Magimix Cook Expert XL is targeting the premium segment of multi-functional food processors. Faced with the dominance of the Thermomix TM6 and TM7 and the arrival of aggressive challengers like Lidl's Monsieur Cuisine Connect, the French brand is responding with an ambitious appliance: a 4.8-liter bowl, the largest on the market, an 1800-watt motor, and optional Bluetooth connectivity via a smart kit. Priced at €1496, this food processor is aimed at experienced cooks seeking performance and versatility. But does this high-end strategy stand up to scrutiny? Between technical excellence and questionable ergonomic choices, we tested this direct competitor to the Thermomix TM7 to determine its true value.
Design and ergonomics: French robustness and a few compromises
The Magimix Cook Expert XL Connected boasts generous dimensions: 38 cm high, 33.5 cm wide, and 39 cm deep. Weighing in at 11.14 kg, it stands out as one of the largest food processors Thermomix TM7, which weighs only 8.6 kg. This substantial weight reflects a robust construction, typical of Magimix's French expertise, but it also raises practical questions for those with limited counter space.
The gleaming 4.8-liter stainless steel bowl is the key selling point of this new generation. It's 1.3 liters larger than the previous model (3.5 liters) and now allows you to prepare meals for eight people, an unmatched capacity in its segment. However, this increased volume comes at the cost of added weight: the bowl alone weighs 2.3 kg when empty. Equipped with only one side handle, it becomes difficult to handle when full, whereas a double-handle system would have made pouring hot preparations much easier.
The control panel, located on the front, has gaps that can trap food residue. This detail can complicate daily cleaning and contrasts with the cleaner, more streamlined design of competitors' fully flat touchscreens. The on/off switch is located on the back, in a low position, an inconvenient placement for frequent use.
The 4.3-inch touchscreen is disappointingly small, the same size as the Thermomix TM5, while the TM7 now boasts a 10-inch screen. On a device sold at this price, this limitation is surprising and hinders the readability of information, particularly when following complex recipes.
Accessories and modularity: a wealth of options
Magimix partially compensates for questionable ergonomic choices with an exceptionally comprehensive set of accessories. The Magimix Cook Expert XL comes with an impressive collection of accessories: several plastic bowls for chopping vegetables, discs for grating and slicing, a steam basket with a rack, whisks for whipping egg whites, an XL dough hook, a large universal knife, two spatulas (one plastic, one metal with a rubber tip) and even an integrated scraper under a cover for cleaning cooking residue.
This modularity transforms the culinary Swiss Army knife , capable of serving as a stand mixer, steamer, professional blender, and multi-functional food processor. Each accessory boasts a meticulous finish and robust materials, perfectly in line with the brand's reputation for quality.
The downside of this abundance? A significant need for storage space. Small kitchens will struggle to accommodate all these items, and the proliferation of accessories may discourage adoption by users seeking ease of use.
Technical performance test: precision and power delivered
In terms of pure performance, the Magimix Cook Expert XL justifies its premium positioning. The 1800-watt motor delivers increased power compared to the previous generation (1700 watts), although the Thermomix TM7 now surpasses it with its 2000 watts. The blades rotate at a maximum speed estimated at around 7000 rpm, a figure which, while not matching the TM7's 10700 rpm, remains more than sufficient for achieving remarkably smooth blends.
The temperature range extends from 30°C to 160°C, with 18 rotation speeds available. Our laboratory tests have confirmed the appliance's thermal accuracy: measured deviations from the displayed temperatures never exceed 2°C, guaranteeing perfectly controlled cooking. This consistency is particularly valuable for delicate preparations such as custards, chocolate tempering, or low-temperature cooking.
Noise level is a relative weakness. Averaging 74 decibels during normal operation, the Cook Expert is significantly louder than the Thermomix TM7 (50 decibels on average). During intensive mixing, the noise can reach levels comparable to the Monsieur Cuisine Connect from Lidl (83 decibels maximum), making conversation difficult in an open-plan kitchen.
Steam cooking tests reveal a significant limitation: the lack of an equivalent to the Thermomix Varoma. The included steaming basket has a smaller capacity and doesn't allow for the layered cooking that is a key strength of the competing system. For families wishing to steam vegetables and protein simultaneously, this restriction is a considerable drawback.
