Forum Thermomix
Questions Doubts and Requests => Questions? Technical Issues? The Survival Guide => Topic started by: cjdlperry on December 21, 2012, 08:31:50 am
-
I just went to grate up some cheese & TM made a really strange sound. I didn't have very much in there but thought maybe some was stuck on the blades so I took half of the cheese out & tried again. The blades looked like they were spinning around but not fast. So then I tried with just some frozen bread to see if the cheese was the problem. Still really weird sounding noise from TM. When I took the cheese out the top part of the blades (round bit above the blades) felt really hot & the cheese had something black on it, like grease. My TM is just turned 2 last month & I haven't seen my consultant since I bought it. I hope they will still fix it under warranty. What should I do? Tomorrow I am leaving to go on holidays on the Gold Coast & was going to take TM with me but now it looks like I will not be using it this holiday period.
-
I am no consultant cjdiperry but I think you have "stripped your blades".Contact HO or your consultant for advice.
Read this post (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=10741.0) and see if there is a similarity.
-
Yes, thanks CC, that does sound very similar to to the link you posted. Will contact HO.
-
Head office contacted me straight away after I emailed them.
Replacement (free of charge) blades are on their way to me already. :D
-
Head office contacted me straight away after I emailed them.
Replacement (free of charge) blades are on their way to me already. :D
Good news cjdlperry ;D
-
Great to hear their response was a quick one cjdlperry and that they supplied the blades free of charge even though you are out of warranty - can't ask for more than that, well done HO.
Did they explain why the blades needed replacing? Apparently if the machine is overloaded or you chop pieces of hard vegies which are too big, eventually over time the blades become stripped.
Faffa, an ex-consultant, explained it this way elsewhere on the forum a while back.
"It generally happens from overloading your TM. Not necessarily at the time that it happens but at some time it has been overloaded. It is a really good thing to stick to the weights etc that are on your fridge magnet or the front of the EDC for that reason."
-
Apparently if the machine is overloaded or you chop pieces of hard vegies which are too big, eventually over time the blades become stripped.
"It generally happens from overloading your TM. Not necessarily at the time that it happens but at some time it has been overloaded. It is a really good thing to stick to the weights etc that are on your fridge magnet or the front of the EDC for that reason."
This is SO interesting. I was told that it was fine to chop up very hard food - I freeze ginger as a whole root and have been blitzing 2 inch bits from a frozen bulb. The noise it makes scares the bazingas out of me but I have done it in good faith, since that what I was advised.
I can stop now, but I do hope I haven't caused damage already. Is there a way to tell? Mine's not even a month old.
It made weird noises when I was blitzing a paste last night (like a high pitched whistle) but after reading the forum I thought it was because it was only a small amount of paste I was trying to puree.
Question: Is the damage being discussed just to the blades, or does it affect the motor mechanism?
Rhu
-
I think HO needs to be very clear on this - some consultants I think don't quite understand that the machine will not happily and continually blitz boulders and pieces of granite! With the parmesan I was instructed to cube it first. But then we grind up ice like there's no tomorrow for sorbets, etc.
Love the idea of blitzing frozen ginger - haven't thought of doing that - but probably would reduce the size of the chunks RW.
A few of us, if I remember correctly, have had the phantom whistler - Mine seemed to do it on certain speeds, but hasn't done it in a while. Try playing around with the speeds and see if that helps.
-
You can keep all ginger related roots - such as galangal, turmeric etc, in a zippy in the freezer. When you need it, you can microplane it frozen into whatever drink/meal/recipe/mix you need it for. Stays fresh and zingy. Lemon grass root straight from garden - same thing.
I've been blitzing it in the thermi simply because I could - or so I was advised. Think I'll go back to micro-planing it :( But, as you say - we whizz ice and frozen fruit (fruity dream recipes) like there's no tomorrow.
Yes, the whistler changes if I alter speeds. But after reading about the blade thing and frozen thing, I am a tad concerned.
