Thermomix TM7 vs. Instant Pot & Multi-Cookers – Which Is Right for Your UK Kitchen?
- Beatriz
- Sep 10
- 20 min read
For the key points at a glance to understand if the Thermomix is worth the money, please follow the link to the Thermomix® TM7 vs Multi-Cookers (Instant Pot, Ninja, etc.): Which Fits Your UK/IE Kitchen? blog post.
Introduction:
In the realm of modern kitchen gadgets, two stars often come up in conversation: the Thermomix (now TM7 model) and the Instant Pot (and similar multi-cookers like Ninja Foodi). If you’re trying to streamline cooking or invest in a time-saving appliance, you might wonder: Thermomix vs. Instant Pot – which one should I choose? They are very different devices – one is a do-it-all blender/cooker hybrid, and the other is primarily a pressure cooker – yet both aim to make home cooking easier. In this post, we’ll compare the TM7 with the popular multicooker category (Instant Pot being the prime example) to help UK home cooks understand the strengths of each, their key differences, and whether you might need one or both. We’ll consider factors like functions, price, speed, ease of use, and the types of recipes each excels at. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which appliance (or combination) best fits your cooking style and needs.
When you’re ready to purchase, remember that Thermomix can only be purchased through an official Advisor – Life With Thermomix is here to help you through the process. You’ll be getting a game-changing appliance that will serve you for years.
Upgrade your kitchen today with Thermomix and join thousands of UK and Ireland home cooks who cook smarter, not harder!!
Overview: The Fundamental Difference
Before diving into specifics, it’s important to highlight the fundamental design difference:
Thermomix TM7 is essentially a thermal blender and cooking robot. It has powerful blades and a heating element. It can chop, blend, mix, and cook food at precise temperatures (but does not pressure-cook). Think of Thermomix as a food processor that also cooks, stirs, and steams. Its hallmark is convenience and multi-functionality, including guided recipes on a touchscreen.
Instant Pot (or similar multicookers like the Ninja Foodi) is primarily a pressure cooker combined with other modes (like slow cooker, steamer, sometimes air fryer if it’s a combo unit). It does NOT have blades or the ability to chop or blend. Its hallmark is speed – pressure cooking can drastically cut down cooking time for things like stews, beans, or tough meats. Some models also air fry or bake with special lids, but they can’t process food in the way a Thermomix can.
In simple terms, a Thermomix helps with preparation and precise cooking, whereas an Instant Pot helps with fast cooking (under pressure) and hands-off one-pot meals. They overlap in that both can cook things like stews or soups with minimal monitoring, and both can slow cook or steam. But they approach the task differently.
Cost: It’s also worth noting the huge price gap. A Thermomix TM7 costs around £1,349, while an Instant Pot can be as low as £100–£200 for many models. This already suggests Thermomix is targeting a premium niche with more capabilities, while Instant Pot is a value-focused appliance for specific cooking methods. With that context, let’s compare in key areas.
Cooking Functions Comparison
1. Heating/Cooking Methods: Instant Pot’s signature is pressure cooking – using high pressure to cook foods faster (e.g. a pot roast that takes 3 hours on stove might take 1 hour under pressure). The Thermomix cannot pressure cook, as mentioned, so any recipe that relies on pressure (like canning, super fast cooking of dried beans, etc.) is the Instant Pot’s domain. However, Thermomix can perform more varied cooking techniques: it can sauté (with controlled heat and stirring), simmer, boil, steam, slow cook, ferment, and sous-vide – basically any cooking that doesn’t require pressure or dry heat above 160°C. Instant Pots nowadays often have multiple modes (pressure, slow cook, sauté, steam, sometimes yogurt, etc.), which means there is overlap: both Thermomix and IP can slow cook, simmer (IP has a sauté function to brown before pressure/slow cooking), and steam. But Instant Pot cannot fry or brown as effectively – it has a sauté function but it’s an open pot, not as efficient at stirring or controlling low heat (you have to manually stir to avoid burning). Thermomix, on the other hand, automates stirring and keeps even heat, so it’s better for delicate sauces or anything that needs constant movement.
