Multi-Level Cooking with Thermomix: Varoma Guide (2026)
- Beatriz
- 5 minutes ago
- 11 min read
Life With Thermomix: Your dedicated Independent Thermomix Advisors serving the UK & Ireland.
Last Updated: March 2026
Introduction:
Multi-level cooking is the Thermomix's signature feature -- cook a complete meal on three levels simultaneously. The main bowl handles rice, pasta, or sauce while the Varoma steams vegetables, fish, or chicken above. A typical multi-level meal serves 4 people in 25-35 minutes using just one appliance and saves up to 60% energy compared to using multiple hobs.
What You'll Learn
· How multi-level cooking works on three separate levels
· Exact TM7 settings for perfect steaming results
· What to cook at each level for balanced meals
· 5 complete multi-level meal ideas with timings
· Energy and time savings versus conventional cooking
· Expert tips for flawless Varoma results every time
What Is Multi-Level Cooking?
Multi-level cooking is the technique that sets Thermomix apart from every other kitchen appliance. It allows you to prepare an entire meal -- protein, carbohydrate, and vegetables -- in a single cooking cycle using three stacked cooking levels.
The Thermomix TM7 generates steam from liquid in the main bowl. That steam rises through the simmering basket and into the Varoma dish sitting on top, cooking everything simultaneously. The result is a complete, balanced meal from one appliance in under 35 minutes.
This is not simply reheating or warming. The Varoma reaches a temperature of approximately 120°C, producing powerful steam that fully cooks raw chicken, fish fillets, vegetables, and more. Thermomix owners regularly tell us that multi-level cooking is what convinced them the investment was worthwhile.
Cookidoo features an entire Multi-Level Cooking Foundation Page dedicated to this technique, along with hundreds of guided recipes that coordinate all three levels automatically.
How Does Multi-Level Cooking Work?
The principle is straightforward: liquid in the main bowl heats to Varoma temperature, producing a steady flow of steam. That steam travels upward through the simmering basket and into the Varoma tray and lid, cooking food at every level it passes through.
The science behind it: Water boils at 100°C, but the Varoma setting pushes temperature slightly beyond this to around 120°C, creating pressurised steam with more energy than boiling water alone. This is why Varoma steaming cooks food faster than a conventional steamer.
On TM7, you set the temperature dial to Varoma (the highest setting, above 120°C), set the speed to 1 or 2 (just enough to circulate steam without splattering), and set your timer. The Thermomix handles the rest.
The key advantage is that the food in the bowl flavours the steam. If you're cooking rice in a turmeric broth, that aromatic steam infuses the vegetables above. If you're making a tomato sauce, the herby steam gently seasons the fish in the Varoma. This is why multi-level meals taste better than cooking each component separately.
For a deeper understanding of steam cooking principles, see Cookidoo's excellent Power of Steam Guide.
The Three Cooking Levels Explained
Level 1: Main Bowl (Bottom)
The main mixing bowl is your foundation. It holds the liquid that generates steam and simultaneously cooks your base component.
· Capacity: Up to 2.2 litres
· What to cook: Rice, pasta, soups, sauces, stews, curries, porridge, risotto
· Requirement: Minimum 500ml liquid for adequate steam generation
· Temperature: Set to Varoma
· Speed: 1 (gentle stirring) or 2 (slightly more vigorous)
The blade cover (butterfly whisk or mixing bowl lid insert) is useful here to prevent rice or pasta from being cut by the blades whilst still allowing circulation.
Level 2: Simmering Basket (Middle)
The simmering basket sits inside the main bowl, partially submerged in the liquid. Food here cooks through a combination of steam and direct contact with simmering liquid.
· Capacity: Approximately 800ml
· What to cook: Potatoes, eggs, small dumplings, grains, lentils, gnocchi
· Best for: Items that benefit from boiling or simmering rather than pure steaming
· Tip: Use it as a colander -- lift the entire basket out when done
The simmering basket is ideal for ingredients that need immersion cooking, like potatoes that you want soft all the way through, or hard-boiled eggs.
Level 3: Varoma (Top)
The Varoma is a two-part steaming attachment: a large tray and a perforated lid. It sits on top of the mixing bowl and receives the full force of rising steam.
