Thermomix TM7 vs Magimix Cook Expert – All-in-One Kitchen Showdown
- Beatriz
- Sep 15
- 17 min read
High-end smart cookers are changing the way we cook, and two of the biggest names in this arena are Thermomix and Magimix. If you’re torn between the Thermomix TM7 and the Magimix Cook Expert, you’re not alone – both claim to be the ultimate all-in-one kitchen machine. In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll break down Thermomix TM7 vs. Magimix Cook Expert in terms of functions, ease of use, capacity, price, and more. By the end, you’ll know which might be the better fit for your cooking style.
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 of Each Appliance
Thermomix TM7: The latest Thermomix (by Vorwerk) is a do-it-all cooker/blender with 20 functions – it can chop, blend, knead, sauté, steam, weigh, and even guide you through recipes with its smart touchscreen. It’s like having a food processor, blender, and stovetop in one device. TM7 is famous for its guided cooking via a built-in recipe platform (Cookidoo) and precise control. Price: £1,349 in the UK.
Magimix Cook Expert: Often dubbed “the French Thermomix,” the Magimix Cook Expert is another multi-cooker that can blend, chop, knead, cook, and steam. It stands out by including a food processor attachment kit (with discs for slicing, grating, etc.) in addition to the metal heating bowl for cooking. It has preset programs and an app with recipes, though it doesn’t have an integrated recipe screen. Price: around £1,150–£1,300 in the UK (varies by retailer, sometimes includes extra accessories).
Both machines aim to replace several appliances, but they go about it a bit differently. Let’s compare key aspects:
1. Cooking & Prep Functions
Thermomix TM7: Uses one main stainless steel bowl with a 4-pronged blade that handles everything from chopping to mixing. It has many automated modes (e.g., kneading, steaming, sous-vide, etc.) and can also be used manually. TM7 excels at fine chopping, blending to silky purées, and precise stirring (like keeping sauces moving).
Magimix Cook Expert: Comes with a large metal cooking bowl and also three food processor bowls that sit on the same base. The Magimix’s metal bowl has a stirring blade for cooking and a separate egg whisk. For prep, you can attach the food processor lid and use dedicated blades for slicing, grating, chopping in the plastic bowls (like a traditional Magimix food processor). This means the Cook Expert can slice veggies or grate cheese natively – something Thermomix doesn’t do unless you buy additional accessories (Thermomix has an optional cutter attachment sold separately). So for salad prep or gratins, Magimix has an out-of-the-box advantage.
Both can knead dough, make soups, smoothies, stews, etc. One difference: Magimix has a “0-speed” option which means it can heat without any stirring (the blade can stay still). Thermomix’s blade always turns in some manner when heating, except when using a blade cover. Magimix’s ability to not stir is useful for delicate foods (you don’t want certain things agitated). However, Thermomix now has slow reverse stirring and even a blade cover for gentler cooking, so it’s minor.
Winner (Functions): It depends on your needs. Magimix Cook Expert shines if you want classic food processor abilities (slicing, grating) included – it’s like two devices in one. Thermomix TM7 shines for dynamic functions like high-speed blending, emulsifying, and having more preset guided recipes (Thermomix has modes like fermentation or sous-vide that Magimix doesn’t explicitly advertise, but Magimix can somewhat do manually). If you frequently process veggies or cheese in volume, Magimix’s extra attachments are great. If you love making sauces, soups, or fine purées, Thermomix’s blade design is superb for smooth textures (Magimix’s blade is a bit larger and blunt, which is great for stirring but not as efficient at ultra-fine blending or milling flour – Magimix even includes a separate mill attachment in some regions because the main blade can’t mill as finely as Thermomix can).
2. Capacity & Size
Magimix: Big advantage in capacity. The Cook Expert’s metal bowl is 3.5 L total (with about 2.5–3 L usable cooking capacity), and it has an external steamer basket accessory that can cook for up to 8+ people. The food processor bowls range up to 3.6 L for dry chopping. The machine itself is quite large on the counter, especially when using the food processor lid – it’s tall.
Thermomix TM7: The mixing bowl is 2.2 L (maximum fill ~2.2 L, cooks ~1.5–1.8 L comfortably for liquids). The Varoma steamer adds extra capacity for steaming (approx 3.5 L in base, 2.5 L in tray). For most family meals (4-6 servings), TM7’s capacity is sufficient. But if you regularly cook for a crowd or do big batch, Magimix’s larger bowl is a plus. Note: Magimix’s strength is big batches, but it can be less efficient for very small quantities (Thermomix handles small amounts like a single smoothie or 50g of nuts to chop more easily due to blade design).