2. Food Prep: The biggest advantage of Thermomix is that it preps the ingredients too. It has blades that chop veggies, grind spices, mill grains, etc. With an Instant Pot, you must do all chopping beforehand – either by hand or with a separate device. For example, making vegetable soup: Thermomix can chop onions, carrots, etc., then cook the soup and even blend it smooth all in one. Instant Pot: you’d chop everything by hand or in a separate processor, then add to the pot to cook; if you want it blended, you’d need an immersion blender after cooking. So Thermomix is a one-vessel solution from start to finish. Instant Pot is a great cooker, but not a processor. As one review aptly put it: the Instant Pot’s core is pressure, Thermomix’s core is a powerful blade plus precise heating – meaning the Thermomix trades the ability to pressure cook for the ability to chop, stir, and precisely control temperature.
3. Recipe Guidance & Interface: The Thermomix TM7 has a 10-inch touch screen with built-in recipes and step-by-step guidance. It’s like having a recipe book and chef in one – it tells you when to add what and auto-sets the time/temp. The Instant Pot (unless you buy certain models with smart features) typically has no recipe interface – it has buttons for modes, but you follow a recipe from a book or app separately. Some Instant Pot models or the connected Instant Pot app will give you guidelines (and new models like the Instant Pot Pro Plus have app control or recipe scripts), but it’s not nearly as integrated or extensive as Thermomix’s Cookidoo library. So if you want hand-holding and a seamless cooking experience, Thermomix wins. With an IP, you need to know “Cook under high pressure for 30 min” and press the right buttons yourself. It’s a more manual experience (though still easier than traditional stovetop in many ways).
4. Versatility: Thermomix can make things like smoothies, pesto, bread dough, cake batter – tasks that Instant Pot can’t do at all because it has no blending or mixing capability. On the other hand, Instant Pot can do one thing Thermomix can’t: pressure canning (certain models) or ultra-fast cooking. If your goal is to make a lot of stews, beans, or broth quickly, Instant Pot is designed exactly for that. Thermomix will make stew, but not necessarily much faster than stovetop (it saves you stirring rather than time, unless you use pressure). Also, some Instant Pot models double as an Air Fryer or oven (for example, Ninja Foodi has an air fryer lid to crisp). Thermomix doesn’t air fry or roast. So a multi-cooker like the Ninja Foodi offers pressure cook + air fry in one – which is great for, say, cooking a chicken under pressure then crisping the skin in the same pot. Thermomix can’t replicate that because it doesn’t pressurize or dry-circulate air.
Summary so far: Thermomix = prep + precise cooking (no pressure, but lots of finesse). Instant Pot/Ninja = fast cooking (pressure) + possibly air fry (no prep functions). Depending on what you cook, one might suit better.
Speed, Convenience & Usage Scenarios
Cooking Speed: If you need dinner on the table in under an hour and it normally takes 2+ hours, a pressure cooker (Instant Pot) is your friend. For example, a beef stew or dried chickpeas – Instant Pot can drastically cut cooking time due to pressure. Thermomix will cook these at normal atmospheric pressure, so it doesn’t speed up the intrinsic cooking time (though it speeds up prep time and you don’t have to watch it). So, in terms of raw cooking speed for braises, legumes, tough cuts: Instant Pot is faster. However, note that pressure cookers have the overhead of pressure build and release time (often 10-15 minutes each). Still, they generally win for those “long cook” dishes.
For quick dishes like sauces, veggies, soups, etc., Thermomix might actually be faster or equal because there’s zero time spent chopping and you don’t need to bring to pressure. E.g. a pureed vegetable soup can be done in 20 minutes from scratch in Thermomix (chop, sauté, boil, blend – all automated). In an Instant Pot, you’d spend time chopping, then maybe 10 min to pressure up, 5 min cook, etc., and possibly need to blend separately – total might also be ~20-30 min, but with more active steps on your part.
Hands-Off Convenience: Both appliances aim to be “set and forget” to some degree:
With Thermomix, you often add ingredients when it prompts, then let it do its thing stirring/cooking for X minutes, then add next, etc. It keeps you somewhat engaged (since you might add ingredients in stages per guided recipe), but you’re not actively cooking – just following prompts. You can walk away while it stirs. It prevents burning by constant motion and controlled heat.
