Connected Cooking Robot 2026: Thermomix TM7 vs i-Companion vs Cook Expert and Rivals

The Thermomix TM7 is still the benchmark connected cooking robot in 2026, but the best alternative available from mainstream retailers is the Moulinex i-Companion Touch XL, which combines a touchscreen, Wi-Fi, a built-in scale and a large 4.5-litre bowl. On a tight budget, the Cecotec Mambo Touch covers the essentials (Wi-Fi, screen, guided recipes), while the Kenwood Cooking Chef XL targets bakers and large batches.

This comparison is based on manufacturer specifications, independent reviews and verified buyer feedback, and only includes models sold in Europe in 2026. For Cookeo-style pressure cookers, see our smart multicooker comparison and our multicookers page.

What is a connected cooking robot?

A cooking robot is an appliance that blends, chops, kneads and heats in the same bowl. It differs from a multicooker (which cooks but does not blend) and from a classic stand mixer (which kneads but does not heat). The "connected" version adds a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth link to an app: step-by-step guided recipes, settings sent automatically to the machine, shopping lists and software updates.

In practice, connectivity is only as good as the recipe catalogue. A well-built robot with a weak app is less pleasant day to day than an average machine backed by clear, plentiful recipes.

Buying criteria

• Heating method: induction (Magimix, Kenwood) heats quickly and regulates precisely; a conventional heating element is fine for soups, sauces and slow-cooked dishes.
• Maximum temperature: above 120 °C you can brown onions and meat. Below that, the robot is mainly for soups, purées and steaming.
• Usable bowl capacity: look at the usable volume, not just the total. Two to three usable litres suits 4 to 6 people.
• Connection type: Wi-Fi downloads recipes straight to the robot’s screen; Bluetooth means keeping your smartphone nearby.
• The app and its business model: some platforms require a subscription for the full catalogue, others are free.
• Built-in scale: saves getting out kitchen scales at every step, a real plus with guided recipes.
• After-sales service and spare parts: on a premium appliance, warranty length and parts availability matter as much as features.

The 5 connected cooking robots to know in 2026

1. Thermomix TM7 — the benchmark

Launched in 2025, Vorwerk’s Thermomix TM7 succeeds the TM6. It has a 10-inch touchscreen, keeps a 2.2-litre bowl and a Varoma for steaming, and reaches 160 °C in browning mode. An open-cooking mode without the lid lets sauces reduce, and Wi-Fi links it to Cookidoo, the largest guided-recipe catalogue on the market. The TM7 remains compatible with accessories and recipes from earlier generations.

Strengths: unmatched recipe ecosystem, highly refined interface, strong resale value.
Limits: a Cookidoo subscription is needed for the full catalogue, the 2.2-litre bowl is tight for big gatherings, very premium positioning.
Best for: households that cook every day and want the most complete guided experience.

Note: the Thermomix is sold by Vorwerk through its advisers and online shop, not by mainstream retailers. That is why our buying selection highlights its alternatives.

2. Moulinex i-Companion Touch XL — the best alternative

The Moulinex i-Companion Touch XL is the cooking robot closest in spirit to the Thermomix, with a built-in touchscreen and Wi-Fi. Its 4.5-litre stainless-steel bowl (about 3 litres usable) is larger than the TM7’s, and the built-in scale weighs straight into the bowl. The Moulinex app offers more than 3,000 guided recipes with no mandatory subscription according to the manufacturer, plus a feature that suggests recipes based on what you have.

Strengths: large capacity, many accessories (chopping blade, kneader, whisk, steam basket), free app.
Limits: bulky on the worktop; smaller catalogue than Cookidoo.
Best for: families who want a full guided experience without going through direct sales.

3. Magimix Cook Expert Connect — built to last

The Magimix Cook Expert Connect builds on the Cook Expert, assembled in France, with induction heating from 30 to 160 °C adjustable to the degree. Its strength is its dual nature: a 3.5-litre heated stainless-steel bowl for cooking, and a clear bowl with discs for grating and slicing like a classic food processor. The Connect version pairs over Bluetooth with the Magimix app (more than 2,000 guided recipes) and a connected scale.

Strengths: motor guaranteed for 30 years according to Magimix, very versatile slicing and grating, precise induction cooking.
Limits: no touchscreen or Wi-Fi, so you still need your smartphone for guided recipes; lots of accessories to store.
Best for: cooks who value durability and slicing versatility over the interface.

4. Kenwood Cooking Chef XL — baking and big batches

The Kenwood Cooking Chef XL (model KCL95.424SI) is a heated stand mixer rather than a cooking robot in the strict sense. Its 6.7-litre bowl is heated by induction from 20 to 180 °C, to the degree, with 1,500 W of power. It works with the Kenwood World app, which offers step-by-step recipes.

Strengths: record capacity, large batches of dough and brioche, heat high enough to sear, temper chocolate or make custards.
Limits: blending and slicing depend on attachments, some sold separately; heavy and bulky.
Best for: keen bakers and large families.

5. Cecotec Mambo Touch — the most affordable

The Cecotec Mambo Touch is the most widespread entry-level connected cooking robot in Europe. It has a 5-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi with the Mambo app, a built-in scale, a 3.3-litre bowl, 1,600 W of power and a 37 to 120 °C temperature range. It claims 37 functions, including two-level steaming. A "Habana" version adds a second bowl with a ceramic coating.

Strengths: the essentials of a connected cooking robot at an entry-level price, free app.
Limits: 120 °C maximum, so browning is limited; build quality and app less polished than the leaders, according to buyer feedback.
Best for: a first cooking robot or a tight budget.

Comparison table

Mistakes to avoid

• Choosing by the number of functions: "30 or 40 functions" often cover the same uses (blend, heat, knead). Compare maximum temperature, usable capacity and the app instead.
• Ignoring the cost of the app: an annual subscription adds up over the years. Check what stays available without one.
• Underestimating the footprint: these robots often weigh more than 7 kg and are awkward to put away. Plan a permanent spot on the worktop.
• Confusing a cooking robot with a multicooker: if you mainly want pressure cooking without blending, a Cookeo or multicooker is enough. Our Cookeo vs Thermomix vs Airfryer article explains the differences.

Use and safety

Never go above the maximum fill line, especially with hot liquids: at high speed they can splash out. When blending a hot soup, raise the speed gradually. The blades are very sharp: handle them by their holder and clean them with a brush. Place the appliance on a stable surface away from the edge of the worktop, and keep the lid locked while the blades are turning. Check the manual to see which parts are dishwasher-safe.

Our verdict

If budget allows and you cook every day, the Thermomix TM7 is still the most polished thanks to Cookidoo. For a connected cooking robot available from regular retailers, the Moulinex i-Companion Touch XL is the best all-rounder: large bowl, Wi-Fi, screen and a free app. The Magimix Cook Expert Connect suits those who want a durable, highly versatile machine for slicing and grating, the Kenwood Cooking Chef XL suits bakers, and the Cecotec Mambo Touch suits small budgets. To see how these robots fit into a smart kitchen, read our connected kitchen guide 2026.