I have been sitting on this one for over 12 months, debating if I should write about it or not.
I was given a very lovely shiny new Magimix food processor for my birthday four years ago in November 2007. I debated long about which make to get, looked at machines in the shops and asked for advice. I decided upon the Magimix, as it has an excellent reputation, and a 12 year guarantee on the motor and a 3 year guarantee on the parts.
And is expensive. But it was a present and having consulted with my parents we all agreed that a cheaper food processor would probably not last as long, and would be a false economy.
Coming up for the 3 years of me having the machine, I noticed that the bowls and lid had started to crack. My admin being slightly lax I e-mailed customer services slightly after the 3 year deadline, explaining what had happened and asking if they could replace, as the fault had developed within the 3 year guarantee period. I possibly used the expression “as a gesture of goodwill” which usually helps to get positive results. Sadly not here.
Instead I was directed towards Magimix Spares, where I discovered that a replacement bowl and lid would cost £48, a whopping 25% of the cost of a new food processor which would come with three bowls, the lid, two discs, two blades, a whisk and dough hook. Surely £48 could not possibly the true cost of the replacement? I queried the price
The cost of replacement parts is almost prohibitively expensive, a large bowl and lid for my processor will cost just under £48 pounds, this is 27% of the cost of a replacement machine. I cannot believe that this is the true cost of the replacement parts. Magimix has an excellent reputation, which is why I bought one in the first place, and I am surprised that you are letting customers down by what appears to be appears to be profiteering on replacement parts.
To receive the staggering reply both in content and errors:
I am sorry to read that you are not happy with the price of the bowl and lid for you machine.
Replacement parts are this price because it cost more in materials to make them separately then it does to make them with the whole machine.
Um, no replacement parts do not cost more in materials to make separately than making them with the whole machine. I have never worked in manufacturing, but I think that it is a fairly safe bet that every part comes off the same production line and some get boxed up together to be sold as a complete system, and some get sent to the warehouse for spares. Please at least have the courtesy to be honest with me and not to treat me like an idiot.
I can cope with the fact that the bowls have cracked, and yes it is my fault for not having dealt with it sooner, but what has made me really angry is the response above.
The Magimix website says that:
Add to that the fact that all models come with 12 year motor guarantee, and 3 years on parts (most car companies do not offer this sort of guarantee!). This gives you confidence that this very successful French company know they have a product that lasts. The bowls are made of shatterproof lexan plastic, the same material riot shields and aircraft windows.
The last sentence just makes me nervous about flying, and as for being a very successful French company, well I guess that they are making loads of money from selling spares. Additionally the instructions advise you can put the bowls in the dishwasher, but only at 40C, only on the top shelf and you also need to avoid the drying cycle. So that is an expensive piece of kitchen equipment, that by using it creates work for you? Come on Magimix, it’s the 21st century, most people want to sling stuff in their normal dishwasher cycle, press go and leave it, not faff around removing items before the dry cycle. My dishwasher does not even have a 40C cycle.
I reckon that over the time I have had my food processor I have used it about once per week, that works out a £1 per use, and now I need to buy parts for it. Sorry, but I think that is bad value.
The problem is that most product reviews are written for new products, had I reviewed the machine when I first got it I would have written a glowing review. 4 years on I certainly would not recommend it to anyone.
Has anyone else had a gadget that they would have initially raved about, whose wonders quickly tarnished?
Helen
I was lucky enough to given a Magimix this Christmas and after your cautionary tale won’t be putting it in the dishwasher! My dishwasher is new and supposedly eco friendly, but doesn’t have a 40C cycle and I’ve no idea how I would retrieve anything before the drying cycle kicked in!
Not really very practical Magimix.
Helen
Well just keep tabs on it and make sure you claim within your 3 year gurantee if anything goes wrong!
Janice Price
I have had a magimix 5100 for about 10 years but did not use it a lot until my retirement may have put the first one in dishwasher cant remember but am now on my third i agree that the cost of the spares is disgusting allthough i have found other sites which do charge less
Sophia Cleverly
Hi!
It’s good to come across this website and these rants and raves as I am having frustrating experiences with my magimix and am unfortunately coming to the conclusion it is best to chuck and start all over again – with a Thermomix!?
Sophia
Helen
Wow, that is quite a step Sophia. There is a very good Thermomix owners Facebook group I believe.
Mariana Lantzet
Can u please recommend sites where the original spares might cost less?
Many thanks n advance
Mariana
Helen
Hi Mariana,
There are some ideas in the thread. The problem is that spares are just so pricey.
Patricia
I concur with everything Helen says. I purchased the Magimix 5100 when I was catering for my son’s wedding. Much the same thought went through my mind: a cheaper model would probably not do the job as well and would not last. Wrong!!! The bowl and lid cracked after not a great deal of use as I tended to use a smaller machine regularly and the Magimix only when I was cooking for larger numbers.
Unfortunately, it is out of warranty so I now have to buy replacements. I too am shocked at the cost – I have managed to find the items cheaper than Helen but I still think the price is ridiculous. I also did not realise when I bought it that it is not a good idea to put the parts in the dishwasher – ludicrous! They are certainly not shatter proof. I will not buy Magimix again and of course, all my friends know the story so have been put off buying as well.
