Food Processor Recommendations?

I'm wondering what food processor you have and what you love about it and don't like about it? Or do you know of a great one that you could recommend? I thought I found a good Kenwood one (the FP920) but it has some very bad reviews where some people even suggest that it needs to be recalled. I looked at the ThermoChef and Thermomix but I don't think I can justify the money for a Thermomix when there are so many people who rate the ThermoChef just as highly for half the cost but even then I don't think I really need a ThermoChef either because I'm happy to steam veg and rice on the stove and I have a slow cooker and scales already. What else can a ThermoChef do that a regular food processor can't do, as far as cutting, dicing, grating, whipping, blending, milling etc goes? Any help would be great :)

:bump: anyone?

I here you on the thermomix...I love the look of them, but the price is huge. Plus I don't know if I would use it enough to justify the expense.

I have the magi mix food processor (Jamie Oliver uses it) they are a little on the expensive side but I love mine use it all the time. I bought it online from one of the kitchen websites, they had a good deal at the time.

I have had both the TC and the TMX. I personally don't think they are the same. Cooking food in the TC isn't as good. I've never burnt anything in the TMX. Even sauted onion would burn in the TC. There is no pause function with the TC so if you want to check the food mod recipe it resets and you have to start all over again. I know that doesn't sound too much but it gets old really quick. Especially with the fact TC beeps every time you press a button *twitch* there is no reverse. And I used to think it wouldn't matter it does. I also like the fact I have my own personal consultant. Who will help me with converting any recipe, finding out information or anything to do with my machine. It's like having a personal chef at your beck and call. Something else you don't get with TC. My overall experience with both machines has proven to be a lot better with the TMX. And I do feel given I use it 3 times a day at lease. Is better. As for value. I do believe it saves me at least $60 a week on food because there is more stuff I can do from scratch. TMX are having an interest free offer coming up for Christmas. I don't know I that helps. I there is anything else you'd like to know feel free to PM me.

I am a TMX owner/lover too. One of the best functions, for me, is that it cooks and stirs whilst I am doing other things. I know for friends with small children, that is especially helpful. It means they don't have to stand over a stove waiting for things to boil or to prevent things from burning. The kids can use it more safely too.

if I had the choice again, I would seriously consider the HotMixPro. It's the same price range as the TMX, depending on the model, but has the ability to program temperatures up to about 190o. The top model is around $3k though and I don't need those features, as much as I would like them. You don't get the same support as with a TMX though.

My Mum was adamant she wouldn't buy a TMX until she saw what it could do. She bought it interest free and uses it more than I do.

Thanks girls. I've called TMX and will organise a demo, I'm still not sure it would be the best thing for us. There is no doubt that it'd be fantastic but it's more a case of if I 'need' it when a good regular type of food processor would do iykwim.

Any other recommendations?

Damn damn damn Rouge. Why did you have to go and say that????? I have been lusting after a TMX for so long but had got to the point of thinking that from everything I've read the thermochef, while not as good, would still make me a very happy camper. Everything you've said puts me back to wanting a TMX or nothing :doh:

Seriously though, thanks. I'm actually really glad you said what you did because those issues would drive me NUTS.


Cherished - I have an Odacio food processor and TBH I find it really good as food processors go (which is one of the many reasons I'm struggling to justify $2K for a TMX). It has tons of different attachments and does the job pretty well. The motor isn't that strong so I don't put too much pressure on it - wouldn't throw cold cream cheese in for example.

Lulu thanks for your recommendation, I will check them out. The new Thermochef II has a pause button so that might sway you back to the thermochef? ;)

The TMX lady called me back so now I just need to find 2 other people to come to a demo.

In my research I've also come across the Bellini Multi Function Kitchen Machine from Target which are $399 and have been on sale at some stage for $269 I think it was so loads of people bought it and there's loads of reviews out there. No one is saying that it compares to TMX as far as quality goes but for the price (on sale... or even full price) it's a decent enough machine to consider.

I'm also liking the look of some Tefal & magimix ones.

I have a question, do most food processors come with a 'blender' attachment instead of an actual blender? We need a blender too so was looking for one that has both a bowl and blender but then I thought that the ones that don't have a separate blender probably had a blender blade anyway. I also really want one with a small bowl as well as the large bowl for pestos and dips etc. I also came across a FP that had a chip maker attachment, that sounds cool, do most of them have that ability?

Thanks again :)

Oh and does anyone know anything about the Vitamix? How does that differ?

The Odacio has the bowl for the processing side of things, and then a blending jug too. Comes as standard - not an extra

Hmmm. A pause button???? Maybe that would help me. Rouge?? Would it help me or would I still want to throw it at the wall?

I have a magimix at the moment. Love it but am seriously contemplating thermomix due to what sounds like more extensive functionalities.

Mum swears by the Braun ones.

I've had a Vitamix too. The Vitamix is pretty awesome. But it only cooks by friction. It doesn't have an element that heats up. It is amazing though. But even though I've had both I still prefer my TMX ;) But if I were to choose Vitamix would come close second.

Now Lulu have a demo. If you don't like it don't get it. :p

Has anyone tried or seen a Hotmix in action? How does that compare? Some reviews I'm reading say they will upgrade to a Hotmix after their TMX.

I didn't know thermochef did demos. Will have to look into that

From what my girlfriends have sworn by, & what I see on FB reviews, I 'd go the Thermomix hunni-bunni. Ive seen it do its thang, and I was impressed.
Things like Risotto etc I believe take time to perfect regardless, generally because people have their own preferences. I've eaten some of the yummiest Risotto's from a a Thermomix.
And you know i'd come to your party too, if I was in partay central-not dullsville!!!!. xx :p

Lulu Matchbox stores do demos on the TMC, I think I might try to get to a demo so that I can see them both in action.

Sunny I'd love you to come to my demo :D

AWWWWWW :loveshower: Sunny I just saw your sig!!!! Feeling a big squishy cyber warm fuzzy right now xx

It's a squishy one alright!

A :happybirthday: ONE TOO!!! For yesterday :)

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Brands and models tested

Bellini Intelli Kitchen Master BTMKM510W
ThermoChef Natura
Thermomix TM31

While all the machines are capable of a number of tasks, it’s ease of use that sets them apart. The Bellini and Thermochef both come close to the Thermomix on performance. But when it comes to ease of use, the Thermomix is miles ahead, leaving only one clear winner.

The Thermomix is undoubtedly the best kitchen machine on the market, which is why we score it above the others. Whether it’s $1500 or so better than the Bellini depends on how much you value clear instructions and a fiddle-free life.

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This is from a Choice review which was updated only 2 days ago. Very interesting for anyone wanting the TMX but just can't afford it! Sounds like if you can handle a bit of fiddling in your kitchen then you might just be happy with a Bellini from Target at $399 or beter yet, wait until they are on sale and save yourself a bunch of money. None the less I'm booking in the TMX demo to check it all out :D

Correction, Choice says the Bellini starts at $329 and TMX $1934... That's a massive $1605 price difference for fiddle free cooking. hmmmmmm :think: