Thermomix for Beginners: 30 Days with the TM6 and TM7
- flowithmeie
- Aug 30
- 9 min read
If You’re New to Thermomix, You’re Not Alone
Getting a Thermomix can feel exciting, but also a bit overwhelming at the start. It looks sleek and smart, but if you’ve never used one before, it might seem intimidating. Many people wonder:
“Is it too techy for me?”
“What if I mess up a recipe?”
“What if I don’t have all the ingredients it asks for?”
“What if I break it?”
You're not alone. Although I’m no longer an independent Thermomix advisor in Ireland and UK, I’ve been a Thermomix user for over 22 years and have supported many others through their first steps. What I’ve learned is that the biggest challenge isn't the machine, the ingredients, or the recipes, it’s the fear.
Not fear of the Thermomix, but fear of not doing a good job.
That’s completely normal, and it’s something you can absolutely overcome, one recipe at a time.
To buy a Thermomix, you get in contact with an independent Thermomix advisor in Ireland and UK. It's also worth saying that not everyone starts with a demo or a class from an independent advisor. Maybe you bought your Thermomix second-hand (from a group like Thermomix Ireland Preloved Items on Facebook) or you ordered one and never got around to attend a class or demo with an independent Thermomix advisor/ consultant. In those cases, you’re starting on your own, and that can feel daunting.
There's a lot to look at, the screen is full of options, and if you're short on time, it’s easy to let it sit untouched on the counter. Loads of videos online and so many recipes in cookidoo recipe platform that you do not know where to start.
But even if you’re starting from scratch with no support around you, know this: you can learn everything you need, one step at a time. You don’t need to know everything to get started. You don’t need every ingredient to make a recipe work. You just need a bit of curiosity and a willingness to try.
This summer, Emma stayed with our family and used the TM6 and TM7 daily for a month. She had never even seen a Thermomix before. Her journey, full of firsts, fears, and fun, became a reminder of how quickly confidence can grow when someone simply feels supported and keeps trying which inspired me to write this blog as I can imagine many people are going through similar feelings like Emma.
Meet Emma:A Beginner in the Kitchen and with Thermomix
Emma is 20 years old, from Spain, and stayed with our family for a month during the summer.
She had never used a Thermomix before. In fact, she had never even seen one in person.
Emma comes from a family that cooks in a very traditional way: pots, pans, and hands-on from start to finish. Her own cooking at home was usually quick and simple, and often done out of necessity rather than joy. She lived alone during the academic year and often told me she found meal prep stressful, messy, or simply too time-consuming.
And yet, she’s part of the generation that grew up with screens and apps. Technology shouldn’t have been intimidating to her, but when it came to cooking with Thermomix, it was.
She looked at it like it was a spaceship.
When I told her she’d be using the Thermomix to cook her meals, I could see the panic on her face. I reassured her gently:“You’re not expected to know anything. We’ll start together. One recipe at a time.”
The First Recipe – One Step, One Win
We started with the most straightforward recipe I could think of: lentil stew (lentejas estofadas from Cookidoo Spain) . It’s just one step: add everything into the bowl, close the lid, turned the knob on to set the speed, and wait. We used the Thermomix TM6 model to get her used to it.
That first recipe wasn’t about nutrition or flavour or perfect texture, it was about getting familiar with the machine:
We used the scales to weigh the ingredients
She practised placing and removing the lid and measuring cup
We used the spatula and looked at where the simmering basket fits
She learned to press the next button and trust the machine to cook
By the time the 40 minutes were up, she looked over at me and said:
“Wait... is that it?”
Yes. That was it. One small win and her confidence grew from there.
Emma’s Reflection In Her Words
After her 30 days with the Thermomix TM6 and TM7, Emma wrote the following reflection. I’ve shared it here with her permission because so many Thermomix beginners will see themselves in her story.
When I first heard that I’d be cooking with a Thermomix during my month with Sara’s family, I panicked. I’d never even seen one in real life. All I knew was that it was “that expensive food machine for chefs.” It felt completely out of reach for someone like me.
I’m 20 years old, I live alone during the academic year, and like many students, I eat whatever’s quick and easy. Cooking has always felt more like a task than a pleasure. I like eating well, but I’ve always found it hard to plan meals, manage my time, or know where to start. So when Sara mentioned that I’d be using the Thermomix too, I felt overwhelmed. I called my mum right after and said, “I think I’m in trouble.”
When I finally walked into the kitchen and saw it sitting there, it really did feel like it was staring at me. It looked so sleek, so advanced. I assumed it would be really complicated. But once Sara turned it on and showed me how the guided recipes worked, I started to feel a bit of relief. It wasn’t just buttons and lights, it was actually walking me through every step. And to make it easier Sara showed me the first recipe in Spanish (loads in English after that first one), which helped even more.
We started with something simple, lentil stew. Just one step. All the ingredients went in, I pressed ‘next,’ and that was it. I didn’t have to stir or worry if it was burning. I didn’t even need to know the recipe. I just had to read, follow the screen, and let the machine do its thing.
From that moment on, I started to feel more curious. I tried soup, pasta, rice, smoothies, and even cakes. I cooked breakfasts like pancakes and waffle batter. I made green and red pesto one day, and even used it to make homemade ice cream. Suddenly, cooking became less about getting it done and more about learning and discovering.
