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.
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.