Cooking modes and versatility: 15 functions to unleash your creativity
The Magimix Cook Expert XL offers 15 automatic cooking modes, compared to 21 for the Thermomix TM7 . Notable omissions include a fermentation function for homemade yogurt, a controlled dough rising mode, and certain advanced steam cooking functions. These omissions don't hinder experienced users, who can manually adjust time and temperature settings, but they do deprive the appliance of some of the automation that makes its competitors so popular with the general public.
The integrated programs cover the essentials: kneading bread dough, emulsifying sauces, slow cooking, cold blending, and controlled cooking. The machine particularly excels in preparations requiring precise temperature monitoring. During our tests, we easily made creamy risottos, homemade jams, and velvety soups.
The robot's versatility is limited by its user interface. Without step-by-step guidance integrated into the screen, the user must juggle between the printed recipe book (with over 300 recipes) , the smartphone app, and the automatic programs. This fragmented experience contrasts sharply with the unified approach of the Thermomix, where everything is managed through the central screen.
Bluetooth connectivity: a half-measure that raises questions
The major new feature of this model is Bluetooth connectivity, offered via the Smart Connect kit. This optional kit (included in the launch offer until December 14, 2019, then sold separately at an undisclosed price) includes two items: a Bluetooth dongle to be attached under the motor unit and two connected scales (one standard and one XL).
The principle: place the XL scale under the Magimix Cook Expert XL , use the tare function to simulate a built-in scale, and connect everything to the Magimix app to follow step-by-step recipes from your smartphone. Cooking information (temperature, time, speed) can be sent directly to the appliance from the app, eliminating the need for manual input.
This ingenious solution, while technically sound, quickly reveals its practical limitations. The robot/scale stacking system works, but it multiplies the number of devices to handle. The requirement to use a smartphone in the kitchen, in a sometimes humid and messy environment, is a drawback for some users. Certain phone models are not resistant to splashes and heat, raising questions about practicality and durability.
Above all, this approach appears to be a minimal response to the giant screens and integrated scales of its competitors. Where Thermomix, Lidl, and others offer a unified and autonomous experience, Magimix imposes an additional technological dependency. For a food processor costing €1496, this choice is surprising and reinforces the impression of a device designed for a previous generation, salvaged at the last minute by external connectivity.
The smart scale itself works perfectly, with gram-level accuracy that's valuable for technical recipes. Powered by batteries (included), it communicates with the app without any perceptible lag. However, it's an additional accessory that needs to be stored, recharged, and maintained.
Software interface and user experience: intended for experts
The Magimix app, available on iOS and Android, provides access to a regularly updated recipe library. The clear and intuitive interface allows you to filter by dish type, preparation time, or available ingredients. Each recipe details the necessary ingredients, accessories, and step-by-step instructions.
Once the recipe is launched from the app, the cooking parameters are transmitted to the robot via Bluetooth. The user confirms each step on their smartphone, and the appliance automatically adjusts the temperature and speed. This system prevents input errors and speeds up the process, but it confines the user to a passive role where the smartphone becomes the primary interface.
The lack of step-by-step guidance directly on the robot's screen is the major drawback of this generation. The automatic programs, accessible via physical buttons, lack contextual explanations. A novice user will find themselves at a loss with the unclear pictograms, whereas the Thermomix displays text, photos, and animations to accompany each step.
This usage philosophy clearly positions the Magimix Cook Expert XL connected as a tool for experienced cooks , comfortable reading traditional recipes and capable of mastering manual settings. Beginners or those seeking comprehensive guidance will more naturally gravitate towards more instructional solutions.
Maintenance and durability: designed to last
Daily maintenance of the Magimix Cook Expert XL is relatively simple, despite the number of accessories. The stainless steel bowl is dishwasher-safe, as are most of the removable parts. The lid seals can be removed for thorough cleaning, preventing the buildup of residue.
The main blade is easily removed via a locking ring, allowing for thorough cleaning of the bowl. This step, recommended after each use, quickly becomes routine. The plastic accessories can be washed with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The control panel, with its crevices, requires special attention. A wipe with a damp sponge after use prevents splashes from becoming ingrained, but the nooks and crannies remain difficult to access for thorough cleaning.
Magimix offers a two-year warranty on its product, with a renowned and responsive after-sales service in France. Its robust construction suggests a lifespan of several years, even decades, in keeping with the tradition of the brand's multi-functional food processors. Spare parts remain readily available long after purchase, facilitating repairs.
