Panasonic Ultimate Wet Grinder MK-SW 200 (White) 240-Watts with Timer Review

The Grind of Finding a Grinder

So after being in the market for an idli (a South Indian steamed rice cake) grinder and eyeing an old one that was laying around - more specifically the older model of the Elgi Ultra Grind series - which had reliably served us well for over a decade - it came to a shootout between the Elgi Ultra Perfect+ and the Panasonic Ultimate Wet Grinder MK-SW 200.

Panasonic v Elgi

Rather than delve into why we did not choose the Elgi, let us focus instead on the reasons we selected the Panasonic.

1. Japan v South Korea (Not!)
    Without a doubt, Panasonic is the bigger name - and being avid fans of technology from Japan - even if the fluffy idli isn't exactly part of the staple diet there - we were confident that they would deliver a great product against a rival whose name when spoken out loud (try it!) is eerily similar to a two-letter South Korean brand. This verily a face-off much like the two rival countries.
   
   
2. The Price is Right
   No, we're not alluding to the show with the same name. However, the Panasonic was being sold at a better rate than the competition. Add Point #1 to the mix (or grind, in this case) and the decision to buy continues to tilt in favor the Japanese grinder.
   
   
3. The Final Countdown
   The designers of the Panasonic idli grinder probably weren't inspired by Europe's one-hit, chart-buster, The Final Countdown but they decided to include a retro, analog timer which is admittedly not as cool as the digital one offered by its rival. However, it's fully functional. Of course, a timer gives you the convenience to start the grinding process and saves you the hassle of keeping an eye to turn it off.
   
   
4. She's Got the Look
   As Roxette says "She's got the look!". Definitely! The Panasonic grinder is clearly easier on the eyes. Elgi seems to have stuck to a tried and tested formula - which is great - however it does give the appliance a more dated look. The Panasonic brings a fresh look to the table (literally) with a pleasing combination of white and silver.
   
   
5. One-Hit Wonder
   The Panasonic performs only one operation - which is to grind the batter - and it does this well. We were not in the market for a dough kneader nor a coconut scraper - which is what the multifunctional Elgi is supposedly able to do.
   
   
6. Safety Comes First
   Well, it's actually the sixth point in the list - but oh well, you know what we mean! The Panasonic grinder has a safety mechanism that really clinched the deal: The appliance will not operate without the lid in place. This prevents the curious, traditional hand (and fingers) from "feeling" the dough while the stones are busy grinding away avoiding the potential loss of precious digits. Also, as an added benefit, it ensures that there are no insects or other wall-climbing reptiles that can inadvertently be part of your idli-grinding and afterward, tasting experience.
   
   
7. WaterTube
   This may have been the name of a video hosting site for H2O but is in fact a means to add water into the batter without having to open the lid. So cool!
   
   
8. Deal "Breaker"
   There's a reset breaker nestled at the bottom of the grinder that allows you to reset the grinder in case a surge of power causes the breaker to trip. This is a thoughtful addition - especially with the frequent fluctuations in power.
   
   
9. Final Weigh-In
   Note that this matter is not to be taken lightly: The grinder is actually pretty heavy to lug around. It weighs in at a hefty 13.6 kg (but is 100 g lighter than the competition). However, it is decently sized and fits onto a kitchen counter or shelf (provided it can take the weight).

We hope that the above points have helped you hone in on the right grinder. Happy Idli-ing!