isn’t great
• New on the market and has not proven the test of time
• Not a renowned brand name

The KitchenAid Cook Processor Review

The KitchenAid Cook Processor is our final choice for a good Thermomix alternative. This multi-cooker can be used completely automated with six separate systems, or you can operate this equipment yourself by hand.

It’s an appealing, strong, and well-designed machine, with stabilizing feet and shock absorbers to keep it from moving even when kneading heavily. 

It has built-in solid culinary routines, particularly for dough, albeit the recipe book is required for prompting. There’s also an app that’s updated regularly. When it’s done cooking, it emits a quiet, unobtrusive beep. 

It can reach a high temperature of up to 140°C, and the bowl may be heated at a speed of 0. It comes with a range of accessories, including a smaller size mixing bowl and an external steamer. 

Overall, it’s a decent product. However, it takes up a lot of storage space.

It has six preset options with corresponding buttons for ease of use (boil, fry, stew, steam, puree, dough), plus a speed selector, cooking time and temperature selectors for manual cooking. It also has quick stir and pulse functions.

Kitchenaid Cook Processor vs Thermomix

The KitchenAid can do most of the same functions as the TM6, but it is more manual than the automatic programs of the TM6. As a result, it has a shorter learning curve and is more suitable for non-technical individuals.

It is a sturdy appliance for dough creation and will not shake like the Thermomix. It has a larger cooking capacity than the TM6, although it still only has 2.5 litre cooking capacity despite the enormous bowl.

It does not have any integrated scale, and you will need a separate measuring cup or scale. In addition, the TM6 has better-guided recipes to follow.

Pros 

• Sturdy design
• Larger cooking capacity
• Comes with a blades’ storage case
• 45 minute keep warm mode

Cons

• It takes up a lot of space
• No built-in scale
• No guided cooking
• 2.5 litre cooking capacity even though it is a 4.5 litre bowl

Click here to learn more about the KitchenAid Cook Processor.