From chopping to blending and steaming, the Thermomix TM7 is said to be a formidable kitchen essential. Here’s my honest review as a kitchen novice.
Cooking can be a chore, but for novice chefs like me, this all-in-one smart cooking appliance is looking to be a game-changer. In an alternate universe, I’d love to be one of those people who can whip up a meal from scratch without breaking a sweat, but the reality? The kitchen and I just don’t gel together. Following recipes feels like a chore and spending more than 30 minutes on a meal seems excessive. This was the reason I was both intrigued by and sceptical about the Thermomix TM7.
Is this appliance as formidable as it sounds? Can an amateur cook like me actually enjoy cooking? I gamely took on the challenge to spend an afternoon with this nifty appliance, and here’s why I’m sold on it.
Thermomix TM7 review: A versatile kitchen essential
To test the true prowess of the Thermomix TM7, I was tasked to whip up a feast – appetisers, drinks and desserts included. As an all-in-one appliance, it offers a range of versatile functions like chopping, blending and steaming. Each appliance also comes with handy accessories such as a spatula, an insulated mixing bowl, a simmering basket and a mixing knife.
But here’s the part that piqued my interest: it offers step-by-step guided cooking with over 100,000 recipes, so cooks of any level can use it with ease. All you have to do is follow the instructions on the touchscreen. My first impression? It looks intuitive and promising for beginners like myself.
Easy-breezy recipes for any skill level
Starting easy, I scoured the recipe repository for a refreshing thirst-quencher. The lemonade recipe seemed straightforward with basic ingredients like lemons, sugar, water and ice cubes. I threw them into the Thermomix TM7 – yes, including the unpeeled halved lemons – and let it work its magic.
While I was glad I didn’t have to painstakingly peel the lemons, I wasn’t 100% convinced about tossing them in. Grinding the rind and seeds doesn’t seem like a zesty idea. But, when I peeked inside, I was impressed at how the Thermomix TM7 cleverly avoided them! I easily scooped them out and poured the freshly-squeezed concoction. The result: a well-balanced lemonade in sweetness and tartness, and extra refreshing with some ice.
Just like lemonade, making a fruit sorbet is oh-so-simple. I threw some chopped frozen mangoes (any fruit of your choice will work) and let the appliance start blending. Within a few minutes, I had thick, creamy mango sorbet ready to serve. It was faster than going to my nearby convenience store to grab an ice cream!
A mighty appliance that does the heavy lifting
Now, I’ve never entertained the idea of baking. From making precise measurements to endless mixing, kneading and the endless steps in between, I’d much rather buy one from the bakery. But when I saw a focaccia recipe on the Thermomix TM7, I felt emboldened to give it a try.
After tossing in flour, sugar, instant yeast, olive oil and the like, I simply tapped the screen and let the machine get to work. Yes, that laborious process of whisking, mixing and kneading was all done for me. Once the dough was ready, I went on to shape and bake it gorgeously in the oven. Top it off with chopped rosemary leaves and cherry tomatoes, and you’ve got bakery-approved focaccia.
I also quickly whipped up a creamy mushroom soup with the same protocol. Thanks to the Thermomix TM7, the ingredients were uniformly ground to a fine texture and the soup was velvety smooth. It’s hard to believe that I made this rich, earthy mushroom soup and fluffy focaccia with close to zero kitchen experience.
Restaurant-quality dishes without the time and hassle
Another aspect of the Thermomix TM7 that caught my attention? The multi-level cooking function that lets you save time and hassle by preparing multiple dishes at one go. I was set on trying the three-in-one meal: fluffy rice, steamed egg and dang gui chicken.
By stacking the Varoma (a steaming accessory) on top of the Thermomix TM7, this forms a three-tiered system that lets you steam a few dishes simultaneously. I prepped the egg mixture and dang gui chicken in separate plates, along with basmati rice in the simmering basket, and they were off to steam. Tip: any plate works, but metal is recommended for quicker cooking!
While the cooking magic happened, I tidied up the kitchen and washed the dishes. This is a major plus-point, especially for busy bees who love cooking and cleaning on the go without the mess at the end.
Oh, here’s a fun fact: the Thermomix TM7 comes with an in-built cleaning function to make clean-up extra fuss-free. Fill it with water and soap, and let the machine do a gentle yet thorough self-rinse. If you prefer manual cleaning, it can also be easily dismantled and reassembled.
Once my three-in-one meal was ready to be devoured, I had one last dish on my list: hand-ripped cabbage. Following the recipe and on-screen instructions, this Chinese-style vegetable dish easily came to fruition.
The final taste test? All the main dishes had my stamp of approval on the flavour front. The cabbage with a tinge of wok hei, silky-smooth steamed egg, and juicy dang gui chicken were my proudest creations.
An amateur’s secret weapon in the kitchen
Fellow novice cooks, your dream of being a home chef doesn’t have to be out of reach – if you have the right appliance at your disposal. After trying the Thermomix TM7, I’m sold on its multi-functionality, versatility, and step-by-step guided cooking function that’s perfect for kitchen newbies.
Whether you’re living alone or with family, this nifty tool cuts the time and hassle for meal preparation. Plus, delicious and nutritious recipes are at your fingertips.
Head to the website for first dibs on the Thermomix TM7. Or, book a free live cooking class at the Thermomix experience store at The Cathay for a hands-on experience. Walk-ins for a cooking demo are also welcome anytime with no prior booking needed. Ready to leave your cooking woes behind? I’m already itching for my next chance to play chef!
This post is in partnership with Thermomix.