I never got a fridge magnet thing when I got my machine. I wonder if HO will send me one if I ask?
-
Sending you a pm . .
-
When I emailed HO, the same info I said as to what was going on with my thermomix they said it sounded like my blades had released. When I asked about how to protect the blades from releasing again they said "Just make sure you stick to the suggested sizes of raw vege’s frozen fruit and meat etc when chopping and not overloading the machine as the blades will take this additional strain to protect the machine". I am really happy HO responded very quickly & replaced free of charge. They didn't actually say that me, the user (overloading) was what cause the blades to release. I certaintly didn't realise that I had been overloading my TM & I always follow recipies from here mostly & the EDC. The only thing I would of been heavy handed on would be grating cheddar cheese because I never weight the amount. It's a big shock to system to think that I caused the problem by either overloading or not chopping the food small enough before putting it into the TM. It's not a mistake I am likely to do again. I love my TM & cannot cook with it anymore!
-
Thanks for sharing the info...I think it's a handy reminder for everyone :)
-
Surely you mean you cannot cook without it anymore cjdlperry?
-
LOL.
-
Yes, sorry the thought of cooking without a Thermomix is dreadful.
-
Thanks all. This is all excellent info especially re overloading the bowl and sizes of food to blitz etc.
Can I ask though - what exactly does "releasing the blades" or "stripping the blades" mean??
Also, an IT question: I'm on tapatalk and I can't find where to start a new post/question. Any tapatalk users can tell me how to start a new thread. I can only work out how to "reply"? Thank you in anticipation.
-
Hi CD -I use tapatalk on my iphone - and still learning about it . . . from what I've just worked out on my phone .
Go to "forum"
Choose the section in which your new thread will be placed e.g., swapping recipes . . . .soups
In the top right hand corner of the screen is an arrow -
touch that and it will bring up these options: refresh;
new topic; subscribe ; mark as read; open in safari
Select new topic, type in your subject and then the body of your message - press send button in top right hand corner.
If you're working from an ipad, then maybe someone else can help. Unfortunately, I've never used an ipad so I don't know how different or how similar the screens would be . . . Good luck!
-
Got my fridge magnet on Friday. Thanks HO :)
-
Thanks GF, it worked a treat. Much appreciated. Now I'm onto it.
-
I don't know the exact meaning of stripping the blades Curry Diva but if you do it, they are
stuffed no good anymore ;)
To prevent it happening, don't chop more than the machine can handle. Keep the sizes of your vegies etc uniform and do them in stages if you have lots to chop. Not many recipes do but, for example, if you filled the bowl with raw pumpkin chunks and proceeded to chop - it might not damage them right at that very moment but in time that will be the final outcome and one day when you are doing a simple low load recipe, they will just not work.
-
Thanks GF, it worked a treat. Much appreciated. Now I'm onto it.
Your most welcome, CD - glad it has worked for you!! :D
-
Thanks JD that makes sense. Ta.
-
I can't find the most recent thread about a blades problem, so I'll just tack my post on here as its relevant.
One of the things that we are NOT told when we are being sold a machine is that the blades are classed as a "consumerable item". They will mention that the seal needs to be replaced, but that will only cost $20. They don't tell you that if you use your machine a lot then the shaft will wear out and you will need to purchase a new set at $115 a pop.
I bought my machine in 2009 and roughly every 18 months have had to buy new blades. I am now having to buy my 4th set and HO tried to insinuate that I overload my blades and that if they replaced my blades for free they would have to do it for everyone. I do use my machine a lot, but not so much in recent months as there has only ever been 1-2 people to cook for. I definitely do not overload my blades and think they are ignorant to assume that if I had been doing that in the past then surely I would've learnt my lesson by now :-)) (hello I'm not stupid). I only follow the recipes in the EDC, TM books and here on the forum so if these recipes overload my machine then I'm a monkeys uncle. Also tried to insinuate that perhaps the other people using it may be using it incorrectly. Basically they are sidestepping the fact that the blades are not overly durable when used a lot for the purpose of mixing, mincing, grinding, grating, and stirring.
