How to get a VAT refund on Thermomix in France
The Thermomix is one of the most iconic kitchen appliances in Europe and one of the smartest purchases a traveller can make while visiting France.
What many non-EU visitors overlook is that French retail prices include 20% VAT (value added tax). And that tax is refundable for eligible travellers. On a single Thermomix TM7 purchase, the potential savings reach approximately €240, enough to cover a nice dinner out or an extra suitcase for the trip home.
This guide covers everything needed to buy a Thermomix in France and successfully claim a VAT refund : eligibility conditions, where to purchase, how to handle the invoice, and process with the Zapptax app.
Whether shopping in a Vorwerk boutique, ordering through a Thermomix advisor, or buying online on vorwerk.com, the refund process stays simple, as long as the right steps are followed from the start.
How much can you save on a Thermomix ? Use our VAT refund calculator to estimate your tax-free savings in seconds.
Key takeaways
- The Thermomix TM7 retails at €1,599 in France (VAT included). Non-EU residents can recover up to €240 of that price through a VAT refund.
- With Zapptax, the entire tax-free process is handled digitally : request an invoice in Zapptax's name, upload it to the app, validate at Customs, and receive the refund.
- Tax-free shopping works for both in-store and online Thermomix purchases, as long as the invoice meets the required format.
- Customs validation at a PABLO kiosk before leaving the EU is mandatory. No validation means no refund.
What is a VAT refund (and why does it matter for a Thermomix) ?
VAT (value added tax) is a consumption tax applied to most goods and services sold in France. The standard rate is 20%, and it is already included in every price tag. When a product costs €1,599 on the shelf, roughly €266 of that amount is VAT.
For residents of France or any other EU country, this tax is simply part of the purchase. But for travellers who live outside the European Union, a mechanism called "détaxe" (tax-free shopping) makes it possible to reclaim most of that VAT. The principle is simple, since the goods are leaving the EU, the buyer should not bear the local consumption tax.
On a high-ticket item like the Thermomix, the difference is significant. Instead of absorbing the full retail price, an eligible traveller can recover up to 90% of the VAT paid, depending on the refund operator used and its commission structure.
The VAT refund process in France has been modernised considerably in recent years. Digital operators like Zapptax now allow travellers to manage the entire procedure from a smartphone, removing the need for paper forms or lengthy in-store procedures. That said, certain rules must be followed precisely, especially around invoices, customs validation, and departure deadlines. More on those below.
What is the Thermomix TM7 ?
The Thermomix is a premium all-in-one kitchen appliance designed by Vorwerk, a German company with over 140 years of history. It replaces more than 20 separate kitchen devices in a single compact unit, and for anyone serious about cooking at home, it is widely regarded as one of the most versatile kitchen robots on the market.
The latest model, the Thermomix TM7, launched in early 2025 and represents a major leap forward from its predecessor, the TM6.
A complete redesign
The TM7 is immediately recognisable : a sleek all-black finish, smoother rounded lines, and a large 10-inch touchscreen that replaces the old 6.8-inch display. The new interface splits the screen into two zones : recipe steps on one side, real-time feedback (weighing, temperature) on the other, making guided cooking genuinely intuitive, even for beginners.
The TM7 brings meaningful upgrades across the board:
- Quieter, more powerful motor. Reviewers consistently highlight how silent the appliance runs compared to any competitor.
- Varoma steamer enlarged by 45%. Bigger portions or multi-level steaming in a single session.
- Open-lid cooking mode. Heating up to 100 °C without blade rotation, ideal for sauces and reductions.
- Dedicated egg mode. Precise temperature control, degree by degree.
- Improved browning function; Reaching up to 160 °C for caramelisation and searing.
- Insulated mixing bowl. A "Cool Touch" outer shell makes the bowl safe to handle right after cooking.
- Built-in scale, pre-cleaning mode, dishwasher-safe parts. Daily convenience at every step.
The TM7 connects to Cookidoo, Vorwerk's recipe platform, offering access to over 10,000 guided recipes directly on the screen.
Why is Thermomix one of the most refunded products in France ?
Among the thousands of products purchased by non-EU visitors in France every year, the Thermomix consistently ranks as the top item for VAT refunds through Zapptax. Several factors explain why.
A premium price point that maximises the refund. Tax-free shopping becomes truly worthwhile on high-value goods. At €1,599, the Thermomix TM7 sits well above the minimum threshold required for a VAT refund in France (€100.01 TTC). The resulting refund (around €240) is substantial enough to justify the small effort involved in the process.
A product made in France. The Thermomix is manufactured by the German company Vorwerk, but the vast majority of units sold worldwide are assembled at the Vorwerk-Semco factory in Cloyes-sur-le-Loir, in central France. For many international buyers, purchasing a Thermomix "at the source" adds a layer of authenticity and often means access to the latest model before it reaches other markets.
