I have just got my TM and was wondering if anyone can help me. I have made soup and wondered if I can leave it in the TM or am I better putting into something else?? It's pumpkin soup!!
I'm a newbie, but would like to make a comment about the thermomix.
I bought one last year, after attending a couple of demonstrations and after using it I have to say it's ended up at the back of the kitchen cupboard and has been replaced by my old food processor and juicer.
Apart from cooking things my processor does everything else the thermomix does. Plus it slices and grates, where the the mix just chops everything. I gave every recipe in the book a go and I have to say the risotto was very nice and so were the sorbets, and some things which should have had a smooth texture came out grainy. I can make real juices in the juicer in less time than the thermomix and I don't have to strain them or put them through a milk cloth.
IMHO the thermomix is good for busy families and working couples who may be time poor, but for a single person a food processor and juicer are better value for money.
I do wonder if anyone else regrets spending so much money on a machine which now lives in the back of a cupboard.
I have had mine for a couple fo weeks now and I love it So far I have made
Savoury Mince (minced a bit of steak and damn impressed)Peach and Amaretto JamPotato SaladColeslawMore Peach and Amaretto JamChicken Liver PateMango IcrecreamStrawberry JamStrawberry Dacquiri
.... I do work but hoping to increase my repotoire over the next few weeks
...I am new to using this forum and have realised that it does not send you responses to your email address. We need to log on to this site to see if there are any replies.
Hi
I'm new as well. I thought ticking the box "notify me when new comments are posted" (+ all comments or replies) should then email you the replies? Doesn't that work?
People definitely have valid opinions on here about some of the downfalls of the TM. I went to a healthy lifestyle demo at my Organic store where they used a thermomix, it wasn't a thermomix demo as such, but I tried some of their recipes at home in my blender and food processor & failed miserably. Even simple things like a green smoothie I couldn't do as well. The raw salads (beetroot & the brocoli one in particular) are stunning in the TM & have been hits with all my friends (even ones who don't like "salad"!). My green smoothie featuring baby spinach, kale, seeds, nuts, coconut flesh & avocado turns out smooth as in 30 seconds. My old blender couldn't do the same in 3 mins leaving chunks behind.
I went to a real TM demo & they certainly demo the stuff that works well. I tried the butter chicken in the TM, and although OK, the chicken did taste "boiled". However it's a godsend with risotto's & dahls & other vegetarian dishes.
I also dislike little things like how they claim the TM "juices". It doesn't juice, it blends. Having to pour the resulting blended mix into a nutmilk bag or similar to remove the pulp is more wasteful that it's worth!
So for me it works well, but eating healthy can be costly. Little things like growing fresh herbs seems simple, but my corriander doesn't want to play & I'm spending a fortune at coles on fresh herbs, but I know it's awesome for me. I need to get serious about my green thumb now as fresh herbs are a necessity when it comes to flavour in a lot of raw dishes!
Due to the cost of the machine & a lot of people scraping & saving to afford one it's good to see TM offer the interest free payment plans occassionally. Perhaps it should be more often. It would also be great to offer loan machines for a week, not sure how that would work, but maybe some consultants need to be more committed to follow up visits with their customers rather?
Anyway, that's my 2￠ worth. I'm happy & I have converted a friend who also bought. At this stage she's loving it as well, as she;s found quite a few dishes her family seems to love. Simple things like turning fruit + ice cubes (no sugar) into oh so healthy sorbet just can't be beat.
I am not sure if you have had any responses or have been given advice yet...I am new to using this forum and have realised that it does not send you responses to your email address. We need to log on to this site to see if there are any replies. I have a friend whose son has allergies and she has just bought the Thermomix for that reason. She likes how she can change ingredients in the recipes so that her son can have the food too!
Below is a link to a blog by Jo Whitton who is a Thermomix Leader but who specialies in creating alternative recipes. She also is on Facebook. I have gone to her site several times for alternative recipes and she may be able to help you further.
I suggest you connect with your consultant and ask them for some help and advice. We are here to help our customers and she should be able to give you a few things to try that will help you enjoy your new kitchen assistant.
Don't give up. It is a change but it can be a great one.
Ask us all questions here also, we'll help as much as we can.
I'm looking at purchasing at Thermomix, my hubby is finally ok with it - although he didn't mind me getting one, he previously was not happy about it and being such an expensive purchase, I felt we both needed to be happy with owning one before buying one.
A friend is a consultant, so I will purchase it off from her as support, however I'm concerned as she is a new consultant. Given the comments above - is she experienced enough to show me how to use it as I'm worried that if I fail in using the product, I will need the expertise, patience and advice and as she has only sold a few, she may not have it (without offending her of course).
My son is allergic to eggs. I tried to see what recipes I could make without eggs, however when using the recipe search and selecting recipes "without eggs", recipes with eggs still appear.
Is there a cookbook or website guiding how to use the TM31 for people with allergies? The "Allergies" section on the forum I didn't find useful as there were not many recipes.
I just need to make sure I'm making the right decision before purchasing a TM as I do not want my hubby (or myself) to feel we just wasted $2k when it really could be used better elsewhere.
I have really enjoyed reading all the comments. I am a Mum of a 2yr old and a 3 month old and have had my Thermomix for 2 years. Yes, My husband too thought it was an expensive buy until he was there for a demo at our house. He then thought it was an excellent machine with so many functions and wanted to have one.
Firstly, I was never the fondest of cooking, but now with the Thermomix I have been cooking and baking more then ever
Secondly, Having a 2 yr old and a 3 month old I am always busy, especially around the "horror hour" between 4 and 6 pm. The Thermomix has allowed this time to be a less stressful one for me as I set the machine on to do each stage of a recipe and can comfortably leave it to do its job....leaving me with free hands.
Thirdly, I try and combine using my Thermomix for some of the cooking/ baking with the slow cooker. The slow cooker is on early in the morning doing my meat, I then later, do my rice or mashed potatoes in the Thermomix bowl and steam my veges in the varoma...Wha- la!!!
Food ready...Mum not as stressed...hubby happy...= happy family :D
It was an initial outlay, but I do not regret it at all.
I have only justy purchased my thermo too but am finding that its great once you get the hang of it, like many recipes you have to tweak it to your liking, my advice is to get back on to your consultant and go to some of the domos.
I was fortunate enough to go to the devil of a cookbook demo in Townsville last weekend and it was great to see what can actually be made if you know how.
For me my thermo is a new phase of cooking I hope that with persistense you will find in a great tool in the kitchen..
I wish I'd read this thread before I purchased my TM. I've only had it for a few weeks, but I'm very disappointed with anything that I've attempted to make so far. For me I feel that it has been a very costly mistake. I'm not much of a cook and perhaps I was expecting too much from this machine!
Hi. Just a quick reply to busyMumofOne re the custard.
We make this ALL the time! It is way better to use cornflout for the thickener, plain flour does seem to give it a 'taste'. I also use cornflour to thicken stews and casseroles etc too for the same reason. I've tried all varieties of citrus zest too - it really depends on waht is in the fridge. This week it has been mandarine and lime - very tasty!
Good luck with your cooking journey and have fun experimenting.
You're welcome re the support. Most of the people who have had a demo with me know my passion for the TM and for helping others to be happy in the kitchen.
I'm sure your consultant will look after you. Make sure you ask all the questions you want to and get the most out of your machine and your consultant
This has been a very interesting read! I love hearing everyones different opinions. I have had my TX for about a month and I use it almost daily, except those days I don't cook!! It suits the way I like to cook. I am not one who like to spend too much time in the kitchen but wants to make healthy food for my family. I have been trying to make everything in it that I can BUT I can see how it would not suit everyone's personal cooking style.
