Syinix Ugali Cooker: Buy or Not Buy?

13 December 2023|Appliances & Utensils

In a world where convenience reigns supreme, the quest for time-saving appliances has reached new heights. Enter the automatic ugali cooker by Syinix, a futuristic kitchen gadget promising to revolutionize the way we make this traditional African dish. But before you splurge on this innovation, let’s take a closer look at whether it’s truly worth your hard-earned cash.

In Kenya, this appliance is a Ugali Cooker/ Ugali Maker while in Western African markets, it is known as a Swallow maker used to make “fufu” a West African equivalent of ugali, only that it is smoother and sticky

Read: The 17 Popular Kenyan Food Dishes

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Table of Contents

A Closer Look at the Syinix Ugali Cooker

Bachelors don’t need wives now, anything that makes life easier is welcome and a good investment. But how good of an investment is this specifically?

This appliance is a stainless steel beauty resembling the electric pressure cookers of today. Its non-stick inner pot and food processor-like blade aim to simplify the ugali-making process.

Read: Buying Guide: The Best Electric Pressure Cookers in Kenya

Just toss in your ingredients, set the timer (between 10 to 30 minutes), and voila! Your ugali is ready. It even includes a measuring cup for precise flour and water proportions, making the whole ordeal seemingly effortless.

Taste and Authenticity

On the surface, the promise of easy cleanup is enticing. No more soaking pots for hours on end. However, here’s where things get contentious. Traditionalists argue that the lack of that signature crust and slight char, achieved through stovetop cooking, might compromise the taste. After all, it’s these nuances that give ugali its unique flavor, character, and aroma.

Ugali isn’t just a dish; it’s a cultural staple. For many,( including me) sticking to age-old methods holds sentimental value. There’s a sense of connection to heritage in preparing it the way it’s been done for generations.

Cleaning

Moreover, while the non-stick inner pot makes cleaning a breeze, the blade isn’t as forgiving. It demands a soak akin to traditional pots, negating the touted “easy cleaning” feature.

Is It Worth the Cost?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the price tag. At a staggering KSh 15,000, this single-purpose appliance raises eyebrows.

Comparatively, premium pressure cookers offering an array of functions come at a similar price point, if not less.

It’s a tough sell when a rice cooker, priced at around KSh 3,000, multitasks and tackles consistency issues inherent in rice preparation.

In my opinion, it is not worth the price

Conclusion: To Invest or Not to Invest?

If crafting the perfect ugali is your goal, this appliance might not be your best bet. The real secret to mastering this dish lies in practice. There’s no substitute for hands-on experience when it comes to perfecting the art of ugali-making.

The selling point of a “mess-free” cooking experience does hold merit. Anyone who has battled burns and spills while making ugali can appreciate the allure of a cleaner process. It’s a nod to convenience, without a doubt.

In the end, the decision to invest in an automatic ugali cooker boils down to personal preference. While it offers convenience, the authenticity and experience of traditional cooking might outweigh the allure of an automated process.

Choose wisely, and remember, sometimes the journey matters more than the destination, even in the kitchen.

Also Read: Should You Buy Jikokoa Or the Normal Jiko?

Where to Buy The Syinix Ugali Cooker?

If you’re sold on the idea, the Syinix ugali cooker is available on their website, as well as through Jiji vendors and Kilimall eCommerce.