Mixer grinders are basic appliances, but they’re indispensable in every kitchen. Managing without one, even for a day can be a nightmare. Over the years, a lot has improved in the mixer grinders space. They have become smaller, lighter and easier to use. Keeping in mind the modular kitchen set-up in homes, manufacturers are designing them to be aesthetically appealing as well. Let’s take a look at the factors that need to be considered before buying a mixer grinder.
Types of mixers and grinders
The two common types of mixer grinders are stand mixers and traditional mixers. A stand mixer is powerful enough to mix ingredients. These kind of mixers are mainly used for whipping cream and kneading dough. Stand mixers are rarely used in kitchens, but are largely found in bakeries, food factories and other food industries.
Traditional mixers are simpler in design and compact in size. They are the ones found in every household for grinding ingredients in small quantity on a regular basis. As said earlier, there is a wide collection of traditional mixers across different brands. Check out some popular mixer grinder models here.
If you want something more advanced, check out food processors. They are more powerful than traditional mixer grinders and can chop, shred, slice, knead and do a lot more. Food processors are available in different designs and capacities.
Choosing the right wattage and speed
Wattage and speed are two important factors to consider while buying a mixer grinder. Mixers with 500 watts to 750 watts are ideal for kitchen use. Make sure you select one with a higher wattage for ideal results.
Another important factor is the speed, which is calculated in rotations per minute (RPM). It tells you a number of times the blade rotates in a minute. A mixer with 18,000 RPM is good for kitchen use. Practically all mixer grinders let you control the speed to your needs. There is a dedicated dial or buttons to adjust the speed of the mixer. This is useful when you want to blend or mix something juicy or in a semi-liquid form, since it requires low to medium speeds.
Types of mixer blades
The kind and options of blades bundled with a mixer are an important factor too. There are different blades, some for dry grinding while others for wet grinding. Some mixers are packed with these two blades out of the box, which can be fitted easily.
Mixer blades are mainly made up of stainless steel rated under 300 series of grade. The metal grade at which it is rated tells you whether it is corrosion resistant and durable. Steel blades rated at 302 or 304 have low carbon in it, which makes them last for a longer period of time.
Number of bundled jars
Choose a mixer that has 3 jars, so you can use them for multiple purposes. This is useful if you’re preparing multiple dishes and you don’t need to run around washing them. Make sure that the jar has a rubber or hard plastic handle for a good grip with lids that are toughened and durable enough to use daily.
Food processors are worth considering if you are looking for a multi-purpose mixer. There are jars of different capacities bundled with food processors, and they also come with interchangeable blades. Some even have a feeding tube, so you can add ingredients one-by-one while you’re using them. You also get a juicer jar in most cases, which help extract fruit and vegetable juices.
When selecting a mixer grinder, make sure all mixer jars have a safety lock mechanism. This is helpful because you don’t have to hold the jar while the mixer is running. Some of the latest food processors and mixer grinders don’t work till the lids on jars are locked properly.
Brand preferences and pricing
Most of us are very particular about selecting a particular brand when it comes to home appliances. There are several mixer grinders available across brands to choose from. The price of every mixer grinder depends on features it offers and also on the brand. Some brands may demand a premium, for features you might find on a lower priced product. You need to make a choice, based on the budget you’ve already decided on.
Warranty
Most mixer grinders and food processors come with two years warranty. Most brands may not provide warranty on mishandling of products, say if a mixer gets dented or cracked. Under the warranty period, the mixer grinder and food processors are covered only for manufacturing defects related to motors, blades, etc.
If you’re looking to replace your existing mixer grinder, we hope this article has helped. To check out some really interesting mixer grinders, browse through our catalogue or visit the nearest Reliance Digital store in your locality.