You get told that the TM replaces lots of kitchen appliances and that it is also used by lots of chefs in restaurant, and how "so and so" (famous chef) has X amount, etc, and the high price tag is because its a quality German manufactured product. I am sure the kitchen hands in restaurants do not treat their TM in the same way that I do. If the life expectancy of the Thermomix blades was 5 years for me that would be fine. I feel the way that it was sold to me and I'm sure most people as to be of outstanding German workmanship and used in commercial kitchens worldwide, then it should be fine in my little domestic kitchen.
I bet if more people were told about the blades wearing out and the need to replace them, they would take this into consideration when outlaying $2000 for a machine. If you are going to a demo - make sure you ask this question from the demonstrator. So far this has been my one gripe about this machine and I think that HO handled my complaint poorly.
:P *thumbs down*
-
It sounds like you and I had a similar outcome CP with blades + replacement + HO response. I have been a little shocked to discover that the blades are a consumable item (http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/shocked/jaw-drop-smiley-emoticon.gif) (http://www.sherv.net/emoticons.html). Thankfully I have the 2nd bowl whilst waiting the arrival of new blades!!!!!!
-
I think this (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=13099.0) is the thread you were looking for CP. Did you remember that the blades used to cost $150 before they went down to $115? The original price would be hard to swallow.
-
I've only gotten by these past weeks by having the second bowl as well. My consultant thought I was lucky in that respect that it was cheaper this time and it was a bonus. I just don't share her optimism. I even paid for the blasted postage so I didn't have to deal with her face to face because she annoys me. She made it sound like the blade problem was quite extraordinary, but I know from here that it happens all the time :-)) just love how they call it a "consumerable item" after the warranty runs out.
-
I too ordered direct CP!!!!
-
CP I can understand your feelings. I think it is something we all need to publicise a little more. I was going to suggest writing to HO. But that would probably be pointless. Bugger bugger.
-
Not acceptable CP. What can we Do? We are a pretty big consumer group of the same product and we certainlywe have a collective voice. Any ideas?
Gert
-
Have you contacted Vorwerk CP?
-
No I haven't contacted Vorwerk as I only found out yesterday. I'm going to Europe on friday so I'm abit time poor ATM. Was thinking I could contact Consumer Protection or the like, but I don't think that would sway HO. Their main concern is that if they replaced my blades they would have to do the same for everyone else. I said "well that's called customer service". I mentioned that this decision means that I walk away as a disgruntled customer and tell lots of people the negative experience, yet it would probably cost them less than $50 to have a happy customer with a positive story instead. They didn't even give a discount on the blades or postage. It still riles me.
-
Well enjoy your trip CP.
The hide of them to say they would have to replace the blade on every one like yours. Why ever not I say. She keeps bragging about how much money she is making and we are talking in the millions here. If she had to replace even 100 blades a year it is chicken feed.
I am not happy either. I am thinking Facebook, Twitter, every forum that ever mentions Thermothingy and ofe course the blogs. Big audience out there.
Gert
-
My machine is over 5.5 years old and I've never had to replace the blades CP, I can't complain about the run I've had from mine but you certainly have had problems with yours.
Hope you have a really great holiday and you are planning on keeping in touch from afar.
-
I thought German steel was the best and I hope my blades are going to give me long service too.
-
I guess my time poorness was the reason that did not get into a stoush with HO - just paid the full price + postage and am now waiting for the new set of blades!!!!! I must admit though the TMX is a work horse for me and I have not treated it with kid gloves and could have overloaded the machine on occasions so did not feel that I had many legs on which to fight their veiw that the blades overtime will be "stripped' if overloaded!!!!!
