What Does a Thermomix Do? A Complete Guide to TM7 & TM6
Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered, “What does a Thermomix actually do?”, you’re not alone. These devices are often described as “all-in-one kitchen machines,” but that summary hides a lot of nuance. For curious cooks and potential buyers, understanding exactly what a Thermomix can (and can’t) do is important - especially when comparing models like the TM7 and TM6.
For chefs, caterers and commercial kitchens, that same versatility translates directly into operational benefits. A single Thermomix can handle prep, sauces, doughs and custards — replacing several appliances and reducing both footprint and maintenance in the professional kitchen.
In this article, we’ll walk through the functions, features, and real-world use cases of the Thermomix.
The Thermomix Philosophy: One Machine, Many Tasks
At its core, a Thermomix is a multifunction cooking appliance: it combines blending, chopping, heating, steaming, weighing, and recipe guidance all in one unit. According to Vorwerk, the company behind Thermomix, its goal is to replace multiple kitchen gadgets (slow cookers, blenders, food processors, etc.) with a single machine.
In a professional environment, this consolidation saves valuable counter space, simplifies training for kitchen staff, and ensures every recipe can be reproduced with consistent results, which is crucial for restaurants, catering teams and bakeries handling high-volume service.
Each new generation adds refinements with larger displays, more modes, smarter interfaces, but the foundation remains: a sealed bowl with motor, heating element, and digital controls, supported by guided cooking software.
TM7 and TM6: What Functions Are Standard?
Below is a breakdown of what the TM7 and TM6 are documented to be capable of.
Thermomix TM7: Key Features & Specs
Mixing bowl capacity: 2.2 litres (to remain compatible with TM5/TM6 recipes)
Varoma (steaming) capacity: Redesigned to give ~45 % greater capacity, total steaming set capacity (with tray) is 6.8 litres
Dimensions/footprint: 33.6 cm tall; 25.3 cm wide; 40.5 cm deep
Weight: 8.6 kg (total)
VorwerkMotor / speed: Uses a maintenance-free Vorwerk motor
Heating/power: The TM7 has advanced heating capabilities (for higher temperatures) and integrated cooking modes (searing, caramelising) as part of its “advanced cooking modes” suite.
Guided Cooking & Recipes: TM7 supports interactive guided cooking, 100,000+ recipes via Cookidoo® platform
Self-cleaning / ease: The TM7 includes a self-clean cycle to reduce manual cleaning effort.
Other features: Multi-layer cooking (cooking several components at once), touchscreen controls, Wi-Fi connectivity for updates/recipes, smart modes (fermentation, sous-vide, caramelisation)
Because the TM7 is newer, some third-party reviews and early hands-on articles also report user observations; for example, quieter operation, sleek design, etc.
The TM7’s self-cleaning cycle and enclosed bowl design also make it particularly suited to commercial kitchens, where hygiene standards and turnaround times are essential. With Wi-Fi connectivity and guided modes, kitchen teams can follow standardised recipes across shifts and locations.
TM6: What It Can Do
Functions/modes: The TM6 supports over 20 functions, including chopping, blending, steaming, sautéing, kneading, grinding, whisking, sous-vide, slow cooking, caramelising, and fermentation.
Guided Cooking/modes implementation: Thermomix describes “modes explained” where the TM6 automates time, temperature, and speed settings for common tasks (sauté, soup, etc.)
Mixing bowl: The TM6’s mixing bowl is 2.2 litres, with heating and motor capability built in
Software updates: The TM6 receives firmware updates that can introduce new improvements (e.g. more blending speed options)
Touchscreen & interface: The TM6 features a high-resolution touchscreen for recipe guidance and interaction
Heating precision: It can reach high temperatures (for example, to caramelise) and combine heating + mixing in many recipes
Because it’s mature in the marketplace, user reviews and real-world usage have validated that it performs well across a broad range of cooking styles.
For caterers and hospitality operators, the TM6 remains a proven workhorse, equally at home in prep kitchens, bakeries or mobile catering setups. Its reliability and broad function range allow consistent output even with variable staffing.
What Can a Thermomix Actually Do?
Based on the documented capabilities above, here are common tasks the Thermomix can handle (all models) without stretching into speculation:
Chop/blend/mix: Using its blade, the Thermomix can chop vegetables, blend soup bases, and emulsify sauces.
Weigh ingredients: With built-in scales, you can weigh ingredients directly in the bowl.
Steam/cook multiple levels: The Varoma system (steam tray + bowl) allows steaming of vegetables, fish or dumplings while cooking sauces or purées beneath.
Sauté/fry / Simmer/boil: The heating element lets you cook sauces, reduce liquids, or sauté onions.
Knead dough: The motor and blade design support kneading bread or dough mixtures.
Sous-vide/fermentation: Models support controlled low-temperature cooking (for example, yoghurt fermentation) under guided modes.