Value for money and market positioning: technical excellence at a premium price
At €1496 for the Connected model with Smart Connect kit (introductory offer), the Magimix is among the most expensive multi-functional food processors on the French market. The XL version with a 4.8-liter bowl and no connectivity is available for €1600, just €100 more.
This pricing strategy is justified by several factors: French manufacturing (an advantage over the German-made Thermomix), impeccable build quality, unparalleled bowl capacity, and a generous range of accessories. For buyers who value French-made products and their durability, these arguments carry significant weight.
However, a comparison with the competition reveals shortcomings that are difficult to accept at this price point. The Thermomix TM7, for just €103 more (€1599), offers a 10-inch screen, a 2000-watt motor, 21 cooking modes, a Varoma system for layered steaming, and native software integration without any external dependencies. The Thermomix TM6, nearing the end of its production run, sells for around €1400, making it less expensive. Lidl's Monsieur Cuisine Connect, priced at €359, comes standard with a touchscreen and built-in scales for a quarter of the price, while also offering step-by-step guidance.
At €1496, the Magimix Cook Expert XL finds itself in a delicate position: too expensive to significantly differentiate itself from direct competitors, yet too limited ergonomically to justify such a high price. The price difference of only €103 with the Thermomix TM7 puts the two appliances in direct competition, and the Thermomix wins out on several key points (screen, integration, automatic modes).
The Magimix Cook Expert XL is therefore aimed at a very specific profile: the experienced cook who highly values French culinary expertise, has a spacious kitchen, and is willing to sacrifice certain ergonomic innovations for the sake of durability and bowl capacity. For this niche market, Magimix's impeccable technical performance and legendary robustness justify the expense. However, for most buyers, the price-to-performance ratio seems unbalanced compared to the Thermomix TM7, which is nearly the same price but offers superior features.
Recipes tested: from pizza dough to creamy risotto
To assess the Magimix Cook Expert XL's real-world capabilities under everyday use, we prepared several recipes representing varying levels of complexity. These tests allowed us to evaluate cooking precision, the ease of use of the connected app, and the final results.
Cherry tomato risotto: precision and creaminess
Risotto is an excellent test for a food processor, as it requires a stable temperature, constant stirring, and precise monitoring of the liquid level. Our recipe included 320g of rice, 750g of water, 100ml of white wine, one stock cube, 100ml of heavy cream, 100g of Parmesan cheese, as well as the usual onion, garlic, shallot, and herbs.
The first step involved blending the Parmesan for 30 seconds at speed 15 using the universal blade. The result was remarkable: the cheese was transformed into a fine, homogeneous powder, perfect for garnishing the final dish. This ultra-fine blending capability is a testament to the power of the 1800-watt motor.
After chopping the onion, garlic, and shallot (10 seconds at speed 13), we added the butter and olive oil before cooking for 3 minutes at speed 2A (alternative) at 100°C. This pre-cooking phase allows the aromatics to develop without the risk of them sticking to the bottom of the bowl.
Adding the rice requires 2 minutes of sautéing at speed 4 and 100°C before incorporating the water, white wine, stock, and seasoning. The main cooking phase then takes place in expert mode for 18 minutes at speed 2A (alternating) and 100°C. This gentle rotation ensures even stirring without breaking the rice grains.
Two minutes before the end of cooking, we added the crème fraîche and grated Parmesan through the lid opening, without interrupting the cooking process. The final result is impressive: a perfectly creamy risotto with al dente grains and a smooth texture. The double-walled pot's keep-warm function allows you to serve it up to two hours after preparation without any loss of quality.
Homemade pizza dough: kneading and connectivity put to the test
Preparing pizza dough is another revealing test, this time utilizing the XL dough hook and the kneading function. This recipe also demonstrates the use of the connected app and the Bluetooth scale included in the Smart Connect kit.
Thanks to the Magimix app, we were able to weigh the ingredients directly in the bowl using the connected scale, without having to get out a separate scale or convert the measurements. The app then automatically sends the kneading parameters to the mixer (temperature, time, speed), eliminating the need for manual input and the potential for errors.
Kneading is done with the XL dough hook, which replaces the universal blade. The powerful motor generates sufficient force to knead the dough until it reaches a smooth and elastic texture. The resting phase can take place directly in the bowl, protected by the airtight lid.
Once the dough is ready, the app guides you through the next steps: stretching, topping, and baking. While the Cook Expert obviously can't bake the pizza itself, it significantly simplifies the traditionally tedious process of preparing the dough. The result: a light, airy, and perfectly cooked pizza base.