· Capacity: Varoma tray holds approximately 2 litres; the lid adds additional space
· What to cook: Vegetables, fish fillets, chicken breasts, dim sum, dumplings, steamed puddings
· Tray vs lid: Place items needing more cooking time in the tray (closer to steam source), and quicker-cooking items in the lid
· Tip: Line with baking paper for fish and delicate items to prevent sticking
Cookidoo's Varoma Tips and Tricks article covers advanced techniques for getting the most
from this versatile accessory.
What Works at Each Level
Level | Component | Best Foods | Cooking Method |
1 - Main Bowl | Base/liquid | Rice, pasta, soup, sauce, stew, curry | Boiling/simmering |
2 - Simmering Basket | Immersion items | Potatoes, eggs, grains, dumplings, lentils | Boiling/simmering |
3a - Varoma Tray | Longer steam items | Chicken, fish, root veg, whole potatoes | Steam cooking |
3b - Varoma Lid | Quick steam items | Broccoli, green beans, mangetout, courgette | Light steaming |
How Do I Set Up Multi-Level Cooking?
Setting up multi-level cooking is straightforward once you know the order. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Bowl Ingredients
Add your base ingredients to the main bowl. This must include at least 500ml of liquid -- water, stock, or the liquid from your recipe (such as passata for a pasta sauce). If cooking rice or pasta, add the grain plus the correct quantity of water.
Step 2: Insert the Simmering Basket (If Using)
If you're using the simmering basket, place prepared ingredients inside it and lower it into the bowl. The basket hooks onto the bowl rim. Ensure the lid of the mixing bowl (MC cap) is removed to allow steam to escape upward.
Step 3: Load the Varoma Tray
Place your main steaming items in the Varoma tray. Arrange them in a single layer where possible, leaving gaps between pieces so steam can circulate freely. For fish or sticky items, lay a sheet of baking paper on the tray first.
Step 4: Add Items to the Varoma Lid
Place quick-cooking items (green vegetables, delicate fish) in the Varoma lid. These will receive slightly less intense steam and can be removed earlier if needed.
Step 5: Assemble and Position
Place the Varoma tray onto the mixing bowl (it sits on the rim). Place the Varoma lid on top. Check the seal is properly positioned -- the Varoma must sit squarely on the bowl for steam to travel through it efficiently.
Step 6: Set TM7 Settings
Setting | Value | Notes |
Temperature | Varoma | Highest setting on the dial |
Speed | 1 or 2 | Speed 1 for rice/grains; Speed 2 for sauces |
Time | 20-35 minutes | Depends on ingredients (see meal ideas below) |
Direction | Normal or Reverse | Use Reverse for delicate bowl contents |
Step 7: Start and Monitor
Press start. The TM7 will heat the liquid, generate steam, and cook all three levels simultaneously. You can peek at the Varoma contents by carefully lifting the lid (use oven gloves -- the steam is very hot).
For guided multi-level recipes that set all these parameters automatically, browse the Steaming Collection on Cookidoo.
5 Complete Multi-Level Meal Ideas
These meal plans show exactly what goes where and how long to cook. All serve 4 people.
1. Sunday Roast Dinner
A full roast dinner from one appliance -- perfect when your oven is occupied by the joint.
Level | Ingredients | Prep |
Bowl | Onion gravy (stock, onions, flour, herbs) | Chop onions first, then add liquid |
Simmering Basket | Baby potatoes (halved) | Scrub and halve |
Varoma Tray | Carrots, parsnips (batons) | Peel and cut into even pieces |
Varoma Lid | Broccoli florets, green beans | Trim and wash |
Settings: Varoma / Speed 2 / 35 minutes
Remove Varoma lid at 25 minutes (green veg will be done earlier)
2. Asian Salmon Dinner
Fragrant, healthy, and ready in 25 minutes.
Level | Ingredients | Prep |
Bowl | Jasmine rice + water (1:1.5 ratio) | Rinse rice, add 750ml water |
Simmering Basket | Tenderstem broccoli | Trim stems |
Varoma Tray | Salmon fillets on baking paper, ginger, soy | Season and wrap loosely |
Varoma Lid | Pak choi, edamame beans | Wash and trim |
Settings: Varoma / Speed 1 / 25 minutes
Tip: Add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil to the rice water for extra flavour.
3. Pasta Night
Everyone's favourite weeknight meal, simplified.
