Thermomix, Thermochef & Bellini Choice Review

[Cherished]

I have been looking into Food Processors in General and had started a thread HERE however I have found a Choice Review published 2 days ago comparing the Bellini Intelli Kitchen Master, the ThermoChef and the Thermomix so I thought it deserved a thread on it's own as I know lots of people ask about the differences between the TMX and TMC and now there is a 3rd much cheaper option, the Bellini. I have also come across the Hotmix Pro which is apparently better then the TMX and around the same price but from the introduction information in the Choice review it doesn't mention the Hotmix.

Has anyone got access to the full review and would like to share anymore information? I might consider buying the full report after I have a TMX demo next week. Here's the basic summary of findings from the review.

Our findings

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.

[Cherished]

There's also some comments on the review from Choice members, it will be interesting to see what else people post on the comparison. One of the people mention the price of the TMX and how it isn't inline with what our Australian dollar is doing. Does anyone else think that is also the case?

[BellyBelly]

If its a members only review (i.e. paid for) it cannot be posted here I am afraid.

[Amaunet]

I have PM'd you Cherished

[Rouge]

People always make that claim (about Australian dollar) with regards to overseas products and the Australian dollar. Having worked for a company that distributes overseas appliances i can tell you it doesn't work that way. There is a lot more to consider with regards to the marketing and sales of a product (including transport costs, safety standards within Australia and power outage) than the change of the exchange rate. The biggest reason that larger companies sell a product at a lower rate in larger companies than they do here is supply and demand. We don't have the population to support the lower costs that other large countries have.

[Cherished]

No worries Kelly,

Amunet your are an absolute champion sending me that review! Will help heaps with my decision

Rouge it's always good to hear the other side of the coin... People do go on about anything they can when it comes to complaining! At the end of the day everyone who has a TMX sees the value in them and is not disappointed so the price must be worth it.

Having said that I've been continuing my research. It turns out that the Good Guys sell a SuperChef which is currently $399 (Targets regular price for the Bellini) which is actually the Bellini but branded as another name as Bellini is exclusive to Target. It comes with some other accessories such as an apron and a 2 year warranty. For $89 extra you can get 3 more yrs warranty bringing the total warranty to 5 years. Plus if you pay cash they knock down the price, the lady I spoke to said $380. So for $469 you get the SuperChef (bellini) and 5 years warranty which is a pretty good deal, if it sucks then take it back, if it falls apart within 5 years take it back and upgrade to a TMX or any other machine that is in competition to TMX in 5 years time.

I also called Target to see if they do extended warranty but they don't... Instead they have the Bellini on sale for $299! It only has a 12 month warranty but heck at that price it's probably worth buying one to see if it's any good. Again if it falls apart or is crap take it back and buy something else. Far out it's very tempting to get in my car and go and get one before they are sold out lol Especially as Choice rated the Bellini the same as the ThermoChef.

What-cha-all-think

[Rouge]

It's funny but unless you've used one of the cheaper models vs the original you won't realise how cheap and nasty the knock offs are. So to me $399 or even $299 whilst a lot cheaper are a waste to me because the machine itself is not as good.

[RhiChiChi]

There was a lady that did a review on the TMX vs Thermochef & even with the price difference she still would buy the TMX. I am fairly sure in the other thread there was a either a link to the review or the name of the review....

[Cherished]

I've read the reviews and it's pretty obvious that the Thermomix is way better then the ThermoChef and the Bellini. But seriously who is the TMX catering for? Sure if the average person saved up they could afford it and no one is questioning how fantastic it is BUT there are cheaper options which will do the job in the mean time. Who can deny that a massive $1600 + price difference between the Bellini & TMX isn't significant to so many households?

[Rouge]

I can because I never used the TC because recipes failed. It mushed foods and things burnt. If you don't plan on cooking with it then get one. Otherwise I'd suggest getting a really good food processor or a vitamix if you plan to use it for milling and spice grinding.