In terms of footprint: both are heavy, sturdy machines. Magimix is wider. Thermomix TM7 is a bit more compact and has a smaller base area. TM7 also has that built-in slider foot to move it, whereas Magimix you might need to lift or use a sliding mat.
Winner (Capacity): Magimix Cook Expert – it’s better if you need to cook for 6-10 people often. Its bowl can cook larger volumes (e.g., a big stew or soup). Thermomix can feed ~4 (maybe 6 max) in one batch typically. However, if counter space is a concern or you mostly cook for 1-4 people, Thermomix’s size is more kitchen-friendly.
3. Heating & Cooking Performance
Temperature: Both have induction heating. Thermomix TM7 heats up to 160°C (for high-heat modes) but generally up to 120°C in most manual cooking. Magimix Cook Expert heats up to ~160°C as well (they quote 140°C for browning and can actually reach around 160°C in Expert mode) with a powerful 1700W heating element. So in terms of searing, both can technically do it. But Thermomix’s highest heat is tied to guided recipes or modes (so it won’t let you free-cook at 160°C except in the specific Browning mode). Magimix allows manually setting high heat in Expert mode freely.
Stirring: Thermomix’s hallmark is intelligent speed control and that it stirs continuously when cooking (unless using blade cover). It has specific reverse speeds to gently stir without cutting. Magimix’s blunt stirring blade and intermittent modes can stir or pause, etc. In practice, both machines prevent burning on bottom by keeping food moving. Magimix even has a specific caramel mode where it reaches high temp and then stirs intermittently.
Precision: Thermomix’s temperature control is extremely precise (you can set in 1°C increments up to 120). Magimix is also quite precise but offers steps (like 5°C increments).
Performance: Both sear onions and sauté vegetables well. However, Magimix’s wider base means when sautéing, it spreads ingredients out more = potentially better browning since things aren’t piled upl. It’s good for, say, browning meat because of more surface area. Thermomix’s bowl is narrower, so sometimes you get more simmering than browning unless you do small batches. TM7’s open-lid cooking partially addresses this by letting moisture escape and you can manually stir to achieve a pan-like effect. Still, physics favors the wider base of Magimix for true searing. On the flip side, Thermomix’s narrower bowl is great for small volumes – it can emulsify a tiny sauce or hollandaise that might just spread too thin in the Magimix base.
Winner (Heating/Searing): Slight edge to Magimix for searing/large sauté due to bowl design and strong heating. For precise low-temp cooking (like sous-vide, yogurt fermentation), Thermomix has built-in modes that make it easier, whereas with Magimix you’d do it manually. Both are powerful; neither has an obvious flaw in cooking ability.
4. User Experience & Interface
Thermomix TM7: Full-on smart touchscreen with built-in recipes. It’s like using a smartphone on your appliance. The guided recipes (Cookidoo) are integrated – just select a recipe, and TM7 will auto-set temperatures, timings, and prompt you step by step. It’s extremely user-friendly, especially for beginners. Firmware updates can add new features, and you get a very modern feel. However, note that to access all those recipes long-term, you need a Cookidoo subscription (~£30/year) after the initial free trial. If you don’t subscribe, you still use it manually or with saved recipes, but the richest experience comes with that subscription.
Magimix Cook Expert: It has an LCD screen with buttons/knob. No touch interface, no built-in recipe library on the unit. It has preset programs (soup, simmer, bread, dessert, etc.), so you can select a mode and it will do a sequence (e.g., soup mode heats to boil then blends automatically). For recipes, Magimix relies on either their cookbook (a physical book included) or their free app on your phone/tablet. The app has hundreds of recipes and can guide you, but you have to manually input settings on the machine (there’s Bluetooth in the new “Connect” models that can send settings to the machine, but it’s not as seamless as Thermomix’s on-board system). Essentially, Magimix feels more analog – you might follow a recipe from the book/app and turn the dial to set speed/temperature yourself for each step, or use the program modes. Experienced cooks might not mind this, but if you like automation, it’s behind Thermomix.
Learning curve: Thermomix’s guided system flattens the learning curve greatly. Magimix is still easy for those familiar with cooking (the programs help), but you’ll need to remember which accessory to use, and sometimes reference external instructions.
Winner (UX): Thermomix TM7 by a mile for digital experience. It’s like comparing a smart car to a regular car – both drive, but TM7 has GPS navigation built-in guiding you everywhere. If you value a sleek, interactive experience and lots of community recipes, Thermomix wins. If you prefer a simpler, manual approach (and avoiding subscriptions), Magimix’s old-school style might actually appeal to some, but generally TM7 is considered more advanced here.