I am happy with my TX but there is no one machine that would/ could suit everyone and it is a shame some have invested in one and are not 100% happy. Hopefully their experiences are becoming more positive!
This machine is amazing. I bought a TM31 off an international seller and it arrived in 18 days in perfect condition. It works brilliantly and it has changed the way we think about food, health and food preparation. We are making our own butter (in just a few minutes) among many other things.
My wife and I ordered our TM 2 days ago along with our twin daughters and a friend plus I expect our other daughter will order one shortly. Having read all the replays and Chrissy comments I am still looking forward to getting out TM shortly. I know we have a great consultant to help use an will use that help to get the most out of the TM.
Interesting reading. I'm a new consultant, but not new to the Thermomix. I have taken on board all the comments from the couple of unhappy owners here.
So cool you got a machine!! I've had mine for almost 6 months and loving it.
I have just signed up to become aconsultant and am really excited about the opportunities
I think the custard recipe you may be looking for is in the everyday cooking book on page 155 (custard/creme patissere). I normally cut the flour back a bit as i found it tasted a little flourey when I made it (but it didnt at my demo when my consultant made it )
I havent heard of anyone thats been disappointed with a puchase of the TM 31.
They take a little bit to get used to. My youngest son said that I loved my machine more than him because i spent more time with it that him But that was in the first week while I was getting my head around it but now he says I love him more because i cook him so much with my tmx ...hes a bit cute
i have had mine for almost 6 months and absolutely love it (can't get enough of it).
You have been a fantastic, i wish every consultant was as enthusiastic, helpful and patient as you!
I have ordered and received my thermomix!!! It turned up on Monday, I haven't had a proper demo, but alot of things have come back to me from the demo i went to 10 months ago!
I have been going crazy since the thing turned up! So far i have made, and in this order, custard, that was terrible!! I used the recipe with plain flour and no sugar, then bread rolls, perfect and my recipe! Then i tried gluten free bread, but that dintn't work, i crumbed left over bread, fudge, more breadrolls, mashed potato, coleslaw, more breadrolls and a pizza base!
So i am really enjoying it, I am going to try the custard again, we had a lemon custard at the demo but i cant find the recipe.
Bettre keep going.....Thanks again for your support!
Chrissy, thanks so much for your honesty. As a consultant I am told constantly by my clients that the support they recieve is the number thing that they need. As a customer I think you deserve to have a passionate consultant who spends the time explaining the machine when they deliver it, follows up with you to make sure you are ok, invites you to cooking classes, gives you recipe idea/tips and keeps in touch with you from time to time to make sure you are enjoying your TM.
Busymumofone, I know that I try my upmost to do all of these things for my customers and hope that you find someone to do the same for you.
The TM is an amazing product and if you have a passionate consultant it is like the cream on top that makes it even better (pardon the cooking pun).
Hi Busymumofone, I wouldn't say I recomend them but I will say I'm beginnning to like my TMX more. I think my issue in the beginning was not having a passionate counsultant and no in real life support to use my machine to its full extent.
I also feel that I swallowed up the marketing of TMX hook line and sinker, which is very much not the usual me. I brought into the fact that it would make my life easier and more healthy, without relising my life was way more healthy before the TMX becuase it wasn't easier. So I used to make things like bread by hand and it was so much more delicious then any bread I've ever made in the TMX, not to mention healthier as I did it myself and didn't use a machine to do it.
I feel as if the TMX has truly made me lazy and I'm still not using it as much as others that I know have brought one. Support is essential, getting along to cooking classes and hosting demo's with the righ counsultant is really important to learn everything there is to know about your new machine. I'm still struggling to get the taste and flavour into my usually delicious recipes when not cooked in the TMX, and we are by no means fussy eaters, its just so watered down and stewy there is no flavour in stuff that there would be when cooking on the stove or oven.
I don't believe the TMX is easy, you still have to shop for the ingriedients, which can be hard to source and find in small areas and then you still have to adjust the recipes for cooking with a new machine, most of the cookbook recipes have been dispointing too. Its probably easy when you know how but you have to learn so much before your competent with the TMX, its not easy in the beginning.
Hi there. Would you mind posting the Elizabeth David Spaghetti Bol recipe please? I am a newbie and really keen to try both gourmet foods & healthier options... Cheers!
Looking forward to learning new tricks and tips with my Thermomix...
I was wondering if anyone knew of anyone that had been really disappointed with the purchase of the TM 31 and sent it back or on sold it?
Chrissy,
I hate cooking and went to a friends demo about 9 months ago and am wanting a TM coz it looked so easy... how are you getting on with it, do u think it's crazy to purchase one or maybe i should say do u recommend them yet?!
1small cup sugar, 1 tspn of mustard - place in TM on speed 8 for 8 seconds. Add 1 cup milk, 1 small cup vinegar, 3 eggs and pepper and salt to taste.
Place TM on 7 minutes at 90 degree at speed 4. Sit back relax with the paper .
After seven minutes remove and pour in storing container - beautiful creamy consistency and very yummy. No standing over stove waiting for it to come to boil stirring all the time and then simmering until thicker (if it does ever get thicker).
I have had my Bimby only a couple of months and already cant imagine cooking without it. I have all the stock pastes now in the freezer in cluding the thai pastes also chicken tikka, balti and salt rub in fridge, All my kitchen equipment is in the shed only kept rice cooker and small spice blender so I can get ingredients ready for next recipe while Bimby busy. This has meant reorganising my small kitchen as I now have lotts more room to cook. All the food has been excellent even my old recipes which I can convert to bimby, like my favorite Elizabeth David spag boll recipe. the soups are amazing and risotto, the ease of which the meals can be produced is amazing. I wont regret a penny of the cost of buying it as it has grestly exceeded my expectations. You need to get some help from thermomix to find out why the food is not good as it is too expensive not to be used to make great food.
Hi Jan - Can you post your mayonaise recipe please as that is one thing I will be making very soon when my Thermomix is delivered tomorrow ... I like the plain commercial ones but remember my Mum used to make her own and as kids we had the job of beating with a hand beater and that tasted good but cannot remember exactly what was in it.
I purchased my thermomix only this week. I make a mayonnaise for salads which previously I boiled on the stove. Most of the time I struggled to get it to the correct consistency. After having a demonstration with the making of custard which we loved I decided to try my own mayonnaise recipe in the thermomix following the custard time, temperature and speed. While I ate my breakfast this morning the thermomix cooked by mayonnaisse to perfection. I am sold on the machine and love it and looking forward to cooking lots of foods in it. Also I had a fantastic demonstrator who was so helpful and will continue to be. Thanks Alicia well done.
I have been to a cooking class and talked to people who have the thermomix. The main theme seems to be that you can make so much from scratch and not rely on commercial products. I think if you don't normally do that, then the thermomix would be a revelation. But for me I have always made my own products as I enjoy cooking from scratch. Unfortunately it means I have something to compare with and I think the texture and taste are inferior. A classic is bolognaise sauce - it just doesn't taste the same as my sauce that I have bubbling away on the stove for a couple of hours with an occasional stir and adjustment of flavours.
I always make my own muesli bars and thought that would be something easier in the thermomix but in fact it doesn't save me much time at all and is harder to clean than the saucepan and bowl that I normally use.
So, I think if cooking was a chore then the thermomix would perhaps be a lifesaver. But if you love to cook and fiddle around with flavours as you go I don't think it really works.
