Is a Thermomix worth it? An honest answer from someone who couldn't cook

A Thermomix is not a cheap kitchen gadget, so it deserves a straight answer. I'm going to give you the honest version, including the part where I tell you who should not buy one.

What it actually replaces

A Thermomix weighs, chops, blends, kneads, steams, stirs and cooks, all in one bowl, with guided recipes on the screen that set the time, temperature and speed for you. For most people it takes the place of a food processor, blender, stand mixer, steamer, rice cooker, kitchen scale and a good part of the cookbook shelf.

That matters in two ways: counter space, and the fact that you stop needing to know how to cook something. You just follow the screen.

The money side

The biggest saving for most families is not the gadgets it replaces. It is the takeout it replaces.

• A delivered meal for a family of four easily reaches $60 or more once fees and tip are added.
• The same meal cooked at home usually costs a fraction of that in groceries.
• Swap even three takeout nights a week and the difference adds up to thousands of dollars a year.

Rather than take my word for it, put your own numbers into the savings calculator. It is built to be conservative.

The time side

This is the part people underestimate. The chopping, stirring and pot watching is done for you. Risotto without standing at the stove, sauces that never catch, dough kneaded while you help with homework. For busy parents that time is often worth more than the money.

Who it is not for

• If you love cooking by hand and the chopping is your therapy, you may not use it enough.
• If you almost never eat at home, it will not change that on its own.
• If you only need a blender, buy a blender.

Honestly, the people who get the most from it are the ones who want to eat better at home but do not have the time, skills or confidence. That was me.

Paying for it

You can pay in full, or spread the cost with monthly payments through Bread Pay™, as low as 0% APR for qualified buyers. See the ways to pay.

The best way to decide

See it cook something you actually eat. Book a free demo, a friends night in your kitchen or a video demo from your couch, and decide after dinner, not before.