I was very lucky to be sent a Magimix Cook Expert to put to the test in my kitchen.
As a cookbook author and food blogger let’s just say I use my fair share of appliances. But the most important thing is I love to cook. I am honest with my opinions on what I use and what I recommend.
So, if you want to know more about the Magimix Cook Expert read on. I have also compared some of the capabilities to other thermal cookers, such as the Thermomix TM6 and Thermomix TM5 (I have both).
Magimix Cook Expert Review
Putting together this Magimix Cook Expert review (in July 2021) has been a mighty task. I am extremely grateful to Magimix Australia for this opportunity (and my Cook Expert).
I would like to say that this review is completely honest and not biased in any way. I have always been honest with any of the products or appliances I use.
I often get asked about an alternative to a Thermomix® and with several on the market has been fun to test two thermal cookers side by side on the same recipes.
Who is it best suited for?
I often see comments on social media that thermal cookers are for people who have no cooking skills. If you think this, then you are so wrong!
The Cook Expert and all thermal cookers are great for everyone from learner to advanced!
For me, a quality thermal cooker such as the Magimix or Thermomix® is an essential part of my cooking. I would recommend a thermal cooker such as the Magimix Cook Expert to anyone.
What comes with it?
The Cook Expert comes with a lot of stuff to get you off to a great start. There are additional accessories for the Magimix, but more on that later. You can watch our video of unboxing a Magimix Cook Expert.
The Magimix includes
- a 3.5L metal bowl with lockable lid with glass see-through lid. A double-walled stainless-steel bowl keeps food hot for up to 2 hours. A shatterproof glass lid allows you to see as you are cooking. The centre of the lid has a cap that can be fixed into position or removed to allow heat to escape and liquid to reduce.
- Set of 3 BPA-free food processor bowls with 3.6L, 2.6 and 1.2 litre capacity
- Steamer basket
- Whisk attachment
- Set of two spatulas
- Cook Expert Magimix cookbook with 300 recipes
Where to buy?
The Magimix Cook Expert can be found at some of the large appliance stores. However, depending on your location just search on Google for your nearest retailer or buy direct from your local Magimix website.
The current price of the Magimix Cook Expert is $2299 (July 2021).
Magimix Cook Expert vs Thermomix TM6
Here are some of the differences I have already noted between the Cook Expert and the Thermomix TM6. I know a lot you will want to know the features and benefits of the Magimix Cook Expert vs Thermomix TM6. To my knowledge, at this time, I would say without hesitation the Cook Expert is the biggest competitor as an alternative to a Thermomix. I base this on overall quality of the appliance, functionality and power.
Here is what I have found so far during my testing. I am sure to update in time.
Guided Cooking
- The Cook Expert has pre-programed functions and cookbooks, but no guided cooking recipe built into the unit.
- Having had both a Thermomix TM5 and TM6 for years (TM6 not as long) before Cook Expert I never used the guided cooking functionality. The Thermomix TM6 has a $49 annual subscription to the Cookidoo platform for access to the guided recipes. Without paying the subscription fee users only have access to the pre-programmed basic recipes supplied. Several of the high e.g., high heat sauté mode is built into the Cookidoo platform and users cannot access without a subscription.
Bowl capacity and Heating Functions
The Cook Expert bowl is huge in comparison to the Thermomix. Visually it is easier to see this with them side by side. The Cook Expert’s metal bowl is insulated and comes with a much wider base which allows more area to sauté or fit larger ingredients.
- The Cook Expert comes with 4 bowls. The large 3.5L metal bowl for cooking and 3 x BPA-free food processor bowls for chopping, grating and mixing. Compared to the Thermomix which has a 2.2L bowl the Magimix has a lot more volume for cooking.
- The Magimix maximum heating capability of 1700W you can cook up to 160°C. Thermomix has 1000W max heating. The TM6 can go up to 160°C for sautéing however, this function is locked into the guided cooking feature only. Alternatively, a max heating of 120°C is achievable for the Thermomix. I do love that the width of the bowl of the Magimix and that I can cook at higher temperatures without being forced to use a recipe I have not written.
The Blade and Functionality
The blade in the Cook Expert is larger and a “blunt” blade in comparison to the Thermomix.
I love that the CE has the option to intermittently stir or have no blades rotating at all.
This is especially great with sous vide, ingredients containing bone, like our Beef Bone Broth recipe or Pea and Ham Soup.
The Thermomix has the option for a reverse stir but no static blade functionality. It does however have an optional blade cover to purchase separately.
The Cook Expert even with a higher power motor cannot mill flour as the Thermomix can. Due to the blunt blade and wider bowl, this is one feature I personally miss with using this appliance. However, it is not a deal-breaker for me or I am sure many of you.
The speed of the machines also varies. As mentioned above the Magimix Cook Expert has an intermittent function that is not tied into preset recipes. The speed vary between the machines and the table below may help you to convert recipes. You will find loads of Thermomix recipes, Sous Vide recipes, and Keto Cookbooks with thermal cooking instructions included on this website. The table below will help to convert any of them that do not already have the Magimix recipe conversions on them.
