Is the €499 "Lidlomix" Really a Bargain? Or Should You Invest in Thermomix?
Ireland is buzzing with excitement over Lidl’s latest kitchen gadget, the Monsieur Cuisine Smart, often dubbed the Thermomix dupe. At just €499, it offers an affordable alternative to the Thermomix TM6, which retails at €1,499. But is this budget-friendly alternative a true competitor to the long-established Thermomix brand?
With over 50 years of experience, Thermomix (made by Vorwerk in Germany) has consistently set the standard in smart cooking appliances, integrating state-of-the-art technology, an exclusive Cookidoo® app, and expert advisor support.
I love seeing more people embracing kitchen appliances—it’s the way of the future! It reminds me of the days when people had to wash clothes by hand before washing machines became a household essential. Ultimately, having a little help in the kitchen means making healthy, homemade meals from scratch with less effort. Since so many people have asked for my opinion on Lidl’s Monsieur Cuisine vs. Thermomix, I’m sharing my thoughts in this blog!
My Thermomix Journey: From Learning to Cook to a Lifetime Investment
I’ve been using Thermomix since I was 14. When I moved to Ireland, I had to buy all my kitchen appliances from scratch, and investing in a Thermomix made sense—one machine that could replace a blender, food processor, steamer, slow cooker, and more. Over the years, it has been one of the best purchases I’ve made, and incredibly, I still own my TM31, proving just how durable these machines are.
When I first started, I didn’t even know how to boil an egg on the stove! But with Thermomix, I learned how to cook with precision—my eggs have always been boiled to perfection, and I never had to keep an eye on the pot. Thankfully, I now know how to boil an egg without it, but let’s be honest—it’s still easier to let the Thermomix do it for me. I even became an Independent Thermomix advisor in UK and Ireland for 12 years.
Thermomix vs. Lidl’s Monsieur Cuisine: Feature Comparison
Thermomix TM6 | Thermomix TM7 | Lidl Monsieur Cuisine Smart* | |
Price | €1,499 | €1,599 | €499.99 |
Payment Plan | Interest-free options available | Interest-free options available | No |
Touchscreen | 6.8-inch color display | 10-inch multi-touch display | 8-inch color display |
Motor Speed | Up to 10,700 rpm | Up to 10,700 rpm | Up to 5,500 rpm |
Heating Power | Heats up to 160°C | Heats up to 160°C | Heats up to 130°C |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi & Bluetooth® | Wi-Fi & Bluetooth® | Wi-Fi |
Dimensions | 34.1 cm (height), 32.6 cm (width), and 32.6 cm (depth), with a weight of 7.95 kg. | 25.3cm wide x 40.5 deep x 12.2 cm high with a weight of 8.6 kg. | 457 (L) x 290 (W) x 370 (H) mm, with a weight of 7.85 kg. |
Recipe Platform | Access to Cookidoo® with 100,000+ recipes | Access to Cookidoo® with 100,000+ recipes | Pre-installed recipes |
Smart Cooking | Guided Cooking with step-by-step instructions | Enhanced Guided Cooking with immersive experience | Automatic programs and video-guided cooking |
Advisor Support | Yes, through dedicated advisors | Yes, through dedicated advisors | No |
Additional Features | 28 cooking functions including sous-vide and slow cooking | 28 cooking functions. Redesigned Varoma with 45% more steaming space; silent motor; heat-insulated mixing bowl | Voice control with Google Assistant |
Warranty | 2-5 years | 2-5 years | 3 years |
*Finding full specifications—especially for the Lidl Monsieur Cuisine Smart—has been challenging, as the manufacturers have not provided detailed technical data on their official sites. This comparison is based on available information, but some key details may still be missing or unclear.
Irish Foodies Put Both Machines to the Test
This kitchen gadget debate has even caught the attention of Irish influencers. Gina Daly, known for her family-friendly meals, and Kathryn Thomas, a health and fitness advocate, both shared their experiences on Instagram:
📌 Gina Daly's Review
📌 Kathryn Thomas' Review
📌 Roisin Ingle's Review
Meanwhile, Irish Times columnist Roisin Ingle reviewed the Thermomix TM6, calling it a "game changer for home cooking", but acknowledging the high price tag. Read her full review here.
How I Use My Thermomix Daily
Owning a Thermomix is like having a personal chef. It’s not just about making fancy dishes; it’s about saving time, reducing effort, and ensuring consistent results.
🥑 Morning: Smoothies and porridge without supervision—I can take a shower while Thermomix stirs my oats without any risk of burning.
🥗 Lunch: Whether it’s chopping a fresh salad or making a soup in 20 minutes, I just add the ingredients, press start, and walk away.
🍛 Dinner: One of my favorite tricks is cooking curry and rice at the same time. Thermomix’s 3-level cooking system lets me prepare a sauce in the bowl while steaming rice and vegetables in the Varoma—meaning dinner is done with minimal effort and fewer dishes.
🍰 Dessert: From avocado chocolate mousse to homemade yoghurt with 2 litres of milk, and my latest favorite, the Love Persian Cake—Thermomix takes care of it all.
🧼 Easy Cleaning: The pre-clean function is a game-changer! The bowl washes itself, so I spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying my food.
If you want to see the Thermomix TM6 in action, let me share with you a demo I recorded when I was an advisor.
What Do Irish Chefs Say About Thermomix?
Many professional chefs in Ireland use Thermomix in their kitchens for its efficiency and precision. Renowned Irish chefs like Rachel Allen, Kevin Dundon, and Martin Shanahan have all embraced Thermomix for its ability to streamline cooking without sacrificing quality.
Want to see which other chefs in Ireland use Thermomix? Check out this list:🔗 Chefs Using Thermomix in Ireland
Is the Thermomix TM6 Worth the Extra €1,000?
While Lidl’s Monsieur Cuisine makes smart cooking more accessible at €499, the Thermomix TM6 is a premium investment that delivers:
✔️ Superior motor power for precise chopping, blending & kneading
✔️ Over 100,000 recipes with Cookidoo®'s Success Guarantee
✔️ Guided Cooking technology with real-time updates
✔️ More advanced cooking modes, including browning and sous-vide
✔️ Larger Varoma® for efficient steaming
✔️ Dedicated advisor support for lifetime assistance
Thermomix isn't just about the appliance—it's about the ecosystem. With live demos, expert advisors, and an engaged online community, owners get ongoing support, something Lidl’s standalone appliance lacks.
Having a Thermomix advisor is incredibly beneficial, even though you can absolutely use the machine on your own without a demo. The real value comes from having someone to ask questions, whether it's about troubleshooting, cooking tips, or making the most of the modes and features you might not have even considered.
Let’s be honest—who has time to go through everything in detail with the busy lives we lead? A good advisor can motivate you to try new recipes, experiment with different cooking styles, and make the most of your Thermomix.
Beyond that, there’s also the community aspect, which I personally love the most. Even though I’m no longer an advisor, I still get to be part of a group of like-minded people who share recipes, cooking ideas, and inspiration. Thanks to this, I’ve tried new cuisines, new ingredients, and different ways of cooking that I wouldn’t have discovered on my own. That’s the real magic of Thermomix—it's more than just a kitchen appliance; it’s a gateway to a whole new world of cooking!
Lidl’s Monsieur Cuisine: A "Lidlomix" That Might Not Last
Nicknamed the “Lidlomix” in Spain and Poland, Lidl’s Monsieur Cuisine has gained popularity among budget-conscious buyers. I am no longer an Independent Thermomix advisor, but over the years I have come across people who bought the Lidl version only to upgrade to a Thermomix later.
Why? Because they wanted more recipes, better performance, and an appliance that lasts.
If you don’t have the budget right now, definitely go for the Lidl Monsieur Cuisine Smart—it’s still a great step forward in your cooking journey. Not everyone will be ready to invest in a Thermomix, even with interest-free payments or the option to trial it as an advisor, and that’s completely okay! Just be aware of the downsides when making your decision. Either way, you’re stepping into a new way of cooking, and that’s something to be excited about—welcome to the smarter, healthier home cooking family! I know you will love it.
Thermomix TM7: Available for Pre-Order Now with Interest-Free Payments & a Chance to Earn It for Free!
💡 Good news! You don’t need to pay €1,499 upfront—both Thermomix TM6 and TM7 can be purchased in Ireland with an interest-free payment plan.
✅ Spread the cost over 12 months
If you're unsure whether to buy a Thermomix or a Monsieur Cuisine, you can become a Thermomix advisor and try it in your own kitchen first! As an advisor, you’ll have the chance to use the Thermomix at home and even earn one for free, depending on how many sales you make within a set time period. It's a great way to experience the appliance before making a decision!
✨ TM7 is now available for pre-order! Advisors will have demo units soon, but in the meantime, you can read my full comparison of TM6 vs. TM7 here:🔗 Thermomix TM7 Review & Features vs TM6
Final Thoughts: Lidl vs. Thermomix—Which One Wins?
If you’re new to smart cooking, Lidl’s Monsieur Cuisine Smart is a decent budget-friendly choice. But if you’re looking for long-term value, advanced cooking features, and expert support, Thermomix TM6 or TM7 is in a league of its own.
🚗 Why drive a Fiat Punto when you could have a Ferrari? Both will get you to your destination, but the experience is worlds apart.
👩🍳 Curious about which smart cooker is right for you? Let’s chat! What’s the most important thing you want from your kitchen appliance?
Want to See Thermomix in Action?
💡 Interested in seeing how Thermomix can transform your cooking? I can connect you with a Thermomix advisor in Ireland for a free demo.
📩 Message me, and I’ll introduce you to someone who can help!
What do you think? Let’s keep the conversation going—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I hope you found this review helpful. Remember, while I'm not selling the machine, I'm here to connect you with the right people so you can make the most of your cooking experience with ongoing support after your investment. Contact me in Whatsapp or email me sara.demiguel@hotmail.com
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