Widespread trust and global demand. The Thermomix has a loyal following across Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond. Travellers from these regions frequently plan their purchase in advance, knowing that the combination of a competitive French retail price plus a VAT refund makes it significantly cheaper than buying at home, where import duties and local markups often push the price well above €2,000.
A practical purchase for expats, too. Not every Zapptax user is a short-stay tourist. Many are expatriates, non-EU residents who regularly visit France and want to take advantage of tax-free shopping on a large household appliance. For these users, the Thermomix is a natural fit : a durable, high-quality product that travels well in its original packaging.
How much VAT can you get back on a Thermomix ?
Understanding the numbers helps set the right expectations. Here is how the VAT refund breaks down on a Thermomix TM7 purchased in France.
The retail price is €1,599 TTC (“toutes taxes comprises”, meaning all taxes included). France applies a standard VAT rate of 20% on electronics and household appliances. The price before tax is therefore €1,332.50, and the VAT portion is €266.50.
However, the full €266.50 can not be refunded. Every VAT refund operator (whether a traditional in-store provider or a digital platform) applies a service fee.
With traditional tax-free operators (such as those found in department stores), the refund rate typically falls between 10% and 12% of the purchase price. On a €1,599 Thermomix, that translates to roughly €160–€192 back.
Zapptax offers refund rates of up to 90% of the recoverable VAT, depending on the specific conditions of the transaction. On the same €1,599 purchase, that can mean a refund in the range of €200–€240, meaningful improvement compared to the traditional route.
To estimate the exact amount based on total spending during a trip, use the Zapptax VAT refund calculator. The refund rates are progressive, the more spent across all eligible purchases, the higher the rate applied.
Where to buy a Thermomix in France ?
The Thermomix is not sold through conventional retail channels. There is no shelf at Fnac, Darty, or Amazon France where a traveller can simply pick one up.
Vorwerk uses a direct-sales model, which means purchasing happens either through a Thermomix advisor, a Vorwerk boutique, or the official online shop.
Buying in a Vorwerk boutique or through an advisor
Vorwerk operates a network of branded boutiques across France, particularly in major cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux. These stores offer live demonstrations and allow buyers to handle the product before committing.
Alternatively, Thermomix advisors (independent sales consultants working with Vorwerk) can arrange a cooking demonstration at a private location or via video call, and then process the order..
In both cases, payment can be made by credit card or through one of Vorwerk's instalment plans. Always confirm the available payment methods at the time of purchase, and make sure the transaction is paid in full (or that the payment arrangement is compatible with tax-free shopping) before proceeding with the VAT refund process.
At the moment of purchase, do not forget to request an invoice that meets the requirements for tax-free shopping (see the step-by-step section below). The advisor or boutique staff can issue this document on the spot.
Ordering online from vorwerk.com
The official Vorwerk France website (vorwerk.com/fr) allows online orders for the Thermomix TM7 with home delivery anywhere in metropolitan France.
For non-EU residents staying temporarily in France, this is a practical option, especially for those who want to secure their order number in advance and have the product delivered to their accommodation.
When ordering online, the billing details entered at checkout matter. To use Zapptax for the VAT refund, the invoice must be issued in Zapptax's name (billing address details are available in the app). The delivery address can be for example, a hotel or a friend's home in France.
Keep in mind that Vorwerk sometimes has waiting lists for new models. At launch, the TM7 had a delivery lead time of up to 12 weeks. Planning ahead is recommended, especially for travellers with a fixed departure date.
Who qualifies for a Thermomix VAT refund ?
VAT refund eligibility in France is governed by French customs regulations, and the criteria are strict. To claim a tax-free refund on a Thermomix, or any other eligible product, all of the following conditions must be met :
| Condition | Details | | :---- | :---- | | Residency | Permanent resident of a country outside the EU (includes UK citizens since Brexit, Swiss residents, etc.). EU passport holders qualify if they can prove non-EU residency. | | Age | At least 16 years old at the time of purchase. | | Temporary stay | Visiting France for less than 6 months. Long-term residents are not eligible. | | Minimum amount | €100.01 including VAT. A Thermomix at €1,599 easily exceeds this. | | Personal use | The product must be for personal/domestic use — not for resale. | | New and unused | The item must remain unopened/unused until it clears customs. | | Export deadline | Goods must leave the EU before the end of the 3rd month after purchase. | | Compliant invoice | The seller must issue a VAT-compliant invoice (standard for Vorwerk). |
⚠️ Important: Missing even one of these conditions can result in a denied refund. It pays to verify everything before completing the purchase.