I can answer your question about what my food processor does better than thermomix. I use it all the time for grating and slicing veges. I also find if I chop or puree in the foodprocessor I can easily get it out whereas in the thermomix I lose a lot of it stuck in and under the blades.
As some of the other guys suggested to Chrissy, before you sell your machine, have you talked things through with your Consultant and was she able to offer you some advice on the things you have had problems with??? i myself had trouble with some of these things when i first got my Thermomix but have discovered from other consultants and customers that there are some easy remedies for these problems. Mashed potato for instance ( only use pink or red potatoes as the white potatos have too much water content) makes sure the potato is well cooked before mashing. Jam sometimes needs a little more time added to cooking or you can add some pectin. some of the recipes just need personal tweeking. cut down on the amount of Soy for your chicken etc. The custard recipe has actually been changed to include 30gms of Corn flour not plain flour and is much better.
it all takes time to adjust and get familiar with your machine and the recipes. keep seeking out new recipes from different web sites and books i know you will grow to love it if you must give it some time. if you dont have a consultant who can help you then i am sure Thermomix can find you someone close by who can offer you loads of help. Remember to have a look on the Website and come to one of the Cooking classes near you they can often help get you back on track. Good luck and please think long and hard before you make any final decisons.
I don't love my thermomix either. I really regret buying it. I have had it since June and most things I cook in it I don't like. I have made lots of hommus, guacamale and pesto but I used to do that in my food processor and it was no harder. The jam is runny, the lemon butter runny, the custard tasted of uncooked flour. I have tried recipes recommended on the forums - meatloaf in the veroma - yuk. Honey soy chicken - overly sickly and rich. Mashed potatos come out gluey. Cakes not the nice texture I get with my mixer. I haven't bothered with the bread as I set my breadmaker to be ready when the kids get home from school and it is cooked and waiting for them. Dahl was okay but no quicker or easier than making it in the saucepan.
I am a competent cook and love cooking a variety of foods. We eat a lot of Asian dishes and I suppose it is hard for anything to replace my trusty wok but I am really disappointed and wish I had spent the money upgrading my 25-year-old foodprocessor instead - at least that grates and slices for me as well.
I also hate how you can't get accessories unless you hold a demo. I didn't get a thermoserve as all my friends have already been to a demo and I am not going to ask them to go again. I wanted to buy one but that is not allowed apparantly.
Hi Chrissy,Have you been able to sort out the hassles and fall in love with your TM yet? I am a new user, but have saved for two years to buy one. I will probably never get rid of my slow cooker because I use it about four days per week to do dinner. I just set it up in the morning before I leave for work, and come home to a cooked meal. I do LOVE my TM though - all the time-saving, help with chopping, dicing, pulverising etc - there is no comparison. And hard-boiled eggs that don't go blue and cannot be forgotten thanks to the alarm. The list just goes on. :D Let us know how you are getting on.
My husband was the one who wanted to buy a Thermomix - I had been lusting after a KitchenAid for years but hadn't been able to justify the cost - so I was really hesitant - but I have to add it has been one of the best purchasing decisions we have ever made.
I have two kids (3yo and 5yo) who love "helping" in the kitchen and I love my TM because they can join in without me having to worry about sharp knives and hot saucepans. My 5yo son is learning to read and I get him to read the recipes (they are so easy) sounding out the ingredients, reading the weights and weighing them in, then reading and setting the time, temperature and speed. (My secret plan is that they will each cook one night a week by the time they are ten or so!)
For me there are three things that make me love my TM: (1) I can make fresh, healthy food that my whole family can eat (my 5yo is allergic to eggs) and I have more control over the additives, preservatives and other rubbish that is normally in pre-packaged foods (2) it's an extra set of hands - after an elbow reconstruction my TM does all the stirring and mashing that I can no longer do (meaning a lot less pain) and (3) it saves me time and washing up.
In short - it's a great investment. I think the key is to start by using the Everyday Cookbook for most meals until you feel confident using it (then start to convert your old recipes), make sure you contact your consultant with any questions no matter how silly or trivial they seem and get involved with any cooking classes in your area.
Sorry for the long post - but I just can't say strongly enough what a life-changer our TM is.
My husband was the one who wanted to buy a Thermomix - I had been lusting after a KitchenAid for years but hadn't been able to justify the cost - so I was really hesitant - but I have to add it has been one of the best purchasing decisions we have ever made.
I have two kids (3yo and 5yo) who love "helping" in the kitchen and I love my TM because they can join in without me having to worry about sharp knives and hot saucepans. My 5yo son is learning to read and I get him to read the recipes (they are so easy) sounding out the ingredients, reading the weights and weighing them in, then reading and setting the time, temperature and speed. (My secret plan is that they will each cook one night a week by the time they are ten or so!)
For me there are three things that make me love my TM: (1) I can make fresh, healthy food that my whole family can eat (my 5yo is allergic to eggs) and I have more control over the additives, preservatives and other rubbish that is normally in pre-packaged foods (2) it's an extra set of hands - after an elbow reconstruction my TM does all the stirring and mashing that I can no longer do (meaning a lot less pain) and (3) it saves me time and washing up.
In short - it's a great investment. I think the key is to start by using the Everyday Cookbook for most meals until you feel confident using it (then start to convert your old recipes), make sure you contact your consultant with any questions no matter how silly or trivial they seem and get involved with any cooking classes in your area.
Sorry for the long post - but I just can't say strongly enough what a life-changer our TM is.
I think you will be surprised with how awsome this machine actually is. Everything is possible and only your imagination will hinder you. If you have young children you will be awestruck at the amount of food which is so easy. i have been buying up the cookbooks and constantly trawl the web for new ideas. I have had some great success with altering my current recipes. Bolognaise sauce which the kids loved but gave me heartburn i have modified for the Tx and now i dont get heart burn anymore ie) less fat.. Good luck use everyone at your disposal and have some cooking lessons and demos. xxx
feeling like I shouldn't have read this thread as is making me really worried...my Thermomix is on order and should receive it soon...a bit concerned now that it isn't going to be as amazing as I anticipated....
Oh Chrissy, i am very sad to read your post. I will agree that some of the recipes cater to those that like their veggies overcooked. in fact my husband and i cook our borccoli & cauliflour in the bodum or coffee plunger. I would be getting your consultant back to give you a refresher course and look into some cooking lessons, we have them (kinda) regular in Adelaide South Australia. My consultant (prior to july bonuses) is always available for me to contact i have phoned her at 9pm yes thats right to work out a problem i was having right there and then. I have saved our family money and the kids even use it.... yes the kids my youngest is 11 and the eldest is nearly 16. it is so robust . My latest project is looking for a recipe/method for making chocolate. that way i dont have to purchase cadbury etc. I really hope you have a solution to your problem pronto. Hugs Amanda
Oh Chrissy, i am very sad to read your post. I will agree that some of the recipes cater to those that like their veggies overcooked. in fact my husband and i cook our borccoli & cauliflour in the bodum or coffee plunger. I would be getting your consultant back to give you a refresher course and look into some cooking lessons, we have them (kinda) regular in Adelaide South Australia. My consultant (prior to july bonuses) is always available for me to contact i have phoned her at 9pm yes thats right to work out a problem i was having right there and then. I have saved our family money and the kids even use it.... yes the kids my youngest is 11 and the eldest is nearly 16. it is so robust . My latest project is looking for a recipe/method for making chocolate. that way i dont have to purchase cadbury etc. I really hope you have a solution to your problem pronto. Hugs Amanda
Your slow cooker will probably need to stay if you prefer its recipes, but your blender and food processor should be being replaced by the thermomix.