Rinse program: simplified maintenance
Beyond cooking, we tested the automatic rinsing function, which is particularly handy after greasy or messy preparations. The principle is simple: pour hot water up to the steam cooking level (optionally with a drop of dish soap), then start the rinsing program via the touchscreen or the app in control mode.
The robot then performs a high-speed mixing cycle for a few minutes, loosening any residue stuck to the bottom and sides. The result is impeccable, with a perfectly clean bowl requiring only a simple wash in the dishwasher. The blade is easily detached via the nut located under the bowl, and the lid seal is removed using the spatula provided.
These real-world tests confirm the Cook Expert's technical qualities: precise temperature control, powerful mixing, controlled cooking performance, and ease of maintenance. The connected app provides real convenience for weighing ingredients and transmitting settings, even if it doesn't compensate for the lack of step-by-step guidance integrated into the screen. For cooks comfortable with traditional recipes, the appliance demonstrates remarkable versatility and delivers results worthy of its premium positioning.
✔ Record tank capacity of 4.8 litres , ideal for large gatherings.
✔ Exemplary thermal accuracy (deviations less than 2°C).
✔ Quality of mixing and finesse of preparations.
✔ Made in France and with legendary robust construction.
✔ Exceptionally complete set of accessories (more than 10 items).
✔ Powerful 1800 watt motor for all preparations.
✔ Durable and easy-to-clean stainless steel tank .
✔ Reputable after-sales service and availability of spare parts.
✖ Priced at €1,496, among the highest on the market.
✖ Screen size of only 4.3 inches , too small for comfortable use.
✖ No built-in scale , replaced by an inconvenient external kit.
✖ No step-by-step guidance directly on the robot's screen.
✖ Optional Bluetooth connectivity , requiring a smartphone in the kitchen.
✖ Weight of 11.14 kg and significant bulk.
✖ Heavy 2.3 kg tub with a single side handle.
✖ High noise level of 74 decibels on average.
✖ No Varoma system for stacked steam cooking.
✖ Only 15 cooking modes compared to 21 for the Thermomix TM7.
✖ Control panel with gaps to retain residue.
✖ Fragmented software interface (book, application, screen).
Our opinion: technical excellence hampered by problematic pricing.
The Magimix Cook Expert Connected fully deserves its five stars from a purely technical standpoint. Its cooking performance, precise temperature control, excellent blending quality, and robust construction place this food processor at the top of its class. The record-breaking 4.8-liter capacity and the wide range of included accessories will appeal to large families and discerning cooking enthusiasts.
However, several design choices raise questions for a product launched in the late 2010s. The 4.3-inch screen looks tiny compared to the large touchscreens of its competitors. The lack of integrated scales , clumsily compensated for by an external kit, reveals Magimix's reluctance to fundamentally rethink its product. Far from modernizing the experience, the Bluetooth connectivity adds a layer of complexity and an unconvincing reliance on a smartphone.
The €1496 price tag puts the Cook Expert in an uncomfortable position compared to its competitors. At just €103 less than the Thermomix TM7 (€1599) , the choice becomes obvious for most buyers: the Thermomix offers a screen twice as large , more automatic modes, better software integration, and the Varoma system for only slightly more money. Compared to Lidl's Monsieur Cuisine Connect , sold for €359, the €1137 price difference seems enormous for similar basic features.
Magimix must be careful not to fall behind in a rapidly changing technological market. Aggressive challengers like Lidl are democratizing access to connected food processors, while Thermomix is innovating. The Cook Expert's half-hearted response, with its optional connectivity and small screen, won't be enough for long against competitors who offer better products for less or only slightly more.
However, this robot remains a justifiable investment for a very specific type of cook: the experienced chef who values French craftsmanship, durability, and an extra-large bowl capacity . Experienced cooks, comfortable with manual settings and less inclined towards touchscreens, will find the Cook Expert a reliable companion for decades to come. But at €1496, it becomes difficult to recommend it without significant reservations, especially compared to the Thermomix TM7, which objectively offers more for almost the same price. Magimix will absolutely need to offer a genuine ergonomic revolution and a significant price reduction in future generations to remain competitive.
A very good food processor that borders on technical excellence, but its price is prohibitive and its positioning against the Thermomix TM7 is difficult to justify. Magimix needs to innovate.
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