With Instant Pot, you usually sauté (if needed), then lock the lid and set a timer for pressure. Then you truly can walk away until it’s done and depressurized. It’s completely hands-off once it’s cooking under pressure – you actually can’t (and shouldn’t) open it or stir. So for that middle period it’s even more out-of-mind. However, before that, you had to do prep and setup manually, and after that, if recipe needs thickening or blending, you do that manually.
For busy individuals, both save labor but in different ways. Thermomix saves chopping and monitoring; Instant Pot saves overall cook time for certain dishes. If you’re the type who forgets a pot on the stove, both are great because they have timers and auto-shutoff. Thermomix also will never let something boil dry or burn on the bottom due to its design (it will lower heat and stir). Instant Pot won’t burn if there’s enough liquid (though things can scorch in sauté mode or if incorrectly set, but it has sensors too).
Learning Curve: Thermomix is arguably easier for beginners because the recipes are integrated – it’s hard to mess up if you follow the guided steps. Instant Pot has a slight learning curve regarding how pressure cooking works (e.g. understanding natural vs quick release, liquid requirements, not overfilling, etc.). It’s not hard (the internet is full of IP recipes), but you need to get a feel for it. There’s also a common early experience of Instant Pot users: figuring out that “20 minutes under pressure” actually means ~45 minutes total including pre/post steps – understanding that is key to planning.
Recipe Variety: On Cookidoo (Thermomix platform) you’ll find a huge variety of recipes: from soups and mains to breads, cakes, desserts, drinks, sauces, even things like beauty creams or pet food. Instant Pot recipes also abound online, but they skew heavily towards one-pot savory meals (stews, chili, porridge, etc.) and not so much baking (you can make cheesecake or steamed pudding in an IP, but not bread unless it’s steamed bread). If you love baking, Thermomix helps in prep (mixing/kneading dough, pastry, cake batter) but then you use the oven to finish. Instant Pot is not for baking except some specific moist desserts.
Cleanup: Thermomix has a single bowl and blade to clean, which can self-clean or be dishwashed. Instant Pot has the inner pot (stainless steel) to wash, plus the lid which has a seal and some parts to clean occasionally. If you sautéed in the IP, there might be some browning to scrub but generally it’s one-pot cleanup as well. Thermomix might create more cleaning if you, say, did several steps (chopped raw meat, then cooked, so you might need to wash between steps to avoid cross-contaminate, or wash after blending something before making the next part). Overall, both are easier to clean than a pile of pans and bowls from conventional cooking. Thermomix’s blade can sometimes trap food bits (like dough) that need a brush to remove, but small issue. The Instant Pot seal can sometimes retain odors (like curry smell), which some folks mention – a minor thing, some have separate seals for different cuisines.
Price and Value Consideration
This is a big one: Thermomix TM7 (£1,300+) vs Instant Pot (£100). They’re not exactly apples to apples – Thermomix is in the league of advanced kitchen tech, whereas Instant Pot is a mass-market appliance. If budget is a major factor, many people will opt for an Instant Pot (or similar multicooker) because it delivers a lot of cooking functionality for very little money (pressure cook, slow cook, etc.).
However, what do you not get with the cheaper multicooker?
You don’t get any of the food processing abilities (no chopping, blending, kneading).
You don’t get the interactive recipes or the finesse in cooking (IP is more brute-force, Thermomix is finesse).
Build quality: Thermomix is built to last many years (often 10+). Instant Pots are decent but they may not have the same longevity; they have more plastic parts, simpler motor (or none, aside from small ones). The Thermomix is a heavy-duty machine and that’s part of its cost (plus R&D, the software, etc.).
After-sales service: With Thermomix you have advisor support, workshops, etc.. With an Instant Pot, you’re mostly on your own (though there’s a community online, but no official personal support beyond warranty service).
“Cool factor” & joy of use: This is subjective, but using a Thermomix – with its large touch screen, sleek design, and robust performance – feels like driving a luxury car. Using an Instant Pot is more utilitarian, like driving a basic reliable car. Both get you to your destination (a cooked meal), but the journey experience differs. Some cooks absolutely love tinkering with the Thermomix’s features and feel inspired by it. Others mainly want dinner fast, and the Instant Pot makes them happy with tender stew in 40 minutes total.