Level | Ingredients | Prep |
Bowl | Tomato pasta sauce (passata, garlic, basil, onion) | Chop aromatics first at Speed 5 |
Simmering Basket | Penne pasta | Add dry, the sauce liquid steams it |
Varoma Tray | Sliced courgette, peppers | Cut into even slices |
Varoma Lid | Garlic bread slices (wrapped in foil) | Wrap tightly |
Settings: Varoma / Speed 2 / 20 minutes
Note: Ensure at least 800ml liquid in the sauce for sufficient steam and pasta cooking.
4. Healthy Quinoa Bowl
A protein-packed, nutritious meal for health-conscious families.
Level | Ingredients | Prep |
Bowl | Quinoa + vegetable stock (1:2 ratio) | Rinse quinoa, add 800ml stock |
Simmering Basket | Sweet potato cubes | Peel and dice into 2cm cubes |
Varoma Tray | Chicken breasts (butterflied), lemon, herbs | Flatten to even thickness |
Varoma Lid | Asparagus spears, cherry tomatoes | Trim asparagus |
Settings: Varoma / Speed 1 / 30 minutes
Tip: Butterfly the chicken breasts so they cook evenly in the steaming time.
5. Classic Fish Supper
A British favourite, made healthier by steaming rather than frying.
Level | Ingredients | Prep |
Bowl | Parsley sauce (milk, butter, flour, fresh parsley) | Combine and stir |
Simmering Basket | New potatoes (halved) | Scrub and halve evenly |
Varoma Tray | Cod or haddock fillets on baking paper | Season with lemon, dill |
Varoma Lid | Garden peas, sweetcorn | Frozen is fine -- no thawing needed |
Settings: Varoma / Speed 2 / 25 minutes
Tip: The parsley sauce thickens as it cooks. Give it a quick blend at Speed 4 for 10 seconds after cooking if needed.
For hundreds more multi-level meal ideas, explore the Varoma Cooking Collection on Cookidoo or search Varoma recipes directly.
Tips for Perfect Multi-Level Cooking
In our experience testing hundreds of multi-level meals, these tips make the biggest difference:
1. Always Ensure Enough Liquid
The single most common mistake is insufficient liquid in the bowl. Minimum 500ml is essential, but 750ml-1 litre is safer for longer cook times. If the liquid runs dry, steaming stops and your upper-level food will be undercooked.
2. Place Items by Cooking Time
Items needing the longest cooking go closest to the steam source. Root vegetables and chicken in the Varoma tray; quick-cooking greens in the Varoma lid. You can remove the lid partway through to prevent overcooking delicate items.
3. Don't Pack the Varoma Too Tightly
Steam needs to circulate freely around the food. Leave gaps between pieces. If you pack the Varoma wall-to-wall, the items in the centre will cook unevenly. A single layer with spacing is ideal.
4. Use Baking Paper for Fish and Delicate Items
Line the Varoma tray with baking paper (poke a few holes for steam) when cooking fish, dumplings, or anything that might stick. This also makes cleaning significantly easier.
5. Check the Varoma Seal
The Varoma tray must sit squarely on the mixing bowl rim with no gaps. If it's slightly off-centre, steam escapes sideways instead of rising through the food. Give it a gentle push to confirm it's seated properly.
6. Season Upper Levels Separately
While steam from a flavoursome bowl does infuse food above, it's subtle. Season your Varoma ingredients independently with salt, herbs, spices, or marinades for the best results.
7. Use Foil Parcels for Flavour Separation
If you don't want flavours mixing between levels, wrap Varoma items in foil parcels. This is particularly useful for fish or when steaming desserts above a savoury dish.
8. Reverse Mode for Delicate Bowl Contents
When cooking rice or grains in the bowl, use Reverse mode so the blades turn backwards. This prevents cutting or breaking up the grains whilst still circulating liquid.
For the full range of Varoma techniques, Cookidoo's Varoma Casserole Guide is an excellent resource.
Energy and Time Savings
Multi-level cooking is not just convenient -- it delivers measurable savings on energy bills and cooking time. We tested comparable meals cooked conventionally versus multi-level in the Thermomix.
Energy Comparison
Cooking Method | Energy Used (kWh) | Cost (at 24.5p/kWh) | Time |
Hob (3 pans) + oven | 2.8 kWh | 69p | 45 min |
Hob (3 pans) only | 1.8 kWh | 44p | 35 min |
Thermomix multi-level | 0.7 kWh | 17p | 25-30 min |
Savings: Up to 60% less energy and 40% less time compared to conventional multi-pan cooking.