Helen
Hi Patrica,
I think it is a huge shame that the quality of Magimix is no longer as good, and that the cost of spares is disproportionate. Not being able to sling in the dishwasher is completely crazy too.
Janice Price
I agree have told all my friends my experience also now they say they done make the bits any more I will be glad when it goes completely but I don’t want to through it away al the time I can use it
Janice
Hi Patricia
I agree with all the comments on the website would not recommend 5100 to anyone will be gald when it finally gives up the ghost so I can start again
Ray
I have an old 2800 Magimix,, it’s still perfect after about 35 years work (magnet replaced in the.lid to switch it on)
The much heavier old bowl and lid have gone into the dishwasher at 75C and through the drying cycle every time it is used without issue for all these years.
I was going to buy a new machine (notion) but on reading about all the problems people are having with modern day machines, the common weak bowl fault and scandalous replacement charges for what is defective merchandise, I decided not to bother.
I’m sure my old machine will still be fine when most of these modern machines in the dump, a sad reflection of a formerly trusted brand!
Helen
The old ones are always the best and last far longer. Planned obsolescence has a lot to answer for.
Lynn
Good grief! Are you expected to believe they go to the factory and mould one to order when you want to buy a replacement bowl? Of course they are not manufactured separately!
Helen
Exactly.
Kavey
That response about it costing more to make parts separately is staggering. Absolutely STAGGERING. It’s dishonest in the extreme and I’m wondering if you can take it further, since it’s clearly complete bollox.
We have had our Magimix food processor a few years and still love it. We don’t bother putting the bowls into the dishwasher, not because of any fears about it ruining the bowls (though now I’ve read your post I’m more aware of this) but because it’s quicker and easier to wash them up rather than take up so much space in the dishwasher for just a bowl and lid.
To be fair to them, whilst goodwill is nice, the onus is on the customer to complain within the specified period. Not their fault your admin was lax, though it’s true many companies would be decent about it, just to keep their reputation, if nothing else.
BUT their lies in response to you are so beyond unacceptable. Really.
Helen
I had steam coming out of my ears when I got the response. I was not going to blog it, as I did not want people to think that I was writing about it to resolve the issue, but 12 months later I am still angry everytime I use the machine.
Gadgets not lasting is an interesting issue, for a domestic reviewer it is nigh on impossible to use one enough to form an opinion wear and tear when they are new.
Janice Price
the worst product I have ever brought
Anusha Praveen
Hey Helen do you have something called consumer disputes forum in your place? I dont know which part of the world you live in but ask around. A fancy french company it turned out to be. Outrageous lies and unacceptable behavior!
Helen
I’m in the UK. Sadly I feel I have left this one too long to take it further. I just do not want anyone else to shell out, and then be disappointed a few years down the line.
Charlotte @gofreecakes
Hi Helen,
I’ve been having similar problems with my Kitchen Aid at around one year old. I think the motor is dying, is very clunky and seems to be a bit worn out. Yes, I use it most days, but generally for cake making and whisking – nothing too intense I would have thought. And at nearly £400, one year of use does not represent good value for money. Anyone else had this problem?
Charlotte
@gofreecakes
Helen
I believe Kitchen Aid have very good customer service, I’d tweet them!
I have a K-Mix, which so far I am loving, but it only has been used 2 dozen times!
Jill
I have the same problem with my mixer.plus when I was grating some cheese the spindle split.I have had a Kenwood chef for 48 years and it is still going strong !!!Buy British !!!!!
Helen
I have to agree with you Jill. Am still angry about this and an astonished that Magimix have never responded to this post.
the caked crusader
I’m glad you wrote this – too often I think we hold off expressing opinions like this as we don’t want to seem bitter or nasty but it’s so true what you say – reviews are when the item is still shiny new.
Your experience would certainly make me think twice buying anything magimix.
All my expensive kitchen gadgets are kitchenaid and – touch wood – 6 years in are still going strong.
Helen
It is the year of honest telling it as I see it blog posts!
Touch wood your KA keeps on mixing!
Jayne
What a shame! I had a similar problem with my Leisure cooker, I was never really happy about it’s performance but my admin was also “slightly lax” and by the time I got around to contacting them the years guarantee had expired, Leisure offered to send someone to look for £90! Even when I pointed out that a cooker should be expected to last beyond a year they couldn’t help. I guess I learnt the lesson to complain right away and not put it off! Also my Smeg fridge, the flimsily made salad drawer cracked and is £45 to replace while the door shelves which have also cracked are £29 each to replace. While the fridge is not new at around £900 to buy I don’t now expect to have to pay around £150 for plastic parts.
Helen
£150 to replace plastic parts in a fridge that costs £900. That is 1/6 of the price. Outrageous!
Shame on Smeg.
Helen & jayne
I suggest you quote sales of goods act at them. An item is supposed to be fit for the purpose for which it is sold. A cooker fridge or attatchmentshould be suitable for domestic use for which it was purchased. This is no matter what the quarantee says.
I amy add i have had two magimix one lasted over 10 years and was still going strong when i left it with a friend. My new one is 6 years old but the locking pin has broken onthe lid. i too find the price for a lid and other parts very high. One does not mind if it lasts a long time, after all one pays for the best and should expect the best. Come on magimix leisure etc. get your acts together. We are payinig for the rolls royce in domestic appliances give the customer the same kind of service.
