Thermomix

Thermomix

Invented by	Carl Verwerk
Company	Vorwerk
URL	thermomix.vorwerk.com

Thermomix is a kitchen appliance made by the Corporate Group Vorwerk.

The word “Thermomix” comes from the combination of “thermo” (heating) and “mix” (mixing). The current Thermomix provides three basic functions: A heating element, a motor for fast or slow blending and stirring and it can weigh the stack of cooking pots and pans. The functions can be accessed simultaneously to provide what the manufacturer calls "12 functions": steaming, emulsifying, blending, precise heating, mixing, milling, whipping, kneading, chopping, weighing, grinding and stirring. Several of these differ only by the speed of the motor.

History

The Thermomix was derived from a mixer series originally called "VKM5" in 1961. It had seven functions: stirring, kneading, chopping, grating, mixing, milling and juicing.

In the 1970s the appliance was further developed to a "VM line" allowing heating and mixing at the same time. The TM3300, the first version with the name "Thermomix", was released in 1985.

A re-designed model TM31 was released in 2004, and the TM5 in September 2014. The latest model allowed for "guided cooking" using proprietary memory chips to provide settings and cooking instructions.

Features

The Thermomix differs from ordinary blenders and food processors in having a thermostatically controlled heating element which has a range of 37 °C (99 °F) to 120 °C (248 °F), a timer and a built in scale for weighing directly into the appliance. It is claimed to make the preparation of custards, egg-based sauces such as hollandaise, and other dishes, much easier as the machine requires no attention during preparation – cooking and stirring at the same time – and will not overheat, which could cause dishes to burn, "split" or curdle.^[1]

The appliance is recommended for professional use and endorsed by a number of chefs.^[2] The high price of up to $2,000 makes it a luxury item for the layperson.^[3]

Marketing and Distribution

The Thermomix is sold through direct sales by so-called "Thermomix consultants".

Vorwerk claims the appliance may be used to prepare complete meals with no need for advanced culinary knowledge.

Australia

An article claims that the Thermomix is used by a number of Australian celebrity chefs, mainly for its combined heating and blending functionality. ("It's about blending at high speeds and under heat and it's obviously something that means you can make different things," he said.)^[4]

In February 2015, an Australian Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee hearing was told that an upgrade to the kitchens of the Governor-General of Australia at Government House, Canberra and Admiralty House, Sydney, had specified the purchase of a Thermomix. This was met with much hilarity from some members of the Australian Senate, who had to have this technology explained to them.^[5]

References