Optimum ThermoCook
Good Points
- 15 auto programs, 10 speed levels plus pulse.
- Temperature heats up to 120°C.
- Easy to assemble and disassemble. Parts fit fairly easily and there is not too many parts.
- Ability to adjust time / speed and temp without stopping / pausing the machine.
- Measuring cup twists and locks into lid.
- Graded measurements inside jug.
- Bowl can heat without speed function.
- Pre programmed settings are easy to follow however still need to refer to recipe for prompting.
- Small steamer basket can be safely removed using spatula.
- Push buttons are sealed and easy to wipe over.
- The unit will not operate if the bowl is not securely added to the main unit.
- You cannot use the pulse function if the temperature in the bowl is over 60°C.
- You can only adjust the speed up to level 4 if the temperature is set to, or reaches over 60°C. If the unit is working at a higher speed, it will drop to level 4 automatically when it reaches temperature.
- If unit left idle for 10minutes after pre-set program completion, machine will turn off automatically.
- Ability to programme and record your own custom made settings for future use.
- You can only adjust the speed up to level 4 if the temperature is set to, or reaches over 60°C.
Bad Points
- This model is not recommended as it fails safety requirements: While the lid locks onto the jug it can be incorrectly locked onto jug around pouring lip, yet still allow you to operate. This is unsafe as hot liquids can spill out.
- Only OK for ease of use.
- Only OK for cooking a stew, risotto making mayonnaise and sorbet.
- Machine can jolt on bench when mixing heavy loads.
- Need to refer to manual initially for correct sequence and to understand the symbols.
- Small on/off button at rear of unit, not sealed.
- Lid twists and locks onto jug. Need to lock lid to operate unit, however the lid can be incorrectly locked onto jug around pouring lip, yet still allow you to operate, this is unsafe as hot liquids can spill out.
- Spatula cannot be used to assist stirring / pushing ingredients from side of jug walls during processing due to no protective shield.
- Unit shakes with heavy load, need to keep watch during mixing and can move along the bench.
- No cord storage.
- Jug vibrates in unit with a high setting.
- May not be able to process small quantities as blade sits high in bowl.
- Recipes provided in the instruction book may need modification, additional processing time required.
- Difficult to remove ingredients around blade, can loose / waste ingredients.
- Scales not integrated, small surface area on scale, larger bowls can restrict display.
- Exterior: has some cracks and crevices where bowl sits on the base, a hole in the cavity drains any spills. OK to wipe out cavity.
- Only accessories are dishwasher safe, not the blending bowl or blade.
- Food becomes trapped under spindle and can be difficult to remove.
- Some cracks and crevices around control dial where dirt and grime can accumulate.
- Exterior of jug is brushed stainless steel and fairly easy to clean, may show fingerprints.
- Baked-on / burnt food can be difficult to clean from the bottom of the jug.
- Strong smelling foods can leave the jug smelling need to use bicarb soda to remove any odours.
- Butterfly whisk can be difficult to clean with food getting in cracks and crevices.
- Rubber seal around lid is not to be removed. Damage to the seal may require replacing the lid.
- When removing the blade care needs to be taken not to loose small locking piece.
- Uneven base heating, noticeable burning on front base area of the jug.
- Very noisy during processing on high speed.
- Exterior can become dangerously hot.
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