Margaret
I have a Magimix 3500 and it is older than I dare to mention on here! My first bowl cracked (pre-dishwasher days). We then bought a new bowl and lid and put them in the dishwasher which ruined both. The handle is broken on my processor bowl, but the hubby has glued this twice now, because the price of a new bowl is prohibitive. We have told Magimix on more than one occasion what we think about this problem but to no avail.
Helen
Well Magimix were not that interested in me either.
I think that any normal person would expect to be able to put the a food processor bowl in the dishwasher. The expression not fit for the purpose for which it is sold springs to mind here.
Jan Price
Now great joy I have ditched my magie mix for another make which was much cheaper £ under £100 it works better and it dose all the things the magie mix did if it dose go wrong after its guarantee runs out which is three years i will just replace dishwasher safe and just as sturdy. therefore i will be no longer contributing to this page a very happy goodbye
Roger Fentiman
I too have an ancient Magimix 3500 inherited from my mother-in-law. The weak point on the bowl is the lugs at the bottom of the brown handle which crack off. Having glued it twice (once epoxy and once hot melt) and having it fail, and being discouraged by the cost of a replacement bowl (why not just the handle?) I think I finally have a solution. There is just room inside the bottom skirt on the bowl to get a small ty-rap over the flanges of the magnet socket, through 3.5mm holes drilled carefully through the skirt, and outside the bottom of the handle. Seems to work. Pictures by e-mail on request.
Cheapest I have found bowl for is £45 at http://www.magimix-spares.co.uk/Magimix-3500-Food-Processor-Grande-Famille-Bowl-55105/product/17798/55105/. Other places charge £70 – £92.
Helen
Thanks for the advice Roger.
Phredd
My magimix was bought in the early eighties and is used regularly and bowl and lid placed in the dishwasher. The base of the handle broke some years ago but with a bit of juggling it still works well. Perhaps these early models were a bit more robust or Iam just lucky.
Helen
I am very jealous! Wish mine was still OK!
Aga Girls
I bought a new bowl of ebay which was much cheaper. Having said that I cannot speak more highly of magimix’s, my mother has just replaced the bowl for hers which she was given 25yrs ago as a wedding present. My brother is still using (though with a new bowl) our great grandmother magimix which is older than me! and still works perfectly.
Helen
I’ll have a look on e-bay! the machines do last for ages however.
Lynn
‘Built in redundancy’ in modern appliances, with the expectation you’ll just buy a replacement from them a year or two down the line. My mum has just replaced her mixer which was a wedding present, 40 years on. The rubbish we’re expected to buy doesn’t last 10 and no one protests so they get away with it.
Helen
I am furious about the cost of spares for gadgets. To be fair Magimix are very good at keeping spares for old models, but eye wateringly expensively.
Penelope
My food processor (Moulinex) lid broke last year and it would have been cheaper to replace the machine than to buy a new lid. I just didn’t want to put a perfectly good food processor into landfil because of the catch being broken on the lid! In the end M did some research and found the equivalent American model and bought a replacement lid for me from ebay. I was thrilled :)
Mind you I just put mine in the dishwasher all the time, I’ve never even checked if it shouldn’t!
Helen
Hurrah for getting a new lid Penelope! And yes I agree, so so ungreen. And I have bought extra accessories for my machine too.
Helen
Mine was a grey area, the fault developed within the 3 years, but I did not do anything about it. I have been angry for over a year. Their loss. I am sure that a continued non response to this post will cost them sales.
Sarah, Maison Cupcake
My Magimix got a crack in the funnel around 3-4 years after buying it. At the time Ted was only tiny tiny and I had other things to worry about but nevertheless it was a let down. Fortunately it’s not stopped me using it but might if the crack was in a different place. I don’t have a dishwasher and I’ve never dropped it so no idea why it cracked. I’d never looking into buying a replacement but am horrified to hear how much they cost. Looks like I’ll be making do with the damaged Magimix one for the time being!
Helen
Carry on using it carefully Sarah.
Gill Green
I’m pretty sure Magimix where the first to make a food processor and the early ones were brilliant but there was only one size,small. I bought one when they first came out and I’m still using it. I was really pleased when they brought out the big ones but they’re rubbish compared to the early ones. The first models the blade was almost on the bottom and worked much better. I replaced the the base unit after about 25years but only because it had discoloured and didn’t look very nice and it wasn’t expensive. The 5100 metal blade broke when I first used it to knock back bread dough, they replaced it free but woman was rude on phone, said you could knead with it but not knock back. Bowl cracked and I don’t put it in dishwasher because it holds water and it’s easier by hand
Ailbhe
Honestly that is the MOST blatant lie. All parts of a machine would be made separately and simply assembled on a line. There will be millions of each part made. They simply do not ‘make’ a replacement part per request. Shocking reply and no wonder you are still mad!
Helen
Exactly. It is holding people to ransom when they need to buy parts or a new system.
Susan Easton
Hmmmm not very good all that is it?
I have one and have had it a few years I use it regularly and yes it goes in the dishwasher on the top shelf and it has not cracked. I wonder if the heat makes the plastic brittle over time and more prone to cracking? Seems so. I love mine I use it a lot but my bug bear is the way the bowl scratches so easily…have wrongly accused my husband of using a scourer on it in the past. How does it get so scratched?
Think I’d be doing an amazon review Helen I did the same for our toaster recently even though we’d had it yrs.
