We compare the Thermomix TM7 vs TM6 and show you what the major differences are with the new Thermomix TM7 model.
It seems like not that long ago that I was writing about the difference between the Thermomix TM6 and the TM5 - and yet here we are, now looking at another new model.
Vorwerk (the makers of Thermomix) made a global announcement on 14th February that the Thermomix TM7 would be released in 2025!
You can read more about What to expect from the Thermomix TM7 here.
I have been a Thermomix owner for over 11 years now. I started with the TM31 and have had my TM6 for around 7 years. I recently took delivery of a brand new TM7 and have been putting it through its paces, testing it out so that I can give you my honest opinion and point out some pros and cons of each model.
Read on to find out exactly what are the differences between the TM7 and TM6... and see whether you think it will be worth upgrading to the TM7.
Got more questions? Let me know!
Have more questions about the Thermomix? Read our Thermomix FAQ article here and see all our Thermomix recipes here.
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TM6 vs TM7: What are the differences?
Apart from the obvious overall design and look of the TM7, there are a few other differences between the two machines.
No time to read the whole article? Here are the main differences:
- The overall design is completely different.
- The TM7 is only (currently) available in black.
- It has a larger touchscreen.
- It has an insulated bowl.
- The lid has a hidden locking system.
- There's no hole in the lid.
- It has a silent motor.
- It has a larger Varoma.
- It has a new function: Open cooking ability.
- There is a built-in slider foot.
Let's take a closer look at these.
The overall design
The overall design of the two machines is completely different. This is the biggest departure of the traditional Thermomix design we have seen since the TM31 came out.
Firstly, the TM7 is only available in black, whereas all previous models have been white (apart from a limited edition TM6 a couple of years ago).
Secondly, the bowl sits on top of a flat base unit, unlike other models where it sits inside the unit.
The insulated bowl also marks a big change in the overall look of the machine as it is the first time you haven't seen the metal exterior of the bowl. Add into this the larger screen, and the overall look is completely different.
TM7 vs TM6: Screen size
The larger screen is one of the more noticeable differences between the TM7 and the TM6.
At 10 inches (vs 6.8 inches for the TM6), it is the largest screen ever seen on a Thermomix machine and gives users more of a tablet-like usability.
It definitely gives the TM7 a more modern, stylish appearance.
You will also notice that the large dial / home button is missing from the TM7, meaning all functionality will be via the screen.
This takes a little getting used to, but I actually like this functionality as it feels less clunky. You also don't need to clean underneath that dial!
Pre-set buttons for the time, temperature and speed make it quick and easy to set the different parameters.
I also really like that you can now easily access the scales within the same home screen as the time/temp/speed settings without having to go backwards and forwards between screens.
TM7 vs TM6: the Mixing Bowl
Disappointingly, the mixing bowl size is the same on both models - 2.2 litres capacity. I do wonder though with the new design of the TM7, whether they will bring out a larger bowl that can fit on top (watch this space!)
Where Thermomix have mixed things up (see what I did there?) with the bowl on the TM7 is the design. This is probably the biggest change in bowl design since the VM2000 came out in 1971!
The stainless steel bowl for the TM7 has an insulated plastic cover, meaning you can now touch the mixing bowl safely as the outside doesn't get hot.
It also has a knife-locking lever at the bottom to lock and release the blade.
The new bowl is also heavier - 650g heavier, actually (yes, I weighed them). This can make quite a difference when it's full.
TM7 vs TM6: the Lid
One of the biggest changes is that there is no longer a hole in the lid, meaning no measuring cup.
In its place is a 'lid cap' and the large hole in the lid is replaced with smaller vent holes.
This means a few things:
- You can no longer look inside the machine to see what is happening. This is a big disappointment for me, as I always use this feature when whipping cream, for example.
- You can no longer use spatula-aided stirring/chopping. The TM6 spatula is designed to fit through the hole to allow this. I often use this feature, for example, when making Thermomix Coleslaw and there are large cabbage leaves, using the spatula helps it to chop evenly and quickly.
- You no longer need to use the splash guard (did anyone ever use this anyway?) or the simmering basket on the lid.
- You can no longer accidentally spray your kitchen if you forget to insert the measuring cup before blending.
TM7 vs TM6: the Locking System
I've seen a lot of concern among Thermomix users about the lack of the locking arms in the TM7 (the two arms on the TM6 that lock the lid in place while cooking).
You don't need to worry. For the TM7, the locking system is integrated and hidden, but still ensures the lid can only be opened when it is safe to do so.
Not having the arms is a big bonus; they are a pain to clean!
Another major difference is that on the TM7, the lid doesn't lock until it reaches speed 2. Up until speed 2, you can lift the lid to take a look inside the bowl.
When you do this, the blade automatically stops, and then re-starts when you replace the lid.
Once the blade goes over speed 2, the lid automatically locks.
TM7 vs TM6: the new Slider Foot
I do like this addition to the TM7. All the advice is that you should never drag your Thermomix, for fear of upsetting the balance of the scales.
This led to the invention of the slider board, which allows you to safely move your machine around your kitchen surface - particularly useful if you keep it in the corner.
However, now the TM7 comes with a built-in slider foot, which increases manoeuvrability and means you can slide the machine on your work surface without the need for a slider board.
TM7 vs TM6: Dimensions
How do the two machines compare when it comes to dimensions? Obviously, without the mixing bowl on top, the new TM7 is pretty flat, at just 12.2cm high.
This means you can easily store it away in a drawer or cupboard if you don't want to keep it out on your countertop.
It is narrower (by nearly 9cm) but also a fair bit deeper (by nearly 8cm) than the TM6.
