Forum Thermomix

Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Suggestions and Complaints => Topic started by: sunshiine on February 29, 2012, 03:46:46 am

Title: Scales don't function properly
Post by: sunshiine on February 29, 2012, 03:46:46 am
Does anyone else have this problem?

The measuring scales of the thermomix, are very touchy and jump back and forth.   Depending on whether I step closer to the cupboard the TM is on, or back, of if one of my children approaches the TM, the scales can shift up to 30g either way!!

Now that is not very reassuring when measuring items carefully, as we have no idea just how much of any item has gone in.

If I step away to get another ingredient, when I return, the scales have changed again.

Strangely, I noticed this happening at my friend's house also, when the TM Rep was demonstrating the TM for us all.   The scales would drop down, each time someone moved closer to watch her.

Why is this and what can we do to fix it?   Does anyone know?   (thanks!)
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: dede on February 29, 2012, 03:55:23 am
They really shouldn't change at all sunshine unless something is touching the TM. Do you have the cord pulled out all the way? Is the TM on a stable surface? Make sure the cord isn't under the feet of the TM. And check that the feet of the TM is clean and dosnt have any bits of food etc stuck to them. If all else fails I would contact your consultant. I have never had problems with mine unless one of the things I mentioned had happened. Let us know how you go.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: cookie1 on February 29, 2012, 05:27:36 am
Dede has covered it all as far as I know. Just check that everything is stable and the feet clean. Your MC should weigh 25-30g, but then if the scales are jumping round that isn't any help.  Make sure nothing is touching the machine anywhere as this can unbalance it too.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: AmandaN on February 29, 2012, 06:29:11 am
Happens to me too!  Our's is something to do with the structure of the bench I think.  If I push down on the bench it will change the weight.  SO I particularly have to be careful with weighing things like Baker's flour if I have the big bag, to not rest it on the bench, or put it on the bench and then set the scales.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: Katya on February 29, 2012, 08:23:25 am
I found I was losing confidence in my TM scales so now don't use them and use a set of digital scales which sit on the bench next to the machine.   The added advantage is that I can weigh in 1g intervals rather than 5g as with the TMX

This works well for me and I don't mind that I am not using one of the functions of the TMX - the rest of the functions are all so wonderful..... and I don't have to worry about keeping my feet clean (or rather the machine's feet  :D :D)
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: Moo2 on February 29, 2012, 08:30:46 am
I do the same as you Katya. For any baking recipes I use my digital scales and for anything where weight isn't critical I use the TMX scales.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: courton on February 29, 2012, 10:01:51 am
I find the weight is , on average, off by 20-30 gms!!
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: judydawn on February 29, 2012, 10:13:46 am
I was pouring something into mine yesterday and things just didn't look right.  I then discovered my machine was sitting on the cord.  Once I removed it, I weighed the MC to check things had settled down and was happy when 25g came up. I was also told by a GL not to drag the machine over the bench, to lift it each time it is moved so as not to damage the scales.
It sounds as if some of you have other forces in your kitchen if your scales are doing weird things, have you tried moving the machine to a different part of the bench?
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: AmandaN on February 29, 2012, 12:05:00 pm
There is really only one other spot I could try..........might think about how to rearrange things and test it out.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: sunshiine on February 29, 2012, 02:12:23 pm
Thank you to everyone for your feedback and replies.
I was almost glad to hear that some others have the same issues, so I know it's not "just me".
Thanks also for all the "hints" though none of them resolved this issue.
I don't have the cord trapped under the machine or anything leaning on it....but I do live in an old house with floorboards and limited bench space.   It seems sensitive to any movement - at times, it really feels like it is sensitive to human presence!
So definitely unreliable in so far as measuring accurately.
Maybe I need to hold my breath while pouring ingredients in!
Thank you again for the responses - and don't read this wrong, I love my TM....I just don't much like this idiosyncracy!

cheers!
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: Frozzie on February 29, 2012, 02:52:42 pm
Doesnt sound normal to me.. It shouldnt be doing this.. If i was you i would contact head office (directly not via your consultant) and see what they say.. Scales definately shouldnt be moving because someone approaches the machine.. Hope you sort it out
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: andiesenji on February 29, 2012, 07:27:40 pm
Mine has never scaled properly and the cord is fully extended, the TM is dead on level and everything is clean.
I also have the problem of the heat controls being off - it gets hotter than the settings indicate.

A friend who understands electrical appliances has told me that it is likely because of the conversion from 220 to 120 voltage and I should just learn to live with it, as long as it is operating well otherwise.  Since this is a problem only in America, I doubt it is the cause of problems in other areas. 

So I use a probe thermometer, via a hole I drilled in the flange of the spatula and I use one of my digital baker's scales to weigh everything. 