Helen
Oh the scratching. You would have thought that I had been at it with a wire wool scourer.
Rachel
I would like to warn Magimix owners about how the dough blade and spindle cover will wear out if the machine is used to mix bread dough. They are replaceable at a price but beware never to use a blade on a worm spindle or you will have to replace them all over again!
Apparently the machine is not good for dough in the long term. Wish I’d known that before I bought it!
I dropped my bowl when it was quite new, cracked the handle, fixed it with gaffer tape which means it can’t go in the dishwasher so I’ve obviously prolonged its life!
KJ
I know this is old, but just thought I’d point out that ‘Magimix Spares’ is nothing to do with magimix. They just sell them, same as John Lewis or Kitchenalia. It’s a shop, it just happens to be online.
When I contacted Magimix directly, over broken blades (the top part came off which meant the Le Mini leaked – probably because I put it in the dishwasher ;-P ), they sent me new ones at no cost to me. Not even postage.
Helen
Thanks KJ, I did think that Magimix Sapres were part of Magimix. I may point Magimix at this post then!
stanley
I’d like to re-iterate this point: http://www.magimix-spares.co.uk are a horrible company, really truly awful (I have also been lied to by them) but they are not magimix.
On the brighter side, there is enough feedback on here to prove the actual product itself is
a) generally very well made, certainly as good as and probably better than anything comparable
b) has a much longer standard warranty period than any similar manufacturer
c) they support spare parts for old machines, which in this day and age should be congratulated – they could make significantly more ‘quick money’ if they did not support old mixers
d) still made in France, within EU employment conditions – not by kids in China
I have had to purchase several spare parts (all through my own stupidity) and I just wish that someone else would set up an online magimix spare parts business, magimix-spares deserve to be beaten by a better organised company with the same range but honest customer service and keen prices.
Helen
I agree. Such a shame that Magimix is let down by Magimix Spares.
Dave
Already had one bowl replaced because the plastic split, now just had the lid replaced because the plastics broken and guess what clicked the lid into place and now the bowl handle has split.
Well they have been good so far with replacing my bowls under warranty so lets see how they do this time.
Scary things is only have a month left on the warranty.
Aoife
One company I must praise amongst all this doom & gloom is Brabantia. We have one of their touch open 50 litre steel bins and the catch broke about 3 years ago. I soon discovered that they’ve a 10 year warranty and sent me out a brand new lid free of charge. Utterly thrilled with their customer service and would recommend wholeheartedly. Lakeland also excellent for customer service.
Have not had so much luck with Kenwood though – they only seem to want to deal with UK customers, not Irish ones as I discovered when I tried to buy an accessory online.
Helen
I am surprised about Kenwood. They always seem great to me. I’ll pass your details on to their PR.
Gill Green
Kenwood aren’t Kenwood any more they were bought out about a year ago I think. Customer service used to be great but downside to Kenwood is attachments. I had blue and white, the one before the black and white. They no longer had engineers that came out and dealer they recommended charged me for a service but there was a small part of motor needed replacing and they said it could no longer be bought so I didn’t bother to collect mixer. No internet at the time. I had most of the attachments but only the sieve worked on the black and white model. I loved the bean slicer but they no longer make it.
Pamela Arlous
I have only had my Magimix for four months and used it to slice celery and carrots. The lid has cracked in three places around the spindle. It is the new 3200XL wide mouthed model and from your posts I’m worried it won’t last me long. I wore out my old National one after 25 years but they don’t make them any more. Next time, (I had hoped there wouldn’t be a next time), I’ll buy something Asian made.
Malcolm Ord
Have had our Magimix for over 30 years and no problems at all. Bowl handle has just snapped so faced with either a new bowl or a “super glue fix”. Agree that spares prices seem high (but aren’t all spares?) but 30+ years of faithful regular use can’t be bad.
Marilyn
I am tossing up between a magimix 4200xl or a breville kitchen whizz pro , the magimix is around 300 dearer but I thought it was probably sturdier and last longer , after reading this think I might go for the breville , I currently have a kenwood fp270 and it it rubbish will not process food without leaving very big lumps :(
Christopher
After at least four replacement lids and two bowls I have stopped putting the lids in the dishwasher at all and put the bowls on the top shelf only – they do seem to be sturdier than the lids. It is quite ridiculous that in 2012 one can’t just sling all of it anywhere in the dishwasher. Magimix did replace one of them free of charge as it had failed within the three year period; but generally they are arrogant and complacent and do not deserve our business. I shall never buy one of their products again, which is a pity as the motors are superb. I have had extremely good customer service from Kitchenaid, and also Dyson. Not from Magimix I’m afraid.
mark
A mere 27% of the original cost. My wife wants a spare bowl and blade for her 4200xl here is Australia.
This unit sells for $800, on sale for $600. New bowl,lid & blade 150+130+140=$420 (70% of sale price), the same parts from uk #36+26+34 =#96 or $150. Shame they would ship here.
christina
I have had my Magimix 3000 ‘Cuisine Systeme’ for about 25 years. After the lid broke earlier this year I managed to find a replacement on ebay for about £8. However, when it turned up it was not perfect as promised but had some rough edges on underside of the lid, as if it had been used for grinding up something very hard. But my husband sandpapered it & it was fine….. until I dropped it a few weeks ago. Now I’m back to trawling the net. And yes, the new replacements are a complete rip off. But my Magimix has proved pretty indestructible otherwise, I must admit.