Could you have both? Many people do! In fact, a Thermomix and an Instant Pot can complement each other extremely well. Thermomix can do all the prep and sauce work, Instant Pot can do heavy-duty pressure mains. For instance, you could chop and sauté aromatics in Thermomix while pressure-cooking meat in the IP, then combine or use TM7 to blend a gravy. Or Thermomix could be cooking a side dish while Instant Pot does the main. If budget permits and you’re a gadget enthusiast, having both isn’t redundant since they truly have different strengths.
If choosing one, consider what you cook more:
Lots of legumes, curries, braised meats, batch cooking large quantities, and you don’t mind chopping yourself? A multicooker might suffice and save you money.
A wide variety of foods, including sauces, dips, doughs, smoothies, plus you value guidance and precision? Thermomix will open more possibilities (and also can do those curries, though slower, and has other ways to tenderize like longer cooking or smaller chopping).
Feature Shootout: Thermomix TM7 vs Popular Multi-Cookers
Let’s break down a quick feature comparison in a table for clarity:
Feature | Thermomix TM7 | Instant Pot / Ninja Foodi (Multi-cooker) |
Primary Cooking Method | Heats & stirs (no pressure). Precise temp control up to 160°C. Great for sauces, steaming, etc. | Pressure cooking (up to ~120°C under pressure), plus slow cook, etc. Great for fast braising and “set and forget” one-pot meals. |
Food Prep (Chop/Blend) | Yes – built-in blades chop, blend, mill, knead, etc. Replaces blender/processor. | No – must prep ingredients separately. Some models have blender lids or food processor attachments, but not common. |
Stirring | Yes – automated stirring with motor (no manual intervention). | Limited – you must open lid and stir manually (only applicable in sauté or slow mode, can’t stir under pressure). Ninja Foodi with a paddle (rare model) is an exception. |
Saute/Browning | Yes – can sauté and lightly brown with controlled heat, but small surface area. Open lid mode for stove-like cooking. | Yes – has sauté mode on base, but you must stir; browning is okay but not as even as a pan. Some Foodi models have a “sear” plate or grill insert for better browning. |
Pressure Cook | No – cannot pressure cook (lid is not sealed). | Yes – core feature (significantly reduces cooking time for many dishes). |
Slow Cook | Yes – has slow cook mode (up to 8 hours). 2.2L bowl capacity (about 4-5 servings). | Yes – standard slow cooker function. Larger capacity (6–8L typical), can cook bigger batches for 6+ servings easily. |
Steam | Yes – with Varoma attachment (steams a lot of food, ~6.8L space). Also internal simmer basket. | Yes – you can steam by adding water and using a rack inside, though not as large capacity unless you have a big pot. Some have steamer baskets. |
Sous-vide | Yes – precise temp control and blade-off mode allow sous-vide cooking (with bags in water in the bowl). | Newer models often yes – many Instant Pots have a sous-vide function (using the pot’s element to maintain set temp). Both work, though Thermomix temp control is very precise ±1°C. |
Air Fry / Crisp | No – not possible (no dry convection heating). | Some models (e.g. Ninja Foodi or IP Duo Crisp) have an air-fryer lid for roasting, baking, crisping. So multi-cooker can double as mini-oven/airfryer if you get those versions. Thermomix cannot. |
Bake/Bread | Prepares dough/batter, but baking done in external oven. Can steam-bake small items. | Can “bake” certain things under pressure (moist cakes) and air-fry lid can bake small items, but not ideal for traditional baking. No kneading ability. |
Integrated Recipes | Yes – Cookidoo on-screen: 100k+ guided recipes. Very user-friendly for step-by-step cooking. | No screen recipes (except a few models with smartphone app guidance). Generally use external recipes (cookbooks, blogs). Requires more manual timing/input by user. |
Connectivity/Updates | Yes – WiFi updates, new modes can be added, recipe sync, etc.. Future-proof with potential AI features. | Some have Bluetooth/WiFi for app control, but limited. Not typically adding new functions via updates (except firmware fixes). |
Cleaning | Bowl and blade washable (dishwasher safe). Has pre-clean function to ease cleaning. Fewer parts overall. | Inner pot is dishwasher safe. Lid has sealing ring that needs cleaning/maintenance. Generally easy, but sealing ring can retain odors. No self-clean mode (but not hard to wash). |
Size & Footprint | Compact for its capabilities (about size of a food processor base + jug). Bowl ~2.2L. | Comes in various sizes (6L typical IP). Needs headroom for lid. Some multi-cookers are bulky (esp. with air fryer lid attached). |
Price Range (approx.) | ~£1,300 (Thermomix TM7). Premium investment. | ~£100–£250 for most multicookers. Very budget-friendly by comparison. |
This comparison shows that Thermomix offers more all-around versatility (especially for prep and complex cooking techniques), whereas Instant Pot/multicookers excel at the specific role of quick cooking and larger volume one-pot meals.