5. Cleaning & Maintenance
Thermomix: Only one main bowl to clean (plus Varoma if used). It has a pre-clean function – add water and a drop of detergent, and it self-spins to loosen food. Parts like bowl, lid, Varoma, spatula are dishwasher safe (though frequent dishwasher use might dull blades over time). TM7’s lack of external arms is a plus – fewer nooks to wipe down. The blade comes out of the bowl easily with a twist.
Magimix: The metal bowl and blades are dishwasher safe too. However, if you used multiple pieces (food processor bowls, slicing discs, etc.), that’s more items to wash. The food processor kit, in particular, means more parts (e.g., cleaning the grater disk and the separate bowl/lid). Magimix’s bowl has a wider shape which can be easier to hand-clean (less deep). Both machines need careful drying around the base where the bowl connects (avoid water in the base).
One note: Thermomix blades are ultra-sharp; Magimix’s are more blunt. Sharp Thermomix blades need caution when cleaning by hand. Magimix’s blunt stirring blade is easier on fingers, but their slicing discs are sharp like any mandolin blade.
If you plan to use all functions, Thermomix’s single-bowl approach means sequential tasks (you might have to wash bowl between steps if doing very different things). Magimix having separate food processor bowls means you could, say, slice veggies with one attachment, then immediately cook in the metal bowl without washing in between – that’s convenient.
Winner (Cleaning): Thermomix TM7 for most everyday usage, because it’s one set of accessories and has auto-clean. However, if you do a complex recipe using multiple processes, Magimix could save a bowl wash by using different attachments – but then you still wash those attachments later. Overall, fewer parts = easier cleaning, so Thermomix.
6. Community and Recipe Ecosystem
Thermomix TM7: Huge global community. Official Cookidoo has 80k+ recipes in many languages. Plus tons of user-generated recipes on blogs, Facebook groups, etc. You’ll never run out of recipes or help. There are active communities for UK Thermomix users sharing tips (and even this blog you’re reading!). The device itself updates with new official recipes frequently (e.g., seasonal collections).
Magimix Cook Expert: Smaller community, especially in English. It’s popular in France and there are French forums. The English recipe app has a few hundred recipes. Some independent bloggers have comparisons and a handful of recipes. But nowhere near the breadth of Thermomix content. This might mean you’ll be more often converting regular recipes yourself for Magimix use. On the plus side, the skills are transferable – if you know how to cook, you can adapt recipes. But if you love having a guided recipe for everything, Thermomix is superior.
Winner: Thermomix, clearly, for community support and recipe library.
7. Price & Warranty
Price: As mentioned, Thermomix TM7 is about £1,349. Magimix Cook Expert around £1,195 (some retailers) up to ~£1,300 if including extra kit. So they’re in a similar ballpark. Thermomix often offers payment installments via their sales model, whereas Magimix you buy outright from a store (you might use a credit-based installment plan from the retailer if available).
What’s included: Thermomix includes standard accessories, but if you want the Thermomix Cutter (to slice/grate) that’s an extra ~£85 and not yet available for TM7 (coming soon). Magimix includes a whole accessory box (discs, blade, blender mix attachment, etc.) at no extra cost. So Magimix gives more physical tools in the base price, whereas Thermomix’s advantage is its digital features.
Warranty: Magimix offers a 3-year warranty on the machine and a remarkable 30-year guarantee on the motor (for original owner). This motor warranty is a big selling point – they stand by the motor’s durability. Thermomix UK offers a 2-year warranty standard (with options to buy extended warranty). Historically, Thermomix machines last a long time too, but the formal warranty is shorter. Both companies have service centers for repairs if needed. Magimix’s long motor guarantee shows confidence in their build – it’s quite impressive.
Winner (Value): It depends – Magimix gives you more accessories and a longer motor warranty for slightly less money. That’s great value if those accessories align with your needs. Thermomix gives you unparalleled functionality (guided cooking, etc.) but you might spend more on extras (like the slicing attachment in future, or annual recipe subscription). If you highly value post-purchase support and an advisor network, Thermomix’s direct sales model provides personal support, whereas Magimix you’d rely on retailer or online resources.