Caramelise/high-heat techniques: The newer TM7 expands capability into more aggressive heat modes (e.g., for searing or caramelising) as part of its “advanced cooking modes.”
Self-cleaning: The device can run internal cleaning cycles to reduce manual washing.
Recipe guidance: It can guide users step-by-step via its display and connect to the Cookidoo® recipe platform.
Mashing potatoes? Yes. After cooking the potatoes, you can use the blade at low speed or mixing modes to mash them to a smooth consistency.
Making ice cream/sorbet? Yes. Blending frozen fruits into sorbet or using custard bases is well within the blending + cooling + mixing capabilities.
Full meals in one device? With multi-level cooking and smart recipe logic, you can combine protein, sides, and sauce in one duty cycle (especially on TM7).
In catering operations, these functions reduce manual prep time, maintain recipe precision, and support HACCP compliance through controlled temperature settings and minimal equipment handling.
Comparing TM7 vs TM6: What’s New & Different
Knowing what a Thermomix does is one thing. Knowing how the TM7 improves (or differs) from the TM6 helps when deciding which to choose. From a commercial perspective, both the TM7 and TM6 are well-suited to continuous kitchen use. The TM7’s larger steaming capacity and improved heating performance make it ideal for batch preparation and small-scale production environments.
Here are documented differences:
| Feature | Thermomix TM7 | Thermomix TM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2024 | 2019 |
| Mixing Bowl Capacity | 2.2 L | 2.2 L |
| Varoma (Steaming) Capacity | Approx. 45 % larger (6.8 L total) | Smaller capacity Varoma |
| Temperature Range | Up to 160 °C (improved heating system) | Up to 160 °C |
| Functions | 20 + modes including caramelise, sous-vide, slow cook, steam, knead and blend | 20 + modes including caramelise, sous-vide, slow cook, steam, knead and blend |
| Guided Cooking | Yes – Cookidoo® platform (100,000 + recipes) | Yes – Cookidoo® platform (100,000 + recipes) |
| Interface | Larger touchscreen, faster processor and updated UI | 6.8 in touchscreen interface |
| Wi-Fi & Updates | Built-in Wi-Fi for firmware and recipe updates | Built-in Wi-Fi for firmware and recipe updates |
| Self-Cleaning Mode | Yes – enhanced self-clean function | Yes – standard self-clean mode |
| Design & Build | Modern insulated body, sleeker footprint (33.6 cm tall) | Classic TM6 design |
| Weight | 8.6 kg | Approx. 7.9 kg |
In busy professional kitchens, these refinements can translate into faster prep cycles and less downtime between batches, meaning more consistent service and reduced labour costs.
Is a Thermomix Worth It?
“Is this worth the investment?” is one of the most common questions prospective buyers ask. Based on what we now know, here are the pros, considerations, and what type of users benefit most.
Pros / Strengths
It replaces several appliances in one unit
Reduces prep time, especially when cooking multi-step recipes
Consistent results through guided cooking; time, temperature, speed are controlled
Multi-level cooking (especially TM7) lets you cook components together
Easier cleanup, especially with self-cleaning modes
Access to a broad recipe library (Cookidoo®)
For frequent cooks, the convenience can outweigh the cost
Considerations / Limitations
The initial price is high - the value is in frequent use
Subscription to cookbooks/recipes may be needed to unlock full potential
Some accessories or modes may differ between versions
Not every recipe will match exactly - users sometimes adapt or tweak
For occasional users, the cost/benefit ratio is less compelling
In short, a Thermomix is “worth it” for those who manage a restaurant, café, or catering business; the Thermomix can quickly justify its price. It replaces multiple machines, standardises production, and cuts down on both labour and cleaning time.
Many professional chefs use the Thermomix as part of their mise en place routine, producing sauces, purées, doughs, dressings and dessert bases in a single appliance. Its precision temperature control allows for reproducible results every time, across staff shifts and locations.
Where to Buy in the UK (And Support You Can Trust)
For restaurants, caterers and foodservice operations in the UK, purchasing through a trusted supplier is essential. GMSE supplies Thermomix TM7 and TM6 units to professional kitchens nationwide, with full servicing and engineer support.
At GM Service Engineering, we offer the Thermomix TM7 and TM6 (brand new) along with trained aftercare, expert engineering support, and advice. A reliable supplier helps ensure long-term performance and protects your investment.
Our background in commercial catering equipment means you don’t just get the appliance, but also technical expertise, maintenance and fast-response aftercare, helping you minimise downtime and keep your kitchen running efficiently.
So, What Does a Thermomix Do?
In short, a lot. It’s a blender, steamer, cooker, mixer, kneader, and recipe coach all wrapped in one. The TM7 and TM6 continue to evolve that core promise, offering more capacity, smarter modes, and refined interfaces.
If you’re exploring ways to streamline prep in your restaurant, café or catering kitchen, the Thermomix range offers a compact, reliable solution. The TM7 and TM6 deliver professional-grade precision for everything from sauces and soups to doughs and desserts.