-
I'll post a photo or two whilst on holiday of course 8) 8). This week I have got so much to do to tie up lots of loose ends and clean the house for the house sitter
-
I've been keeping an eye on this thread. (like many people I imagine) I've only had my thermo for about 2 months so I can't input. Can you give me advice on what overloading the blades could look like, sound like?
I find the lack of customer support very disappointing for the price of the machine and I too would kick up a big stink about the blades being a consumable item. They are steel.
I'm watching this with interest. >:(
-
I don't want to put newbies off using their machine. What I've noticed is that the machine just gradually sounds different. I thought it was in my head. I would look at some things as I was following through a recipe and think that it probably should look a bit more chopped up or mixed through. Then all of a sudden it just doesn't work.
-
CP if you have a moment put it on twitter. That is a brilliant place to do things like that.
Have a wonderful trip and enjoy yourself.
-
This has just happened to me. Strange noise, onions not going around, tipped them out and black grease everywhere in the bowl! No Onion Jam Flan for us :'(
Ive had my machine for 2 1/2 years and I do baby it, what I did notice is that mine has always taken longer to chop even though I chop my vegies etc smaller than everyone else ive seen using tmx- even demos.
I also noticed that my blades have never been aligned in that as you look in the bowl they don't look like a cross, more a skewiff cross.
I approached a consultant at a demo about my blades and they typically said they had never heard of it, they were happy to send them to HO for them to look at but I was thinking I cant be without my TMX for that long just for taking a bit longer to chop...now I wish I had
Im just trying to find a local consultant now to see what I need to do but after reading this it may be quicker and easier just to order a new set if it is a"consumable" ?
How do I contact HO- through a consultant anyone know?
Have to say that this looks like its starting to show as a weak point in the armour of this machine...
-
oh dear................................. :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[
the shaft in my blades seems to have stripped themselves or something .................... my heart is so heavy about this .... I was making the lasagne ..... I was mincing my meat ..... I pre chopped it into cube size chunks and it was just over 200g ... and I was doing it with the pulse button .....I have made this recipe a million times!!! ....never had this problem,,,,, all of a sudden a screeching /whistling sound came from my thermo .... I turned it off and pulled the meat out .... pulsed it again ... blades did a spin .... put the meat in and they just sit still. :(
so I guess I will have to contact HO..... what is the best way to do this?
the lady who I got mine through is long gone .... and I do not know of any other consultants in the cairns area.
so I hope everything can be sorted easily .......sad and stressed .....esp cause I have friends coming over for dinner with a 3 course meal planned .... oh well looks like back to the kitchen doing it the ole fashioned way ....what a culture shock!!!!1
-
Cairns consultant thermomix.nancy@.bigpond.com
Gert
-
rang head office and the blades were replaced no worries ... only a few weeks left of my warranty ... phew!!!
-
That was lucky.
-
rang head office and the blades were replaced no worries ... only a few weeks left of my warranty ... phew!!!
How long is the warranty on the tmx? Just curious, I don't need to make a claim!
-
Two years for home use.
-
There was something on one of the current affair shows about warranties a few years ago ! They were saying that regardless of what warranty period was supplied by manufacturers, consumers have statutory rights. It goes something along these lines ......
If you pay $10,000 for say a TV and the supplier only gives say a 12 month warranty and the tv then breaks down outside of this period because you have paid $10,000 as a consumer you can reasonably expect that a $10k tv would last more than 12 months and you can argue this point with manufacturers.
It also went on to say that extended warranties provided by retailers is in many cases a waste of money because the consumer has statutory rights that protect them. So they are double selling it to you in effect.
My DH has argued this point with items outside the warranty period and has been able to get things covered that they would try and avoid. It pays to know your rights !!
This would also apply here, particularly given consultants often, spruce about how long the machines last and their cost.
Interesting isn't it !!
-
I argued this point with Thermomix that they are just not lasting the distance even tho I am aware of not overloading the machine. They still stuck to their guns that I was the one at fault. I don't believe i, but you can just keep saying that til you're blue in the face cos they keep saying how it's such a rare occurrence. I also wonder where we stand when we've been told at demonstrations when buying our machines that ice sharpens the blades and they recognise the fact that consultants were saying this as they seem to have side stepped this issue.