What to check before buying : terms, warranty, and proof of purchase
A Thermomix is a significant investment. International buyers should pay attention to a few practical details beyond the VAT refund itself.
Invoice = proof of purchase
The invoice is the foundation of the entire tax-free process. It must include:
- Seller's name, address, and VAT number
- Clear description of the product
- Price including VAT
- Date of sale
Without a compliant invoice, no refund can be issued. The Zapptax app makes it easy to photograph and upload invoices immediately — always store a digital copy in addition to the original paper.
Vorwerk warranty terms and conditions
The Thermomix TM7 currently comes with a 3-year warranty in France (extended from the usual 2-year legal guarantee during promotional periods). This warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship but does not cover damage resulting from wear and tear, misuse, or failure to follow the instruction manual.
Buyers should be aware that warranty terms may only apply in the country of original purchase. If the Thermomix is exported to a country without a Vorwerk service network, obtaining repairs under warranty may be difficult.
Other practical considerations
- Keep the original packaging and all accessories. Customs may inspect the goods at departure. A sealed box with the instruction manual and all accessories intact is far less likely to raise questions.
- Confirm voltage compatibility. The French model operates on 220–240V. Buyers returning to 110V countries (US, Japan, parts of South America) should check compatibility. Vorwerk does not offer exchanges based on voltage.
- Check for ongoing promotions. Vorwerk regularly offers bundles (TM7 + second bowl, TM7 + Découpe-Minute+ accessory) and instalment plans. These change the total on the invoice, which affects the VAT refund amount. Confirming the exact paid-in-full price before requesting the invoice avoids confusion.
How to claim your Thermomix VAT refund with Zapptax ?
The process with Zapptax is fully digital. Here is how it works, from purchase to refund.
Step 1 — Ask for an invoice in Zapptax's name
This is the critical moment, and it happens at the point of sale, whether in a Vorwerk boutique, with an advisor, or during online checkout.
In store or with an advisor : before paying, tell the seller that the invoice should be issued in the name of a company. Then provide Zapptax's billing details: company name, address, and VAT number. All of this information is clearly displayed in the Zapptax app, ready to share. The seller is legally required to provide an invoice upon request, this is not an unusual ask.
Online (vorwerk.com) : at checkout, enter Zapptax's billing information in the "billing address" fields. The delivery address can be different (a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's home in France). Just make sure the billing name reads "Zapptax" and uses the correct address for France.
This step replaces the traditional approach where the buyer would ask for a "tax-free form" directly from the store. With Zapptax, the invoice is the only document needed from the seller, the app handles everything else.
Step 2 — Upload the invoice to the Zapptax app
Once the invoice is in hand (or received by email for online orders), open the Zapptax app and upload it. Take a clear photo or import the PDF. The app reads the invoice details, verifies that the required information is present, and adds the purchase to the account.
This is also where Zapptax's aggregation feature becomes useful. If other purchases have been made during the same trip (such as perfumes, clothing, wine, electronics) all invoices can be uploaded and grouped together.
In France, the minimum threshold of €100.01 applies to the combined total, not to each individual purchase. A Thermomix on its own already exceeds this threshold, but grouping other invoices means every eligible purchase gets included in the refund.
Step 3 — Get the tax-free form
Once all invoices have been uploaded, Zapptax generates a single, consolidated tax-free form (known officially as a "bordereau de détaxe"). This form is fully compliant with the PABLO system used by French Customs and is available directly in the app, no printing needed.
The tax-free form is typically generated within a short time after invoice upload, depending on verification. Zapptax's support team reviews the documents for accuracy, reducing the risk of errors that could cause a rejection at customs.
Step 4 — Validate at customs before leaving the EU
This step is non-negotiable. Without Customs validation, there is no refund, regardless of how perfectly the rest of the process has been followed.
At the last point of departure from the European Union (whether an airport, a train station like Gare du Nord for Eurostar, or a land border), look for a PABLO kiosk. These self-service terminals are located near Customs areas at all major French international departure points.
Open the Zapptax app, display the barcode on the tax-free form, and scan it at the PABLO kiosk. If the scan is successful, the form is validated and the refund process is triggered automatically.
If the kiosk is unavailable or the scan fails, go directly to a Customs officer to have the form validated manually. Always arrive at the departure point with enough time (at least 45 minutes before check-in for flights) to handle any potential queues or technical issues.
Important: the Thermomix (and any other goods listed on the tax-free form) must be available for inspection. Customs may ask to see the products before validating the form. Do not pack the Thermomix in checked luggage until after the PABLO validation is complete.