Sarah
We’ve just had a similar problem with Magimix. We bought because of the 12 year motor guarantee and have recently had motor problems. We contacted Magimix and because we don’t have the original shop receipt they won’t do anything about it. We have everything else and the serial number confirms that it is only 4 years old. As this was bought with cash from Comet, we don’t have any bank confirmation and the original store no longer exists. Has anyone else had this sort of experience and is there anything we can do to get the motor replaced?
Helen
if the serial number identifies exactly when the machine was made I would e-mail them again and say that it is proof and you will take the matter to trading standards / small claims court if they do not honour the guarantee.
Penny
My bowl cracked after just over a year & Magimix in Australia will not replace under warranty, claiming it’s my fault. Cost $125.
Helen
I am sorry to hear that, how on earth can they claim it is your fault, can you go via your version of Trading Standards for help? $125AUD is over £80!
Don Shirazi
Hah, you think that’s bad. I had the misfortune of dealing with the Magimix repair police.
The spindle on my Magimix broke and as it was under warranty, I asked them details for authorised repair cetnres. At the time only 2 in London. Both electrical shops, one in Marlybone and the other in Camden.
Called the shop , explained exact problem. Extremely surly and rude guy at the other end, asked me what kind of flour I had been using when the spindle broke.!!! After a few more ridiculous questions, told him where to go . Called the Camden shop, took the mixer in , at great inconvenience, was told to come back in two weeks. I did only to be told the machine is not ready. When questioned why it has taken them so long to get a spare that I could order onvernight, they told me I can take the machine back if I don’t like it. Complained to Magimix and then sorted it out.
In view of of the above ( and the fact that since then I have replaced at least 2 bowls and 2 lids) I say buy Dualit instead.
James
Was just looking for Magimix spare part when I came across your post. One of the feet for my Magimix’s lid broke away through normal use. I never put it in the dishwasher. This was the second time it had happened in four years but they wouldn’t budge on replacing it. I found the Customer Service dept very unsympathetic!
Looking on their spare parts page, it’s £7.50 for a replacement lid but £5 for delivery. The thing only weighs 85 grams.
I thought Magimix products were built to last but the whole experience has made me believe otherwise.
Helen
I know. I am most uphappy with mine. So sad.
Hope that you manage to sort it, and thanks for commenting.
Janice Price
There are other sites besides magimix u can use that are about three quarters of the price
stephen
So, I am Chartered Engineer and have design products, run manufacturing lines held senior roles in large retailers and for a few years owned a couple of deli bistros and worked as chef in one for a year which felt like a life time. The bio is to simply point out that I have a bit of experience thats relevant and can see both sides as I used my Magimix 5100 for nearly 4 years in one of my kitchens. The plastic bowl cracked as you also had, and spares were around the cost you noted, albeit my machine cost over 400 GBP so the bowl was more like 13% of the cost but realistically for the huge amount if use I get or got from the machine it was well worth the replacement cost.
As to Magimix response, hog wash, they simply wont make all the parts themselves, no one winds their own motors, they may well have in house injection mounding for the various plastic parts, who knows, if they buy them in or manufacture them its irrelevant the size of the runs will depend upon a lot of factors, suffice it to say they will make enough parts to create product assemblies for sale and a percentage for storage and distribution to the after market for spares.
In fairness to them I will say spares for older machines need to be stored, kept in a condition you and I would find acceptable and that takes space heating and all the over heads businesses are forced to have to keep going. this along side extra packaging and processing the spares order all adds cost to the part when it is a spare that do not exist when it is a pert of a whole unit.
I am about to replace a lost foot, goodness knows where that went the bowl lid ( I do question the design integrity of this part as it is the third one to go in the same place, the main blade, as that has got to be 8 years old now and I no doubt will bulk at the £100 or so it will cost.
However just like my kitchen aid, my Kenwood and all the other great high quality appliances, I can get spares, and it will be good as buying a 400 replacement for a 100. So I for one will mumble under my breath at the cost of spares and be thankful that i got a model with an after market that lets the bulk of my investment over its life time come out lower than the throw away and but another that is the alternative.
My biggest issue with the Magimix is its tendency to let fluids escape during processing and to have no stainless steel bowl which I would gladly pay a lot for to know I have a bowl and lid for life.
Oh and as a the grass is browner on the other side of the fence story, try getting a spare for a dyson! if you ca fin one they are silly money.
lastly to the point about dough in the magimix not a good plan its far too aggressive to create good dough, just because you can doesnt mean you should, making bread is like making love, better done slower with care than fast with a machine. imho and nost time anyway ;)
Joe
The bowl lasted 3 years and surely for a plastic bowl – that is good going? Magimix make the best food processors and they are brilliant.
A new bowl would give your mixer a new lease of life and look like new again.
The reason it costs a lot to get a new bowl is called ‘economies of scale’. The parts that make up the whole in a production process (ie where it is assembled) is what makes it cost effective. Selling individual bowls that are not part of this process does unfortunately cost more.
If you are happy with the results of a machine that has given pleasure for 3 years, I’d just get on with ordering the bowl. Nothing lasts anymore and to get three years out of a piece of plastic is amazing.
