Forum Thermomix
Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: ballardelle on November 05, 2013, 12:58:23 pm
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Hi, we're considering buying a TMX. We've had a demo, and a kind neighbor even let us borrow hers for a couple of days. We're impressed but we have a few questions. Since this seems to be a very active forum, I'm hoping you can help! I've already read a bit about the topics below but would still appreciate fresh input. In particular, the longevity of the device didn't seem to have too much previous discussion. Thanks!
1) How long does the machine as a whole typically last? I'm disappointed that such an expensive machine has just a 2-year warranty.
2) How long do the blades last before they need sharpening or replacement?
3) If your consultant moves away, where/how do you get help/service (apart from this online forum...!)
4) How often does TMX typically run specials on cookbooks and accessories?
5) How useful is the TMX for making Chinese food? Especially dim sum? (Not so much for stir fries, I'll continue to use my wok)
I know you've heard this before, but the price and sales method (via house parties) create a little wariness, particularly given the short warranty. Thanks in advance for your comments!
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Hi Ballardelle,
I came on here only 18 months ago with similar questions to you and I haven't looked back since :)
These comments are just from my own experience...
1) How long does the machine as a whole typically last? I'm disappointed that such an expensive machine has just a 2-year warranty.
No idea, I don't think I've ever heard of one dying...there are a few people here who have the really old model (TM21) and they are still going.
2) How long do the blades last before they need sharpening or replacement?
I have two sets (bought an extra bowl set for half price for hosting a demo when that special came around) and they are still going strong after 18 months....I'm sure others have had theirs longer, that's just my experience.
3) If your consultant moves away, where/how do you get help/service (apart from this online forum...!)
You can email/call HO, but usually you will/should get an email telling you who the new consultant is. If you call/email HO they should be able to put you in contact with someone close. although if you have a problem and you want is solved asap, there is no better place than here because people are online here 24/7 and someone usually pops on to help.
4) How often does TMX typically run specials on cookbooks and accessories?
there is a different special each month for those who host demos (I had one yesterday so I could take advantage of the cheaper thermomat offer and I had some keen friends, I've also taken advantage of the half price blade and bowl set which, IMO is the best offer to wait for if you are an existing customer)
5) How useful is the TMX for making Chinese food? Especially dim sum? (Not so much for stir fries, I'll continue to use my wok)
Sorry, I've not made Chinese food so can't help, hopefully Beezebee will pop on and tell you about her experience, she makes some amazing Asian dishes.
-and this is a great place to ask those questions because it is not the 'official' site, we are all really honest (but still all super enthusiastic about our machines :) )
Good luck, you won't regret it!
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A great reply from Jamberie for you ballardelle.
I have meet people here in the UK who have had a Thermomix for thirty years,TM3300 and it was still going strong.
I believe the blades never need sharpening.
I can't help with the consultant or monthly incentives as its different here in the UK.
I still cook my Chinese food mostly in a wok but here is a recipe for Dim Sum (http://thermomixmagic.blogspot.co.uk/2008/10/steamed-dim-sims.html) for you.
BTW welcome to the forum.
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Hi Ballardelle and welcome.
The longevity and lack of a decent warranty are very real concerns for the TM. I have had mine for 4 years, and have recently started to experience problems with error messages. It is still working, however needs resetting occasionally. It also struggles with sorbets or heavy loads. Not sure if I need a new bowl and blade set. I am very disappointed that such an expensive appliance has only a 2 year warranty. I will have to follow up and see what can be done.
I have been looking at a magimix food processor - 30 years on the motor. Much more impressive warranty! It will do quite a few things the TM won't do, however the cooking function on the TM brings it into a class of its own.
On the up side, I absolutely love mine and use it many times a day. It makes cooking a pleasure and so easy.
I think your other questions have been answered . Good luck with whatever you decide. I would hate to be without mine.
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Welcome to the forum Ballardelle.
Like CC I know of people here in Australia who have had their machine for over 30 years. It was brought in Poland and they brought it with them when they immigrated.
I have had my machine for 7 years and have only just brought another bowl & blade set but I did this because I knew I would make use of a second bowl and now I wonder how I managed without it!!!!! Over time the blades do get a little less sharp but I really think it depends on what you use your machine for.
As for your consultant. Well I suppose that can happen but just an email or phone call should get you the name and number of another.
Yes, it would be nice to have a longer warranty but I have friends who have a coffee machine that they paid more for and that only has a year warranty. I have never regretted my decision to buy my TM. Good luck!!
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Hi and welcome.
well I have had my thermie for 4 years, no problems.
My consultant quit straight after I bought it.
It took me 18 months to get another consultant to do a varoma demo.
If I need something, Like new seals, I ring HO.
I bought my Mum a TM21 ( earlier model) and it is still going.
:)
I make more from this forum, than any recipe books... ;D ;D
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Hi and welcome :)
I've had my TM for almost 4 years and it has done many many revolutions. (I was going to miles, but that didn't sound right, although it has done many kilometres as well!)
Everyone has answered all the Qu's, but I'll add my bit as well...
My blades are blunt, but I have found I just need to chop things a second or 2 longer that the recipe states.
I check once a month on the "official" TM website and see what their deal of the month is. There is also a shopping section there where you can buy parts (ie lid seals, spatulas etc) and recipe books. (I have all the recipe books and still come in here every day and print out at least 2 or 3 new recipes to try!)
If you need any info on recipe books check in here as everyone writes a new review when they make something out of a book.
Hope this helps.
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Hi and welcome ballardelle.
My TM is 2 yrs old (so now out of warranty) but still going strong.
I was told by my consultant that when the blades seem to be getting blunt, just chop ice (or make a sorbet/iced coffee etc) which will sharpen them again :).
