food processors
Thermomix alternatives: These models want to take on the top dog
In addition to the Thermomix, there are many good and cheap alternatives for the kitchen (symbol image)
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The TM6 is the latest model from Thermomix and costs 1399 euros. A proud price for a machine that can do (almost) everything. But does it really have to be the original? After all, there are many cheaper alternatives.
Universal kitchen machines make cooking much easier. Whether stirring, mixing, pureeing, steaming, grinding, grating or cutting – the electronic helpers simply do it all. This also applies to the legendary Thermomix, which has made a name for itself as the market leader in recent years. The first model was released in 1961 with seven functions, which have been expanded to include many more to this day: The TM6 can now even caramelize, ferment and cook sous-vide. And the manufacturer is paying a lot for this – the latest version of the Thermomix costs an impressive 1399 euros: TM6. This makes many hobby chefs’ ears ring, as it’s actually “only” about preparing delicious food. It’s hardly surprising why there are so many alternatives.
1. Silvercrest Monsieur Cuisine
Some time ago, Lidl lost the plagiarism dispute with Vorwerk over its Thermomix alternative. Since then, the food processor has no longer been allowed to be sold – at least not with a specific heating part: The Silvercrest Monsieur Cuisine (“SKMC 1200 F6”) costs almost 1000 euros less than the original. Although the device cannot hold a candle to the Thermomix, the alternative still has a lot to offer: left-hand rotation (for stirring) and right-hand rotation (for chopping), ten different speed levels and a turbo function for pulse mixing. The automatic programs include kneading, steaming and frying. And the seven-inch touch display can be used to set the time, speed and temperature and also display the current cooking temperature.
2. Klarstein Grand Prix
Even cheaper than the Krups Prep&Cook is the user-friendly and easy-to-clean one Klarstein GrandPrix food processor: This model is available for just 245 euros, but is equipped with fewer functions. The 500 watt device can stir, mix, knead and whip the desired ingredients. Speed and temperature (30 to 120 degrees) are adjustable. The included stainless steel bowl also holds 2.5 liters, and the set also includes various stirring attachments – these can be replaced as needed. Further plus points are the integrated splash guard and the unlocking mechanism. That’s pretty much it, but it’s certainly not the worst choice for the occasional cook.
3. Medion MD 16361
Also the 1000 watt food processor from Medion makes a very compact impression: it can mix and chop, knead and cook. This is made possible by the eleven operating levels and four stainless steel blades. Included in delivery is one Cooking and mixing attachment, a steamer attachment and steamer insert, a spatula and measuring cup, a cleaning brush, a butterfly mixer and a recipe book. The stainless steel bowl in this model only holds two liters, but that shouldn’t be an obstacle when cooking. An automatic switch-off function as well as dry boiling and overheating protection ensure the necessary safety – so the Thermomix alternative can also go about its work unattended.
4. Moulinex HF4568 Clickchef
The Multifunctional food processor HF4568 from Clickchef Moulinex has twelve speeds and five different automatic programs Soups, dough and sauces, for simmering or steaming. This means you can knead, emulsify and also chop the ingredients. The bowl has a large capacity of 3.6 liters and, like all the accessories (such as a steamer attachment), dishwasher safe. In addition to its 32 practical functions for perfectly preparing various dishes from the included recipe book, the device is impressive integrated scale thanks to its compact design. Because it takes up very little space in the kitchen.
5. Efbe-Schott SC HA 1020
By far the cheapest model in this round of introductions is the Thermomaster SC HA 1020, a multifunctional food processor from Efbe-Schott. This one too 1000 watts powerful Device (with 500 watt heating output) has an integrated scale and is able to mix, cut, knead, stir, steam, boil, (steam) cook and whip. In addition to a stainless steel bowl with a capacity of two liters, the following accessories are included: a kneading and butterfly insert, a grating disk, a steam attachment with insert, a lid, a measuring cup, a replacement sealing ring, a recipe book and an operating manual. The device also has eleven speeds.
6. Krups Prep&Cook HP50A8
Although the 1,550 watt multifunctional food processor from Krups Costing less than half of what you would have to pay for a Thermomix, it offers different functions: for example Kcooking, steaming, stirring, braising, frying, mixing, kneading and whipping. You can also choose between twelve programs at the touch of a button. The food processor prepares the dishes independently in a three-liter stainless steel bowl and keeps them warm – you just have to set the desired temperature, time and speed in advance.
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