-
It does 't really matter how rare a machine fault is they should still address it promptly. Don't get me started!!
Gert
-
Disappointed!!!! Think I stripped my blades. Don't really think I overloaded my Thermie. I have been blitzing almonds to make my almond sludge (3 cups almond, 100gm 70% cooking chocolate, 2 tbsp cocoa, 1 tbsp coconut oil - toss in some macadamia for crunch). Also my favourite cranberry juice and frozen mango drink. Damn damn damn.
-
That's bad news Southwestsam.Is your TM still under warranty?
-
Well, here I am 16 months later with the same problem again. I had just started making Quirky's creamy chicken and brown rice soup, I went to chop up the veggies and get the "sound of death" from my blades. I will be emailing HO, and politely explaining that these should be replaced at no cost to me. >:(
-
Good luck. Let us know what they say.
-
It sounds like you and I had a similar outcome CP with blades + replacement + HO response. I have been a little shocked to discover that the blades are a consumable item (http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/shocked/jaw-drop-smiley-emoticon.gif) (http://www.sherv.net/emoticons.html). Thankfully I have the 2nd bowl whilst waiting the arrival of new blades!!!!!!
I am surprised to read this as I too was not told abt this.
At present I am arranging for my thermomix to be sent back to HO as I am having some electric shocks while using the machine. The HO is responding fast but no solution so far...they push d pillow back to me by saying that I have a body that could emit static that cause d electric shocks...since I using computer a lot during my day work....I do not have positive expectation anymore even with a helpful staff...
-
Well that is a new one Chris. Funny thing is that when I visit my local Woolies store. I often get little shocks when removing things from the shelves. Very strange. Nowhere else does this happen.
I sort of hope it is the machine otherwise it may remain a mystery.
Gert
-
Chris, if someone else in your family uses your machine does it happen to them?
Gert, I always knew you were hot stuff :D
-
I have just been "talking" to my DIL in India. She sent me a VDO of her blades. The base spins but the blades do not. She phoned head office and was advised they have been "released " from the base and new blades are required which they will courier to Mayapur for $50. Seems reasonable to me. Luckily my DS's gave her a second jug a few years ago. She uses her Thermomix constantly in her catering business and could really use another Thermomix. She has really given them a work out for the past four years.
I am wondering if the blades can be refurbished.
Gert
-
Gert I am like you, I get electric shocks from metal on hot or warm, dry days. It gets so bad when I am shopping that I am too scared to pick up a metal object if it is an electric day. Wearing shoes with leather soles helps.
I once had a parent complain to the principal that I had pinched her child. Fortunately said child had yelled out 'you pinched me'. We eventually got the parent to understand when I wore rubber soled shoes and shuffled my feet on government issue nylon carpets and 'shocked' them. I even cop it from the car when we are travelling if I slide out of the seat on non man made seat covers. My Dad was the same.
-
Interesting cookie. I thought the rubber soles helped. I almost always wear sandals with rubber soles when shopping. Yes the same in the car. We must be sisters! It does not happen in Coles only Woolies. Must be their floor covering. I have never mentioned it to anyone as. I am sure they would think I was making it up. It is really annoying. Nd sometimes after 10 "shocks " I might ask someone to reach something down.
But no more buying anything for the pantry so no shocks for a while.
Gert
-
Can I join the sisterhood, this happens to me also , as I get out the car I always try to touch the rubber around the door. I shop at woolworths too. I wonder if it the metal the shelves are made with?, glad to hear it happens to others.
-
I have just been "talking" to my DIL in India. She sent me a VDO of her blades. The base spins but the blades do not. She phoned head office and was advised they have been "released " from the base and new blades are required which they will courier to Mayapur for $50. Seems reasonable to me. Luckily my DS's gave her a second jug a few years ago. She uses her Thermomix constantly in her catering business and could really use another Thermomix. She has really given them a work out for the past four years.