I am sorry to keep asking questions when you are probably frustrated that we all seem to not find it the same way, but I am curious what the food processor and blender do better for you? Will it just take practice to learn the new functions on the thermomix? I know the change from my food processor was a bit of a learning curve, but thermie gives me much greater control, my food processor was great for pureeing stuff, but not for making things like the salad etc. The only thing I do occaisionally think it did better was grating carrots, but thermie saves me so much time elsewhere that I just grate them by hand with my little grater anyway.
I'm in Port Stephens near Newcastle, as I mentioned I have a Varoma demo coming up so I hope that will give me some inspiration. We have had some successes and some still bland recipes cooked in the TMX. Bread rolls are excellent and I cooked meatloaf the other night which was quiet yummy. I am still not in love with it, and dread the thought that the reason I brought it (to get rid of the slow cooker, food processor and blender) is going to happen, as I will still use these as they do a better job then the TMX. So far I am using the TMX regularly to make bread roll, yogurt, muffins and differnt sauces, but as I said before I can do these all anyway without the TMX, even though I wasn't, so I still like that its inspired me to make them more often, just wish I loved it and was eager to use the TMX everyday
WOW Like everyone else I am amazed to find someone who does not like their Thermi. I am sure when you get someone to assist you will see how it can save time and money. I just did a calculation on the cost of the basic bread recipe from the EDC and only using flour not grain as that can be more difficult to get the cost is $0.87 per loaf. I know I have not bought bread for awhile but I am sure even cheap bread is not that cheap.
Someone mentioned getting spices from www.angryalmond.com and that is a great place for other bulk supplies. The web www.aussiespice.com.au is another source for bulk spices.
I get black & gold flour in 10kg bags and if you check the ingredient and nutrition info you will find it has very high protein as good bread flour should. If you live within 1 hour of Perth I would love to help you learn how to make Thermi work for you.
And I agree with you Chrissy that the thermomix is not the answer for every dish. I still find a knife and cutting board is quicker than the thermomix to chop 1 onion as long as the onion is not going into a dish I am cooking in the TX. But it does do such a supurb job of cooking cheap cuts of meat in a sauce of some kind in a short time you cannot help saving money on food.
I hope we Thermomix addicts have not scared you off because I know anyone of us would be willing to help you.
I wondered since your first post in December if you have had any good experiences with the TX as a result of all the suggestions.
. Pure cream is a specialty item here and around $3.41 for 500ml its only in stock every 2nd week locally. I am yet to find a source for whole spices and herbs as our local Coles is all ground and premixed.
Hi Chrissy, I'm not sure about cream, but I do know you don't have to use Bakers Flour. I only ever use plain brand flour and my bread always turns out fine. Also whole spices and herbs are best from an indian grocer or someone like that. I don't know where you are, but if there isn't an indian grocer near you, maybe someone in a different city or suburb who visits might be able to get some for you.
Our experience is that we can't even eat dairy or herbs and spices and I have cooked from scratch for quite a while, so the TMX isn't saving us money that much, in fact it may be costing us money as I am now making things that I would never be bothered with before like mayo and dairy free custard, but it has made things so much faster in the kitchen (which is important for me with 3 children under 4yrs) and given us more variety with the ease of so many recipes
HI Chrissy - I too had "Buyers Remorse" for the first few weeks after I bought my TM - but now I love it. I made the mistake of thinking that I could cook everything in the TM and yes some of my usual recipes were a bit bland and watery. For instance my usual spag bol I discovered that I prefer to do in a frypan - but I still chop and grate all the vegies in the TM. Can I suggest you start by making some of the recipes in the TM cookbook. That gives you a really good feel for how the TM works and lets you understand a bit more about cooking time and amount of liquid etc. My husband was also very critical but now uses the TM for his regular Sunday morning pancakes and for mashed potato.
I now use my TM dozens of times a week. There are heaps of recipe forums online (in addtion to this one) and I just google "thermomix" and the recipe name or key ingrediants and I also find something good to make.
I am also sorry to hear about your problems. If you are finding the meals watery one tip is to remove the measuring cup from the top and put the basket on the lid whilst cooking. This allows more steam to escape but will stop splattering. Another tip is to also put the meal in the thermoserver for 10 minutes or so after cooking to allow more of the sauce to absorb into the meat/pasta. I hope that helps.
I hope things get better and you start to see the benefits soon.
Chrissy I am sorry to read that you are not happy with your machine. It does take a while to get used to a new way of cooking. If you know of anyone near you who has a machine perhaps you could spend some time with them and have a small cookathon.
We used to buy Baker's Delight bread at $4.20 a loaf, now I buy Baker's Flour about 10kg for nearly $20 and make all our breads. I love making different types.
Chrissy, sorry to hear you are not getting the results you expected with your TMX. Where are you? I am sure your consultants group leader or team members could help you. I also recommend looking on forumthermomix.com where there are heaps of recipes, reviews of recipes etc we are a really friendly bunch and always happy to help. I think initially it does cost a bit to get your pantry changed over to Thermomix ready ingredients. When you are making the change you can just use up your already milled spices. You can also try angryalmond.com if you are in WA or SA they do a flat rate shipping of 3.50. I think as far as bread is concerned for me it is cheaper to make than buy if you are looking to avoid additives and preservatives in bread (which I am). You do have to work out the cost per loaf rather than look at the cost of the 5kg bag of bakers flour in total. It would be good to know what you normally cook so we can help with suggestions. The other thing is just check your MC ( measuring cup ) weighs between 20-30g and that the TM is level and clear of anything resting on the cord or the side of it. Just a thought as you mentioned your food is watery, your scales may not be reading accurately.
Thermomix consultant in Perth and mum to 2 boys.
Do you fly with the flylady? www.flylady.net
Did you know you can make cream from butter and milk? That may work out a bit cheaper. I will see if I can find the recipe for you. It's not perfect cream obviously, but it does work well as a substitute.
Have you tried the Apricot Chicken Risotto? It is one of our favourites here. Instead of Apricot nector I just put a tin of Apricots and their Syrup in and puree them myself, then put it in a jug or jars and use what is noted in the recipe.
If you were previously buying cheap bread then yes I can see how you would find it more expensive. For us, bread is where our biggest savings are. We cant eat ANY of the breads from Coles, so have been getting bakers delight bread at $3.50 per loaf.
I hadn't worked out our bread cost, but wanted to, so have now, and for us, using Coles Bread flour and everything else, it works out at: $1.80 per loaf. (Do note that I use dried yeat and canola oil, as we cant have Olive, the olive oil would add a bit to that costing). Having just worked that out I am very tempted to start letting my husband buy bread again, he normally gets himself the really cheap bread. However for the rest of us, its a HUGE saving.
It's a shame your consultant is away, it would be really good if you could get someone to come play with you and help you get at least one recipe or meal to your liking. Does she have any sister consultants nearby?
I need to go and find some whole herbs and spices as well, I also need to find a better way of getting the whole grain wheat, although I do often make the bread with just bread flour (substitute in 100gms bread flour instead of the wheat).
I hope you find something you like soon. I cant imagine not liking anything that the thermomix does, however I can relate to not liking some of the things it does, like my failed Jam in the fridge, and the roll ups I just burnt, but most of that is my errors, not the machines.
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I have just got my TM and was wondering if anyone can help me. I have made soup and wondered if I can leave it in the TM or am I better putting into something else?? It's pumpkin soup!!
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I'm a newbie, but would like to make a comment about the thermomix.
