How to choose the right mixer grinder

A mixer grinder is arguably the unsung hero in every Indian kitchen. It is like Matt Damon from Oppenheimer, present in the kitchen but also somewhat obscure from refrigerators and other kitchen appliances.

However, when you turn on the mixer grinder and the high-pitched grinding sound resonates through the home, the appliance establishes its dominance. It may be a basic appliance at home but also one that is truly indispensable.

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With such an important role to play in the kitchen, it is not straightforward to choose the right mixer grinder. In this article, we will look at key attributes that you need to keep in mind while choosing the right mixer grinder for you.

Types of mixers and grinders

A mixer grinder is usually classified depending on its purpose. While the most common type is a traditional mixer grinder, there are other types available in the market:

Traditional mixer grinders: A traditional mixer grinder is compact and designed for home use. They are the most common type of mixer grinder one can find in most Indian households. They are used to grind small quantities of ingredients regularly and they come in a wide range.

Mixer grinder with juicer: A mixer grinder with juicer is essentially an extension of a traditional mixer grinder but includes an additional juicing attachment. In addition to functions like grinding, blending, and chopping, they are also used to extract fresh juices.

Stand mixer: A stand mixer is a powerful tool used to mix different ingredients at once. These mixers are not usually found in home kitchens but are commonplace in bakeries, food factories, and other industries. They are primarily used for making bread, whipping cream, large batches of chocolate chip cookies, or any dough recipe requiring longer mixing times.

Wet grinder: A wet grinder is a speciality tool designed for wet grinding where a granite stone rotates inside a drum with the help of an electric motor. The food grains get crushed between the stone and the drum. It is extensively used in South Indian cuisine to make batter for idli, dosa, and other South Indian dishes.

Wattage

One of the most important factors to consider while choosing a mixer grinder is wattage. For a domestic mixer grinder, a wattage between 500 and 750 watts. The simple rule to follow here is higher the wattage, the greater the power delivered for grinding. A higher wattage will help grind tougher ingredients at a faster speed.

Speed

Choosing the right wattage alone won’t do the trick though. It is also important to check the speed, which is denoted in rotations per minute. The RPM of a mixer grinder indicates how fast the blade can rotate in a minute.

An ideal mixer for kitchen use will have a rated speed from 18,000 to 23,000 RPM. A juicer mixer grinder will usually have low to medium RPM and most mixer grinders will have a speed control knob/switch to choose the right speed for different use cases.

Jars

The fourth important factor when choosing a mixer grinder is the number of jars that come with the product. It is always better to choose an appliance with a higher number of jars but 2-3 jars will be enough to meet most of your home requirements.

Having multiple jars will allow you to use one for grinding spices, one for making chutneys, and another one for juicing. Once you have settled on the ideal number of jars for your requirement, it is best to choose a jar made of stainless steel for the best durability. You can also choose jars with a transparent lid so you don’t have to open the lid every time to check on the ingredients while grinding.

Blades

A jar is as good as the blade attached to it. The quality and design of the blade can make a huge difference in the performance of your mixer grinder. Since it is a consumable part, it is best to go for stainless steel blades since they offer durability and corrosion resistance.

While choosing jars, you can look for specialised blades for wet grinding, dry grinding, chopping, and other activities. A dry grinding blade will be sharp and able to grind spices, coffee beans, and grains while wet grinding uses blades with blunt edges. For chutney making, a smaller blade is preferred to create fine pastes.

Motor quality

At the heart of any mixer grinder is the motor. While choosing a mixer grinder for home, you should opt for a copper motor as opposed to aluminium motors since they offer better durability and can withstand tough grinding tasks.

Safety

Safety should be paramount when choosing any appliance and a mixer grinder should be no different. For a mixer grinder, a consumer should look for a shockproof body that protects the user in the event of electrical faults or surges. You should also look for securely locked lids to prevent any accidental spillage or spattering of ingredients during operation.

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A mixer grinder with anti-skid feet ensures that the appliance stays firmly in place. Another safety feature you should consider while choosing a mixer grinder is overload protection, where the appliance will automatically turn off when it senses excessive load or voltage irregularity.

Warranty

Most mixer grinders and food processors come with a two years warranty but consumers need to make sure what gets covered during the warranty period. Any manufacturing defect or malfunction of motors or blades will usually get covered under warranty but accidental damages won’t get covered. Similarly, buying from a reputed brand like Bosch, Bajaj, Havells, Croma, Prestige, etc would mean faster and more efficient service.

Maintenance

A mixer grinder’s life can be extended by following simple maintenance guidelines. After each use, it is essential to thoroughly wash each grinder jar and wipe it with a damp cloth. It is also advisable to clean the blades but exercise caution not to get hurt in the process. Make sure to not overload the grinder and always start with a lower speed and slowly increase the speed to get the best result. If you notice any wear and tear, it is recommended to quickly replace those components.

Price

Last but not least, an ideal mixer grinder for your home will also depend on your budget. The pricing of mixer grinders varies depending on the features you choose along with the quality of materials. Some brands may charge a premium for features found on an affordable product. It is always best to choose a mixer grinder that not only suits your home requirements but also your budget.

With all these factors in mind, choose the mixer grinder that best suits your requirements.