Grinding Traditions In A Fast World: Are Urban Dwellers Still Using Wet Grinders?

In a typical South Indian household, the rhythmic hum of a wet grinder is more than just background noise, it's a comforting reminder of tradition, family recipes, and Sunday breakfasts filled with fluffy idlis and golden dosas. But as modern kitchens become sleeker, quieter, and filled with multi-purpose appliances, one can't help but ask, is the wet grinder still relevant to the younger generation living in urban cities?

Is A Tabletop Wet Grinder Still Useful: Are Urban Home Cooks Using Tabletop Wet Grinders?; Photo Credit: Pexels

The Wet Grinder's Cultural Legacy

Before understanding the habits of the younger generation, it's important to understand the wet grinder's legacy. The device was once a cornerstone of daily cooking, especially in southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Traditionally made of stone and used manually, wet grinders were later electrified in the 1970s and quickly became a staple in many Indian homes.

Unlike blenders or mixers, a wet grinder uses stone-based grinding, which crushes soaked rice and lentils to create a soft, fluffy batter. The slow and steady motion helps retain nutrients, natural oils, and flavours. For many, this isn't just about cooking, it's a ritual, a connection to one's roots.

Do Younger Generations Care About Wet Grinders?

The younger generation, living in an urban setup are known for embracing convenience, tech, and minimalism. Many of them live in smaller homes, nuclear families, or even solo apartments. Their kitchens are compact, and their time is limited.

For those reasons, traditional wet grinders often don't fit the bill. They are bulky, heavy, and usually occupy a good amount of countertop or storage space. They also require soaking, grinding, cleaning, and drying, all of which take time. In an era where ready-made batter is available in nearly every supermarket, many people understandably opt out.

However, this doesn't mean the wet grinder is obsolete.

A Divided Kitchen: Tradition vs Convenience

Is A Tabletop Wet Grinder Still Useful: Are Urban Home Cooks Using Tabletop Wet Grinders?; Photo Credit: Pexels

To understand the split, I spoke to a few home cooks across the city. What emerged was a picture of coexistence, some rejecting the grinder entirely, others embracing it as a badge of culinary pride.

“I moved to Delhi for work five years ago and didn't have space for a grinder. I used to buy idli batter from the store. But after the lockdown, I started cooking more. I realised the batter I made at home using a friend's wet grinder tasted so much better. I bought one last year, and I've never looked back, " said Blessy George, a 28-year-old content writer.

On the flip side, 24-year-old Parul Sharma sees no reason to bring one home. “I barely cook on weekdays. A mixer-grinder does the job for my occasional chutney or pancake batter. The idea of soaking dal for hours and cleaning the grinder sounds exhausting.”

The split seems generational, but is also influenced by lifestyle, family setup, and cooking habits.

The Rise of Compact Grinders

Acknowledging this shift, manufacturers have started to adapt. Compact tabletop grinders are now available that take up less space and are more user-friendly. Some come with additional jars and features, trying to appeal to the multitasking ethos of modern kitchens.

Many families and individuals living in the southern part have now started embracing table top wet grinders for their everyday meals. Whereas in north India, it has become one of more such electronic appliance that is rising from the grounds promising better nutrition and health benefits.

Health-Conscious Cooking

Health is another factor. As per the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, wet grinders use granite stones for grinding the content. The stone grinders do not generate heat and so do not overheat the contents like a mixer blade does, and thus preserve the micronutrients of the content being ground to a large extent.

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5. ULTRA Perfect + 2.0 L Wet Grinder

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10. SMARTFINGERS Comfort Plus Mini Table Top Wet Grinder

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a wet grinder used for?

A wet grinder is primarily used to grind soaked grains, lentils, and spices into smooth pastes or batters, commonly for dishes like idli, dosa, and chutneys.

2. How is a wet grinder different from a mixer grinder?

Unlike mixer grinders, wet grinders use stone grinding, which generates less heat and helps retain the natural flavour, texture, and nutrition of ingredients.

3. Are wet grinders still necessary in modern kitchens?

While not essential for everyone, wet grinders are preferred by those who regularly make South Indian dishes or want better fermentation and texture in homemade batters.

4. What are the different types of wet grinders available?

The main types include tabletop wet grinders, tilting wet grinders, and commercial wet grinders, each catering to different household or industrial needs.

5. How do I maintain a wet grinder?

Clean the drum and stones after each use, ensure proper drying to prevent rust, and periodically check for wear and tear on the stone edges or motor belt.

So, are younger generations still using wet grinders? The answer is both yes and no. While some have moved away in favour of faster options, others are rediscovering the grinder as a tool that connects them to their heritage, offers better health outcomes, and even brings joy to the kitchen. As younger generations grow more interested in clean eating, cultural roots, and homemade meals, this humble kitchen appliance may just find its place once again, not as a dusty relic, but as a meaningful, even aspirational, part of modern Indian homes.