Step 5 — Receive the refund
Once the tax-free form has been validated by Customs, the refund is triggered. Zapptax processes the payment according to the method selected in the app, typically a credit card refund or a bank transfer.
Processing times vary, but refunds are generally completed within a few weeks of Customs validation. The Zapptax app provides a tracking feature to follow the status of the refund at every stage.
Conclusion
A Thermomix purchased in France is already an excellent deal compared to prices in many other countries. Add a VAT refund of up to €240, and it becomes one of the smartest high-value purchases a non-EU traveller can make.
With Zapptax, the process comes down to three essentials: a proper invoice, a quick upload, and a stop at the PABLO kiosk before boarding. The same app handles the Thermomix refund alongside every other eligible purchase from the trip (perfumes, fashion, electronics, etc) all in one place.
For anyone considering a Thermomix during a stay in France, the only real mistake is not claiming the refund at all.
FAQ
1. How much VAT can I get back on a Thermomix TM7 in France?
The Thermomix TM7 retails at €1,599 TTC in France, which includes approximately €266 of VAT at the standard 20 % rate. Through Zapptax, eligible non-EU residents can recover a significant portion of that amount — typically in the range of €200 to €240, depending on the refund method chosen and applicable service fees. Traditional in-store refund operators generally return less, in the range of €160 to €192.
2. Can I get a VAT refund on a Thermomix bought online ?
Yes. Purchases made on the official Vorwerk France website (vorwerk.com/fr) are eligible for tax-free shopping. At checkout, enter Zapptax as the billing name and use the billing address provided in the app. The product must be delivered to an address in France and physically carried out of the EU by the traveller, with Customs validation at departure.
3. Is a Thermomix worth the investment ?
The Thermomix TM7 is a premium appliance and its price reflects that. But for travellers who cook regularly, it can genuinely replace over 20 kitchen devices (blender, food processor, steamer, kneader, scale…).
4. How much does a Thermomix cost ?
The Thermomix TM7 retails at €1,599 in France, including VAT and a Cookidoo subscription. Vorwerk also offers instalment plans (such as 20 interest-free monthly payments) and occasional promotional bundles with accessories. International prices vary by country, but the French price is generally among the most competitive, especially once the VAT refund is factored in.
5. Where can I buy a Thermomix in France ?
Thermomix is sold exclusively through Vorwerk's direct-sales model. There are three purchasing options: ordering online from the official Vorwerk France website (vorwerk.com/fr), visiting a Vorwerk boutique in a major French city, or booking a demonstration with a Thermomix advisor. For non-EU visitors looking to claim a VAT refund, buying in store is often the simplest.
6. How long does a Thermomix last ?
Thermomix appliances are known for exceptional longevity. It is common to find users who have been cooking daily with a TM31 (released in 2004) for over 15 years. Vorwerk designs each model to withstand years of heavy use, and spare parts remain available long after a model is discontinued. The TM7 comes with a 3-year warranty in France (currently offered as part of the launch promotion), covering defects in materials and workmanship. With proper care and regular maintenance, a Thermomix can realistically serve a household for a decade or more.
7. What is the difference between a Cookeo and a Thermomix?
These are fundamentally different appliances. The Moulinex Cookeo is primarily a pressure cooker with some additional modes (slow cook, steam, reheat). It excels at hands-off cooking of stews, soups, and rice-based dishes. The Thermomix, by contrast, is a multifunction kitchen robot: it chops, blends, kneads, steams, weighs, heats, and cooks, all in one bowl. It handles tasks the Cookeo cannot, such as making dough, grinding spices, or preparing ice cream.
8. What are the downsides of the Thermomix?
No product is perfect. The most commonly cited limitations include: the bowl capacity (2.2 L) can feel small for large families; some TM6 accessories are not compatible with the TM7; the appliance requires a Cookidoo subscription (€60/year) for full recipe access; and the price remains high compared to competitors. For travellers, an additional consideration is voltage: the French model runs on 220–240V, which may require a converter in 110V countries. That said, for regular home cooks who value versatility and reliability, most users consider the trade-offs well worth it.
9. Can a Thermomix peel potatoes ?
Yes. The TM7 comes with an optional blade cover peeler accessory that can peel up to 800 g of root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, turnips, etc.) in under a minute. The accessory fits over the standard blade, and the peeling process uses water and gentle rotation. It is one of the functions that surprises first-time users the most. Note that the blade cover peeler for the TM7 is a specific accessory — the older TM6 version is not compatible.
10. How long does it take to receive my Thermomix VAT refund?
After the tax-free form has been validated at a PABLO kiosk, the refund is typically processed within a few weeks. Credit card refunds tend to be faster than bank transfers. The Zapptax app provides real-time tracking so travellers can follow their refund status at every stage.
