Why I Ditched the TM7 Dream and Fell in Love with the Thermocook Pro M 3.0

July 04, 2025

A Real Comparison from a Budget-Savvy Family of 6

If you’re a busy parent, love a bargain, and dream of kitchen appliances that actually make your life easier — this one’s for you. I've personally used the Thermomix TM6 for over a year, and I recently added the Optimum Thermocook Pro M 3.0 (with the 10" screen) to my kitchen.
After comparing both — and closely examining the new TM7 — here’s why I’m team Thermocook all the way.

Price vs Performance

The Thermocook is nearly half the price of the Thermomix TM7 (~$1,349 vs $2,579).
You still get core functions: chopping, blending, steaming, kneading, sautéing, slow cooking, etc.
For the average household, it handles 95% of what a TM6 or TM7 can do.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Thermocook Pro M 3.0	Thermomix TM6	Thermomix TM7
Price (AUD)	~$1,349	~$2,579	~$2,649
Screen Size	10” Touchscreen	6.8” Touchscreen	10” Touchscreen
Bowl Capacity	3.0L	2.2L	2.2L
Max Portion Size	6+ serves (great for families)	4 serves (limited for families)	4 serves
Motor Power	2400W	1500W	1500W
Noise Level	Average	Average	Very Quiet (30 dB)
Steamer Capacity	Large steaming basket	3.3L Varoma	4.8L Varoma
Functions	20+ (manual + custom)	28 (includes sous-vide, ferment)	30+ (adds browning, AI smart modes)
Recipe Access	Manual, download or books	Cookidoo (subscription)	Cookidoo 3.0 + AI
Skinnymixers Compatibility	✅ Absolutely	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Subscription Required?	❌ None	✅ $89/year for Cookidoo	✅ $89/year for Cookidoo
Warranty	2 Years	2 Years (extendable)	2 Years

How It Performs in My Kitchen

Bowl Size = Game Changer

As a busy parent in a family of six, cooking meals every day can feel like running a never-ending marathon. I need appliances that work hard, save time, and help me feed everyone without blowing the budget. That’s exactly why the Thermocook Pro M 3.0 has become the MVP in my kitchen.

I’ve used the Thermomix TM6 for years (and recently trialled the TM7), but honestly — the Thermocook holds its own in all the areas that matter most to me. Especially for family cooking.

Whether I’m whipping up a weeknight chicken stir fry, one-pot creamy pasta, steamed dumplings, or big side dishes like fried rice or mash — the larger 3.0L bowl on the Thermocook makes a huge difference. I'm no longer limited to 4 portions. I can make enough for the whole family plus leftovers (which we all know are gold when school nights are chaos).

And don’t think it’s just for dinner. I use it for:

Steaming fish or veggies while rice cooks below (multi-level cooking = life saver)
Quick sauces and curries from scratch — no jars needed
Blending soups in winter with zero fuss
Chopping, mixing dough, or grating cheese in seconds

It’s powerful, easy to use, and I’m not locked into subscriptions or a single recipe platform. I mostly cook from Skinnymixers, my own family faves, and free recipes I’ve gathered over the years. Everything just… works. Smoothly.

Honestly, I was hesitant at first — how could something half the price of a Thermomix perform this well? But day after day, the Thermocook proves it’s the better choice for my family. It doesn’t just do the job — it does it well, affordably, and without compromise.

Recipe Freedom vs Recipe Lock-In

Now, don't get me wrong — Cookidoo (Thermomix’s official recipe platform) is jam-packed with great guided recipes. But here’s the thing most people don’t realise: the best recipes often come from cookbooks like Skinnymixers, and they’re compatible with ANY thermo cooker.

I use Skinnymixers all the time, and whether I’m using my TM6 or the Thermocook, the results are identical. You don’t need the Thermomix’s built-in recipe chip or guided steps if you’re confident following written instructions — and honestly, the manual mode on the Thermocook is super easy to use once you get the hang of it.

Plus, no monthly subscription needed

With the Thermocook, I:

Use Skinnymixers books just like I would on the TM6
Don’t pay any subscription fees for the inbuilt recipes (over 1000 pre-loaded)
Have full control over cooking — no annoying guided steps I can’t skip
Easily adapt or repeat favourite recipes

And let’s be real — when I want something fast, I don’t need AI or a voice assistant to tell me how to sauté onions.

Ease of Use & Clean Up

Both the TM6 and Thermocook are easy to use, but I actually find the Thermocook screen easier to navigate thanks to the bigger 10" interface, which Thermomix also introduced in the TM7.

Cleaning is just as simple too — rinse, or pop the parts in the dishwasher. Full Stainless accessories of the Thermocook means it is SO easy to clean everything once finished.

What About Noise?

The TM7 is quieter, yes — but honestly, it's not a huge difference. Unless you're blending at midnight, the Thermocook’s noise levels are totally fine. My kids don’t even flinch anymore.

So… Why Should YOU Get the Thermocook?

You want to save $1,200+ without sacrificing performance.
You’re cooking for more than 2–3 people.
You want to use any recipe source, not be locked into Cookidoo.
You want value, not unnecessary tech features.

Final Thoughts from a Real Markdown Addict

I still own my TM6. I’ve cooked on the TM7. But the Thermocook Pro M 3.0? That’s the one I actually use every day now.

It does everything I need, fits my family, and doesn’t require an annual subscription just to function fully. If you’ve been holding off on buying a thermo-cooker because of the price — this is your sign.

Save the cash. Get the Thermocook Pro M 3.0 and cook more with less stress.