Switching to Thermomix TM7 from Ninja or Instant Pot: UK Upgrader Guide 2026
- Beatriz
- Jan 2
- 5 min read
Life With Thermomix: Your dedicated Independent Thermomix Advisors serving the UK & Ireland. This FAQ is updated regularly to ensure accuracy.
Last Updated: January 2026
Introduction:
You already own a multi-cooker. Maybe it's a Ninja Foodi that does great pressure cooking and air frying. Perhaps it's an Instant Pot that's been reliable for batch cooking stews and curries. You've heard about Thermomix; maybe from a friend, colleague, or that person on social media who won't stop talking about it.
But is switching to Thermomix TM7 actually worth it? What would you gain? What would you lose? This guide is written specifically for UK multi-cooker owners considering an upgrade; no sales pitch, just honest information to help you decide.
Who This Guide Is For
You might be considering the switch if you:
Own a Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot, or similar multi-cooker
Find yourself still spending significant time on food prep
Want more recipe guidance and less guesswork
Feel limited by your current appliance's capabilities
Hear about Thermomix and wonder what the fuss is about
What Thermomix Does That Ninja and Instant Pot Don't
Let's be direct about the fundamental differences:
1. Food Preparation vs. Just Cooking
Your current multi-cooker: Cooks food you've already prepared (chopped vegetables, measured ingredients, prepped protein).
Thermomix TM7: Prepares AND cooks. It chops onions in 5 seconds, weighs ingredients as you add them, blends sauces smooth, kneads dough, and then cooks everything; all in one bowl.
This is the key difference. If you spend 20 minutes prepping before using your Ninja, that prep time essentially disappears with Thermomix.
2. Guided Recipes vs. Manual Settings
Your current multi-cooker: You select pressure/time/temperature and monitor results based on experience or recipe instructions from elsewhere.
Thermomix TM7: On-screen step-by-step instructions from Cookidoo's 100,000+ recipes. It tells you exactly what to add, when, and sets all parameters automatically. The screen shows countdown, next steps, and ingredient lists throughout.
For confident cooks, this might feel unnecessary. For those who want consistent results without thinking, it's transformative.
3. One Bowl Workflow vs. Multiple Steps
Your current multi-cooker: Even if you pressure cook efficiently, you likely use separate tools for chopping, blending, or preparing components.
Thermomix TM7: Raw ingredients go in, finished meal comes out. Chop, sauté, blend, simmer, and serve from the same 2.2L bowl. Add the Varoma steamer for multi-level cooking.
What You'd Be Giving Up
Honesty matters. Here's what the Thermomix TM7 cannot do that your Ninja or Instant Pot can:
Pressure Cooking
The Thermomix doesn't pressure cook. If you regularly pressure cook dried beans, tough cuts of meat, or batch-prep large stews in 30 minutes, you'd lose this capability. Thermomix uses simmering and slow cooking instead.
Air Frying
No air frying capability. If crispy chips, roasted vegetables, or "fried" chicken without oil are weekly staples, you'd need a separate air fryer.
Large Batch Capacity
The Thermomix bowl is 2.2L (plus 6.8L Varoma steaming). The Ninja Foodi Max is 7.5L. For batch cooking large stews, the Ninja wins on capacity; though Thermomix compensates by cooking components faster.
The honest verdict: If pressure cooking large batches is essential to your routine, Thermomix might supplement rather than replace your existing appliance.
Real Feedback from UK Switchers
We surveyed UK households who previously owned Ninja or Instant Pot before switching to Thermomix. Here's what they said:
What They Miss
"Pressure cooking beans from dried in 30 minutes, I now have to plan ahead or use tinned" (Former Instant Pot owner, Manchester)
"Air frying was convenient. I bought a separate small air fryer to keep" (Former Ninja owner, Bristol)
"The large Ninja bowl was great for batch cooking. Thermomix portions are smaller" (Former Ninja owner, Edinburgh)
What They Gained
"I never realised how much time I spent chopping. That's just gone now" (Former Instant Pot owner, London)
"The guided recipes changed everything. I cook dishes I'd never have attempted before" (Former Ninja owner, Belfast)
"We actually eat healthier because cooking from scratch is so easy. No more ready meals" (Former Instant Pot owner, Cardiff)
"I thought I was efficient before. Thermomix is a different level entirely" (Former Ninja owner, Dublin)
The Consensus
Most switchers describe it as an "upgrade in a different direction." You're not getting a better pressure cooker; you're getting a fundamentally different approach to home cooking where prep work and active monitoring essentially disappear.
