Thermomix Cooking Modes Explained: Complete Guide to All TM7 Modes
- Beatriz
- 5 days ago
- 8 min read
Life With Thermomix: Your dedicated Independent Thermomix Advisors serving the UK & Ireland.
Last Updated: January 2026
Introduction:
The Thermomix TM7 features 20+ cooking modes including Sauté, Steam, Slow Cook, Sous Vide, Ferment, and the new Browning Mode (now available in manual mode). Each mode automatically optimises temperature, speed, and time for perfect results. From gentle simmering at 37°C to high-heat browning at 160°C, plus new Open Cooking and Semi-Open modes, the TM7 is a complete kitchen. Book your free demo to experience all modes hands-on with a local Advisor.
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What You'll Learn
· All TM7 cooking modes and when to use each one
· Temperature and speed settings for every mode
· Which modes work with Cookidoo's guided cooking
· New TM7-exclusive modes not available on TM6
· Practical tips for getting the best results
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What Are the Thermomix TM7 Cooking Modes?
The Thermomix TM7 includes 20+ distinct cooking modes, each designed for specific culinary tasks. Understanding these modes helps you get the most from your appliance and unlock recipes you never thought possible at home.
Core Modes Reference Table
Mode | Temp Range | Speed | Best For |
Manual | 37-160°C | 1-10 | Full control over all settings |
Mix | - | 1-10 | Combining ingredients, batters |
Blend | - | 8-10 | Smoothies, soups, sauces |
Chop | - | 4-7 | Vegetables, nuts, herbs |
Grind | - | 10 | Spices, coffee, grains |
Knead | - | Knead | Bread, pizza, pasta dough |
Whip | - | 3-4 | Cream, egg whites |
Thicken | 80-100°C | 1-3 | Custards, puddings, sauces |
Cook | 37-120°C | 1-4 | General cooking |
Sauté | Varoma | 1 | Browning, caramelising |
Steam | Varoma | 1 | Vegetables, fish, dumplings |
Slow Cook | 70-100°C | Soft | Stews, casseroles |
Sous Vide | 50-90°C | - | Precision cooking |
Rice Cooker | 100°C | Auto | Perfect rice every time |
Egg Boiler | 100°C | Preset | Soft, medium, or hard-boiled |
Ferment | 30-45°C | - | Yoghurt, bread proving |
Melt | 37-60°C | 2-3 | Chocolate, butter |
Warm Up | 37-70°C | 1 | Reheating, keeping warm |
Pre-Clean | Auto | Auto | Automated cleaning cycle |
TM7-Exclusive Modes
Mode | Temp Range | Description |
Browning | 140-160°C | True caramelisation (now manual) |
Open Cooking | Up to 100°C | Cook without lid, no blade rotation |
Semi-Open | Up to 120°C | Lid unlocked, speed 2 max |
Kettle | 80-100°C | Boil water with presets |
Sugar Stages | 112-170°C | Confectionery (Guided only) |
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How Do the Temperature-Based Modes Work?
Cook Mode (37-120°C)
The most versatile mode, Cook lets you set precise temperatures from body temperature (37°C) for proving dough to 120°C for simmering sauces. Use with speeds 1-4 depending on whether you want gentle stirring or more vigorous mixing.
Best for: Risottos, curries, sauces, soups
Technique | Temperature | Speed | Time |
Gentle simmer | 90°C | 1 | 10-30 min |
Active cooking | 100°C | 2 | 5-15 min |
Rapid boil | 120°C | 1 | 5-10 min |
Sauté Mode (Varoma)
Sauté mode reaches Varoma temperature (approximately 120°C+) to brown ingredients directly in the mixing bowl. The reverse blade function ensures even browning without breaking up ingredients.
Best for: Browning onions, searing meat cubes, caramelising vegetables
Pro tip: Use the Simmering Basket as a splash guard when sautéing at high temperatures.
Steam Mode (Varoma)
Steam mode uses the Varoma dish and steaming tray to cook multiple components simultaneously. Add water to the bowl, place ingredients in the Varoma, and let steam do the work.
Best for: Vegetables, fish, dim sum, steamed puddings
Capacity: Cook up to 3 levels at once - bowl, simmering basket, and Varoma.
Slow Cook Mode (70-100°C)
Perfect for weekend cooking, Slow Cook mode maintains low temperatures for extended periods. The gentle heat tenderises tough cuts of meat and develops deep flavours.
