A mixer grinder is one of the most essential appliances in an Indian kitchen. This versatile tool can use various ingredients to create delicious chutneys, batters, purees, and anything else you can dream up! However, not all mixer grinders are created equal.
Let’s explore each factor’s role in creating the ideal blender for your needs. With this knowledge, you can select the perfect mixer to streamline your time cooking Indian cuisine.
● Mixer Grinder: Blade Types
3-Blade Design
The 3-blade design is the most basic option. It consists of 3 curved stainless steel blades fused to the bottom of the jar. The 3 angled blades help create a vortex that pulls food towards the blades for efficient grinding and blending.
3 blades are well-suited for dry grinding of spices, nuts, etc. They can handle small quantities efficiently. However, for larger batches, more blades help distribute the workload for faster grinding.
4-Blade Design
The 4-blade design provides 25% more blade surface area than the 3-blade models. The extra blade increases grinding performance and speed.
With 4 stainless steel blades, this mixer grinder can grind larger ingredients faster. The additional blade provides more homogenisation for smooth blending and mixing of wet ingredients.
5+ Blade Designs
This advanced mixer grinder features 5, 6 or even 7-blade designs. More blades provide even greater surface area for handling large quantities and tougher ingredients. While the extra blades improve performance, they also add cost.
● Mixer Grinder: Jar Design
Jar Shape
The ideal jar shape for a mixer grinder is cylindrical. A cylindrical jar allows contents to move in a vortex-like circular motion, leading to uniform and fine grinding. Oblong or square jars do not facilitate the same swirling action during grinding.
Jar Width
Wider jars provide more surface area for ingredients to move freely and get ground uniformly. Narrow jars can restrict motion and leave larger pieces unground. However, wide jars also require more power from the motor. The optimal jar width depends on the power rating and intended use.
Jar Bottom: Curved vs Flat
Curved bottom jars promote a smooth, swirling vortex for wet grinding foods like chutneys. The curved surface helps contents move freely. Flat-bottom jars work better for dry grinding spices, nuts, etc. The flat base allows the material to grind against the surface uniformly.
The jar’s shape, width and bottom design impact the grinding efficiency uniquely. Selecting the jar design that suits your needs and ingredients maximises performance.
● Mixer Grinder: Jar Material
Plastic Jars
Plastic jars are the best material for wet grinding applications, especially juices and smoothies. They have a smooth inner surface, which minimises friction and prevents the paste from sticking to the sides. These jars are also chemically inert, so there is no chance of the jar material reacting with the ingredients being ground. They are lighter in weight and more resistant to damage when dropped.
Stainless Steel Jars
Stainless steel jars offer excellent durability and longevity. They transfer heat efficiently for recipes requiring hot grinding. It is the best choice. Stainless steel maintains its hardness and minimises scratches.
How Does Jar Size and Blade Impact the Grinding Efficiency?
The jar and blade in a mixer grinder impact grinding efficiency. Smaller jars with multiple blades grind ingredients faster and more efficiently than ordinary grinders. This is because:
- The 3+ blades can reach all the ingredients easily and quickly in a smaller jar. In larger jars, ingredients can get stuck in the corners and take longer to incorporate.
- Medium and Small jars require less power and lower speeds to grind ingredients. The blades can grind things finely at lower speeds.
- The contents in a smaller jar remain in close contact with the blades during grinding. The ingredients can spread out more in larger jars and avoid the blades.
- A 3-blade design suits small quantities, a 4-blade model offers 25% more surface area for faster grinding, and advanced 5+ blades are effective for larger quantities but may be excessive for basic use.
- Likewise, cylindrical shapes ensure uniform grinding; wider jars allow free movement of ingredients. Curved bottoms are best for wet grinding, and flat bottoms suit dry grinding.
- The contents grind against the sides of the jar and the blades. A jar provides a proper surface area in proportion to the volume, allowing ingredients to grind more efficiently.
End note
Mixer grinders are indispensable appliances in Indian kitchens. Choosing the right mixer grinder can make daily grinding tasks much more efficient. When selecting one, consider the blade type, material, design, jar size, material, and blade-to-jar ratio.
Thus, evaluating your usage and grinding needs will determine the most important features. Investing in a quality mixer grinder enhances functionality and longevity. You can achieve smooth, fast, and effortless grinding with the right match between the blade and the