I bought one last year, after attending a couple of demonstrations and after using it I have to say it's ended up at the back of the kitchen cupboard and has been replaced by my old food processor and juicer.
Apart from cooking things my processor does everything else the thermomix does. Plus it slices and grates, where the the mix just chops everything. I gave every recipe in the book a go and I have to say the risotto was very nice and so were the sorbets, and some things which should have had a smooth texture came out grainy. I can make real juices in the juicer in less time than the thermomix and I don't have to strain them or put them through a milk cloth.
IMHO the thermomix is good for busy families and working couples who may be time poor, but for a single person a food processor and juicer are better value for money.
I do wonder if anyone else regrets spending so much money on a machine which now lives in the back of a cupboard.
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I have had mine for a couple fo weeks now and I love it So far I have made
Savoury Mince (minced a bit of steak and damn impressed)Peach and Amaretto JamPotato SaladColeslawMore Peach and Amaretto JamChicken Liver PateMango IcrecreamStrawberry JamStrawberry Dacquiri
.... I do work but hoping to increase my repotoire over the next few weeks
I love it
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Hi
I'm new as well. I thought ticking the box "notify me when new comments are posted" (+ all comments or replies) should then email you the replies? Doesn't that work?
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People definitely have valid opinions on here about some of the downfalls of the TM. I went to a healthy lifestyle demo at my Organic store where they used a thermomix, it wasn't a thermomix demo as such, but I tried some of their recipes at home in my blender and food processor & failed miserably. Even simple things like a green smoothie I couldn't do as well. The raw salads (beetroot & the brocoli one in particular) are stunning in the TM & have been hits with all my friends (even ones who don't like "salad"!). My green smoothie featuring baby spinach, kale, seeds, nuts, coconut flesh & avocado turns out smooth as in 30 seconds. My old blender couldn't do the same in 3 mins leaving chunks behind.
I went to a real TM demo & they certainly demo the stuff that works well. I tried the butter chicken in the TM, and although OK, the chicken did taste "boiled". However it's a godsend with risotto's & dahls & other vegetarian dishes.
I also dislike little things like how they claim the TM "juices". It doesn't juice, it blends. Having to pour the resulting blended mix into a nutmilk bag or similar to remove the pulp is more wasteful that it's worth!
So for me it works well, but eating healthy can be costly. Little things like growing fresh herbs seems simple, but my corriander doesn't want to play & I'm spending a fortune at coles on fresh herbs, but I know it's awesome for me. I need to get serious about my green thumb now as fresh herbs are a necessity when it comes to flavour in a lot of raw dishes!
Due to the cost of the machine & a lot of people scraping & saving to afford one it's good to see TM offer the interest free payment plans occassionally. Perhaps it should be more often. It would also be great to offer loan machines for a week, not sure how that would work, but maybe some consultants need to be more committed to follow up visits with their customers rather?
Anyway, that's my 2￠ worth. I'm happy & I have converted a friend who also bought. At this stage she's loving it as well, as she;s found quite a few dishes her family seems to love. Simple things like turning fruit + ice cubes (no sugar) into oh so healthy sorbet just can't be beat.
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Hi Starfish
I am not sure if you have had any responses or have been given advice yet...I am new to using this forum and have realised that it does not send you responses to your email address. We need to log on to this site to see if there are any replies. I have a friend whose son has allergies and she has just bought the Thermomix for that reason. She likes how she can change ingredients in the recipes so that her son can have the food too!
Below is a link to a blog by Jo Whitton who is a Thermomix Leader but who specialies in creating alternative recipes. She also is on Facebook. I have gone to her site several times for alternative recipes and she may be able to help you further.
Hope this helps!
Butterfly Girl
One place you may like to look is http://www.quirkycooking.blogspot.com
Butterfly Girl }i{
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Hi RobynLJ
I suggest you connect with your consultant and ask them for some help and advice. We are here to help our customers and she should be able to give you a few things to try that will help you enjoy your new kitchen assistant.
Don't give up. It is a change but it can be a great one.
Ask us all questions here also, we'll help as much as we can.
Fiona
Fiona Douglas (Consultant)
M: 0459 333359
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Hi there,
I'm hoping for a bit of advice.
I'm looking at purchasing at Thermomix, my hubby is finally ok with it - although he didn't mind me getting one, he previously was not happy about it and being such an expensive purchase, I felt we both needed to be happy with owning one before buying one.
A friend is a consultant, so I will purchase it off from her as support, however I'm concerned as she is a new consultant. Given the comments above - is she experienced enough to show me how to use it as I'm worried that if I fail in using the product, I will need the expertise, patience and advice and as she has only sold a few, she may not have it (without offending her of course).
My son is allergic to eggs. I tried to see what recipes I could make without eggs, however when using the recipe search and selecting recipes "without eggs", recipes with eggs still appear.
Is there a cookbook or website guiding how to use the TM31 for people with allergies? The "Allergies" section on the forum I didn't find useful as there were not many recipes.
I just need to make sure I'm making the right decision before purchasing a TM as I do not want my hubby (or myself) to feel we just wasted $2k when it really could be used better elsewhere.
Thanks.
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I have really enjoyed reading all the comments. I am a Mum of a 2yr old and a 3 month old and have had my Thermomix for 2 years. Yes, My husband too thought it was an expensive buy until he was there for a demo at our house. He then thought it was an excellent machine with so many functions and wanted to have one.
Firstly, I was never the fondest of cooking, but now with the Thermomix I have been cooking and baking more then ever
Secondly, Having a 2 yr old and a 3 month old I am always busy, especially around the "horror hour" between 4 and 6 pm. The Thermomix has allowed this time to be a less stressful one for me as I set the machine on to do each stage of a recipe and can comfortably leave it to do its job....leaving me with free hands.
Thirdly, I try and combine using my Thermomix for some of the cooking/ baking with the slow cooker. The slow cooker is on early in the morning doing my meat, I then later, do my rice or mashed potatoes in the Thermomix bowl and steam my veges in the varoma...Wha- la!!!
Food ready...Mum not as stressed...hubby happy...= happy family :D
It was an initial outlay, but I do not regret it at all.
Butterfly Girl }i{
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Hi Robyn,
I have only justy purchased my thermo too but am finding that its great once you get the hang of it, like many recipes you have to tweak it to your liking, my advice is to get back on to your consultant and go to some of the domos.
I was fortunate enough to go to the devil of a cookbook demo in Townsville last weekend and it was great to see what can actually be made if you know how.
For me my thermo is a new phase of cooking I hope that with persistense you will find in a great tool in the kitchen..
Jan
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I wish I'd read this thread before I purchased my TM. I've only had it for a few weeks, but I'm very disappointed with anything that I've attempted to make so far. For me I feel that it has been a very costly mistake. I'm not much of a cook and perhaps I was expecting too much from this machine!
My daughter has one and loves it.
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Hi. Just a quick reply to busyMumofOne re the custard.
We make this ALL the time! It is way better to use cornflout for the thickener, plain flour does seem to give it a 'taste'. I also use cornflour to thicken stews and casseroles etc too for the same reason. I've tried all varieties of citrus zest too - it really depends on waht is in the fridge. This week it has been mandarine and lime - very tasty!
Good luck with your cooking journey and have fun experimenting.
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Hi busymumofone
Hope the TM is treating you well.
You're welcome re the support. Most of the people who have had a demo with me know my passion for the TM and for helping others to be happy in the kitchen.
