I’ve been showing the Thermomix for over two years now, so I’d say I know a thing or two about hosting a successful Thermomix Cooking Experience. I’ve done many, from the small and quaint to the large and overwhelming demo’s, you name it, I’ve done it.

Crazy ones hosted in the evening where every man, woman, child and dog seems to be in the same room, kids running around like headless chooks while one interested guest shouts questions at me from over the roar. Intimate ones where a few close friends sit around a bench, so close to the Thermomix they can touch it (and they can’t take their hands off it!), murmuring ways of sneaking one past their Hubby and onto their own kitchen benches. Husbands, firing off a million and one questions at a time, trying to see if they can find a flaw or trip my answers up before finally admitting its the best thing they’ve seen since sliced bread.

Cooks from all walks of life, the beginner novice to people who would rather do burpees than make dinner to the advanced home chef, have all invested their time and money into their Thermomix, getting the most out of their cooking experience.

Now it may be your turn. You may have already booked in a date, or you’ve been watching Masterchef and want to learn more about how this fabulous machine can work for your lifestyle. From my experience, here are my Top 10 Tips for Hosting a Thermomix Cooking Experience:

1. Setting the time and date – Work during the week? Consider an evening booking where you can relax and not have to worry about cooking dinner. Or if you’re a shift worker or a stay at home parent (same thing, right?) consider a daytime demo with some friends, your mother’s group or your neighbours. Weekends are great if you’re a busy person too. Your consultant will have a range of days available to be sure to snap up the right one for you.
2. Selecting the Menu – The thing to remember with a Thermomix Cooking Experience is that the menu is set to show off the functions of the Thermomix and how it can apply to your life. Do a lot of baking? Make sure to pay attention to the icing sugar milling at the very beginning of the cooking. Not a fan of spending a lot of time in the kitchen for dinner, maybe volunteer to cook the main and get a hands-on feel of how easy it is to pull off a fantastic dinner meal in under 30 minutes. Your consultant will have your menu options available to you and if you have any questions and dietary restrictions are sure to let them know.
3. Inviting guests – What is the best kind of dinner party to have? One where there are 20 people in the room and it’s loud and noisy (and your consultant is trying to talk over the top of everyone)? Or a small and intimate party, where you sit together over a cuppa (or a glass of wine) and relax, enjoying yourself? Thermomix Cooking Experiences are designed to be small so if you have many friends interested in coming, consider hosting two. That way, you can reap bonus host rewards!
4. Getting ready – Once you’ve decided on your menu your Consultant will advise you what ingredients you’ll need to supply, and they’ll bring the rest. For health and safety reasons you’ll be asked to supply any cold food required, which isn’t very much. Also, have a think about where you’re going to hold the Cooking Experience. I’ve done demos in all kinds of places. Standing at the end of a dining table where the guests sit and enjoy, behind a kitchen bench with guests sitting on bar stools, outside on the patio table. There are heaps of options! Just remember your Cooking Experience can go for up to 2 hours so chairs are a good idea!
5. Save on the dishes – While you’re at the shop, grab a pack of disposable cutlery to save you any washing up!
6. Bring your Appetite – I always ask a host to remind their guests to come hungry, there are 3 courses to get through! And trust me, you’ll want to taste everything!
7. Write down any questions in advance – It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and seeing the Thermomix in action you could forget a few questions you may have thought of earlier, write them down! Pop them on your phone before it starts so when your consultant asks if anyone has any questions, you’re prepared!
8. Have fun!! – Enjoy the food! Browse the cookbooks. Relax with your friends while learning how the Thermomix can help your lifestyle. Think about the extra time you’ll have at the end of the day while your Thermie is cooking dinner. What else can you be doing? Giving the kids a bath, helping with homework, unwinding after a long day of work, checking your Facebook (Join my group!). Enjoy your Thermomix Cooking Experience and start dreaming of life when your is in your kitchen!
9. Take brochures – Whether you’ve just purchased or you need to sleep on it, take a brochure. They contain a lot of information that you might want to refer back to in case you have any questions. Also, it has your consultants phone number on the back to contact her as well.
10. Your Second Round – We know people who host demonstrations use their Thermomix more. If you’re an owner, be re-inspired by selecting the other menu options (and maybe learn a thing or two more!) Your consultant wants you to be using your Thermomix to its full potential. Also – HOST REWARDS! If you’re wanting that second ThermoServer or a ThermoMat for all of those doughs you’ve been making, hosting a cooking experience will get you one at a discounted price.

Cooking Experiences are one of the best parts of the job for me, only delivering a Thermomix to a new owner tops them! They’re fun, everyone enjoys the food, the company and seeing how the Thermomix does so much in so little time.

For me, I’ve been able to get out of the house more. A lot of my Thermomix Customers have become close friends and I know that I’ve become a more confident and outgoing person (from the shy me I was before I started consulting!) because of Thermomix.

I hope this list helps you with your upcoming Thermomix Cooking Experience, let me know if there’s anything you’d add!