Thermomix without Cookidoo? Choice or obligatory?

People who are considering buying a Thermomix often ask one important question very early on: am I required to take out a Cookidoo subscription as well?

This concern is completely understandable. A Thermomix is a significant investment, and no one wants to feel tied to additional obligations or recurring costs.

No, a Cookidoo subscription is not mandatory in order to use a Thermomix.

The Thermomix functions fully as a kitchen appliance even without a subscription. Cookidoo is an optional service that you may choose to use, but it is not a required component. That is why it is worth looking at this topic calmly, honestly and without any commercial pressure.

In this article, you will learn:

• what Cookidoo actually is,

• how Thermomix works without a subscription,

• the main advantages and disadvantages of Cookidoo,

• who Cookidoo may be useful for — and who it may not be.

What is Cookidoo with Thermomix?

Cookidoo is the official digital cooking platform for Thermomix. It is a recipe and planning environment that is directly connected to the Thermomix screen. With an active Cookidoo subscription, you gain access to a very extensive collection of guided recipes from different cuisines around the world.

The recipes are displayed step by step on the Thermomix screen, while the device automatically sets the correct temperature, time and speed. In addition, Cookidoo offers features such as weekly meal planning, personal recipe collections and automatic shopping lists.

In short, Cookidoo offers:

• guided cooking directly on the Thermomix screen,

• a large international recipe database,

• meal planning and shopping lists,

• regular updates and new recipes.

It is important to note that Cookidoo is not required to use a Thermomix. The appliance works fully even without a subscription.

Using Thermomix without Cookidoo

A Thermomix without Cookidoo remains a powerful and versatile kitchen appliance. You can cook manually by setting the temperature, time and speed yourself, just as you would with other kitchen equipment — but with many more functions combined in one device.

For people who are used to cooking with their own recipes, cookbooks or experience, this way of working often feels very natural. You retain full control over the cooking process and complete freedom to adjust and improvise.

Cooking without Cookidoo means, among other things:

• setting parameters manually (time, temperature, speed),

• cooking by intuition or with your own recipes,

• maximum flexibility and freedom,

• no subscription costs.

For experienced home cooks, a Cookidoo subscription is therefore not necessary to make full use of the Thermomix.

Why do many users still choose Cookidoo?

Although Cookidoo is not mandatory, many Thermomix users still choose to activate the subscription. This is mainly because Cookidoo makes cooking simpler and more structured.

Guided cooking means you do not have to think as much about order, settings and quantities. Especially in a busy everyday life, this can be experienced as very convenient. For some people, it lowers the barrier to cooking at home more often.

In addition, Cookidoo provides access to a large amount of inspiration. For those who regularly cook the same meals or struggle with meal planning, this can be a clear added value.

Commonly mentioned reasons for using Cookidoo include:

• reduced mental load while cooking,

• a clear and structured cooking process,

• constant access to new inspiration,

• support with planning and preparation.

Benefits of Cookidoo for private users

For private users, the main value of Cookidoo lies in convenience and structure. After a long working day, it can be a relief not to have to decide what to cook. Choosing a recipe and following the steps brings calm and clarity into the kitchen.

Beginner Thermomix users often experience Cookidoo as a learning tool. Guided cooking helps them get to know the appliance, discover new functions and build confidence in using it. This reduces the chance that the Thermomix ends up unused in a cupboard and instead becomes part of everyday cooking.

Families often mention the planning aspect as a major benefit. Weekly menus and shopping lists help maintain overview and make grocery shopping more efficient, which in practice can contribute to less food waste.

For private users, this often means:

• quicker decisions about what to cook,

• less stress in daily cooking,

• more variety on the table,

• better organisation for families.

Drawbacks and points to consider

To provide a realistic picture, it is important to also mention the downsides. Cookidoo is a paid subscription, and not everyone is comfortable with ongoing annual costs on top of the Thermomix purchase.

Additionally, guided cooking can feel restrictive for some users. Those who enjoy cooking freely and intuitively adding ingredients may find following fixed steps less flexible.

Finally, Cookidoo is simply not necessary for everyone. People who have been cooking independently for many years and have little need for new recipes or planning tools may hardly use the subscription at all.

Key points to consider include:

• annual subscription costs,

• less room for improvisation,

• not always relevant for experienced cooks.

Cookidoo for business users

For business users, such as those running cooking workshops, demonstrations or catering services, Cookidoo is often evaluated differently. In a professional context, consistency plays a major role.

Guided recipes ensure that dishes are reproducible and that different people can cook according to the same method. Cookidoo also supports preparation and timing, which is important when working with groups or under time pressure.

For business use, Cookidoo mainly offers:

• consistent results,

• clear preparation and planning,

• support during demonstrations and workshops,

• reduced risk of errors.

Is a Cookidoo subscription needed? 

The short and honest answer remains: no, a Cookidoo subscription is not mandatory. The Thermomix can be used fully and comfortably without a subscription, and for some users this is even the most enjoyable way of cooking.

For others, Cookidoo provides additional convenience, inspiration and structure. The difference lies not so much in what you can cook, but in how you want to organise cooking in your daily life.

The choice mainly depends on:

• your cooking experience,

• how much structure you prefer,

• how much time you want to spend on planning.

Conclusion 

Anyone wondering whether a Cookidoo subscription is needed should mainly look at their own situation. How much time do you want to spend planning? How much freedom do you enjoy in cooking? And how valuable is step-by-step guidance and inspiration to you?

Cookidoo is not a mandatory part of the Thermomix, but an additional option. For some, it is a clear added value; for others, it is unnecessary. That freedom of choice is exactly what makes the Thermomix so attractive for many people.

In this blog you can read more about Cookidoo.