Apologies to Mel and Bel who have already contributed to this discussion on FB... Just seeking other opinions.
So after reading the Thermomix thread that's been up ATM, I've been covering and coveting again. But it doesn't really matter how I look at it, I just can't justify the expense when we've got the financial pressures that we have and I'm about to stop working for 6-8 months.
Because it was on my mind, when my Mum asked me what I want for my birthday next week, I very much tongue in cheek said 'a Thermomix and two weeks in Queensland'. Well much to my surprise, my Mum toddled off and spent a few hours on google and has come back to me with 'if you'd be happy to compromise, I'd buy you a Thermochef'. Wow. Generous Mummy.
I have done a bit of googling myself now and the reviews are all over the place but mostly put one against the other. Which I guess is useless to me as even if the Thermomix is far superior... which you would hope so for $1200 more, I can't afford it.
So I really want to know about the Thermochef in it's own right.
Do you have one? Do you use it often? Can you access enough recipes or have you found that you can use the Thermomix recipes? Any issues or things you don't like?
And if you really must compare the two, is the TMX that much better that it's worth waiting, say, another two years 'till I can afford one?
One of the things I keep reading is how loud both machines are, but the Thermochef even moreso. Does the volume stop you using it when kids are asleep? My kids rooms are pretty close to the kitchen. It would really frustrate me if I couldn't use it while they were sleeping.
I am sorry, I don't reply as a Thermochef owner. But ...
I think the noise thing depends on how well your kids sleep.
I have no hesitations using my thermomix but DD is in a far away bedroom and DS is closed off from the kitchen.
It's also loud dependent on what you put in it. sounds pretty murderous with nuts, chocolate, ice ... Although other processes can be loud, it's more of a general 'whir' rather than something harsh and wake-worthy - I personally am more bothered by doors clunking and the shower running.
There is a group on FB more for Bellini owners but there are TC owners in there who I know have given feedback if you can check it out maybe?
A lot of people seem to go for the Bellini to see if it is worth it and if they love it, they upgrade.
Hard choice - especially if someone is buying for you! Because you want to take what you're offered, but you want to know you'll really use it and use it well. To throw another option in to the mix - can you more realistically afford a Thermomix if your lovely generous mum pledges the amount that a Thermochef costs and you find the rest somehow?
That is something I'm also considering Nelle. I think Mum would be fine with that... she only offered in the first place as she wants me to have what I'd be happy with.
Hmmmm. Just the fact of $1900 for a luxury makes me cringe so I guess if the Thermochef isn't really very good then I'm leaning toward just living without. But yes, it's tempting!
I got a TMX for Christmas on their 12 month interest free plan. Its still an expense every month - hard when you're about to stop work and have a bubba - but if you can stretch to it, I really would. I have used a thermochef quite a bit - borrowed a friend's when I was going through the whole "seriously, $2,000 for a kitchen appliance???!!!" dilemma. It was good but its not anywhere near the same league as the TMX. On the face of it, we really couldn't afford the TMX at the time either, but my DH figured that if we got the thermochef I would end up "upgrading" to the TMX anyway, and then we would have wasted a significant amount of money on another appliance I wouldn't use.
I don't consider it a luxury item. I save money by having one - heaps of money. The amount of stuff I don't buy now is huge. Cheaper, bulk items of less processed ingredients saves you lots of money. Its $160 odd per month on the payment plan for the TMX and I honestly think I save that and more by having one.
The noise: yes, on the higher settings they are both noisy. I had the thermochef on loan pre bubba No. 3 so can't comment on that, but I frequently spend all of DD3's nap time cooking and she sleeps through it all. The saving grace is that you tend not to use it for longer than a handful of seconds at higher speeds.
Nelle's suggestion is a great one. If you can't work it that way then yes, TBH I would wait until you can get the TMX.
See I don't see it as a "luxury" As such. Depends on how you define the Thermomix. I'm not trying to push you towards it, although I am a firm believer in "you get what you pay for"!
But - when you look at what you save, I firmly believe we will make our money back with the TMX soon enough. We haven't brought bought bread in two weeks - I bought 5kg of baker's flour for maybe $5? And have been making scrolls, bread, rolls and pizza bases. The bread I used to buy was $4 a loaf so there's maybe $12 I've already saved. I made rolls that cost probably 30c for 8, where we used to pay 50c to $1 per roll. And it mixes and kneads the dough for me.
I look at it like cloth nappies - an initial large outlay to then save each time you use them/it. Unfortunately cloth nappies are are a lot easier to track the return on your investment
Anyway, as far as the thermochef vs TMX, I can't comment sorry. Google might help
Thermochef?
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