Universal food processors make cooking so much easier. Whether stirring, mixing, pureeing, steaming, grinding, grating or cutting – the electronic helpers do everything. This also applies to the legendary Thermomix, which has made a name for itself as the market leader in recent years. The first model with seven functions appeared as early as 1961, and many more have since been added: The TM6 can now even caramelize, ferment and cook sous-vide. And the manufacturer costs a lot for that – the latest Thermomix edition, which was released on the market in 2019, costs a proud 1,359 euros. Many amateur chefs’ ears are ringing because it’s really “only” about preparing delicious dishes. So it’s hardly surprising why there are so many alternatives.
Only recently did Lidl lose the plagiarism dispute with Vorwerk over its Thermomix alternative. Since then, the food processor can no longer be sold – at least not with a specific heating part: The Silvercrest Monsieur Cuisine (“SKMC 1200 F6”) costs almost 1000 euros less than the original. Although the device cannot hold a candle to the Thermomix, the alternative still has a lot to offer: counterclockwise rotation (for stirring) and clockwise rotation (for chopping), ten different speed levels and a turbo function for pulse mixing. The automatic programs include kneading, steaming and searing. And the seven-inch touch display can be used to set time, speed and temperature, and to display the current cooking temperature.
Even cheaper than the Krups Prep
The 2000 watt food processor from Medion also makes a very compact impression: it can mix and cut, knead and stir as well as cook. This is made possible by the eleven operating levels, four stainless steel blades, a cooking and mixing attachment, a steamer attachment, a steam insert and a temperature setting of 40 to 110 degrees Celsius. The stainless steel bowl on this model only holds two liters, but that shouldn’t be an obstacle when cooking. An automatic switch-off function as well as dry boil and overheating protection ensure the necessary safety – so the Thermomix alternative can also go about its work unattended.
Another inexpensive model comes from Severin: The KM 3895 all-in-one food processor is aptly named “James the Wondermachine”. For the price, you get a total of eleven functions: According to the manufacturer, the Thermomix alternative can cook, steam, grind, stir, beat, knead, mix, emulsify, mix, chop and heat. With only four temperature levels and five power levels with an output of 1050 watts. The scope of delivery includes a four-piece steamer attachment, a stirring rod and a cookbook with over 60 recipe ideas. If you can believe the customer reviews on Amazon, you have to make some compromises in terms of quality. But that’s hardly surprising given the price – so you should first think about what you can expect from a universal food processor like this.
Although the 1,550 watt Krups multifunction food processor costs less than half what you would have to pay for a Thermomix, it offers 13 different functions: whipping, steaming, crushing ice, emulsifying, chopping, kneading, grinding, mixing, stirring , beat, stew, slice and keep warm. In addition, you can choose between six programs at the touch of a button, which are as follows: Sauces, Soup, Cooking, Steaming, Dough and Dessert. The dishes are prepared and kept warm by the food processor in a 2.5 liter stainless steel bowl – you only have to set the desired temperature, time and speed in advance. Just like with a Thermomix.
At over 1800 euros, this food processor is expensive, but it is still cheaper than the Thermomix. The 1500 watt device has a generous temperature range of 20 to 180 degrees Celsius – and a whopping 24 programs. The Kenwood Cooking Chef Gourmet comes with a splash guard, a five-piece patisserie set (K-hook, professional balloon whisk and dough hook), a cooking and flexi mixing element, a glass mixer attachment, a steamer, a multi-chopper (incl. six work disks) and a cookbook. The mixing bowl holds an incredible 6.7 liters. All in all, the high price can be explained by the extensive range of accessories and the performance.
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