Scales
This is another feature with a lot of differences between the two thermal cookers.
The Magimix has a separate high-quality scale that measures in increments (metric and customary) to the machine itself.
The TM6 has inbuilt scales that measure in increments of 1g (or customary) so that you weigh directly into the bowl.
Personally, I love the weigh direct approach as this does reduce the need to weigh ingredients separately into a bowl or with cups.
Magimix decided to do this separately (I believe) due to some users having scale issues in the past with Thermomix.
Personally, I have not had an issue with either of my Thermomix TM5 and TM6 in the 6 years since receiving my first one.
Auto Programs and Functions
The Magimix Cook Expert has 13 automatic programs to prepare or cook your meals. With everything from steam, bake, mix, chop, stir fry and slow cook.
While there are no guided cooking recipes the machine does come with a free recipe app and a cookbook with 300 recipes.
While the Thermomix TM6 does have additional functions (20 in total) the Magimix does have several features and benefits over the Thermomix for the “foodie.”
Personally, I love to grate my vegetables or slice them rather than chop them into small pieces. The food processor in the CE has a distinct benefit here.
In my experience, both these machines are invaluable in the kitchen. I wouldn’t say that one is better than the other as they both have differing strengths. I believe if you were choosing between the two it would depend on the cook and style of cooking.
No, it doesn’t. It has functions to help with cooking and recipes available via a free app and a 300 recipe cookbook.
Yes, you can. With the combination of the slowest speeds and not rotating blades I have cooked a lot of slow-cooked meals for our new cookbook Slow Cook Keto with great success.
You sure can! Vacuum seal and use the 0-speed function. Be sure to use the recommended cook temperature for the foods your cooking.
Yes, it is. You can use a cleaning function and disassembling the bowl is simple with easy to clean surfaces.
Related Recipes
Over the years I have written many recipes for thermal cooking using multi thermal cookers to test them. Using both our chart above and/or the recipe methods you will find hundreds of recipes to enjoy on Mad Creations Hub. My keto recipes are crowd-pleasers whether you follow the keto diet or not.
Here are just a few I am sure you are to enjoy!
Conclusion
Without going on too long I hope this helps a little if you are thinking about buying a Magimix Cook Expert. With a growing number of thermal cookers on the market I know it can be hard to choose. In a nutshell here is what I love about the Cook Expert and why it would influence me to buy one.
- 3 year warranty + 30 year motor guarantee – the quality is exceptional.
- No locked in functions to guided cooking recipes. Plus, I secretly love choosing the “Cook Expert” function. As I say, when I do, “Who is the expert now” hehe!
- Size and diameter of the bowl. Great for sauté and even cooking without “stewing” meat.
- Food processor – I love the ability to use the same machine for grating and slicing with precision.
- Last reason is the extra attachments. I didn’t go into them above but an XXL steamer, extra dough hook, and the Spiraliser (which I have) are awesome!
Do your research and organise a demonstration of the Magimix Cook Expert today and see if it is for you. I use mine every week and it has a permanent place on my kitchen bench. If you have any questions at all please comment below and I will get back to you with an honest reply or feedback.
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I am always busily writing new content that includes thermal cooker instructions so that everyone can enjoy using their appliance with a wider variety of recipes.
A self-confessed foodie, Megan’s passion lies in creating amazingly delicious keto recipes. Her approach to recipes comes from her love of fresh, tasty, and easy to prepare meals. Megan’s recipes are fuss-free, flavour-packed, and family-friendly. You can enjoy the recipes regardless of dietary type.
32 responses to “Magimix Cook Expert vs Thermomix”
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Hi Megan,
I have an old TM31 and recently bought a mistral smart intelli because of the size of the bowl. Unfortunately, the machine do not handle bigger amounts of food, specially in terms of heating, and I have the feeling that I have waisted my time and money. If I decide to buy a Magimix will I be struggling with the same problem?
I make a lot of egg custard and bechamel sauce. -
Hi! Have you made any candy in the magimix? Looking at it for caramel sauce / fudge / honeycomb.
Thank you!-
Sorry I am a keto blogger so it isn’t something I have made myself.
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Hi! I want to purchase a processor with the sole purpose of making caramel sauce / fudge and possibly honeycomb. Leaning towards the magimix purely for the bowl size. Any thoughts on this?
Thank you! -
Hello! Great review ~ thank you
Question regarding making pate…
Can you make it all from scratch in the CE from start to finish like the Thermomix !?!
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It should be fine to make from scratch in the CE
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Is the Magimix Cook Expert available in the USA yet?
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It is. Just search Google and you will find the US site and can check for local stores.
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Is it possible to change the instruction language on the Cook Expert to other languages?
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I am sure there is an update you get to do that. Have you purchased in the country/language you speak?