One thing I loved was how little mess it made. My own kitchen is tiny, and I don’t have many utensils at home. But with the Thermomix, I barely needed anything else. It even weighs everything for you, which helped me stop overcooking. I used to make pasta “by eye” and end up with food for the entire neighbourhood. Now, I had control over how many portions I wanted to make by selecting it in the recipe at the start.
Of course, I made a few mistakes. I forgot to put the lid on once and came back to find sauce splashed out. I didn’t understand some of the modes at first, like Varoma or the reverse function. But it didn’t matter. Every time I got something wrong, I just laughed and learned from it. There was no stress.
What surprised me most was how I started enjoying cooking. I never thought I’d say that. I used to feel anxious whenever I had to make something, but now it felt easy. I could prepare a meal while looking after Erin or tidying up the house. It wasn’t just efficient, it was actually calming.
Spending that month with the Thermomix changed more than how I cook. It changed how I feel about food, and about myself. I realised that cooking doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. It can be simple, nourishing, and even fun. I started eating better, feeling better, and gaining confidence, not just in the kitchen, but in general.
Cooking with Thermomix helped me take care of myself. It made me feel more capable. And most importantly, it showed me that I can enjoy food, enjoy cooking, and even enjoy learning something that once scared me.
Now I know: the Thermomix isn’t just for chefs. It’s for anyone who wants to eat well without stress. It’s for beginners, like me.
10 Recipes to Cook as a Thermomix Beginner
Here are some of the Cookidoo® recipes Emma tried during her first month. These helped get used to Guided Cooking and understanding the machine without stress:
Top Questions Thermomix Beginners Ask Answered
This section is for all of you Thermomix beginners looking for clarity and encouragement when starting your cooking journey.
Q: What should I cook first with my Thermomix?
A: Start with something simple you already know, like a soup or boiled pasta. The guided recipes walk you through every step. A one-step lentil stew or the vegetable soup are perfect.
Q: Can I use the Thermomix if I don't know how to cook?
A: Yes! That’s exactly who it’s for. Guided Cooking means you just read and press 'next.' You’ll learn as you go. Of course you will get more adventorous and even make your own recipes with it, but to start, the guided recipes are great to understand how time/ temperature and speed work.
Q: What if I don’t have all the ingredients in a recipe?
A: That’s fine. Thermomix isn’t about being perfect. Swap or skip where it makes sense, you’ll still learn and enjoy the process.
Q:What’s the difference between TM6 and TM7 for beginners?
A: The TM7 has a larger screen, a quieter motor, a new locking system, and it boots up faster. The TM6 is still fantastic and very beginner-friendly. Check my blog for more information.
Or watch this video Emma and I did comparing both models start up times.
Q: What if I make a mistake? Will I break the machine?
A: No! It’s built to be safe. Mistakes are part of the process. Even forgetting the lid once, like Emma did, is a learning moment.
One thing to be mindful is the scales, so dont bang the spoon on the bowl and when moving the TM6 dont drag it, just lift it and move it.
Q: How long does it take to feel confident using it?
A: Most people feel confident after a week or two. One recipe a day is enough to build real confidence.
Q: Can I cook for just one person?
A: Yes. The Thermomix is great for singles, couples, or batch cooking. Use the portion adjustments in Cookidoo to scale recipes.
Q: When do I use the measuring cup, splash guard, or simmering basket on top?
A: A common source of confusion! These are for the TM6 users:
Use the measuring cup when you want to keep heat and liquid inside the bowl.
Use the splash guard for high-temperature cooking (like browning) where steam and a bit of spatter need to escape safely.
Use the simmering basket on top of the lid to reduce splashing when you're making something like jam or soup. It lets steam out while protecting your kitchen.
The machine will usually guide you but once you know the “why,” it all clicks.
Q: How long did it take Emma to feel confident?
A:After a few simple meals and using Guided Cooking daily, Emma stopped asking questions and started experimenting. Within two weeks she felt totally independent. By the end of the month, she tried some recipes with freestyle and I am confident she would start creating her own recipes soon.
Q: Can you go back to traditional cooking after using Thermomix for a month?
A: You can but it’s not easy! Emma told me she now finds traditional cooking “slower.” She still does some meals by hand, but Thermomix made her enjoy cooking again, not dread it.
Q: What happened after she left? Did she get a Thermomix in Spain?
A: This will have to be answered in another blog! :)
You’re Not Alone – Just Start Somewhere
If you’ve made it this far, I hope you feel a bit more reassured.
Emma’s journey is proof that you don’t need to be confident, experienced, or “good at cooking” to enjoy your Thermomix. You just need to begin. One button at a time. One recipe at a time. One small win at a time.
And remember, there’s no right way to learn, only your way.
If you’re a Thermomix beginner, bought one second-hand, or just feel overwhelmed, you’re not the only one. I’ve been there. Emma’s been there.
If you’d like more help, want to be connected to an advisor, feel free to message me.
And if this post helped you, I’d love to hear what you’re cooking.
Thanks
Sara
Let’s stay connected!
You can find me on Instagram @flowithme and Facebook @flowithmeIE, where I share Thermomix tips, beginner-friendly recipes, and moments from the kitchen.