Verdict: Which is Best for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; both are excellent in their own way. Consider these points:
Choose Thermomix TM7 if: you love technology and convenience. If guided recipes, a large active community, and maximum versatility in one bowl appeal to you, Thermomix is ideal. It’s superb for those who want to simplify cooking and try new things with a helping hand. Also, if you often make fine purées, sauces, or need precise cooking (e.g. custards, risottos, etc.), Thermomix consistently delivers great results. Many busy families and tech-savvy cooks adore the Thermomix because it essentially “runs itself” once you load a recipe. The TM7’s improvements (screen, quiet motor) make the experience even better. You’ll need to be okay with the high price and possibly an ongoing subscription for recipes, but the return is an appliance that can truly transform how you cook daily.
Choose Magimix Cook Expert if: you prioritize traditional food processor functions and larger batch cooking. If you frequently grate, slice, or chop large quantities (think coleslaw, gratin potatoes, shredding cheese) and want that integrated, Magimix offers it without extra purchases. It’s great for avid cooks who don’t mind controlling settings manually and perhaps already have a repository of recipes they want to adapt. Some people prefer the fact that Magimix doesn’t tie you into a subscription – it’s yours to use how you like with no further cost. The 30-year motor warranty suggests this machine will be your kitchen workhorse for decades. If you are a bit old-school and value reliability and straightforward operation (and maybe you already have a Thermomix recipe book but can execute those recipes on Magimix by adjusting settings), the Cook Expert could be very satisfying. It especially shines for those who cook in bigger quantities or do more baking prep (the whisk and larger bowl is nice for, say, whipping up a big batch of meringue or bread dough).
For most home cooks who want the smart cooking experience and all-in-one convenience, the Thermomix TM7 likely edges out the Magimix in everyday appeal – thanks to its user-friendly guided cooking and slightly broader range of cooking styles (e.g., better at very fine blending, built-in sous-vide mode, etc.). The Thermomix ecosystem also offers ongoing improvements (firmware updates, new modes) which Magimix’s more static system does not.
That said, Magimix Cook Expert is a formidable competitor. It often comes down to personal cooking style: If you’re a tech enthusiast or time-poor parent -> Thermomix TM7 is amazing. If you’re a traditionalist who wants a robust machine focusing on core functions (and loves the idea of that food processor kit) -> Magimix might suit you better.
One more consideration: if possible, see if you can get a demo of both. Thermomix advisors offer demos, and some retailers might demonstrate the Magimix. Seeing them in action with your specific use cases in mind can make the decision clearer.
Either way, both machines can save time and open up new culinary possibilities. It’s a great “problem” to have choosing between two high-quality kitchen appliances!
FAQ (Thermomix TM7 vs Magimix)
Q: Which is better for baking and pastries, Thermomix TM7 or Magimix Cook Expert?
A: Both can assist with baking prep, but they have different strengths. The Thermomix TM7 is excellent at kneading bread or pastry dough (it has a specific knead mode), and it can also mill grains to flour or grind almonds to almond flour if you do gluten-free baking, etc. It can whip smaller amounts of egg whites or cream using its butterfly whisk. The Magimix Cook Expert, on the other hand, has a bigger metal bowl and also a dedicated egg whisk attachment, which can whip larger volumes of egg whites or cream in one go – good if you bake big batches (e.g., large pavlovas). It also includes food processor bowls with slicing and grating discs, which are handy for prepping ingredients like shredding carrots or slicing fruits for tarts (Thermomix would need an extra cutter attachment for those tasks). So, if your baking involves a lot of slicing/grating and large mixes, Magimix might have an edge. But for dough kneading and precise temperature control (like fermenting dough or melting chocolate at a controlled temp), Thermomix TM7’s precision and guided recipes shine. Many bakers actually use Thermomix to temper chocolate or make custards because it holds exact temperatures, something Magimix would require more manual watching. In summary: Magimix is slightly better for large-volume whisking and integrated slicing/grating; Thermomix is better for controlled-temperature tasks and fine milling, and it handles small to medium batches well.
Q: Do I need to buy extras for the Thermomix TM7 or Magimix, or do they come complete?
A: Out of the box, both are functional for cooking, but there are some extras to consider:
The Thermomix TM7 comes with its mixing bowl, blade, steamer (Varoma), spatula, butterfly whisk, and simmer basket. That covers most functions. However, if you want to do tasks like slicing or grating vegetables in Thermomix, Vorwerk offers the Thermomix Cutter attachment (which includes slicing/grating blades) – this was introduced for TM6 and a TM7-compatible version is expected. That is an additional purchase (around £70-£90). Another accessory is the blade cover (peeler) which allows gentle cooking and can also peel potatoes/carrots; it’s usually separate as well. Cookidoo (recipe platform) subscription is another “extra” after the first free months – about £30/year. None of these are required, but they expand functionality.