Width x Depth x Height
- TM7 (including bowl, without Varoma): 25.3 x 40.5 x 33.6 cm
- TM6 (including bowl, without Varoma): 34.1 x 32.6 x 32.6 cm
TM7 vs TM6: the Motor
Another of the biggest changes between the two models is the motor. The motor is still incredibly powerful (actually more so with the new model) but IT IS QUIET!
If you want to get geeky about it, here are the stats from Vorwerk (measured in an empty mixing bowl):
- TM7 Volume at speed 1: 30 dB(A) in comparison to TM6 : 63 dB(A)
- TM7 Volume at speed ⅘: 50 dB(A) in comparison to TM6: 75 dB(A)
Ok, what does this mean in reality?
I'm not going to lie, when the TM7 is stirring at low speeds, it is impressively quiet. In fact, I still second-guess myself as to whether anything is happening inside the bowl, as you just can't hear it.
Kneading pizza or bread dough using the Dough function is a lot quieter than it used to be too.
However, if you are chopping ingredients, particularly hard ingredients, it's still a noisy machine. Don't go expecting a silent cheese-grating experience. The pre-clean mode is also very noisy.
TM7 vs TM6: the Varoma
The Varoma design is another difference between the two machines. It's gone from being oval to rectangular, which equates for an additional 40% in capacity.
I've noticed a big difference with this. The 40% extra feels a lot more and I also feel like the overall design is more functional and fits together better.
Other than that, it works just the same. However, when using the Varoma function on the TM7, you use a 'steaming' mode rather than setting the temperature to 'Varoma'.
TM7 vs TM6: Cooking functions
The cooking modes between the two models are largely the same. Official documentation will tell you that the TM7 has 20 cooking modes vs 17 cooking modes on the TM6.
The main difference is that the TM7 allows for open cooking, browning and steaming.
What does this mean?
You can now cook with the lid off and/or unlocked like you would with a saucepan. So, up to to 100 °C, you can cook without the lid, but the blades won't turn. So essentially, it's a saucepan.
There's been a lot of excitement about this mode. I'm going to be honest, I don't really get why.
I can see it could be useful to have a 'saucepan' that you can control the temperature to the exact degree. Also if you are making, for example, meatballs with tomato sauce, you can make the sauce in the Thermomix as usual then steep the meatballs using open cooking, and you only have one bowl to wash up.
But beyond this, I don't really understand the huge benefits of open cooking. I'm happy to be educated though, so I'd love to hear your thoughts if this does excite you!
If you prefer manual cooking, you will be pleased to hear that the TM7 allows you to use all cooking modes except Sugar Stages with manual cooking (some cooking modes such as high-heat are restricted on the TM6 for safety reasons).
TM7 vs TM6: Accessories
Both machines pretty much come with the same accessories - mixing bowl, Varoma, simmering basket, butterfly whisk, and spatula.
The simmering basket for each machine is compatible with the other. However, the spatula is different, so you can't use the TM6 spatula as a handle on the TM7 simmering basket and vice versa.
Also note that the Measuring Cup and Splash Guard have been replaced with a Lid Cap.
TM7 vs TM6: Cookidoo access
There doesn't seem to be any difference to Cookidoo access between the machines. You get 3 months free access to Cookidoo with both a TM7 and TM6 purchase.
I was, however, forced to upgrade to the more expensive Cookidoo subscription when I set up my TM7 as apparently it's not 'compatible' with the cheaper subscription.
The TM7 comes with 200 free guided recipes to download vs 120 pre-loaded free recipes with the TM6.
The TM7 is designed to offer improved, smarter guided cooking. I don't use Cookidoo a lot but the main difference I have noticed is that you can have it set up to automatically 'tick off' ingredients as you weigh them into the bowl.
How much does the Thermomix TM7 cost?
Current prices are $2,649.00 AUD or $2,849.00 NZD.
More FAQs about the Thermomix TM7
No, the TM7 will only initially be available in black.
Open Cooking is a new mode for the TM7 that allows you to cook without the lid secured (like cooking with a saucepan). It allows no-speed cooking up to 100 °C, and unlocked cooking until speed 2 and up to 120 °C. It is securely locked when speed rotation exceeds 2.
There will be a new Thermomix Cutter+ that matches the TM7 specifications. The TM6 / TM5 cutter is not compatible with the TM7.
Only a few TM6 and TM5 accessories are compatible with the TM7. These are the Sensor and the blade cover and peeler. The simmering basket from the TM6 and TM5 will also fit and the spatula can also be used, although the TM7 will come with new and improved versions.
Thermomix do run trade-up opportunities from time to time. However there are no current opportunities to trade up to a TM7. And with demand expected to far outweigh stock supplies, a trade-up opportunity could be some time.
No the bowl capacity is the same as the TM6.
Thermomix say they will support a model for up to 10 years after that model was last sold. Therefore, parts for the TM5, servicing and consultant support will be available until 2029. The TM6 will be serviceable until 2035. They have also said that they will continue to offer upgrades to the TM6 software for another 5 years.
No it is not.
No it does not and integration of voice assistants is not currently planned.
It is disappointing to have only just purchased the TM 6 (late 2024), to find out that it is about to be replaced by a superior TM7 model, which
addresses all of the safety concerns of the TM6.
I do believe recent purchasers of the TM6 should be given an opportunity to upgrade to the TM7 for a reasonable price.
Disappointed to learn that the software upgrades for TM6 will cease after 5 years and although serviceable for 10 years one would expect far longer considering the price you pay for these machines. I really think this company should look at offering greater customer support, for the life of the machine. I am far more likely to want to upgrade my current model because of new innovations and design rather than thinking my existing model might become obsolete. And for goodness sake make all model accessories compatible with new models.