Even with these (to me) minor inconveniences, the TM31 is a very efficient addition to my kitchen and I wouldn't part with it.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: dede on February 29, 2012, 07:45:03 pm
Gee sunshine don't hold your breath for to long. Might pay to pre chop things before you weigh them so your not holding your breath for to long lol.
Or Maybe forget using the scales on your TM altogether and use a separate scales to do the weighing got you.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: Deniser on February 29, 2012, 10:11:05 pm
I too had similar problems.  Had a builder at my house recently (nothing exciting - new range hood) and he cut me a piece of board just a little bigger than the TMX - this now makes it easier to move as I can slide the whole thing back or pull it towards me without having to lift the TMX.  Also seems to have made the whole weighing thing much more stable.  Nothing gets under the feet as the TMX is not really being moved - just the board.  Hope this might help.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: dede on March 01, 2012, 01:00:50 am
Hi deniser, I too had my TM on a board to make it easier to move it back and forward but then I discovered that when I'm kneading dough the TM moves too much and was at risk of falling off the board and possible the bench  So I decided to take the board away just incase something bad happened. Just be very careful when kneading.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: Deniser on March 01, 2012, 01:37:29 am
Thanks for that advice Dede - I will take care.  I have a very wide bench and is usually pushed right back but you are right it does tend to dance around a bit.  Will not leave it while kneading - it is usually not for a long time anyway so not a big ask.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: sunshiine on March 01, 2012, 02:22:40 am
LOL...yes, won't be holding my breath....... 
I did start to worry that my weight on the floorboards was throwing out the scales on the TM up on the cupboard  haha!
But I did witness the same thing happening when the consultant did a demon at a friend's house (with her own TM) and so I know it's not just me or my situation.

Thanks again for all the ideas and suggestions....much appreciated.   I think the TM company need to address this.   In the meantime, best I get myself some kitchen scales.   (smiles)
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: cookie1 on March 01, 2012, 05:52:51 am
I remember speaking to someone somewhere who had put her TMX onto a large, thin cutting mat. That way she could slide, rather than lift the machine and it didn't have more than a mm to fall if it came off the mat. I tend to lift mine to the front of the bench to use and lift it back when I'm finished.
I'm very glad that my scales don't wibble and wobble. :-\
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: mcmich on May 08, 2012, 08:19:38 am
My thermomix scales aren't very accurate either. When I weigh on the digital scales there is a 10-20gm difference.
I don't worry too much if just baking a simple cake or muffins but it matters with some of the more complex pastry recipes.
I then only use the digital scales.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: meganjane on July 02, 2012, 08:27:36 am
I had a bit of trouble with my scales a while back. They seemed about 30g out. I cleaned up the feet and moved the TMX to a different spot in the kitchen and they're OK now.

I've never had the issue that deniser is talking about, though I notice it does happen in my workshop with my very expensive scales. The bench top is stainless steel and if I put a heavy item such as a drum of oil down, it affects the scales.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: melconyers on July 07, 2012, 12:01:42 am
I have just found that my scales are playing up and am now also using a digital scale. I will check the benchtop to see if that is the problem
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: cecilia on July 07, 2012, 02:26:32 am
Hi melconyers.  Welcome.  If you suspect your scales are playing up, there's no need to suffer in silence.  Contact your consultant and while you are waiting for his/her attention, re-read the manual in the section all about the scales.  And breathe deeply. Then come back and tell us, as I'm sure your problem can be resolved.  :)
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: Bethwood on July 09, 2012, 04:47:37 am
I've had the same problem as well. Mostly when I try to measure very small amounts. I have mine on an island type bench so I wonder if that's the problem. I've made sure that the feet are clean etc and no cords are in the way so I'm not sure what's going on. I'll have to try it on the actual kitchen bench. It's frustrating because it doesn't happen every single time.

Beth
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: cookie1 on July 09, 2012, 05:41:35 am
I'm sure I read somewhere that small amounts are best weighed another way.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: fundj&e on July 09, 2012, 06:16:06 am
welcome to the forum Beth, pop over to Introduce Yourself on the home page and say hi  ;D
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: berringamababe on July 10, 2012, 01:18:28 pm
I find my scales don't work very well either I just add a little extra and sometimes I can weight the same thing a few times with a different weight each time.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: sunnyzoë on August 15, 2012, 03:40:38 pm
This is happening to me too. I had suspected for a while that the scales weren't particularly accurate, and then one day when my daughter leaned on the table, I saw the scale reading change.

I have figured out that it is a combination of a table that does move slightly when weight is placed on it (heavy bag of flour, or someone leaning on it) and also I think even the floorboards.

Pretty annoying, as I'm not keen to have to use separate scales, and to move the TMX to the actual kitchen bench (rather than the table) would place it in a very inconvenient spot :(
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: judydawn on August 16, 2012, 01:31:01 am
I think a bench is a far more stable place than a table for the Thermomix sunnyzoe but at least you are aware of the problem and it looks like you might have to get some separate scales if the table is the place you want to be using the TMX.  Not so important with savoury dishes but for cakes etc, the weight of ingredients needs to be more accurate.
Title: Re: Scales don't function properly
Post by: cookie1 on August 16, 2012, 04:35:15 am
I find that I have to be careful in the caravan when using the scales. No one is allowed to move or it upsets them. I think it is just the floor moving or in the case of the van, the whole thing as you climb in and out.