Which One Should You Get?
The decision depends on your cooking habits and priorities:
Choose Thermomix TM7 if: you want an all-in-one solution that handles prep and cooking, you value the convenience of guided recipes and precise control, and you’re looking to streamline making a wide variety of foods (from bread dough to soup to risotto to smoothies). It’s the ideal kitchen companion for someone who cooks a lot of different recipes, enjoys or needs assistance in the process, and is willing to invest in a premium appliance. It particularly shines for people who want to cook more from scratch (health-conscious, foodies, families with dietary needs) and for those who appreciate technology making cooking foolproof. While it doesn’t pressure cook, its other methods (and future software updates) cover most day-to-day needs. Think of Thermomix as replacing multiple appliances and many ready-made food purchases – its value is in that breadth.
Choose an Instant Pot or Multi-Cooker if: you primarily want to save time on cooking staples like stews, beans, curries, rice, etc., and you don’t mind doing some prep separately. If budget is a big constraint, an Instant Pot delivers a lot of cooking power for little cost – you can make quick work of long-cook recipes and even use it as a slow cooker or steamer. It’s great for batch cooking large quantities (soup, chili, meal prep) thanks to larger capacity. It’s also a good choice if you already have appliances for blending/chopping (or don’t mind chopping by hand) and your main pain point is the actual cook time. Many students, busy parents, or those new to cooking love pressure cookers for the “dump ingredients, press start” simplicity. Also, if you’re curious about air frying or yogurt making at low cost, some multicookers include those.
Or… Both? If you can swing it, having both a Thermomix and a multicooker gives you an extremely powerful kitchen setup. They complement each other – e.g., Thermomix can prep a curry paste and sauté spices, Instant Pot can then pressure cook the curry, and Thermomix can blend it if needed at the end. Or Thermomix can be making dessert while Instant Pot makes the main course. Some users do pressure cooking in the IP and simultaneously a side dish in Thermomix. The combination covers virtually every cooking method except baking/roasting (for which you still have your oven).
However, not everyone has space or budget for both, so most will weigh one vs the other.
In UK kitchens, where space is often limited, a Thermomix can actually free up space by consolidating appliances. An Instant Pot, while bulkier, replaces a slow cooker, rice cooker, and maybe even your stock pot. If you have minimal counter space and want one device, consider what recipes you cook 80% of the time: If they involve chopping, mixing, sauces – Thermomix will save you more effort. If they are mostly one-pot meals like chili, pot roast, etc., the Instant Pot might provide more value.
Also consider your style: Do you enjoy cooking and maybe want to expand your skills (Thermomix will teach you new recipes with ease), or do you just want to throw things together and have dinner (Instant Pot excels at that kind of no-fuss cooking)?
Example Scenarios:
A busy working couple who want quick healthy dinners might choose Thermomix if they want to, say, make varied meals, soups, and also smoothies and occasional baking. Or they might choose Instant Pot if they prefer doing meal preps on Sunday (like big batches of stew, rice, etc.) for the week.
A family with young kids might appreciate Thermomix for making baby food purees, porridge, dough for homemade pizza, etc., with minimal effort. But they might also benefit from an Instant Pot for quick family-sized one-pot meals.