Helen
I disagree Joe, the parts are all made separately and then packaged. It does not cost that much more to send a bowl out and the price IMO is excessive.
Dave
I think a big point that Helen is missing is that she claimed after the 3 year guarantee !!! Why should you try and bully companies into giving you things, because you are in a position to write and harass them.
Helen
It broke before the guarantee was up and my admin was lax.
My point is that the cost of the replacement is far in excess of what it costs. Most of the commenters agree with me. I am fortunate that I can write about these things, which I hope will be to the benefit of all.
Michael
The switching mechanism on our Magimix food processor recently dislodged itself. I contacted the nearest approved repair agents and went to see them (no names) to a get quote for repair. It was like stepping into a seventies sitcom or a Carry On film; all four of the operatives in the shop – all of them mid to late fifties I’d guess – couldn’t stop bickering with each other. To them my problem was irrelevant, so I walked out. It was on the drive home that I reasoned we could live without the Magimix if we just used our initiative a little. We have survived, and in some cases done better, using a combination of Braun hand-held for the smaller stuff with Kitchen Aid mixer and liquidiser as and when required. It all works. I shan’t bother with the repair and I won’t be buying a replacement Magimix food processor any time soon
mary
Over time I am now using my 3rd Magmix
the first one dropped the pusher it broke. the lid cracked and so did the replacement lid I bought
the 2nd machine a my cuisine 3000 lid cracked and spring insie the handle ( which makes the machine start broke )
my niece has a 5200 and the lid broke off ( the start lever broke off)
My friend has a 5100 and the start contact in the lid handle broke
the Machines have a powerful motor and that is I guess ended up with a 3rd machine
I now own a 5200 xl. I find it too bulky, not practical with the double lid.
All these people above who are trying to replace bowls, lids, and pushers are shocked with the spare part price and we are in Australia that is even worse than in the UK eg bowl for 5100 cost $160
saw a new bowl for the 5100 on ebay in Israel for $57 but who knows it could never reach me.
Yes in all overpriced in general on product and spare. You may as well buy 4 cheaper machines and throw them out if they fail, still a lot cheaper
A rip off all right
Helen
Thanks for commenting Mary,
I try and be green, and hate the though of buying new machines as they are cheaper than buying spares. It is bonkers that it is cheaper than buying spares.
The motors are great – just a shame about the rest of the processor.
Danielle
My experience with Magimix customer service has been 1st class, I reported my toaster that the numbers on the dial had worn off, therefore I didn’t know what level my bread would be toasted. Within a week a brand new toaster arrived – one happy bunny
Also agree about Brabantia, twice the catch on my bin broke and I received great customer service.
Helen
am glad that you have been the exception to the general trend Danielle.
Donna
I am on my third lid within 3 years … Not really fit for purpose … Another note on the service of magimix spares, having sent in a coffee machine to be fixed, the service I just received was incredibly rude. Having sent the same machine in before christmas I have just been told the issue is a clogged milk spout, which will cost £4 pounds to be repaired. Fine, great news … What was unfortunate is when I asked if he could be certain that this was the problem as this us the second time in a month it has been sent in for repair the response was ‘I don’t have any notes from it being in before christmas, so what do you want me to do about it’ and he put the phone down … Horrible.
Helen
I am sorry to hear that. I hope you get it sorted, I think that Magimix Spares is completely separate from Magimix.
Ian
I’m a little surprised that magimix-spares says such silly things about the bowl and the dishwasher. We’ve had a Magimix 4000 for nearly 20 years while we’ve cooked in our B&B. In all that time, I’ve washed the bowl/lid and other bitsas hundreds of times, at whatever temperature was convenient AND left them in for the drying cycle. No probs.
As for spares costs. While their answers were arrogant, there’s some truth in the suggestion that it costs more to deal with one spare than a whole machine.
After all this time, the supporting spindle for the disks cracked, and damaged the nylon drive shaft cover, this in turn damaged the knife when we tried it out on a tough job. It cost us £56 to replace these three items, including postage to France.. BUT we used e-spares, whom we find competent, rapid and priced fairly.
Helen
Maybe they have changed the material of the bowl and lid. I wish mine were as dishwasher proof.
Gee
Hi everyone
I have just invested in another magimix 5200 xl. My old magi mix which is 25 years old. I changed to a new one as my bowl is worn out and jams when engaging with the “ON” position. However, the motor and blades have remained in good condition. I have put all accessories into the dishwasher on all settings… everything has remained in good condition. I have used this machine so many times… in fact I have changed my washing machines at least 4 times over 25 years, and they were supposed to be the best models.
If you love cooking and enjoy throwing dinner parties, you will be pleased to have one. It is fast, easy to use and easy to clean. There will always be some dissatisfied customers, no matter which product. There will always be some faulty products … but they are few ! Thanks !