Best for: Beef stews, pulled pork, bean dishes
Setting | Temperature | Time Range |
Low | 70-80°C | 6-8 hours |
Medium | 85-95°C | 4-6 hours |
High | 95-100°C | 2-4 hours |
Sous Vide Mode (50-90°C)
The TM7's precise temperature control makes it excellent for sous vide cooking. While you'll need vacuum-sealed bags, the results rival dedicated sous vide machines costing hundreds more.
Best for: Steaks, chicken breast, eggs, vegetables
Temperature guide:
· Rare steak: 54°C for 2 hours
· Medium steak: 60°C for 2 hours
· Chicken breast: 63°C for 1.5 hours
· Soft-boiled eggs: 63°C for 45 minutes
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What Are the Speed-Based Modes?
Mix Mode (Speeds 1-10)
The fundamental mode for combining ingredients. Lower speeds (1-3) gently fold, while higher speeds (8-10) create smooth purees.
Speed | Action | Best For |
1-2 | Gentle stir | Folding cream, combining wet ingredients |
3-4 | Mix | Batters, doughs, sauces |
5-6 | Combine | Rougher mixtures, breaking up |
7-8 | Blend | Smoothies with chunks |
9-10 | Puree | Silky smooth soups, baby food |
Chop Mode (Speeds 4-7)
Use short bursts at speeds 4-7 to chop ingredients to your desired size. The Turbo button gives quick pulses for coarse chopping.
Technique: 2-3 second bursts, check, repeat.
Grind Mode (Speed 10)
Maximum speed pulverises hard ingredients into fine powder. Essential for homemade spice blends, nut flours, and grinding coffee beans.
Warning: Don't grind for longer than 1 minute continuously to protect the motor.
Knead Mode
A unique setting that mimics hand-kneading with a specific blade movement pattern. Creates professional-quality dough in 2-3 minutes.
Perfect for:
· Bread dough (2 min)
· Pizza dough (2.5 min)
· Pasta dough (3 min)
· Enriched doughs (4 min)
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What New Modes Does the TM7 Have?
The TM7 introduced several upgraded and new modes compared to the TM6:
Browning Mode (Now Manual on TM7)
The headline new feature reaches temperatures up to 160°C, enabling true caramelisation and Maillard reactions previously impossible in a Thermomix.
What you can do:
· Caramelise sugar for crème brûlée
· Brown butter properly
· Create toffee and caramel
· Achieve deeper sautéing
Key difference from TM6: On TM7, Browning Mode is available in manual mode;not just Guided Cooking. Sugar Stages mode (for confectionery) remains Guided Cooking only.
Open Cooking Mode (TM7 Exclusive)
Cook without the lid at temperatures up to 100°C with no blade rotation:
· Traditional stir-frying techniques
· Reducing sauces while watching
· Adding ingredients continuously
· More traditional cooking feel
Semi-Open Cooking Mode (TM7 Exclusive)
Cook with the lid unlocked at temperatures up to 120°C (maximum speed 2):
· Add ingredients while cooking
· Monitor progress easily
· Stir with your own utensils
· Better control for some techniques
Enhanced Fermentation Mode
The TM7's improved fermentation maintains more stable temperatures for longer periods, making it better for:
· Yoghurt (37°C for 8 hours)
· Bread proving (30°C for 1-2 hours)
· Tempeh (30°C for 24-48 hours)
· Koji cultivation (28°C for 48 hours)
Kettle Mode (TM7 Exclusive)
Boil water with preset temperature options (80°C or 100°C):
· Tea at optimal temperature
· Coffee preparation
· Quick hot water for recipes
Note: Kettle Mode is a standalone function, not available in Created Recipes.
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How Do Cooking Modes Work with Cookidoo?
Cookidoo's guided cooking automatically sets the correct mode for each recipe step. You'll see on-screen instructions telling you exactly what the Thermomix is doing.
Guided Cooking Benefits
· Automatic settings: Temperature, speed, and time pre-programmed
· Step-by-step: Follow the screen prompts
· Timing: Built-in timers coordinate multi-component meals
· Scaling: Adjust portions and settings update automatically
Mode Limitations in Created Recipes
When creating your own recipes in Cookidoo, some modes have restrictions:
Mode | Available in Created Recipes? |
Most cooking modes | Yes |
Sugar Stages | No - Guided Cooking only |
Kettle Mode | No - Standalone only |
Temperatures above 120°C | Limited (Browning available manually) |
Note: Browning Mode (up to 160°C) is available in manual mode on TM7, but not in Created Recipes for safety.