I'm sure your consultant will look after you. Make sure you ask all the questions you want to and get the most out of your machine and your consultant
Fiona
Fiona Douglas (Consultant)
M: 0459 333359
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This has been a very interesting read! I love hearing everyones different opinions. I have had my TX for about a month and I use it almost daily, except those days I don't cook!! It suits the way I like to cook. I am not one who like to spend too much time in the kitchen but wants to make healthy food for my family. I have been trying to make everything in it that I can BUT I can see how it would not suit everyone's personal cooking style.
I am happy with my TX but there is no one machine that would/ could suit everyone and it is a shame some have invested in one and are not 100% happy. Hopefully their experiences are becoming more positive!
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This machine is amazing. I bought a TM31 off an international seller and it arrived in 18 days in perfect condition. It works brilliantly and it has changed the way we think about food, health and food preparation. We are making our own butter (in just a few minutes) among many other things.
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Hi all
My wife and I ordered our TM 2 days ago along with our twin daughters and a friend plus I expect our other daughter will order one shortly. Having read all the replays and Chrissy comments I am still looking forward to getting out TM shortly. I know we have a great consultant to help use an will use that help to get the most out of the TM.
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Interesting reading. I'm a new consultant, but not new to the Thermomix. I have taken on board all the comments from the couple of unhappy owners here.
www.thermogourmand.com.au
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Hi Busy Mum of one,
So cool you got a machine!! I've had mine for almost 6 months and loving it.
I have just signed up to become aconsultant and am really excited about the opportunities
I think the custard recipe you may be looking for is in the everyday cooking book on page 155 (custard/creme patissere). I normally cut the flour back a bit as i found it tasted a little flourey when I made it (but it didnt at my demo when my consultant made it
)
Good luck with your machine and enjoy
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I havent heard of anyone thats been disappointed with a puchase of the TM 31.
They take a little bit to get used to. My youngest son said that I loved my machine more than him because i spent more time with it that him
But that was in the first week while I was getting my head around it but now he says I love him more because i cook him so much with my tmx ...hes a bit cute 
i have had mine for almost 6 months and absolutely love it (can't get enough of it).
Good luck
dansun
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Thank you Fiona,
You have been a fantastic, i wish every consultant was as enthusiastic, helpful and patient as you!
I have ordered and received my thermomix!!! It turned up on Monday, I haven't had a proper demo, but alot of things have come back to me from the demo i went to 10 months ago!
I have been going crazy since the thing turned up! So far i have made, and in this order, custard, that was terrible!! I used the recipe with plain flour and no sugar, then bread rolls, perfect and my recipe! Then i tried gluten free bread, but that dintn't work, i crumbed left over bread, fudge, more breadrolls, mashed potato, coleslaw, more breadrolls and a pizza base!
So i am really enjoying it, I am going to try the custard again, we had a lemon custard at the demo but i cant find the recipe.
Bettre keep going.....Thanks again for your support!
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Hi busymumofone and Chrissy
Chrissy, thanks so much for your honesty. As a consultant I am told constantly by my clients that the support they recieve is the number thing that they need. As a customer I think you deserve to have a passionate consultant who spends the time explaining the machine when they deliver it, follows up with you to make sure you are ok, invites you to cooking classes, gives you recipe idea/tips and keeps in touch with you from time to time to make sure you are enjoying your TM.
Busymumofone, I know that I try my upmost to do all of these things for my customers and hope that you find someone to do the same for you.
The TM is an amazing product and if you have a passionate consultant it is like the cream on top that makes it even better (pardon the cooking pun).
Fiona
Fiona Douglas (Consultant)
M: 0459 333359
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Mixing Maeve.
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Hi Busymumofone, I wouldn't say I recomend them but I will say I'm beginnning to like my TMX more. I think my issue in the beginning was not having a passionate counsultant and no in real life support to use my machine to its full extent.
I also feel that I swallowed up the marketing of TMX hook line and sinker, which is very much not the usual me. I brought into the fact that it would make my life easier and more healthy, without relising my life was way more healthy before the TMX becuase it wasn't easier. So I used to make things like bread by hand and it was so much more delicious then any bread I've ever made in the TMX, not to mention healthier as I did it myself and didn't use a machine to do it.
I feel as if the TMX has truly made me lazy and I'm still not using it as much as others that I know have brought one. Support is essential, getting along to cooking classes and hosting demo's with the righ counsultant is really important to learn everything there is to know about your new machine. I'm still struggling to get the taste and flavour into my usually delicious recipes when not cooked in the TMX, and we are by no means fussy eaters, its just so watered down and stewy there is no flavour in stuff that there would be when cooking on the stove or oven.
I don't believe the TMX is easy, you still have to shop for the ingriedients, which can be hard to source and find in small areas and then you still have to adjust the recipes for cooking with a new machine, most of the cookbook recipes have been dispointing too. Its probably easy when you know how but you have to learn so much before your competent with the TMX, its not easy in the beginning.
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Hi there. Would you mind posting the Elizabeth David Spaghetti Bol recipe please? I am a newbie and really keen to try both gourmet foods & healthier options... Cheers!
Looking forward to learning new tricks and tips with my Thermomix...
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HI Sunshine 45
THe mayonnaisse recipe is:
1small cup sugar, 1 tspn of mustard - place in TM on speed 8 for 8 seconds. Add 1 cup milk, 1 small cup vinegar, 3 eggs and pepper and salt to taste.
Place TM on 7 minutes at 90 degree at speed 4. Sit back relax with the paper .
After seven minutes remove and pour in storing container - beautiful creamy consistency and very yummy. No standing over stove waiting for it to come to boil stirring all the time and then simmering until thicker (if it does ever get thicker).
Enjoy cooking in TM and eating mayonnaisse
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I have had my Bimby only a couple of months and already cant imagine cooking without it. I have all the stock pastes now in the freezer in cluding the thai pastes also chicken tikka, balti and salt rub in fridge, All my kitchen equipment is in the shed only kept rice cooker and small spice blender so I can get ingredients ready for next recipe while Bimby busy. This has meant reorganising my small kitchen as I now have lotts more room to cook. All the food has been excellent even my old recipes which I can convert to bimby, like my favorite Elizabeth David spag boll recipe. the soups are amazing and risotto, the ease of which the meals can be produced is amazing. I wont regret a penny of the cost of buying it as it has grestly exceeded my expectations. You need to get some help from thermomix to find out why the food is not good as it is too expensive not to be used to make great food.
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Hi Jan - Can you post your mayonaise recipe please as that is one thing I will be making very soon when my Thermomix is delivered tomorrow ... I like the plain commercial ones but remember my Mum used to make her own and as kids we had the job of beating with a hand beater and that tasted good but cannot remember exactly what was in it.
Thanks
Sunshine45
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Hi
I purchased my thermomix only this week. I make a mayonnaise for salads which previously I boiled on the stove. Most of the time I struggled to get it to the correct consistency. After having a demonstration with the making of custard which we loved I decided to try my own mayonnaise recipe in the thermomix following the custard time, temperature and speed. While I ate my breakfast this morning the thermomix cooked by mayonnaisse to perfection. I am sold on the machine and love it and looking forward to cooking lots of foods in it. Also I had a fantastic demonstrator who was so helpful and will continue to be. Thanks Alicia well done.
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Hi CathyM,
I have been to a cooking class and talked to people who have the thermomix. The main theme seems to be that you can make so much from scratch and not rely on commercial products. I think if you don't normally do that, then the thermomix would be a revelation. But for me I have always made my own products as I enjoy cooking from scratch. Unfortunately it means I have something to compare with and I think the texture and taste are inferior. A classic is bolognaise sauce - it just doesn't taste the same as my sauce that I have bubbling away on the stove for a couple of hours with an occasional stir and adjustment of flavours.