[email protected]
Sorry but nothing on this earth would persuade me to buy another magimix I have had mine about twenty years
you can get a much cheaper make that does all the things the magimix dose at half the price and the new technology I cant wait for mine to go into the bin so I can feel justified to buy another one
Gill
I bought one of the first Magimix processors to come on the UK market over forty years ago and I’m still using it today. It’s a fantastic machine but the early models only came in one size, small, so when the 5100 came out I bought one. I hadn’t had it long when the shaft on one of the blades split. I got a free replacement but the lady on the phone sounded less than happy. My large bowl has cracked, if I’m honest some time ago but other than a little flour coming out it’s not bothered me until I ordered a replacement today and was charged almost £40. I think this is disgusting. It’s not made any where near as tough as my old one which has the blade for mixing almost on the bottom of the machine. With the newer models the blade is much higher on the spindle and also the larger models are meant to handle larger quantities so it stands to reason the spindle part of the blade needs to be stronger but it’s weaker than my old one. I do put the bowl in the dishwasher some times, and in the bottom but not that often because it holds so much water and stops other things from drying. My old one has been in the dishwasher many times over the years but that didn’t crack so they aren’t made to the same standard any more. I wouldn’t either buy or recommend Magimix any more. I’m happy to pay top price for top quality that lasts but don’t think Magimix is a quality product now. Only reason I paid for replacement bowl is that I’ve bought extras for mine that i use and if I buy a different make I’ll have to buy again.
Helen
I am sorry to read this Gill. What a shame, it is so frustrating and such a waste of money and resources when things do not last.
Sara
Wow.. I guess I have been lucky! As I bought the original Magimix Food Processor, made by Robot Coupe, in 1978, from Dickins & Jones in Regent Street when it was still a proper and extremely good department store.
I used to be a professional caterer and I have probably used this machine every week since 1978, which is going on for nearly forty years and only giving this kitchen work-horse a break when I was away.
Because I clean up my work surfaces as I go along, the bowl, tops and attachments were put into the sink with hot soapy water with a squirt of white vinegar and never into the dishwasher. I don’t think plastic likes those changes of temperature that much.
The only spare I have ever had to buy was the Sabatier knife, between cooking out on location, packing up and coming home, the knife was lost.. woe.
I am obviously very lucky but other sites and checking out France and the USA for spares might be cheaper than the UK spares site who sound a ‘bit’ off hand.. to put it politely.
Helen
I am sure that the dishwasher is partially responsible, but having a labour saving device that cannot be dishwashed these days is madness. I know loads of people who still have 20 year old Magimixes.
Gill
I like to look out for new kitchen gadgets so watch qvc and idealworld when they have them on. Yesterday qvc had magimix and they said all the bowls were hand made. If that’s really the case then I don’t feel what I paid for a replacement bowl was that bad. The new 4200 XL was being demonstrated and must admit it was impressive. It has a new chipper and dough blade and comes with the parmisan grater which I bought as an extra. I also bought the juice extractor but gave that away as wasn’t impressed. As for Kenwood I have the titanium and love it but gave away the food processor that came with it unused as it looked very flimsy.
Kirsty Phillips
Read all the comments here, and I am assuming no where else does repairs more reasonably? I say reasonably as they want in the region of £50 for a front button for our four slice magimix toaster! Tad extreme me thinks
Helen
YOu might find an independent repair shop Kristy. £50 for a button is madness.
Kirsty Phillips
Ha that’s what I thought Helen, in between gulps of air! But we have looked everywhere. The button popped off when cleaning. I am not sure I’ll go down the magimix route again. Thanks for replying Helen. Kirsty
pippa
Really interesting to read this thread. I have had a thermomix (tm31) for four years. Perfect use once to four times daily. Thermomix is great at mixing, stirring and keeping food at a precise temp. I am feeling very tempted to buy the magi mix 4200 xl, though, because the Thermomix does not grate, dice or slice food in a pretty way at all. Also the grain it mills is very coarse. The old expression, “jack of all trades, master of none..” seems appropriate. But after reading so much about magimix replacements… maybe not.
I have just dealt with Vitamix in Australia for a replacement jug on a 5 month old top line model, it was a battle to get them to replace it. It made a grinding noise, so they agreed it was a dodgy blade assembly… their solution was to send me out a new set of blades and a kit to install it myself. I said NO WAY and they have posted the jug. Luckily I bought it from a big retailer here (David Jones) whose customer service is excellent.
Very disappointing. Also looked at buying a food processor attachment for my ten year old Kenwood Major, but they don’t rate to well on the quality either.
Kitchenaid food processor reviews have to be read to be believed – the true nastiness people feel is amazing. What is going on with high end manufacturers…??? The comment about taking our money for producing rubbish is so true! I don’t mind spending the money on quality items, but even that premise seems to be gone these days.
Helen
Thanks for commenting. In the UK we are all loving the new range form Heston at Sage – I believe Breville in Australia. But you simply do not know until 5 years later, and who reviews a gadget 5 years latter?
Kate
I have been trying for quite some time to find out how to clean the internal part of my Magimix 5200 handle.
Please can SOMEONE let me know. I have tried to email, phone to the company but never get anywhere.
I owned an earlier model Magimix, the handle of which gradually went black and this 5200 model handle, which I only use for bread making, is starting to look as dirty.
If I need another machine anytime, it won’t be a Magimix.
Helen
I wonder that too, mine really is quite mucky!
RosieP
I have just found this thread having looked up Magimix customer service as something happened to mine years ago when trying to remove the lid – something went twang and it now will not lock. As I was trying to deal with 2 autistic kids it was shoved under the stairs and forgotten about (too much hassle to cope with). But I had thought I might try to get it fixed. It sounds like I should not bother……
Recently got an ancient Kenwood from a freecycle site – I think I will look for a grating/shredding attachment as that is what I used the Magimix for most. Any other suggestions, without spending hundreds of pounds?