The Magimix Cook Expert is quite “complete” in the box: it includes the metal cooking bowl with a stir blade and separate whisk, plus the food processor attachment kit (3 nesting bowls, S-blade, slicing disc, grating disc, blender mix attachment, etc.). You don’t need to buy anything extra to use those features. The Magimix app is free (no subscription). There are some optional accessories Magimix sells (like a dough hook for bread, or a multifunction blade called “XL dough hook” in some markets, and sometimes a juicer kit), but most users won’t necessarily need those.
So, Magimix gives more accessories upfront, whereas Thermomix might tempt you with a couple extras (but you can absolutely use Thermomix fully without buying any extra accessories if those specific tasks aren’t priorities for you).
Q: Which machine is more durable and has better warranty support?
A: Both Thermomix and Magimix are built to last and are premium quality. The Magimix Cook Expert has a 30-year guarantee on its motor (and 3-year general warranty)madcreationshub.com. This is exceptional – it means Magimix is very confident their motor won’t fail, and if it does, they’ll fix/replace it for a long period (note this usually applies to the original purchaser). The rest of the Magimix machine and accessories is 3 years warranty. Thermomix TM7 comes with a 2-year warranty (in line with EU consumer standards) with options to purchase extended coverage. Historically, Thermomix machines (TM series) often run for many years; plenty of people use 10+ year old Thermomixes. Vorwerk has good service, but out-of-warranty repairs can be pricey (given the tech involved). Because Thermomix is sold via advisors, you typically get personalized support – your advisor can help coordinate any service issues. Magimix being sold via retailers means you’d go through the retailer or Magimix UK for service. Both brands have UK service centers. In terms of durability, there isn’t hard data to say one is definitively more durable. Both are high-end appliances built with quality components. Magimix’s simpler electronics (no big touch screen) might be seen as less to go wrong; Thermomix’s engineering is top-notch but more complex. The long motor warranty of Magimix is a comfort if you plan to keep it decades. Thermomix’s track record from users is generally very good if cared for (avoid overloading beyond recommended, etc.). So, I’d call it a tie overall, with Magimix having the edge in official warranty length, and Thermomix having the edge in personalized support.
Q: I mostly want to use it for making soups, purees, and baby food – which is better?
A: For tasks like soups, purees, and baby food, a key factor is blending smoothness and convenience:
The Thermomix TM7 is superb for soups and purees. You can sauté ingredients, then add liquid, cook, and finally blend to a velvety soup all in one bowl. TM7’s powerful motor and sharp blade can make extremely smooth purees – even fibrous veggies get silky. The built-in recipes also have soup programs that are very easy (one-button soup). For baby food, Thermomix allows you to precisely control texture and make very fine purees or chunkier as baby grows. Plus, the steaming basket is great for steaming fruits/veg then blending, preserving nutrients.
The Magimix Cook Expert also makes great soup (it has a soup program that cooks then blends). It has a strong motor too, but its blade is a bit different in design (some say Thermomix gets a slightly finer blend). If absolute silkiness is your goal, Thermomix might have a slight edge. However, Magimix’s wider bowl can make a larger batch of soup in one go – so if you want to batch cook and freeze baby food, you can do more volume. Both machines will do the job well; you likely wouldn’t be disappointed with either for soup.
Convenience: Thermomix’s guided recipes for many soups mean you just follow prompts. Magimix you might manually set two steps (one for cooking, one for blending) unless using their app recipe.
Overall, Thermomix TM7 is marginally better for purees due to its blending prowess and guided ease. But Magimix is no slouch – especially if you prefer making bigger batches, its capacity could be beneficial.
Q: Can the Magimix Cook Expert connect to Wi-Fi or get recipe updates like the Thermomix TM7?
A: The Magimix Cook Expert does not have Wi-Fi or internet connectivity. The newer models have “Bluetooth” (the Cook Expert Connect models) which pair with your phone/tablet. With the app, you can send recipe settings to the machine for each step, but the machine itself isn’t browsing recipes – you still rely on the external device for the recipe content. There are no firmware updates that add recipes or modes; the machine’s programs are fixed as is. In contrast, the Thermomix TM7 has Wi-Fi and syncs with the Cookidoo online platform. It receives updates – for example, Thermomix could roll out a new mode or improvement via a software update, and you’d download it on the TM7. Also, all new recipes added to Cookidoo (dozens every week globally) are immediately accessible on TM7 when online. So, if having a constantly updated smart appliance matters to you, Thermomix is way ahead. Magimix’s approach is more old-school: any new recipes they develop are published in the app or on their site, and you follow them manually. But the machine hardware stays the same until you perhaps buy a new model years later.
👉 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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