I always make my own muesli bars and thought that would be something easier in the thermomix but in fact it doesn't save me much time at all and is harder to clean than the saucepan and bowl that I normally use.
So, I think if cooking was a chore then the thermomix would perhaps be a lifesaver. But if you love to cook and fiddle around with flavours as you go I don't think it really works.
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I can answer your question about what my food processor does better than thermomix. I use it all the time for grating and slicing veges. I also find if I chop or puree in the foodprocessor I can easily get it out whereas in the thermomix I lose a lot of it stuck in and under the blades.
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Love To Cook.
As some of the other guys suggested to Chrissy, before you sell your machine, have you talked things through with your Consultant and was she able to offer you some advice on the things you have had problems with??? i myself had trouble with some of these things when i first got my Thermomix but have discovered from other consultants and customers that there are some easy remedies for these problems. Mashed potato for instance ( only use pink or red potatoes as the white potatos have too much water content) makes sure the potato is well cooked before mashing. Jam sometimes needs a little more time added to cooking or you can add some pectin. some of the recipes just need personal tweeking. cut down on the amount of Soy for your chicken etc. The custard recipe has actually been changed to include 30gms of Corn flour not plain flour and is much better.
it all takes time to adjust and get familiar with your machine and the recipes. keep seeking out new recipes from different web sites and books i know you will grow to love it if you must give it some time. if you dont have a consultant who can help you then i am sure Thermomix can find you someone close by who can offer you loads of help. Remember to have a look on the Website and come to one of the Cooking classes near you they can often help get you back on track. Good luck and please think long and hard before you make any final decisons.
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I don't love my thermomix either. I really regret buying it. I have had it since June and most things I cook in it I don't like. I have made lots of hommus, guacamale and pesto but I used to do that in my food processor and it was no harder. The jam is runny, the lemon butter runny, the custard tasted of uncooked flour. I have tried recipes recommended on the forums - meatloaf in the veroma - yuk. Honey soy chicken - overly sickly and rich. Mashed potatos come out gluey. Cakes not the nice texture I get with my mixer. I haven't bothered with the bread as I set my breadmaker to be ready when the kids get home from school and it is cooked and waiting for them. Dahl was okay but no quicker or easier than making it in the saucepan.
I am a competent cook and love cooking a variety of foods. We eat a lot of Asian dishes and I suppose it is hard for anything to replace my trusty wok but I am really disappointed and wish I had spent the money upgrading my 25-year-old foodprocessor instead - at least that grates and slices for me as well.
I also hate how you can't get accessories unless you hold a demo. I didn't get a thermoserve as all my friends have already been to a demo and I am not going to ask them to go again. I wanted to buy one but that is not allowed apparantly.
Is there a way to sell this machine?
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Hi Chrissy,Have you been able to sort out the hassles and fall in love with your TM yet? I am a new user, but have saved for two years to buy one. I will probably never get rid of my slow cooker because I use it about four days per week to do dinner. I just set it up in the morning before I leave for work, and come home to a cooked meal. I do LOVE my TM though - all the time-saving, help with chopping, dicing, pulverising etc - there is no comparison. And hard-boiled eggs that don't go blue and cannot be forgotten thanks to the alarm. The list just goes on. :D Let us know how you are getting on.
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Hi Mummybabs,
My husband was the one who wanted to buy a Thermomix - I had been lusting after a KitchenAid for years but hadn't been able to justify the cost - so I was really hesitant - but I have to add it has been one of the best purchasing decisions we have ever made.
I have two kids (3yo and 5yo) who love "helping" in the kitchen and I love my TM because they can join in without me having to worry about sharp knives and hot saucepans. My 5yo son is learning to read and I get him to read the recipes (they are so easy) sounding out the ingredients, reading the weights and weighing them in, then reading and setting the time, temperature and speed. (My secret plan is that they will each cook one night a week by the time they are ten or so!)
For me there are three things that make me love my TM: (1) I can make fresh, healthy food that my whole family can eat (my 5yo is allergic to eggs) and I have more control over the additives, preservatives and other rubbish that is normally in pre-packaged foods (2) it's an extra set of hands - after an elbow reconstruction my TM does all the stirring and mashing that I can no longer do (meaning a lot less pain) and (3) it saves me time and washing up.
In short - it's a great investment. I think the key is to start by using the Everyday Cookbook for most meals until you feel confident using it (then start to convert your old recipes), make sure you contact your consultant with any questions no matter how silly or trivial they seem and get involved with any cooking classes in your area.
Sorry for the long post - but I just can't say strongly enough what a life-changer our TM is.
Nerine
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Hi Mummybabs,
My husband was the one who wanted to buy a Thermomix - I had been lusting after a KitchenAid for years but hadn't been able to justify the cost - so I was really hesitant - but I have to add it has been one of the best purchasing decisions we have ever made.
I have two kids (3yo and 5yo) who love "helping" in the kitchen and I love my TM because they can join in without me having to worry about sharp knives and hot saucepans. My 5yo son is learning to read and I get him to read the recipes (they are so easy) sounding out the ingredients, reading the weights and weighing them in, then reading and setting the time, temperature and speed. (My secret plan is that they will each cook one night a week by the time they are ten or so!)
For me there are three things that make me love my TM: (1) I can make fresh, healthy food that my whole family can eat (my 5yo is allergic to eggs) and I have more control over the additives, preservatives and other rubbish that is normally in pre-packaged foods (2) it's an extra set of hands - after an elbow reconstruction my TM does all the stirring and mashing that I can no longer do (meaning a lot less pain) and (3) it saves me time and washing up.
In short - it's a great investment. I think the key is to start by using the Everyday Cookbook for most meals until you feel confident using it (then start to convert your old recipes), make sure you contact your consultant with any questions no matter how silly or trivial they seem and get involved with any cooking classes in your area.
Sorry for the long post - but I just can't say strongly enough what a life-changer our TM is.
Nerine
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Amanda
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feeling like I shouldn't have read this thread as is making me really worried...my Thermomix is on order and should receive it soon...a bit concerned now that it isn't going to be as amazing as I anticipated....
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Oh Chrissy, i am very sad to read your post. I will agree that some of the recipes cater to those that like their veggies overcooked. in fact my husband and i cook our borccoli & cauliflour in the bodum or coffee plunger. I would be getting your consultant back to give you a refresher course and look into some cooking lessons, we have them (kinda) regular in Adelaide South Australia. My consultant (prior to july bonuses) is always available for me to contact i have phoned her at 9pm yes thats right to work out a problem i was having right there and then. I have saved our family money and the kids even use it.... yes the kids my youngest is 11 and the eldest is nearly 16. it is so robust . My latest project is looking for a recipe/method for making chocolate. that way i dont have to purchase cadbury etc. I really hope you have a solution to your problem pronto. Hugs Amanda
Amanda
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Oh Chrissy, i am very sad to read your post. I will agree that some of the recipes cater to those that like their veggies overcooked. in fact my husband and i cook our borccoli & cauliflour in the bodum or coffee plunger. I would be getting your consultant back to give you a refresher course and look into some cooking lessons, we have them (kinda) regular in Adelaide South Australia. My consultant (prior to july bonuses) is always available for me to contact i have phoned her at 9pm yes thats right to work out a problem i was having right there and then. I have saved our family money and the kids even use it.... yes the kids my youngest is 11 and the eldest is nearly 16. it is so robust . My latest project is looking for a recipe/method for making chocolate. that way i dont have to purchase cadbury etc. I really hope you have a solution to your problem pronto. Hugs Amanda
Amanda
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Hi Chrissy,
I've been following this thread wondering if you ever resolved the issues and are happy with your TM?