Helen
I believe that Sage are very good Rosie, but very expensive. I think that the older Magimixes are better too. I grate using a Fresh Express which is perfect for smaller quantities.
Bill Garnett
Thank you for posting this – I agree, most reviews are on new products. High end product manufactureres with trademark goodwill are frustratingly slow to realize that after paying top dollar for their product, customers expect top service. Magimix should be more interested in knowing about the performance problems, and value such feedback.
Our 5200XL lid shattered into three pieces under very normal attachment process. A responsive and quality oriented company would be interested in this – would want to interview me and examine the broken part – to see if there is some product defect, or if it suggests a change in design, materials, or usage precautions.
Perhaps they would replace the part for free in return for the broken part. At the least there should have a quick and easy way to contact them (by email or phone) and to resolve the problem. I spent a career in marketing for a large international company – I know the value of good service and long term satisfied customers – Magimix, in the new world of the Internet of things, may find its goodwill eroded unless it gets its service act togeather.
Helen
Hi Bill,
I completely agree, and I think that the problem is that Magimix Spares is nothing to do with Magimix. Magimix really need to come down on Magimix spares. So frustrating.
Dave Porter
Helen, the cost of a bowl and lid is £34.99 not £48.00
http://www.magimix-spares.co.uk/Magimix-5100-Cuisine-System-Work-Bowl-amp;-Lid-Only-19313/product/19313/19313/
Helen
Thanks for the update. When I wrote the post the price was £48.
Pamela Arlous
Oh yes, two of my Maximix 3200 XL bowls, used for grating carrots, chopping parsley and onions and making breadcrumbs, hand washed always, have cracked in the centre around the spindle. The cost of replacement bowls is incredibly high here in Australia., $79 plus postage for the smallest. The lid cracked withinn the first four weeks so was replaced under warranty but the other, not. Lexan. Riot shields. Cracking. Unbelievable. Shatterproof? Just don’t attack those troopers with a stick of parsley.
I won’t buy another, despite the fantastic motor and terrific results. I can’t afford the replacements.
David Woodford
Whilst I agree that the bowls are expensive I had a problem with the motor and not having a receipt I took it to our local authorised repairer expecting to have to pay. The repairer said it should be covered by the warranty and since I did not have the receipt he approached Magimix with the serial number on the machine and details of (roughly) when and where I bought it. They were pleased to honour the warranty and the machine is now registered to my name should I have any future problems. I can’t argue with that for customer service unlike Debenhams who were simply not interested.
Helen
That is remarkably joined up service from them.
Susan Kogan
Yes! I have have had 2 Magimix machines and if it were not for the disastrous bowls I would be still using them. Despite infrequent use, handling with great care and always washing up by hand (without gloves on so I know the water was not too hot) the bowls did not last any time at all. Magimix as a company are not really interested in this problem with their machines, all you get is a big Gallic shrug off! Now looking for alternatives.
Sue Burt
I am on at least my fourth lid and require another one. They always split around the lip. I did wonder if it’s because I use it to make soup but surely this is one of its functions?
Helen
YOu would think so?
Susan Rosenberg
Absolutely agree I have replaced Magimix lid at £48 and a few years on has cracked lid again.
Certainly not going to spend more money on obvious manufacturers fault!!!!!
Furious and at a loss what to do. Magimix answer for cheaper replacement would show some customer service.
FELICITY HUMPHREYS
I totally agree with the above comments. I have had two Magimix machines. They have both had the same fault, where the bowl splits from the handle. The replacements are extortionately priced. The quality is poor. I will not be buying another Magimix.
Helen
I think that part of the fault is with Magimix spares who are not actually part of Magimix.
Charlie
I have a similar issue. I bough mini plus – as it is fully functioning but small – to complement a larger Kenwood mixer (even though it was very expensive!) The handle has snapped where it is joined to the bowl and where the lid locks under to confirm the lid is in place before running. If they had configured it differently it wouldn’t be an issue – but they have created a weak spot thats constantly being pushed against. There is no way it is accidental damage – it has come away from the joint, not been cracked or chipped. I am guessing I will be looking at a large cost to replace a substandard part – liable to the same issue – for a machine that I am not very impressed with anyway (too weak a motor).
A shame, as I have been very happy with them in the past!
Mr Anthony Cregan
Magimix should be ashamed of their unearned reputation.
according to Magimix their 30 year motor guarantee is only valid for the original purchaser.
Is that even legal ? they sure make a big point over the 30 years motor warranty.
Malcolm campbell
I notice from reading the comments that people have older machines which seem to go on forever but modern day versions give the problem. Manufacturing, when Magimix place an order on the moulder for bowls etc they place it for a given number as there is only one set up cost and injection moulding machines are automatic from then on, the moulding is delivered to Magimix who allocate to either stock or to machine manufacturer. Lexan is a trade name for acrylic and belongs to GE Plastics I believe, others make it but cannot use the name, so Magimix have been giving you a load of bull as to their manufacturing, if it one off each time it would be prohibitive, more than a new machine. Companies strive to reduce cost all the time and it would appear that it has been detrimental to their plastics for whatever reason. It is the most with all companies so you pay your money and take your chances, it depends on their customer service for how you rate them these days.