5 Common Mixer Grinder Mistakes That Are Silently Damaging Your Motor

A mixer grinder is one of the most important appliances in an Indian kitchen. From grinding spices and chutneys to making pastes, blending and batters, the mixer grinder truly makes all our lives easier. However, the more we use a product, the more we tend to take good habits for granted.

For example, many of us tend to ignore or overlook mixer grinder problems that could arise from using the appliance incorrectly or inappropriately. These could range from motor overheating to strange sounds coming out of the mixer Grinder. Knowing the correct way to use a mixer grinder can prevent these issues and ensure that we have an optimal user experience with the product.

5 Common Mistakes While Using a Mixer Grinder That Could Harm the Motor.

Below are the five most common mistakes that could damage a mixer Grinder:

1. Leaving a Mixer Grinder On for Too Long

Many of us have a habit of switching the mixer grinder on for long periods of time in an attempt to grind a thicker mixture or make a smoother batter. However, leaving a mixer grinder on for too long can cause the motor to overheat. This can cause a number of issues such as the appliance shutting down abruptly in the middle of grinding and damaging the blades. The motor can also be permanently damaged if it overheats due to being left on for too long.

For example, when making a thick coconut paste or grinding a mixture of ingredients together, leaving the appliance on can be damaging to the motor. Although the ingredients may be properly ground, the added pressure on the motor from grinding a denser mixture for an extended period of time can permanently damage it. While there is no definitive answer as to how long a mixer grinder should be left on, it is best to follow the instructions mentioned in the user manual and leave the appliance on for the suggested amount of time. In addition, it is also best to periodically switch the appliance off and on again rather than leaving it on for hours at a time.

How To Avoid This Mistake.

• Use the operating and resting instructions mentioned in the user manual.
• Make sure to switch the appliance off and on again intermittently.
• Always switch the appliance off when the desired consistency has been achieved.
• Never switch the appliance on again if the thermal protection has been engaged.
• Avoid switching the appliance on and off repeatedly if it has automatically turned off.

2. Overloading the Mixer Grinder Jar

One of the most common mixer grinder mistakes that we tend to make is overfilling the jar. When we need to prepare a large quantity of ingredients, we try to fill the jar to the brim in order to save time and effort. However, overloading the jar can lead to a number of mixer grinder problems. When the jar is filled beyond its capacity, it fails to properly distribute the movement of the ingredients to the blades. As a result, some ingredients may not be properly ground as others. If the mixture is too thick, it can also stick to the sides of the jar and cause the blades to be improperly engaged.

For example, if the jar has been filled with soaked lentils or chopped vegetables up to the brim, then the ingredients will not be properly ground. They may also splash out of the jar when the appliance has been switched on due to the restricted space within the jar. Another thing to consider is that the fill line markings mentioned in the user manual are only suitable for specific types of ingredients. Hence, it is important to make sure that the ingredients being processed are suitable for the amount of space within the jar.

How To Avoid This Mistake

• Always make sure that the ingredients being processed do not exceed the minimum and maximum fill markings mentioned in the user manual.
• Divide large quantities of ingredients into smaller batches.
• Make sure to cut the ingredients to the appropriate size before grinding.
• Choose the appropriate jar based on the quantity and type of ingredients being processed.
• Follow the recommended liquid measurements for making pastes and other mixtures.
• Never open the jar or insert any utensils while the appliance is switched on.

3. Grinding Ingredients That Are Too Hard or Inappropriate

Not all ingredients can be ground using the same type of appliance. For example, a mixer grinder with a lower motor capacity may not be capable of grinding harder ingredients such as extremely dry or coarse items.

When ingredients that are too hard or inappropriate are ground using a mixer grinder, they can cause the blades to be engaged inappropriately which places added stress on the motor and other components. Even when grinding ingredients that are suitable for the appliance, the quantity and size of the ingredients must also be taken into consideration. Ingredients that are too large can also increase the workload of the mixer grinder and may potentially damage the blades.

For example, if the blades of a mixer grinder become engaged while trying to grind a particularly hard mixture, then it can cause the motor to overheat. In addition, the blades and coupler can also become damaged in the process of grinding inappropriate ingredients.

How To Avoid This Mistake

• Always make sure that the ingredients being ground are suitable for the appliance.
• Cut ingredients to a suitable size.
• Make sure to use the appropriate jar.
• Avoid using the appliance to grind inappropriate or non-food items.
• Switch off the appliance if the blades appear to be jammed.
• Always unplug the appliance before removing any foreign objects that may have gotten stuck in the blades.

If the appliance seems to be struggling to grind ingredients that should be easy to process, then contact an authorised service centre

4. Disregarding Overheating, Unusual Sounds or Burning Smell

The last thing we want to do when using a mixer grinder is pay attention to the strange noises it makes. We often assume that the sounds coming from the appliance are normal or due to the ingredients being ground. However, these sounds can often be an indicator of several mixer grinder problems.