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Your slow cooker will probably need to stay if you prefer its recipes, but your blender and food processor should be being replaced by the thermomix.
I am sorry to keep asking questions when you are probably frustrated that we all seem to not find it the same way, but I am curious what the food processor and blender do better for you? Will it just take practice to learn the new functions on the thermomix? I know the change from my food processor was a bit of a learning curve, but thermie gives me much greater control, my food processor was great for pureeing stuff, but not for making things like the salad etc. The only thing I do occaisionally think it did better was grating carrots, but thermie saves me so much time elsewhere that I just grate them by hand with my little grater anyway.
Not a day goes by I don't use my thermomix!
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I'm in Port Stephens near Newcastle, as I mentioned I have a Varoma demo coming up so I hope that will give me some inspiration. We have had some successes and some still bland recipes cooked in the TMX. Bread rolls are excellent and I cooked meatloaf the other night which was quiet yummy. I am still not in love with it, and dread the thought that the reason I brought it (to get rid of the slow cooker, food processor and blender) is going to happen, as I will still use these as they do a better job then the TMX. So far I am using the TMX regularly to make bread roll, yogurt, muffins and differnt sauces, but as I said before I can do these all anyway without the TMX, even though I wasn't, so I still like that its inspired me to make them more often, just wish I loved it and was eager to use the TMX everyday
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WOW Like everyone else I am amazed to find someone who does not like their Thermi. I am sure when you get someone to assist you will see how it can save time and money. I just did a calculation on the cost of the basic bread recipe from the EDC and only using flour not grain as that can be more difficult to get the cost is $0.87 per loaf. I know I have not bought bread for awhile but I am sure even cheap bread is not that cheap.
Someone mentioned getting spices from www.angryalmond.com and that is a great place for other bulk supplies. The web www.aussiespice.com.au is another source for bulk spices.
I get black & gold flour in 10kg bags and if you check the ingredient and nutrition info you will find it has very high protein as good bread flour should. If you live within 1 hour of Perth I would love to help you learn how to make Thermi work for you.
And I agree with you Chrissy that the thermomix is not the answer for every dish. I still find a knife and cutting board is quicker than the thermomix to chop 1 onion as long as the onion is not going into a dish I am cooking in the TX. But it does do such a supurb job of cooking cheap cuts of meat in a sauce of some kind in a short time you cannot help saving money on food.
I hope we Thermomix addicts have not scared you off because I know anyone of us would be willing to help you.
I wondered since your first post in December if you have had any good experiences with the TX as a result of all the suggestions.
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Hi Chrissy, I'm not sure about cream, but I do know you don't have to use Bakers Flour. I only ever use plain brand flour and my bread always turns out fine. Also whole spices and herbs are best from an indian grocer or someone like that. I don't know where you are, but if there isn't an indian grocer near you, maybe someone in a different city or suburb who visits might be able to get some for you.
Our experience is that we can't even eat dairy or herbs and spices and I have cooked from scratch for quite a while, so the TMX isn't saving us money that much, in fact it may be costing us money as I am now making things that I would never be bothered with before like mayo and dairy free custard, but it has made things so much faster in the kitchen (which is important for me with 3 children under 4yrs) and given us more variety with the ease of so many recipes
Hope you get something sorted soon
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HI Chrissy - I too had "Buyers Remorse" for the first few weeks after I bought my TM - but now I love it. I made the mistake of thinking that I could cook everything in the TM and yes some of my usual recipes were a bit bland and watery. For instance my usual spag bol I discovered that I prefer to do in a frypan - but I still chop and grate all the vegies in the TM. Can I suggest you start by making some of the recipes in the TM cookbook. That gives you a really good feel for how the TM works and lets you understand a bit more about cooking time and amount of liquid etc. My husband was also very critical but now uses the TM for his regular Sunday morning pancakes and for mashed potato.
I now use my TM dozens of times a week. There are heaps of recipe forums online (in addtion to this one) and I just google "thermomix" and the recipe name or key ingrediants and I also find something good to make.
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I am also sorry to hear about your problems. If you are finding the meals watery one tip is to remove the measuring cup from the top and put the basket on the lid whilst cooking. This allows more steam to escape but will stop splattering. Another tip is to also put the meal in the thermoserver for 10 minutes or so after cooking to allow more of the sauce to absorb into the meat/pasta. I hope that helps.
I hope things get better and you start to see the benefits soon.
Perth WA and mother of a 3 year old
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Chrissy I am sorry to read that you are not happy with your machine. It does take a while to get used to a new way of cooking. If you know of anyone near you who has a machine perhaps you could spend some time with them and have a small cookathon.
We used to buy Baker's Delight bread at $4.20 a loaf, now I buy Baker's Flour about 10kg for nearly $20 and make all our breads. I love making different types.
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Chrissy, sorry to hear you are not getting the results you expected with your TMX. Where are you? I am sure your consultants group leader or team members could help you. I also recommend looking on forumthermomix.com where there are heaps of recipes, reviews of recipes etc we are a really friendly bunch and always happy to help. I think initially it does cost a bit to get your pantry changed over to Thermomix ready ingredients. When you are making the change you can just use up your already milled spices. You can also try angryalmond.com if you are in WA or SA they do a flat rate shipping of 3.50. I think as far as bread is concerned for me it is cheaper to make than buy if you are looking to avoid additives and preservatives in bread (which I am). You do have to work out the cost per loaf rather than look at the cost of the 5kg bag of bakers flour in total. It would be good to know what you normally cook so we can help with suggestions. The other thing is just check your MC ( measuring cup ) weighs between 20-30g and that the TM is level and clear of anything resting on the cord or the side of it. Just a thought as you mentioned your food is watery, your scales may not be reading accurately.
Thermomix consultant in Perth and mum to 2 boys.
Do you fly with the flylady? www.flylady.net
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Did you know you can make cream from butter and milk? That may work out a bit cheaper. I will see if I can find the recipe for you. It's not perfect cream obviously, but it does work well as a substitute.
Have you tried the Apricot Chicken Risotto? It is one of our favourites here. Instead of Apricot nector I just put a tin of Apricots and their Syrup in and puree them myself, then put it in a jug or jars and use what is noted in the recipe.
If you were previously buying cheap bread then yes I can see how you would find it more expensive. For us, bread is where our biggest savings are. We cant eat ANY of the breads from Coles, so have been getting bakers delight bread at $3.50 per loaf.
I hadn't worked out our bread cost, but wanted to, so have now, and for us, using Coles Bread flour and everything else, it works out at: $1.80 per loaf. (Do note that I use dried yeat and canola oil, as we cant have Olive, the olive oil would add a bit to that costing). Having just worked that out I am very tempted to start letting my husband buy bread again, he normally gets himself the really cheap bread. However for the rest of us, its a HUGE saving.
It's a shame your consultant is away, it would be really good if you could get someone to come play with you and help you get at least one recipe or meal to your liking. Does she have any sister consultants nearby?
I need to go and find some whole herbs and spices as well, I also need to find a better way of getting the whole grain wheat, although I do often make the bread with just bread flour (substitute in 100gms bread flour instead of the wheat).
I hope you find something you like soon. I cant imagine not liking anything that the thermomix does, however I can relate to not liking some of the things it does, like my failed Jam in the fridge, and the roll ups I just burnt, but most of that is my errors, not the machines.
Not a day goes by I don't use my thermomix!