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Which Mode Should I Use? Quick Reference
Making This? | Use This Mode | Settings |
Soup (chunky) | Cook | 100°C, Speed 1, 20-30 min |
Soup (smooth) | Cook then Blend | 100°C, Speed 10, 1 min |
Risotto | Cook | 100°C, Reverse, Speed 1 |
Curry | Sauté then Cook | Varoma then 100°C |
Stir-fry vegetables | Sauté | Varoma, Reverse, Speed 1 |
Bread | Knead then Ferment | Knead 2 min, 30°C prove |
Cake batter | Mix | Speed 3-4, 30 seconds |
Smoothie | Blend | Speed 10, 1 minute |
Baby food | Steam then Blend | Varoma, then Speed 9 |
Yoghurt | Ferment | 37°C, 8 hours |
By Ingredient
Ingredient | Recommended Mode |
Onions (soft) | Cook 100°C, Speed 1 |
Onions (browned) | Sauté Varoma, Reverse |
Garlic | Chop Speed 5, 3 seconds |
Meat (cubed) | Sauté then Slow Cook |
Fish | Steam Varoma, 10-15 min |
Vegetables (tender) | Steam Varoma, 15-20 min |
Rice | Cook 100°C, 12-15 min |
Chocolate | Melt 50°C, Speed 2 |
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Wrong Speed for Temperature Cooking
Using high speeds while cooking can splash hot liquids. Stick to speeds 1-2 for most heated cooking.
2. Overfilling for Steam Mode
Leave space in the Varoma for steam to circulate. Pack loosely, not tightly.
3. Grinding Too Long
Continuous grinding heats ingredients and can damage the motor. Grind in 30-second bursts with rests between.
4. Forgetting Reverse Mode
When cooking delicate ingredients (diced vegetables, gnocchi), use Reverse to prevent the blades from cutting them.
5. Not Using the Simmering Basket
For recipes like poached eggs or cooking in bags, the simmering basket prevents items from touching the blade.
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Tips for Getting the Best Results
1. Read the mode description on the TM7 screen before starting; it shows exactly what that mode does.
2. Use the Thermomix blade cover when cooking items that shouldn't be cut (whole eggs, dumplings).
3. Preheat when sautéing by running the empty bowl at Varoma for 2-3 minutes before adding oil.
4. Layer in the Varoma with longer-cooking items at the bottom (closer to steam) and quicker items on top.
5. Don't skip reverse mode for finishing sauces; it prevents over-processing while keeping everything moving.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Sauté and Browning mode?
Sauté mode reaches Varoma temperature (around 120°C) while Browning mode goes up to 160°C. Use Sauté for softening and light browning; use Browning for caramelisation and proper Maillard reactions.
Can I use all modes in my own Cookidoo recipes?
Most modes work in Created Recipes. However, Sugar Stages mode and Kettle Mode are restricted. Browning Mode (up to 160°C) is available in manual mode on TM7 but not in Created Recipes.
How do I know which mode to choose?
Cookidoo guided recipes select modes automatically. For manual cooking, consider what you want to achieve - mixing, heating, or both - then match to the mode descriptions in this guide.
Is the TM7 better than TM6 for cooking modes?
Yes. The TM7 adds Browning Mode in manual mode (up to 160°C), Open Cooking mode (no lid), Semi-Open Cooking mode, improved Fermentation stability, and Kettle Mode. The 10-inch screen also makes navigation easier.
Can I convert traditional recipes to Thermomix modes?
Absolutely. Match the cooking technique to the equivalent mode: stovetop simmering = Cook mode, oven roasting = Sauté/Browning, slow cooker = Slow Cook mode. See our recipe conversion guide for detailed instructions.
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Summary
The Thermomix TM7's 20+ cooking modes cover virtually every cooking technique, from gentle warming to high-heat browning. Understanding which mode to use transforms your results and confidence in the kitchen.
Key takeaways:
· Temperature modes (Cook, Sauté, Steam, Slow Cook) handle most meal preparation
· Speed modes (Mix, Chop, Grind, Knead) process ingredients without heat
· TM7-exclusive modes: Browning (160°C), Open Cooking, Semi-Open Cooking, Kettle
· Browning Mode now available in manual mode (not just Guided Cooking)
· Cookidoo guided cooking selects modes automatically
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Ready to Experience All the Modes?
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