November 19, 2008

Why I Bought an Electric Roti Maker....When Everyone Asked Me Not To.

While shopping at a big super store, we came across an electric roti maker. The guy at the counter said he can arrange for a no-strings-attached demo at our home. We decided that wouldn't hurt and asked him to.

I then tweeted for advice on if its really worth spending Rs.2000 on an electric roti maker. Nearly everyone who responded back didn't have a good experience and advised me against buying one. I googled for it and most of the top links pointed to complaints.

I'm a guy who strongly believes in the wisdom of the crowd. So, why did I still go ahead and buy it? Here's my reasoning.

Reason #1: I was absolutely impressed with the product. Sure, all demos are meant to impress but this one was special. I can see a good product when I see one. The roti maker made fluffy, light rotis, just like in those TV commercials. And consistently at that.

The sales guy insisted we knead the dough from the flour from our home. He asked us to knead it just the way that we normally would do. He then taught the technique and asked us to use the machine ourselves. I can't remember the last time, *I* made fluffy rotis.

Reason #2: My mom and wife are trying to lose weight. Both are targeting to lose 10 kgs before April 14, 2009. We now have strict 'No-Rice' dinners and replace rice with rotis. Investing in the electic roti maker is my way of showing solidarity and support in their 'weight-loss' effort.

Reason #3: Making rotis using the traditional wooden roller is tough and not to mention for the entire family. It's the most strenuous part and the most time consuming. Anyone who has done it will know. The roti maker needs just one press to get a 'well rolled' roti. I remember seeing the glint in the eyes of my mom the first time she saw it. That's all the reason I needed.

Reason #4: We get thinner rotis from the roti maker than the ones made by hand.

Reason #5: Requires no oil. Big thumbs up.

Reason #6: It's economical. Saves gas. One hour of electric roti maker consumes just a little over 1 unit of electricity. It frees up the gas stove for cooking other stuff.

Now, lets look at the negatives. The rotis *must* be consumed while they are hot. They are soft and fluffy but once it cools off (and it happens real fast), the roti hardens and becomes rubbery.

While pressing the roti, a particular technique must be followed. Otherwise, you are asking for trouble. The lid and the pressing handle must be pressed at the same time for a quick second. If you don't press them together, you don't get the perfect roti.

Most of the folks who advised me against buying had two valid reasons.
1) "After the initial week, we no longer use it."
My reasoning: In our case, its a necessity. We *have* to make rotis almost every night.

2) "It conks off after a month "
My reasoning: Now, I can only hope it doesn't. My expectation is low and I'll be happy if it lasts at least 6 months. Fingers crossed. If it did, it would have paid for itself well.

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