In case you missed our webinar on the 7th March, (you can listen to it here on our home page: www.shesorganised.com), one of the most debated topics was the Thermomix. I thought that I would share with you my personal view on the subject – I’d love to know what you think!
Lots of people ask me whether a Thermomix is a good investment. ‘Does it really save you time’ and ‘How does it fit with your other gadgets’, are two of the common questions I get asked. I’m passionate about helping working mothers save time, energy and money and I want to share what works, so here’s my ten cents’ worth. 
If you have no idea what I’m talking about, the Thermomix is a smart German kitchen appliance that hit Australia’s shores back in 2000. Dubbed the ‘world’s smallest, smartest kitchen’, it can chop, beat, mix, emulsify, whip, grind (mill), knead, mince, grate, juice, blend, heat, stir, steam and even weigh food. There’s a running joke in our household about this which is rude and I won’t share it here. Anyone who watches Masterchef Professional will have seen one in action.
The initial investment is steep: we’re talking about $2000. This is what puts a LOT of people off, me included for a few years. Not only that, it’s only available via a ‘consultant’ who does home demonstrations, so if you haven’t been invited to a demo (and enjoyed the five course meal), or you don’t have a friend who has one, the chances are it may never have hit your radar.
This isn’t such a bad distribution strategy since if you were to look at one in a department store and see the steep price tag, you’d just keep on walking. A quick disclaimer: I am not associated with Thermomix in any way and am not sponsored by them or paid to talk about it (ahem, happy for you guys to call me though!). I do get asked a lot about saving space, time, energy and money in the kitchen, so I need to share.
The Thermomix saved me a lot of time after a while, but initially, it consumed me. Acquiring one became a whole project in itself.
You’ll be busy learning how it works, trialling recipes, surfing the internet researching recipes, converting some of your old favourite recipes and visiting Thermo-mad blog sites and facebook pages (there are plenty out there). You’ll be so busy getting the hang of it all that your hours spent in the kitchen will possibly initially increase as you watch it and marvel at it. But once you get used to it a few months down the track, it will become part of your daily routine and you’ll think nothing of whipping together a chocolate cake, a dip, a gourmet salad and a soup in one setting. You will be producing beautiful dishes in lightening speed. Watch out – I pureed my Coleslaw in 15 seconds – yes, pureed. I only meant to grate it all, but evidently 5 seconds is ample!
Once you have mastered it, you will find yourself outside entertaining guests with some nibbles and a drink while your new best friend is inside stirring the risotto or the sauce to go with your BBQ meat. These are the experiences I love to be part of and would much rather be spending time with friends and family than stirring a pot!
I donated my blender, juicing machine and a few other kitchen accessories after I bought it, saving a lot of space in my kitchen cupboards. It feels like I have a friend in the kitchen and it gets me out of some very tight spots, especially when I haven’t thought of what’s for dinner.
My children are all gluten, dairy and wheat-free which means I’m always preparing and thinking about each meal anyway. It can be time consuming. The Thermomix rescues me as it will grind anything to flour, mill rice, whip up cakes, do all the chopping and there’s no more crying over an onion. Healthy, nutritious food is much less effort.
But if it’s not in your budget, don’t worry. Just to put things in perspective, I’ve only had mine for a year and I’ve been cooking for 20 years. Some of my most memorable meals have been cobbled together with a bowl, a spoon and a knife around a campfire.
My verdict: Do yourself a favour. You’ll be hearing more from me about the adventures of me and my Thermie and you can see my pics on Instagram. You can find out more here: www.thermomix.com, They also have a great recipe website: www.recipecommunity.com.au
And here’s a great recipe site: www.tenina.com If anyone wants me to recommend a consultant, just write to me and I’ll send you the details.
Whatever you decide – enjoy whatever time you spend in the kitchen – after all we all have to eat, we may as well have fun in the process! Please share your comments and feedback. I’d love to hear what you think of your Thermomix if you have one, or any questions you may have.