Errors are generally because the contact points are not fully dry, so is usually only a matter of drying properly. (Also from consultant.)
Dim sum recipe can be found in one of the official cookbooks (thinking FSA but not 100% on that) so that may be your answer to that one! ;)
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Had mine 4 years and give it tough love. I make bread in it every second day and make Asian flavored meals in the Varoma. I convert Neil Perry Asian recipes , have posted a few. After 4 years I feel it has paid for its self.
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There probably isn't a lot I can add. I've had my machine for 5 or 6 years. It gets used multiple times a day. Makes bread every couple of days.
I have never had any trouble with it which I cannot say about another thermal cooking machine I paid a lot for!
I have had a couple of consultants. I find I usually ask my questions on here and they are answered very quickly. The recipes on here are marvellous as well. There are lots of reviews of thermomix cookbooks as well and there are people like Tenina and
Alyce who publish thermomix books that are in no way related to Voerwork.
One thing I really adore is the washing up factor. I can cook several things and when I have finished the only washing up I have is a few utensils and the washing of the thermomix bowl between each thing.
Welcome to the forum.
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Hi All, thanks for your comments. I also am interested in purchasing a TMX but was concerned about price vs warranty. I am going to my first demo in just over a week. I have to say I am very interested. I can't wait to see it live.
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Welcome to the forum vmc513. I'm sure you will be impressed with the TM at the demo.Don't be afraid to ask questions and enjoy the food and demo next week. :)
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Just to add, after having my tmx for a while I think what you see at the demo is the tip of the iceberg of what you can do.
I have had mine over a year and already think it's paid for itself in food savings :o I hope to get many more years out of it though, of course.
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Welcome to the forum Ballardelle & vmc513. :D
I can't add much to what has already been said other than there is a list of consultants here (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=1297.180).
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Once ourchased you wont regret it, but it must be on your bench.
1. No idea, mine will be 3 years in March
2. i did need new blades but were replaced free of charge.
3. HO
4. Never really look
5. Dont really use for chinese but would love to learn from you.
Halex
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Hi VMC513 welcome to the forum. I can understand your hesitancy regarding price & warranty but rest assured your machine will last you many, many years and if, after the warranty period is over, you have a problem it really doesn't cost that much to have it fixed. The service provided by HO is very good. I've had mine over 5 years and it's done a lot of work over the years with only minor problems. The lid seal needs replacing occasionally, you will know when by the fact liquid will run down the side of the bowl when you are self-cleaning it or making smoothies for the family. It's always handy to have a second bowl so go down that track when they are on special so that if there's a problem with one bowl you can always pop the other one on. If you overload the machine (*by trying to chop something like a bowlful of huge chunks of pumpkin :-))), eventually the blades will be stripped which means you need new blades so follow recipes and you will be OK. This is a top quality machine and a great work horse. Just before my 2 year warranty was up I had a problem (described above *) and when it went away to be checked, I was told it had done 2,500 hours in that first 2 years - it even has a black box.
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Welcome vmc13. the chances of buying a TMX after you see it in action are fairly high. The demonstration shows it off well, but as you will see from looking through the forum it does heaps of other work.
I agree with what we have all said above and just thought I would add a bit more to help you decide. Occasionally some people buy a machine and don't use it. I have a friend like that. However when I visit her I see her doing a lot of cooking 'the hard' way. One day I will be brave enough to point out to her that she could use the thermomix.
I think it is very important in the first couple of weeks to use it at least once or twice every day. Soon you will see how useful it is.
Quite honestly this forum has been instrumental in me getting the most from my machine. Others give me recipes and ideas that I would never have thought of by myself. I am sure that I have paid for my machine at least twice in the savings I have made on bread alone.
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In addition to Cookie's comments - WHEN (not if!) you get your TMX I think it is very important to actually keep it on your bench top because if it is hidden away in a cupboard you will not be so eager to pull it out and set it up several times a day to use it. Accessibility, most especially in the early days, is so very important.
You will have gathered that we are all keen users, and there is a good reason for that, the machine has changed the cooking habits of nearly all of us and there are very few that regret the decision to purchase their TMX. Some have saved up for years so that they can buy their machines, so, if you decide to go ahead, just wait until the time is right for you and you feel comfortable to make the purchase. I am sure you won't regret it.
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Welcome to the forum Ballardelle & vmc513. :D
I have had my machine 5 years and use it several times a day most days. I also bought another bowl set which I keep for "best". Very handy . Last year I suffered an "incident" when cockroaches got Iinto the motor and caused havoc. I did have to pay for the repairs but was happy to do so. Efficiently done.
I have never had a problem with the blades at all.
If you want it and can afford it have it as you will use it.
Making bread alone can save a lot of money. My DH's bought a loaf the other day and it was over $6. Yikes.
Gert
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WOW, $6 for a loaf of bread :o Cheap as in TMX ;D
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Gert, the ingredients in that loaf of bread probably cost $1.
Once you learn the potential of the TMX you will not only save money but have fun.
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And it was disgustingly wet and tasteless. Helga's something or other went mouldy in two days. He has been warned. I guess he just wanted something different and I was not I the mood to make the loaf he wanted. He can have good ole shortcut fake sourdough any time but I have to plan for the seeded stuff as I am cleaning out the pantry for the next few months and the plan is not to buy anything I absolutely do not need. Though I am down to only 2 X 800 gm jars of anchovies!
Gert
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I reckon a great loaf costs well under $2, but a loaf from bakers delight or so ewhere is closer to $6. I make a lot of bread styles here too.
I have used my machine 3 times today, & I havent even done any cooking.
Tonight will use it to cook rice as we are having curry from the freezer. So 4 times in 1 day & imo not cooked at all.
:)