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Termomix TM6 - worn mixing knife, causing leakage from the mixing bowl.

afro78 38148 32

TL;DR

  • A Thermomix TM6 developed leakage from the bottom of the mixing bowl because the mixing knife wore out too quickly.
  • The worn knife had noticeable side play; replacing it with a new knife and seal stopped the leakage.
  • The replacement cost PLN 254, or PLN 204 on Black Friday, for a device only 2.5 years old and just out of warranty.
  • Similar leakage affected a 1.5-year-old unit, while friends reportedly replaced knives only after 6-7 years, suggesting inconsistent knife durability.
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  • #31 19803615
    coberr
    Level 20  
    Posts: 841
    Help: 21
    Rate: 431
    this is another beautiful example of how ALL devices are currently designed...
    2 years and thank you - you have to buy NEW ones - no matter how intensively they were used... the equipment is bound to break down immediately after the warranty. If the life cycle of a device was too long, factories would go bankrupt...
    As you can see, it`s not about too intensive use but, as a result, wear and tear of the equipment...
    The problem here is the materials deliberately used - calculated so that degradation occurs just over two years after purchasing the device.
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  • #32 19803758
    PPK
    Level 30  
    Posts: 1925
    Help: 94
    Rate: 421
    coberr wrote:
    this is another beautiful example of how ALL devices are currently designed...
    2 years and thank you - you have to buy NEW ones - no matter how intensively they were used... the equipment is bound to break down immediately after the warranty. If the life cycle of a device was too long, factories would go bankrupt...
    As you can see, it`s not about too intensive use but, as a result, wear and tear of the equipment...
    The problem here is the materials deliberately used - calculated so that degradation occurs just over two years after purchasing the device.

    The EU is starting to become interested in this problem. https://radcaprawny.kirp.pl/archiwum/praktyka/prawo-do-naprawy-fakt-czy-iluzja/ ...We will wait and see how it will be in practice.
  • #33 19804694
    harnasx
    Level 22  
    Posts: 892
    Help: 31
    Rate: 264
    I have had it for 15 years - it works flawlessly (except for the seal under the cover) BUT recently I have noticed that sometimes there is no "contact" on the speed switch, especially in position 10 - anyone??
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers around the Thermomix TM6 and issues related to the mixing knife wearing out prematurely, leading to leaks from the mixing bowl. The original poster expresses concern about the knife's durability, noting that their device is only 2.5 years old and out of warranty, while friends with older models have not faced similar issues for 6-7 years. Participants discuss warranty limitations, with the standard being 24 months, and share experiences with older models like TM21 and TM31, which reportedly had longer-lasting knives. There is skepticism about the effectiveness of the ice-crushing method for sharpening the knife, with some asserting it may actually contribute to wear. The conversation also touches on the perceived decline in product quality over time and the challenges of obtaining spare parts for older models.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Replacement TM6 knife costs PLN 254 (≈€55) [Elektroda, afro78, post #19788051]; "the knives are actually the most important part" [Elektroda, gulson, post #19788077] Wear of the knife’s bearing after ~2.5 years leads to leaks and potential short-circuits [Elektroda, afro78, post #19788051]

Why it matters: Unchecked leakage can flood power pins and destroy the €1 200 base.

Quick Facts

• OEM TM6 knife: PLN 254 list / PLN 204 promo, seal included [Elektroda, afro78, post #19788051] • Reported knife life: 6–15 years on older models vs. 2–3 years on TM6 [Elektroda, afro78, #19788051; fzyga43, #19788315] • Standard Vorwerk warranty: 24 months; knives counted as consumables [Elektroda, badboy84, post #19788302] • Dishwasher detergents accelerate bearing corrosion; avoid machine-washing [Elektroda, Radzio M., #19788557; sigwa18, #19791785] • Crushing ice increases—not decreases—blade wear [Elektroda, erdi, post #19789717]

How can I recognise a worn TM6 mixing knife?

Check for side play in the shaft and brown streaks under the bowl. Even slight wobble means the bearing seal has failed, allowing soup to drip into the base [Elektroda, afro78, post #19788051] A chipped edge is secondary; leakage is the key warning sign.

Why does a worn knife cause leakage?

The knife assembly has two radial shaft seals around a small bearing. Once the bearing loosens, hot liquid bypasses the inner seal, runs along the shaft and pools near the power pins, risking a short [Elektroda, afro78, post #19788051]

What is the typical lifespan of a Thermomix knife?

Owners of TM21/TM31 report first replacement after 12–15 years [Elektroda, fzyga43, #19788315; wosiekpl, #19795740]. Several TM6 owners saw leaks after only 2–3 years of moderate use [Elektroda, afro78, post #19788051]

How much does a replacement cost and what do I get?

An OEM TM6 knife with pre-fitted seal sells for PLN 254 (≈€55) list, occasionally PLN 204 on promotion [Elektroda, afro78, post #19788051] No tools are included.

Does crushing ice really sharpen the blades?

No. Repeated ice crushing hastens edge and bearing wear. "Crushing ice sharpens the knife" is a sales myth [Elektroda, erdi, post #19789717]

Can I put the knife in the dishwasher?

Vorwerk allows it, but forum repairs show water and detergent reach the bearing, corroding it earlier [Elektroda, sigwa18, post #19791785] Hand-wash to extend life.

Is the knife covered by warranty or consumer law?

Vorwerk offers 24 months on the appliance, yet counts knives as consumables; shorter coverage applies [Elektroda, badboy84, post #19788302] In the EU you can still claim non-conformity within two years from purchase date “if the fault existed at delivery” [UOKiK Right to Repair].

Can I repair the knife instead of replacing?

The axle is peened over a left-hand thread; you must grind the peen, unscrew, then replace 2 × 6000-2RS bearings and seals [Elektroda, sigwa18, #19792196; Jacdiag, #19792268]. Cost is about one-third of a new knife [Elektroda, r3w4rd, post #19789387]

How do I replace the mixing knife?

  1. Unlock bowl base and pull old knife downward.
  2. Seat new knife from below; ensure green seal faces inside.
  3. Lock base firmly; run a 10 sec speed-3 water test for leaks. Time: under 5 minutes.

Which maintenance habits extend knife life the most?

  1. Hand-wash immediately after cooking.
  2. Avoid weekly ice crushing; use frozen cubes max twice a month.
  3. Run 100 ml warm-water spin at speed 5 after dough to clear seals. Following these steps can double bearing life according to repairers [Elektroda, r3w4rd, post #19789387]

What happens if leakage reaches the power pins?

Liquid pools in the star-shaped recess, floods the 230 V connectors and can trigger a short, destroying the main board that costs >PLN 1 000 [Elektroda, afro78, post #19788051]

Will EU ‘Right to Repair’ laws improve spare-part access?

Proposed rules would mandate 7-year parts availability and public repair manuals for kitchen devices from 2024 [EU Draft Regulation, 2023]. If adopted, future TM parts should remain orderable long after warranty ends.
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