Annual Impact
If you cook multi-level meals 4 times per week (a conservative estimate for most Thermomix households):
Metric | Conventional | Thermomix | Annual Saving |
Energy (kWh) | 374 kWh | 146 kWh | 228 kWh |
Cost | £91.63 | £35.77 | £55.86 |
Time | 130 hours | 87 hours | 43 hours |
Washing up | 3-4 pans per meal | 1 bowl + Varoma | Significant reduction |
These figures are based on UK average electricity prices (January 2026) and real-world cooking tests. Your actual savings will vary depending on your appliances and cooking habits.
Environmental Benefit
Using one appliance instead of three also reduces standby energy waste and heat loss. The Thermomix's sealed steaming system retains far more energy than open pans on a hob, where up to 50% of heat escapes into the kitchen.
Multi-Level Cooking on Cookidoo
Cookidoo makes multi-level cooking effortless with guided recipes that coordinate all three
levels automatically. The TM7 screen tells you exactly what to place where and when.
Key Cookidoo Resources
· Multi-Level Cooking Foundation Page -- Learn the basics with official Thermomix guidance
· Steaming Collection -- Curated steam and Varoma recipes
· Varoma Cooking Collection -- Dedicated Varoma recipe collection
· Search "multi-level" on Cookidoo -- Find all multi-level recipes
· Search "varoma" on Cookidoo -- Browse all Varoma recipes
· How to Get the Most Out of Your Appliance -- General tips including Varoma use
Cookidoo Meal Planner
Use Cookidoo's My Week meal planning feature to schedule multi-level meals. It generates a combined shopping list across all planned recipes, making weekly prep even more efficient.
Cookidoo subscriptions cost £50 per year in the UK, and new TM7 owners receive 3 months free. Given the number of multi-level recipes available, it's well worth the subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I steam a dessert above a savoury dish?
Yes, but wrap the dessert in foil to prevent flavour transfer. Steamed sponge puddings work brilliantly in the Varoma. Place the pudding basin in the Varoma tray wrapped in foil whilst your main course cooks in the bowl and simmering basket below.
What foods should not be steamed in the Varoma?
Avoid anything with a crispy finish requirement (roast potatoes, battered fish), very large joints of meat that won't cook through in 35 minutes, and heavily battered or crumbed items. Deep-fried textures are not achievable with steam. Also avoid items that expand significantly, such as souffles.
Do flavours mix between the cooking levels?
Subtly, yes. The steam carries aromatic compounds upward, which can enhance food in the Varoma. Most people find this a benefit -- chicken steamed above herbed rice tastes incredible. If you want complete flavour separation, wrap upper-level items in foil parcels.
Can I open the Varoma during cooking to check progress?
Yes, but carefully. The steam is extremely hot (approximately 120°C). Use oven gloves, lift the lid away from your face, and be prepared for a rush of steam. The TM7 will continue cooking. Replace the lid promptly to maintain temperature. Checking once is fine; repeatedly opening will extend cooking time.
How do I know when the food in the Varoma is done?
Cooking times in this guide and on Cookidoo are tested and reliable. For chicken, use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 75°C. Fish should be opaque and flake easily. Vegetables should be tender when pierced with a knife. With experience, you'll quickly learn the timings for your favourite meals.
Summary
Multi-level cooking transforms your Thermomix TM7 from a clever kitchen gadget into a complete meal solution. By using all three levels -- main bowl, simmering basket, and Varoma -- you can prepare a balanced family meal in 25-35 minutes whilst saving up to 60% on energy costs.
Key takeaways:
· The main bowl (Level 1) cooks your base: rice, pasta, soups, or sauces
· The simmering basket (Level 2) handles potatoes, eggs, grains, and dumplings
· The Varoma (Level 3) steams vegetables, fish, chicken, and more
· Always use at least 500ml liquid in the bowl for adequate steam
· Don't pack the Varoma too tightly -- steam must circulate
· Cookidoo offers hundreds of guided multi-level recipes
· Save up to £55 per year on energy compared to conventional cooking
Ready to master multi-level cooking? Book a free demo with a LifeWithThermomix Advisor. We'll prepare a complete multi-level meal in front of you so you can taste the results for yourself.
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