For example, many of us have experienced a situation where the motor overheated while we were using the appliance. In many cases, the motor would then automatically shut off due to the built-in thermal protection mechanism. While it is normal for the motor of the mixer grinder to become warm while in use, it should not become excessively hot. Similarly, an unusual sound coming from the appliance or a burning smell are also a few other signs that something is wrong with the appliance.

Overheating can often occur due to an overly dense mixture being processed, a faulty appliance or the blades becoming engaged inappropriately. If the sound coming from the appliance is similar to a rattling sound, then it could be an indication that there is something wrong with the jar. In addition, many of these issues can also lead to the motor becoming damaged.

How To Avoid This Mistake

• Make sure to switch off the appliance if there is a burning smell, smoke or unusual sound coming from the appliance.
• Switch of the appliance and unplug it in order to make sure that it is no longer live.
• Make sure to follow the step-by-step instructions mentioned in the user manual in order to cool the appliance.
• Make sure to visually inspect the mixer grinder to check for any sign of overloading or foreign objects that may have gotten stuck only after unplugging the appliance.
• Avoid repeatedly switching the appliance on and off if it keeps shutting off on its own.

If the mixer grinder keeps malfunctioning or emitting an odd smell, then contact an authorised service centre. If there is a smell of burning, smoke or electrical sparks coming from the appliance then it should be stopped immediately. In addition, the motor base of the appliance should not be tampered with in order to avoid causing additional damage to the appliance.

5. Blocking Ventilation Openings or Using an Inappropriate Power Supply

The motor of a mixer grinder needs to be cooled appropriately in order to prevent it from overheating. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the ventilation openings on the back of the appliance are not blocked. Placing the appliance near a wall or on top of other objects can cause the motor to overheat due to restricted airflow. This can lead to a number of mixer grinder problems and greatly reduce the lifespan of the appliance. In addition, it is also important to make sure that the correct power supply is being used for the appliance. A faulty power cord or an incorrect power supply can cause a number of electrical issues with the appliance.

For example, placing the appliance near a wet surface such as a sink can lead to a number of electrical problems with the appliance. Using a faulty power cord or plugging the appliance into an unsuitable power outlet can also be dangerous and lead to a number of issues with the appliance.

How To Avoid This Mistake

• Make sure to always place the mixer grinder on a flat and stable surface.
• Make sure to keep the ventilation openings at the back of the appliance clear.
• Make sure that the electrical requirements mentioned in the user manual are followed.
• Avoid using a faulty power cord or an unsuitable power outlet.
• Avoid using an overloaded extension lead or an unsuitable adapter.
• Make sure that the motor base of the appliance is kept away from water at all times.
• Never immerse the motor base of the appliance in water or attempt to perform electrical repairs on the appliance yourself.

If the power cord or the power outlet becomes unusually hot, then it should be contacted by an authorised service centre.

6. Mixer Grinder Daily Practices To Maintain a Healthy Mixer Grinder Motor

Now that we know the most common mixer grinder mistakes that can damage the motor or cause other issues with the appliance, let us discuss some common practices that we can follow in order to maintain a healthy motor.

• First, it is important to make sure that the correct jar is used for mixing different types of ingredients.
• It is also important to clean the jars after every use in order to prevent bad odours and stains. It is best to remove any removable parts and clean them as per the instructions mentioned in the user manual before storing them.
• In addition, it is important to regularly inspect the blades, coupler, jar base, lid and gasket for any signs of damage or looseness. If any of these parts have been damaged, it is best to contact the manufacturer in order to purchase the correct replacement parts.
• Next, it is important to avoid unnecessary operating of the appliance. As mentioned in the first point, leaving the appliance on for an unnecessarily long period of time can lead to a number of issues. It is best to use the appliance only until the desired consistency has been achieved and then switched it off. This will reduce the likelihood of the motor becoming damaged due to being left on for too long.
• If the appliance has become unusually hot or has automatically shut off due to the thermal protection being engaged, it should be left to cool as per the instructions mentioned in the user manual. It should not be switched on again until it has cooled down completely in order to prevent additional damage to the appliance.
• Finally, it is important to always refer to the user manual in order to make sure that the appliance is being used correctly. The user manual will mention the appropriate ingredients, jar capacity and other specifications that should be used in order to achieve optimal performance with the appliance.

Final Word

There are numerous factors that determine how well a mixer grinder performs. In addition to motor capacity, the jar size, type of ingredients being processed, operating practices and many other factors also play an important role. By following the correct operating procedure, users can maximise the potential of their mixer grinder and eliminate many common mixer grinder problems.

In addition, correct operating procedures can also help users distinguish between mixer grinder problems that require professional assistance and those that can be resolved at home. These practices can also help users prolong the lifespan of their appliance and make everyday use of the product much easier.

A mixer grinder is a crucial appliance for many Indian households, and it is important to make sure that it is being used correctly on a daily basis in order to achieve optimal performance.

It is important to make sure that we follow the correct operating procedures, avoid unnecessary operating of the appliance and always inspect the product for any signs of damage or wear and tear.