A Day-by-Day Comparison
Making Butternut Squash Soup
Step | With Ninja/Instant Pot | With Thermomix TM7 |
Prep squash | Peel, chop, 10-15 min | Add chunks, chop button, 10 sec |
Chop onion/garlic | Knife, board, 5 min | Add to bowl, chop, 5 sec |
Sauté | Sauté mode, stir manually | Auto-sauté, auto-stir |
Add liquid/cook | Pressure 10 min or simmer 30 min | Simmer, auto-stir, 20 min |
Blend | Transfer to blender | Blend in same bowl, 30 sec |
Total active time | 25-35 minutes | 5 minutes |
The soup example illustrates the difference: Thermomix doesn't cook faster necessarily; it requires dramatically less of YOUR time.
When Switching Makes Sense
Consider upgrading to Thermomix TM7 if:
✅ You spend significant time on food prep (chopping, measuring)
✅ You want recipe guidance rather than figuring out settings
✅ You value time savings over raw cooking speed
✅ You'd like to cook more adventurous recipes confidently
✅ You're frustrated by multiple appliances and washing up
✅ Budget allows £1,349 (or budget-friendly options available)
When Keeping Your Current Appliance Makes Sense
Stay with Ninja/Instant Pot if:
❌ Pressure cooking is essential to your weekly routine
❌ Air frying replaces your oven for crispy foods
❌ Large batch cooking (7L+) is a frequent need
❌ You're already efficient at prep and enjoy hands-on cooking
❌ Budget is the primary deciding factor
The "Both" Strategy
Many UK households keep both:
Thermomix TM7 for daily meals, prep, and guided cooking
Ninja/Instant Pot for large batches and pressure cooking when needed
This "best of both" approach costs more but eliminates compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions from Switchers
Will I use my Ninja/Instant Pot after getting Thermomix?
Most switchers report their previous multi-cooker gets used 80-90% less. Some sell or donate it within months; others keep it for occasional large batches or pressure cooking specific dishes.
Is there a Thermomix trade-in for old multi-cookers?
Thermomix sometimes offers trade-in value for old Thermomix models (TM31, TM5, TM6), but not for competitor appliances (please check with us to understand if there is any live trade-in promotion). However, selling your Ninja or Instant Pot privately typically recovers £50-£150 toward your purchase.
How long does it take to learn Thermomix after using Ninja?
Most switchers report 1-2 weeks to feel comfortable with the different workflow. The guided recipes make the transition smoother than expected—the machine essentially teaches you.
Can I make the same recipes I make in Instant Pot?
Most recipes adapt well. Stews, curries, soups, and sauces work excellently. Pressure-cooked dried beans require substitution (use tinned or pre-soak). Roasts and large cuts may need different approaches.
Is the Thermomix TM7 quieter than Ninja?
Yes. The TM7 motor is remarkably quiet—silent at low speeds and noticeably quieter than previous Thermomix models even when blending.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
If you're curious whether Thermomix suits your cooking style, book a free demo where we'll:
Show exactly how Thermomix differs from your current multi-cooker
Cook a recipe together so you experience the guided workflow
Discuss whether switching, supplementing, or staying makes sense for you
No pressure, no obligation, just honest information. Your LifeWithThermomix advisors will:
Confirm the official TM7 price
Explain what’s included
Guide you through onboarding
Help you prepare for your first week with TM7
👉 Prefer WhatsApp?
Message us directly; no pressure, just answers.
👉 Ready to see TM7 in action?
Book a no-obligation TM7 demo with Life With Thermomix.
Book Your TM7 Demo:
Start your journey now:
Comments