Exploring the Best Thermomix Alternative

A Look at Multifunction Cooking Devices

Multifunction cooking devices really are a dream come true for many of us. These multi-purpose machines can chop, stir, blend, mix, steam, knead, slow cook and boil, saving you time and hassle in the kitchen. They also allow you to create expert meals that taste like they’ve been prepared by a chef. They’re a perfect addition to our busy lifestyle today, allowing us to get healthy meals on the table easily and in a fraction of the time. But as we’ll see, these devices vary considerably in terms of quality, durability features and functions. We’ve narrowed down the possibilities for you to four stand-out, high-end models:

1. Vorwerk Thermomix TM6

SPECS:

• Functions: 23 auto functions
• Capacity: 2.2 L
• Temperature Range: 37°C to 120°C
• Power: 500W motor, 1000W heating power
• Warranty: 2 years domestic
• Price: $2,269

The Thermomix TM5 is a multifunction cooking device that’s considered to be state-of-the-art. It’s branded as a “compact kitchen” and includes options for mixing, steaming, blending, weighing, stirring, grinding, whipping, emulsifying, heating, kneading, cooking and chopping. It also includes an integrated scale, as well as a coloured touch screen to display recipes and guide you through the cooking process. Guided cooking ensures that recipes are prepped perfectly, for better results. There’s also a slot for recipe chips, which can be used to expand your recipe collection even further. However, these add-ons must be purchased separately. The downside to this device is the big price tag. However, with 23 functions, there’s a lot that beginners and budding chefs alike can do with the Thermomix TM6.

2. Tefal Cuisine Companion

SPECS:

• Functions: 6 auto programs
• Capacity: 2.5 L
• Temperature Range: 37°C to 120°C
• Power: 550W motor, 1000W heating power 

• Warranty: 2 years domestic

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  Price: $1299

The Tefal Cuisine Companion is another Thermomix alternative that’s available for those who are looking for a multifunction cooking device. With six different automatic functions – Sauce, Soup, Slow Cook, Steam, Pastry and Dessert,  this machine boasts the ability to chop, emulsify, whisk, crush, melt, beat, knead and mix. It essentially functions as 10 different appliances! It also comes with a recipe book with 300 different recipes for everything from starters to main courses, desserts and more which makes it a decent Thermomix competitor.

The downside to this device is the fact that it doesn’t bake or fry. Its multi-buttoned control panel may also be a bit daunting for first-time users.

3. Magimix Cook Expert

SPECS:

• Functions: 12 auto programs
• Capacity: 3.6 L
• Temperature Range: 30°C to 140°C
• Power: 1700W

• Warranty: 3 years domestic

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  Price: $2,099

The Magimix Cook Expert is another high-end Thermomix alternative, with twelve auto programs including Puréed soup, Creamed soup, Simmer, Steam, Pastry/Cake, Bread/Brioche, Whisk, Blender, Smoothie, Frozen dessert, Crush and Food Processor. It also includes a full-colour digital interface for ease of use, as well as an auto-rinse function which is a lifesaver.

4. Optimum ThermoCook Pro M 2.0 - The 2023 Productreview.com.au Award Winner

SPECS:

• Functions: 5 preset programs for making jam, steaming, soup and 2 kneading programs for dough. Reverse blade function, built-in recipes, WIFI and the ability to use and program your own recipes into a mobile phone app for greater flexibility.
• Capacity: 2.8L
• Temperature Range: 30°C to 120°C
• Power: 1700W (700W motor and 1000W heating power)
• Warranty: 2 years domestic
• RRP Price: $1,100

With the stainless-steel blade assembly, powerful 700W motor, 1000W heating element, overheat/overload protection and safety protection system, the Optimum ThermoCook Pro M 2.0 gains extra points for durability and performance. This thermo cooker features convenient functions that are designed to help you create a range of impressive meals and dishes. 

You can choose from 5 preset programs for making jam, steaming, soup and 2 kneading programs for dough or also manually adjust the time, temperature and speed via the rotary control & full colour 9" digital display.

The ThermoCook Pro M 2.0 is capable of chopping, whipping, mixing, emulsifying, milling, kneading, cooking, blending, stirring, steaming, precise heating and more. 

Optimum has been a global leader for many years in offering high-speed domestic and commercial blenders, portable blenders, top juicers, dehydrators and other kitchen appliances. Quality and efficiency are values they care about and they’ve spent years researching and improving their products in this regard.

The Optimum ThermoCook Pro M 2.0 also features a bright and easy-to-read digital display. The easy-to-use intuitive interface allows for easy and precise control. Variable controls give you the freedom to supervise and modify every aspect of the cooking process. You can set the timer for up to 99 minutes, select temperatures from 30 to 120°C and choose from over 500 built-in recipes in 5 languages. Additionally, you have the ability to use and program your own recipes into a mobile phone app for greater flexibility. 

It also includes a steamer tray, cooking basket, mixing tool (butterfly whisk), measuring cup, spatula, an integrated scale, and exclusive Access to our Facebook group where users exchange recipes, ideas, tips & tricks – so you would really get your money’s worth.

You can click on the video below to see the Optimum ThermoCook Pro M 2.0in action:

Budget Options

Aldi (Quigg/Studio Kitchen Machine) and Lidl (Monsieur Cuisine, Monsieur Cuisine Plus) supply budget Thermomix alternatives, with similar functions to more top-of-the-line machines. However, these machines tend to be quite limited in terms of cooking and blending. Additional features like touchscreens, integrated scales and online recipes are also not provided.

Furthermore, most of these machines are slower, not reaching the rounds per minute of the Thermomix, Magimix or ThermoCook. When compared to the brand Medion, the Thermomix TM6 was much faster. Additionally, Thermomix recipes do not work in the budget options without adjustment. If you do purchase a budget machine, you cannot expect the same design, features and feel of a high-end device. It’s also important to ensure that your cooking habits and the entry-level machines are compatible: budget machines will usually require a lot more supervision than professional brands. For example, you may have to remove the dough from the sides of the bowl or assist with mixing.

Final thoughts 

While there are plenty of options, they vary considerably in terms of what they offer. When making your decision, you’ll want to ensure that you choose a device that will meet your budget, as well as the needs of your busy kitchen, allowing you to create delicious meals and stunning desserts in far less time than they would otherwise take - while at the same time expanding your recipe repertoire. Based on this comparison, our recommendation is to avoid going for a budget appliance and invest in a multifunctional powerhouse such as the Optimum ThermoCook Pro M 2.0.

The Optimum brand, which distributes high-end kitchen appliances in over 40 countries, is a trusted provider and one of the brands dedicated to high-quality customer service, both before and after the purchase. The Optimum thermo cooker offers preset programs and manual control that allow you to cook a wider range of dishes and to use the appliance in many of your kitchen activities, clearing out your counter space and making other appliances clearly unnecessary.

It also comes with extra accessories and, at a much better price than the Thermomix or Magimix, it’s the clear winner for any consumer wanting to make the most of their multifunction cooking device. Additionally, the Thermocook Pro M 2.0 is the 2023 Productreview Award Winner.

If you want more information about the product or Optimum’s industry-leading warranty, visit the website, where you can also find recipes made with the ThermoCook by Optimum