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Hi, did you have a chance to try the ‘connect’ option on Magimix? It’s supposed to link the app to the scale and machine for a more thermomix-like experience, ie guided cooking, and the scale works like built in
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No I haven’t tried or even heard about this yet Haci.
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Hi,
Thank you for your review.
I am leaning towards the magimix but have a question. I don’t own a food processor so was wondering if the magimix eliminates the need for me to purchase one. I intend on using the food processor function for things like lentil burgers and protein balls. Will the magimix be suitable?-
Absolutely!
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Hi, I am tossing up between the two never having used an all in one machine. I remember a demo years ago where the thermomix churned butter and made icing sugar (fantastic if you prefer to use organic ingredients). Does the Magimix do this too? Thanks for sharing.
Also I am curious if you know if a newer version of either machine is due to come out, as it may be worth the wait.-
Hi Atsrid. The Magimix can mill but not quite as fine as the Thermomix. As for a new version of each I would have no idea.
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HI for vegetable purees which one would you recommend? Also does the CE have the option of doing slower stir speeds, as you mentioned in the last comment it would seem that is not so great?
Looking to buy 1 just not sure which, thanks in advance!
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Hi Maurice, for vegetable purees the Thermomix will blend at a higher speed but that really depends on how finely you want the vegetables pureed. Both will do soups and mashes for sure. The CE actually has a no blades stirring option so it can do without stirring, however the Thermomix “stir” slowest speed is a continuous slow stirring speed like a spoon. It can go in a forward direction with edge of the blades stirring or it can go in reverse without the sharp edge of the blades. The CE doesn’t have this option. If, I wanted to just have something on a slow stir to agitate the Thermomix would be the better option. They are both great and both very different at the same time.
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Hello
I’m quite late to this and not sure if you’ll see my comment but I’m co fused about the no blades of the CE. How does it chop?
Also if I want great smoothies, would I still need a blender or does the Thermie and / or CE do it all?
Thank you
Lisa-
Hi Lisa, the CE does have blades. It just has an option of “no blades turning”. It has blades for both the metal bowl and the food processor attachments. You wouldn’t need a blender as well. Either the Thermomix or CE will do all the blending, chopping and pureeing you need.
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Thanks Megan for your reply, that makes sense.I hope you don’t mind me asking a few more questions.
Do you use the food processor bowls to make something that doesn’t require cooking, like pesto or a dip? Or do you still use the Thermocook bowl? Do you use the same blade in both? And if not, is it as strong?
Also, I like to throw a block of parmesan cheese in my TM and make a batch of finely grated parmesan. When you say the blade doesn’t mill as well, does that apply to something like that or do you mean flour etc?
Can you blend drinks with ice even when there is not much liquid to cover? I love how the TM does that so well-
For the finer chopping I use the foodprocessor it work easier due to being able to use the smaller bowl.For parmesan you can use the grating blade and honestly I prefer this over the “kibble” you get when grating parmesan in the thermi. Flour is harder to make in the Magimix than the thermi for sure. Yes you can blend drinks with ice in the Magimix. It is better in the smaller thermi but still does a good job.
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Hi there I have a TM31 and looking at updating. I like the idea of the food processor and attachments that can be used with the cook expert as I dont have a food processor. I also like the idea of a 3.5 litre bowl and free recipes and updates. However, since you have both, I have a question for you: if you were making a quick hot chocolate or milk shake or sauce, is it a pain to use a 3.5 litre bowl and wash it? I know the TM having a much smaller bowl has its disadvantages but what about in this instance?
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Hi Vanessa, personally it wouldn’t bother me. One bowl is still just one bowl to wash out and in the case of a milkshake very easily. The larger bowl has more advantages over a small one. You can still do a one serve drink or meal in a large bowl but you can also cook much larger things than a Thermomix too. So I guess it comes down to what you see yourself using it for.
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I have both machines and have found over the past 2 yrs since purchasing them both, that I go to the Thermie every time. I find the Magimix bowl too heavy for me so am only now using the appliance when wanting to use the food processor bowls.
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It is very much a personal preference isn’t it Sue!
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Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review. It has helped me to learn a bit more before making a decision what to get.
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Happy to help Nora.
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Hello, thanks for your review – I am planning to buy a thermal cooker and trying to decide which one!
One question I have for you…which is your favourite thermal cooking machine? (or put another way, which one would you spend money on?)
Ta 🙂-
Hi Jane, that is a hard question because I do use a lot of appliances doing what I do. I love both the Magimix and Thermomix for different reasons so I guess it comes down to more of what you are going to use it for. Hands down the Magimix beats the Thermomix for food processing with fresh ingredients. A coleslaw for example is just not the same “chopped” in a Thermomix. The Magimix has a bigger bowl so I can cook more and I love the larger heating surface and “no blades” option. However, I also love the milling and the built-in scales on the Thermomix and the slower stir speed.
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Fantastic review .. now I want one 🙂
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You will love it Dee!
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