Very Newbie from UK

[vintagepaint]

My name is Mel, from UK - don't know if there are any others from UK on here. I'm just contemplating taking the plunge with the purchase of a thermomix - really seeking feedback from those of you out there you have recently acquired one? How long did it take to get to grips with it? Do you feel it was really worthwhile and won't just sit in the back of the cupboard like lots of my previous stuff! How do you get on with recipes from cookery books which you already own?

Any feedback gratefully received - this is a real big purchase for me and I need some hand holding that I'm doing the right thing!
I think buying a car is probably a lot less hassle!

Mel

[sarah.j]

Buy, buy, buy is all I can say. You will never look back at the cost as you watch your grocery bill and your waistline shrink. Plus your tastebuds will be dancing in your throat. I use mine several times, everyday. All your other appliances can be sold to help with the cost cause you won't need them and a Thermomix couldn't get any easier to use. Then the biggest plus of all is all the fabulous people on this website who would offer endless moral and recipe support. Hope you join us soon as a proud owner of a TM.

[Thermomixer]

Hi vintagepaint

There are a few from the UK here including some consultants.  As i said to someone else this is probably the wrong place for an unbiased review - we are fanatics !!

It would pay to have a look through some of the chat to see threads which are describing the pros and cons

Some here: http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=1882.0

http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=3312.0

http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=1412.0

http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=1151.0

[cookie1]

I can honestly say my TMX has been one of my best purchases ever, if not THE best.
The only thing you MUST NOT  do is keep it in a cupboard. It will become too much of a hassle to get it out.  Leave it on the bench and you'll use it multiple times a day.

[judydawn]

Mel, the TMX is the best thing I have ever purchased and has enhanced my life in more ways than one.  Great food, the ability to do conversions which I never thought I would be able to do, less washing up and I've 'met' some wonderful people on this forum who are the most caring group of people you would ever wish to find.  I just wonder what I used to do with myself before the TMX came into my life - probably went out more but am now happy to stay home and cook things I have never tried before.  It took me a while get the confidence to use my TMX but now the sky's the limit.  Go for it, you won't regret it for one minute.  As Cookie1 says, it must stay on the bench and not go into a cupboard - you will be using it many times a day. 

[meganjane]

I agree with everyone's comments. Keep reading up here on the forum and you'll see how everyone uses their machines every day for a multitude of purposes, even down to making your own washing powder!

It may be a big outlay at first, but it saves you money in the long run.

[trudy]

Welcome to the forum Mel!!!

[gertbysea]

Welcome Mel. Just do it. We are all crazy for Thermomixers here so why not just join in and have some fun. You have lot's of good ingredients there to play with.

Gretchen

[vintagepaint]

Thanks for some great comments - I'm working my way through the recommended threads.  really helpful  seems like a Thermomix is less of kitchen gadget and more of a changed way of life and that has to be good

Really glad I found this forum

Mel

[Katya]

Welcome to the world of TMX Mel...

I'm from the UK and have had my machine for about 9 months.  It has been one of my best purchases ever - not only because it makes so many things so easy, but also because it has rekindled my interest in cooking.   I haven't gone over to using the TMX exclusively, I still do things in the oven and on the hob, but I am using it a heck of a lot more than I originally thought I would.

I think it's pretty essential that you keep it out on the work surface - it doesn't take up that much space.  Some friends bought a TM21 some time ago but kept it in a cupboard and didn't make much use of it at all.

Whereabouts in the UK are you?   I'm in Sheffield and you'd be most welcome to either contact me by phone if you want to know more, or to come over and see how it all works. 

Good luck with your decision

[vintagepaint]

Katya - thanks so much for your response - I live in Staffordshire - know Sheffield very well - Dad born there and best friend used to live there - it would be good to talk to you about your Thermomix experiences. Basically I love cooking but kind of lost the enthusiasm when my best friend died - we used to spend a lot of time entertaining cooking for friends etc and used the visit Food Shows on a regular basis only to buy gadgets that I never knew I needed which were not used after the initial enthusiasm had worn off ! Enthusiasm is just returning

I have an elderly mother to cater for who will always resort to too much pre packed stuff loaded with sugar and salt so am con cerned about achieving healthier eating and more nutritiious meals

I don't have any particularly food health issues myself beyond love of eating but I am always short on time and big on recipe books and the Thermomix seems like I might be able to prepare better tasting food in less time

In preparation for the Thermomix I have downsized and sold off other appliances - slow cooker, food processor, ice cream maker etc. I'm keeping my Kitchen Aid though because it is great for cakes and it looks good !

Can I ask how you go on for slicing large quantities e.g. for a dauphinois potatoes?

Mel

[Thermomixer]

Sorry vintagepaint - doesn't do slicing - need a mandolin or food processor with slicing attachment 

[vintagepaint]

I'm hoping to make my Thermomix purchase soon but was interested to know from other users whether using thermomix on regular basis has improved health/eating habits/weight loss etc

I am assuming that reducing the amount of pre processed stuff from the supermarket in favour of freshly prepared food has got to be good but I'd love to hear about user experiences

[RoxyS]

Welcome Vintagepaint. I love my TMX and yes, my family are eating much healthier food since Ted arrived (that's my TM's name). Alot of the recipes in the various books and on this forum are healthy and easy and my children are eating things they don't realise are so healthy - lots less sugar. Sorry you sold your slow cooker though. I still use mine, sometimes doing ingredient prep in the TMX before putting it in the slow cooker to cook. Never mind. There are plenty of nice quick and easy meals to cook in the TMX.

[cathy79]

We can vouch for overall health improvements for our family.  We've been able to eliminate all pre-processed foods and all the hidden nasties involved.  I'm so glad I've been able to do this for our young kids.  I love hiding lots of fruit and vegetables in everything I cook, cooking whole foods, increasing nutrients and decreasing sugar.

Buying takeaway etc is very, very, very rare now, and even then, we all make healthier choices.  Even DH is reading ingredients and getting interested in his health and eating which is great.