A budget-conscious student likely goes for an Instant Pot because it’s affordable and can cook cheap ingredients (beans, pulses) quickly – albeit they’ll still need a blender or such separately if they want smoothies or sauces.
A food enthusiast/hobby cook likely leans Thermomix for the sheer range of culinary possibilities (from hollandaise sauce that never splits to grinding spices fresh and making bread). They might even use both, relishing each for what it does.
Verdict: Thermomix or Instant Pot?
Ultimately, Thermomix TM7 vs Instant Pot isn’t a direct competition – they serve different primary purposes, and the right choice depends on what you’re looking for:
If you want a multi-functional chef’s assistant that can do everything from prep to cooking and guide you through recipes, and you’re willing to invest in your kitchen, the Thermomix TM7 is the best choice. It’s unparalleled in versatility and will likely replace many of your other gadgets. It’s about convenience and capability – many owners say it actually encouraged them to cook more often and try new things, because it simplifies the hard parts.
If you want a budget-friendly cooker to speed up meal times and you’re okay handling prep on your own (or already have a food processor), the Instant Pot or Ninja multi-cooker is a fantastic choice. It offers tremendous value by saving you time and letting you cook hands-off. For straightforward cooking needs (like “dump ingredients and come back later to a cooked meal”), it’s hard to beat.
Remember, these appliances are not mutually exclusive. Some people start with an Instant Pot and later graduate to a Thermomix when they want more functionality (or vice versa, use Thermomix for most things but still keep a pressure cooker for the absolute fastest cooking of specific dishes).
One analogy: Thermomix is like having a sous-chef plus a stovetop in one, whereas an Instant Pot is like having a magical pressure cauldron – they each bring something special to the kitchen. Your ideal setup might depend on whether you need the “sous-chef” or the “pressure cauldron” more often!
In any case, both devices have cult followings for a reason. They can make home cooking easier and more accessible, each in their own way. Consider what you cook, how you cook, and even what you enjoy/don’t enjoy about cooking. That will guide you to the right choice.
Happy cooking, whether you’re Team Thermomix, Team Instant Pot, or proudly both!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can the Thermomix TM7 pressure cook like an Instant Pot?
A: No, the Thermomix does not pressure cook. Its lid isn’t designed to seal against high pressure – in fact, the TM7 lid has vents to avoid pressure buildup. Thermomix cooks at normal atmospheric pressure, using precise heating and stirring. In contrast, an Instant Pot seals the lid and cooks under pressure, which raises the boiling point of water and cooks food faster. So, dishes that rely on pressure (like a stew done in 30 minutes or cooking dried beans quickly) can’t be replicated in Thermomix’s timeframe. You can still cook those foods in TM7 using slow cook or normal cook modes, but it will take conventional time (or you’d need to cut ingredients smaller, etc.). If pressure cooking is a must-have for you, you might use a dedicated pressure cooker alongside the Thermomix.
Q: What can the Thermomix do that an Instant Pot cannot?
A: Quite a lot, actually. The Thermomix can chop, grind, and blend, which Instant Pot cannot do (IP has no blades). So TM7 will prep your ingredients – mince onions, puree soups, make smoothies, knead bread dough, grate cheese (with accessory), etc. It can also cook things requiring constant stirring or precise gentle heating, like custards, risottos, sauces, or yogurt, without burning – because it stirs and controls temperature accurately. Instant Pot, while it has a sauté function, won’t stir for you (you must stir to avoid burns). Thermomix also has the whole Cookidoo guided recipe platform on its screen, walking you through recipes step by step – Instant Pot has nothing similar (you have to follow a recipe from a book or app manually). Additionally, TM7 functions as a scale, and can do sous-vide cooking more precisely (IP can sous-vide too, but Thermomix holds temp very tightly). In short: Thermomix is both a prep tool and a cooker; Instant Pot is only a cooker.
Q: If I have a Thermomix, do I need a pressure cooker or Instant Pot as well?
