Testing Three Recipes on the Legendary $1,500 Thermomix — The Kitchen Gadget Test Show

Introduction

If you’ve ever been intrigued by the buzz surrounding the $ 1,500 Thermomix kitchen gadget, you’re not alone. Expert Ian, who has tested countless kitchen gadgets and worked on numerous TV shows, joins us in exploring this multifunctional appliance. With claims that it can handle everything from cooking and blending to chopping and kneading, we’re about to put it through its paces with three different recipes: risotto, salmon, and hollandaise sauce.

The Versatility of Thermomix

The Thermomix boasts twelve functionalities—milling or grinding, cooking, emulsifying, whipping, steaming, mixing, stirring, blending, chopping, kneading, precise heating, and weighing. Considering its high price point, we aimed to uncover why people rave about this machine and whether it really lives up to the hype.

Risotto Recipe

Our initial test began with a risotto recipe built into the Thermomix. The device’s built-in scale came in handy as it weighed ingredients automatically. First, we added one and a half ounces of Parmesan cheese to the bowl, appreciated the melodic tones it emitted during the countdown, and added one shallot, butter, and olive oil. The Thermomix took care of heating, toasting rice, and cooking.

After adding dry white wine, water, and a bouillon cube, we let it cook for 12 minutes. The result? A perfectly creamy risotto with beautifully cooked rice that tasted better than many renditions found in restaurants. The ease of achieving such consistency did pique our interest in the Thermomix’s capabilities.

Soup, Potatoes, Broccoli, and Steamed Salmon

Moving on to our next challenge, we prepared soup along with steamed potatoes, broccoli, and salmon—all at once. Unlike the previous recipe, this one required more manual input since it wasn't fully programmed into the machine. After adding olive oil, soy sauce, and lemon juice, we emulsified the mixture. Then, we chopped ginger, garlic, leeks, celery, and peas.

The Thermomix steams the potatoes and broccoli in a specific tray while the soup simmers, allowing the flavors to meld together seamlessly. Once finished, we ended up with a velvety soup and perfectly steamed veggies and salmon, showcasing the machine's broad spectrum of functionalities.

Hollandaise Sauce

For our final recipe, we tackled a notoriously tricky hollandaise sauce. The Thermomix enables stable heat during mixing, which is vital for preventing the sauce from breaking. We combined butter, lemon juice, and egg yolks, setting the temperature and mixing to work as one continuous process, resulting in a beautifully emulsified hollandaise.

This successful outcome reinforced the Thermomix’s unique position in the kitchen as a capable appliance that can manage multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising on quality.

Is the Thermomix Worth $ 1,500?

Having completed three recipes, we pondered the million-dollar question: Is the Thermomix worth the hefty price tag? While the machine did perform exceptionally, the consensus leaned toward skepticism about its value. While the Thermomix could execute a myriad of cooking functions flawlessly, many of the same dishes could be accomplished with standard kitchen tools available at home—often without the expensive investment.

Imperfections in home cooking can often lead to delightful experiences and discoveries that make cooking fun rather than stressful.

Keyword

Thermomix, kitchen gadget, cooking, risotto, salmon, hollandaise, multifunctional, recipes, steam, emulsifying, precision cooking, home cook, professional chefs.

FAQ

1. What is the Thermomix?
The Thermomix is a multifunctional kitchen appliance that combines various cooking functionalities, including blending, cooking, steaming, and more.

2. How much does the Thermomix cost?
The Thermomix typically costs around $ 1,500.

3. Can you make multiple dishes at once with the Thermomix?
Yes, the Thermomix allows you to prepare multiple dishes at the same time, like soup and steamed salmon, using its various attachments.

4. Is the Thermomix worth the price?
While the Thermomix performs exceptionally well, opinions vary on whether its high cost is justified, as many home cooks can make similar dishes with standard kitchen tools.

5. What recipes can you make with the Thermomix?
You can make a range of recipes including risottos, sauces, soups, steamed dishes, and more, thanks to its versatility.