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How To Use a Mixer Grinder: A Comprehensive Guide
Synopsis
How To Use a Mixer Grinder? To use a mixer grinder, assemble the desired jar onto the main unit, add ingredients based on the jar’s purpose (wet grinding, dry grinding, or blending), secure the lid, and operate the appliance according to the recommended settings for efficient and versatile food processing.
Introduction
Masalas, purees, and chutneys are essential constituents of Indian cuisine. Cooking has become much smarter and quicker with the impressive range of the latest mixer grinders.
To prepare those mouth-watering dishes, all of the pureeing, chopping, mincing, grinding, mixing, and blending can be done in a matter of minutes. You just need to know how to use a grinder mixer effectively 🙂
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss, step-by-step, how to use a mixer grinder.
Do not miss out on the reviews of top-selling models of mixer grinders.
Components of a Mixer Grinder
Ever wondered how your mixer grinder works its kitchen magic?
Let’s break it down – from the powerful motor to the handy jars.
A. Main Unit
The heart of the mixer grinder lies in its main unit, housing a powerful motor and a user-friendly control panel. The motor is the powerhouse that drives the blades in the jars, while the knob allows you to adjust settings according to your specific needs.
B. Jars
Mixer grinders come with a variety of jars, each designed for specific functions. Understanding the different types of jars is important.
Most mixer grinders come with some or all of the following jars:
- Wet Grinding Jar: This jar, with its specially designed blades, is ideal for turning soaked grains and pulses into smooth pastes. Perfect for creating batters for dosas, idlis, and more.
- Dry Grinding Jar: Tailored for grinding dry ingredients such as spices, nuts, and coffee beans, this jar is a must-have for achieving the perfect consistency in your recipes.
- Chutney Jar: Smaller, this jar is perfect for creating flavorful chutneys, dips, and sauces. Its compact design allows for the efficient blending of smaller quantities.
- Blender or liquidizing Jar: The blender jar is used to blend or puree ingredients into a smooth liquid. It can also be used to make smoothies, soups, sauces, dips, batters, and other recipes that require a fine consistency.
How To Use Mixer Grinder? Step-by-step Guide
The steps to use a mixer grinder are, more or less, common – irrespective of the brands and the models.
Well, let’s understand how to operate a mixer grinder efficiently!
How To Use Mixer Grinder?
- Identify and gather the ingredients
The first step is to collect the ingredients that you wish to process. It is a good idea to place them all together, right in the beginning, to avoid any miss-out.
- Select the appropriate jar
Then, you need to choose the right type of jar based on your requirements. The main types of jars which come with mixer grinders are:
i. wet grinding jars,
ii. dry grinding jars,
iii. chutney-making jars, and
iv. juicer jars.
Different jars have different uses. For instance, if you want to grind some dry spices, pick up the dry grinding jar.
Learn more about mixer grinder jar uses. Read our article on the uses of mixer grinder jars here.
- Ensure to use the correct blade
The blades, like jars, also come in different types. The most common ones are:
i. wet grinding blades,
ii. dry grinding blades,
iii. chutney jar blades, and
iv. mincing blades.
These, as their names suggest, come attached to the respective jars. However, in case more than one blade can be used with a jar, make sure that you are using the right one. The quality of processing mainly depends upon the blade. So, this is an important step.
Learn more about mixer grinder blade types and uses. Read our article on mixer grinder blade uses here. - Pour the food items into the jar
Once you are ready with the right blade attached to the right jar, gently pour the ingredients into the jar.
- Mix water and other ingredients
In Indian cooking, we mostly need to mix or process more than one ingredient together. Just add them in the right quantity and add water, if required.
- Close & lock the jar lid
After pouring the ingredients into the jar, you need to ensure that the lid is properly placed on it and locked tightly. Running the mixer grinder jar without the properly fitted lid should be avoided at all costs. Not only will there be a chance of accident or spillage, but it can also cause damage to the mixer grinder.
- Mount the jar onto the mixer grinder unit
Place the jar onto the mixer grinder machine and see that the coupler is properly fitted. In most of the mixer grinders, you usually do this by twisting the jar gently until it is properly locked. If this is not done carefully, again, the mixer grinder unit may get damaged.
- Start the mixer grinder
After the jar is placed correctly, put the plug into the electric socket and switch it on. Then start the mixer grinder by rotating the speed control knob. You need to start from the lowest speed and gradually increase the speed, as per your requirement.
- Use the right speed
It is important to process the ingredients at the right speed. Some stuff like dry spices may require to be processed at a higher speed; while juicing, usually, is done at a lower speed. The speed of processing is vital for ensuring the quality and consistency of processing.
- Keep an eye on the consistency
While you are processing the ingredients, it is important to keep looking at the consistency by checking it occasionally. To do this, stop the mixer grinder, remove the lid, and feel the consistency. This is important because foodstuffs are required to be processed in different consistencies – thick, medium, or fine.
- Switch off and unplug after usage
When you are done with the job, switch off the mixer grinder unit. Do remember to unplug the mixer grinder electric cord from the electrical mains to prevent any type of accidental run or damage. ‘Safety first’ is the mantra here. 🙂
- Shift the processed stuff for use or storage
It is advisable to shift the processed foodstuff from the jar immediately for usage or storage. The only exception here is the Grind & Store jars which are meant to be used for storing the foodstuff.
✅Did you know that Preethi Blue Leaf Platinum, a 4 Jars, 750 Watt Mixer Grinder also comes with a Grind & Store jar? Read the full review here.
- Clean thoroughly
Lastly, the mixer grinder needs to be cleaned immediately after use. Clean the mixer grinder body with a damp cloth using non-abrasive liquid cleaner and wipe it dry thereafter. Other accessories & components like jars, blades, etc. should also be cleaned thoroughly.
Just in case you missed out on the article on How to Effectively Clean a Mixer Grinder, click here to read the mixer grinder cleaning tips.