A: Not necessarily – it depends on what you like to cook. Many Thermomix owners are satisfied with the TM7 alone, even for dishes like stews or pulled pork (they just slow cook them in the Thermomix, perhaps for a longer time). That said, some do choose to have both because a pressure cooker can complement the Thermomix. For example, if you frequently cook large batches of bone broth, beans, or tough cuts and want them fast, a pressure cooker is very handy (Thermomix would take longer or might not fit a big batch). Also, a multicooker can handle bigger volumes (most Instant Pots are 6L+ capacity, vs Thermomix 2.2L usable capacity), so for a big family you might do chili in the IP and rice in the Thermomix simultaneously. But if you rarely cook those “long cook” items or are okay planning them in advance, the Thermomix can handle almost everything else. It really comes down to whether you feel the need for that extra speed and capacity. If budget and space allow, having an Instant Pot in addition to Thermomix gives you maximum flexibility. But it’s by no means a requirement – Thermomix alone can cover day-to-day cooking very well, just at normal cooking speeds.
Q: Which is easier to use for a beginner cook: Thermomix or Instant Pot?
A: The Thermomix is generally easier for beginners in terms of guidance and avoiding mistakes. With Thermomix’s guided recipes, you’re told exactly when and what to add, and the machine sets the time/temp for you. It’s quite foolproof – even someone with no cooking experience can follow a Cookidoo recipe and get great results. Plus, it prevents common issues like burning (since it stirs and controls heat). An Instant Pot, while not hard, requires a basic understanding of cooking and its interface. You have to know which mode to use (pressure high/low, for how long), ensure there’s enough liquid, remember to seal the valve, etc. It’s still easier than stovetop cooking in many ways, but you learn by doing or following external recipes carefully. Some beginners might be intimidated by the pressure aspect at first (concerns about safety, etc., though modern IPs are very safe). So if you’re a novice who wants hand-holding, Thermomix is like having a teacher with you. If you’re willing to learn a bit and use recipes, Instant Pot becomes easy after a couple of tries – but you do need to get over a small initial learning curve. Both have large communities and recipe resources. Summing up: Thermomix is plug-and-play with guided recipes, ideal for those who want a guaranteed path; Instant Pot is straightforward but you have to set it yourself according to recipe instructions.
Q: I already have an Instant Pot – what would I gain by getting a Thermomix TM7?
A: If you have an Instant Pot, you already enjoy convenience for one-pot meals and fast cooking. Adding a Thermomix TM7 to your kitchen would expand your capabilities significantly. You’d gain the ability to prep ingredients automatically (no more manual chopping or separate food processor jobs), make things like smoothies, sauces, dips, bread dough, pastry, etc., with one machine. You’d also enjoy the vast library of recipes with step-by-step help, which could inspire you to try new dishes. Essentially, Thermomix would handle all the areas Instant Pot doesn’t: from finely blending a soup to cooking a delicate custard or stew that you might not want to pressure cook. It also can multitask with your IP – e.g., while your IP is pressure cooking a curry, the Thermomix can be steaming rice or vegetables, or mixing up a dessert. Many users find that Thermomix helps with everyday cooking (soups, sauces, prep, side dishes, baking prep), while the IP might handle the occasional roast or big batch that benefits from pressure. If you’re thinking in terms of investment, Thermomix will bring a more refined cooking experience and save you time on prep and clean-up. It’s a bigger expense, so the question is whether those added functions align with your cooking style. If you mostly make one-pot stews and are happy with that, Thermomix might feel like overkill. But if you want to do more diverse cooking (and save time doing it), you’d gain a ton by having the TM7 alongside your Instant Pot.
👉 Ready to take the next step? Book a Free Demo: Curious how Thermomix TM7 can fit into your routine? Book a free Thermomix demo to see meal prep in action. You’ll get tips on batch cooking and time-saving tricks tailored to your needs – and maybe even some tasty make-ahead meal ideas to try! 🚀
When you’re ready to purchase, remember that Thermomix can only be purchased through an official Advisor – Life With Thermomix is here to help you through the process. You’ll be getting a game-changing appliance that will serve you for years.
Upgrade your kitchen today with Thermomix and join thousands of UK and Ireland home cooks who cook smarter, not harder. Contact Life With Thermomix to Book a Demo, ask questions, and get personal guidance on ordering your Thermomix. We’re here to ensure you choose the right Thermomix for you and get cooking like a pro in no time!
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