I am wondering if the blades can be refurbished.
Gert
That sounds very cheap Gert. I have replaced 2 blades as I use my machine numerous times a day and would be lost without it,i just do it.
-
It is my daughter in law in India who needs new blades. She will buy them from HO here and they will send them to India for $50. Not sure the price of the blades.
She has a catering business and cooks constantly using her Thermomix . She is lucky to have another jug and blades so she can keep cooking!
Gert
-
I have given my old blades a bit of a sharpen and I think it will be successful , so am thinking of giving them a sharpen every six months or so that way they should work easier and have no problems, after all we are always sharpening our knives .
-
my blades are not working, sounds terrible too, I have ordered new ones. :( and on a weekend too
-
I have had my "maurice" for 4 1/2yrs and have just bought my 2nd lot of blades, so my blades last about 18mths. Mind you I do a lot of grinding cheese and veges
-
Looks like the other thermal machine will be working hard Robyn. At least if that happens here I have my other bent bowl blades to use. How long have you had those blades for?
-
Bummer about your blades Robyn.The weekend is sometimes a curse when things go wrong :(
-
My original set of blades seem to have karked it! After inspecting inside the bowl today, while making nut paste, I noticed black streaks of grease in the paste. It was making a different noise to usual. After reading these pages I 'm sure it is just the blades. Lucky I have a spare bowl set. My original set is getting close to 4 years old.
-
My thermomix is nearly 5 years old, so blades 5 years. yes cookie, the other machine got worked out all last weekend.
My new blades arrived yesterday from Jo $120
-
Just spoke to HO here in Perth. They said the bearings in the blades are on the way out, that is why the leaking of oil/grease in nut paste. I need a new set of blades. They have been given a good workout since I bought Thermie nearly 4 yrs ago.
-
I have had to replace my blades. The machine is nearly 5 years old. I think this is ok as I have made hundreds of loaves of bread and it gets a solid workout every day. I do try not to overload it. I also have a second bowl, but stick mainly to the one bowl unless cooking all day. I am quite happy to pay for replacement blades as I feel the original have given good service.
-
It is a very valid point. In Australia we always pay more and we say it's ok just because we are so far away from the rest of the world (or so it seems). The internet has opened up other options for savvy shoppers and people who are on a budget. I do support local business but you have to weigh up the dollars when there is a big difference. I'm all for buying spare blades from Spain.
-
Grace is expected to make over $1,000,000,000 this year. She brings them in by the container load no doubt. They are over priced as is the Thermomix. I would love to have a look in her new premises at the moment. The Vorwerk toffs will be coming soon for a big road trip.
Gert
-
$144 (plus shipping) here which is about $134 in AUD! That does seem a lot if it's going to be called a "consumable". I wonder if we get them in from Aus so they are more expensive again once the nz company puts it's margin on.
-
A quick google Search will find that it is far cheaper to buy brand new blades in Germany (the home of Soligen Steel) than Australia and half the price to buy them from Spain. Postage from Spain is $8AUS (the same as it is in Australia)
-
Are the parts for TM 31 from Spain genuine TM parts?
They are a good price so worth looking at if they are genuine.
Does any one know?
-
The parts from Spain are Genuine. You might note that quite a bit is cheaper from Spain and many countries in regards to Thermomix to be more competitive locally. You will note that they are selling brand new machines from Spain as well, with a very high positive feedback rating 99.6% and they have sold a stack of machines. This goes against the direct sales model of certain countries. Please note that you can walk into the office in Glen Iris Victoria and buy parts for your Thermomix and bypass the consultant or order directly from WA Australia via post. Spain is doing no different. In this case you can buy from them direct and they are posting to Australia. If somebody in Spain wanted to buy from Australia then they are more than welcome to I am sure.
-
Thanks gwg.
Will consider it as they are quite a bit cheaper.