Wet grinders are essentially used for grinding lentils, scraped coconut, and soaked grains into a very fine paste. The design of this machine is in such a way to accommodate grinding on a large scale. Popular South Indian foods like idli, medu vada, and dosa are made from the batter grounded by the wet grinder. Masalas and chutneys can also be grinded but only for a large amount. Extra features like dough kneader are incorporated in certain wet grinders to aid in the kneading of all dough types.
Nowadays people buy batter from the store rather than making it at home. But there are a number of advantages to making homemade batter which will be discussed in this article.
Better than a mixer grinder?
Both mixer grinders and wet grinders in India are popular kitchen appliances until today. Almost all households possess mixer grinders, but selective persons keep the wet grinder. The difference between the two appliances is really not much. Homemade masalas are prepared using the mixer grinder in small quantities, whereas batters are made using the wet grinder in large quantities.
When compared to a mixer grinder, the wet grinder is capable of heavy-duty mixing. Though not much difference is seen between the two appliances, one definitely cannot replace another appliance.
Types of wet grinders
- 3 stone vs 2 stone
With a 3 stone wet grinder, the grinding work is much faster. This is simply due to the fact that the grinding surface of the stone in a 3 stone wet grinder is more, thereby reducing the duration of grinding. But the smoothness of the batter, whether 3 stone or 2 stone type, has no difference.
- Tilting vs non-tilting
It is easy to pour out the batter in a tilting wet grinder without the need to lift the drum. This is an advantage if the capacity exceeds 2 liters. In the non-tilting type, the drum needs to be lifted to pour the batter.
- Swing arm assembly vs Screw Knob
There are two types of lock mechanisms for the stone rollers inside the wet grinder. One is the knob type, where it is screwed to keep the stone rollers in place. The second one is the swing arm assembly, where a lever will hold the stone roller with spring and lock in place.
Benefits of a wet grinder
Rather than store-bought batter, a homemade one is always healthy and delicious. Since every kind of South Indian dishes like idlis, dosas, or other kinds require batter regularly, it is good to invest in a wet grinder.
The following are the reasons to answer, why it is good to own a personal wet grinder.
- The wet grinder is capable of fast and effective grinding in comparison to the mixer grinder.
- Though the batter can also be done in a mixer grinder, a good smooth batter with high-quality taste is achieved in a wet grinder.
- It is designed in such a way to operate for a long duration.
- Pulses can also be grinded in large amounts.
- The stone holds add authenticity to flavor which is difficult to achieve in both mixer grinder and store-bought batter.
- A healthy option where an individual adds ingredients according to the dietary requirements.
At the end of the day, the wet grinder is, in reality, an appliance for the family to meet both the dietary requirements and the taste, which is a good investment.
