Thermomix® squeaks, rattles or grinds
A new noise is worrying. Much of it is harmless, some of it is a sign of wear. Here’s how to tell the difference.
In short
A new knife often squeaks at first until it has run in. If an older machine squeaks or rattles, the cause is usually dirt or a knife that is loose or worn. Loud grinding noises or a burning smell: switch the machine off and have it checked.
Squeaking
- New knife: the bearing is running in. That’s harmless and stops after a few uses.
- Dirt: residue on the knife and seal rubs. Remove the knife and clean it.
- Wear: an old knife bearing squeaks all the time. Replace the knife.
Rattling, knocking, grinding
- Knife wobbles: if it has play upwards or sideways, the bearing is worn. Replace the knife.
- Machine moves: with heavy doughs or an imbalance it vibrates on the worktop. Choose a level, stable surface.
- Hard ingredients: ice, nuts or grain are loud. That’s normal, but it wears the knife and bowl.
- Grinding when empty: points to the motor or drive and needs the workshop.
What’s normal
- In Dough mode the knife runs in intervals and changes direction.
- The knife stops briefly and starts again to clear a blockage.
- According to Vorwerk, small nicks on the blades are cosmetic and don’t affect how it works.
When to replace the knife
Vorwerk goes by how often you process hard ingredients: if you crush ice or mill flour every day, replace the knife roughly every 6 months; with weekly use every 2 years; with occasional use every 4 years. At the latest when it wobbles, leaks or squeaks all the time.
Mixklinik is an independent workshop and is not affiliated with Vorwerk. Thermomix®, Cookidoo®, Varoma® and Cook-Key® are trademarks of the Vorwerk Group. Information given in good faith; your machine’s user manual takes precedence.