Early Development

Early development started in October 2016, and the first proof of concept was
completed in Feb 2017. Much of the processes were performed manually with a
handheld drill over a pot while the porridge was cooking on a stove. Later, it
was replaced with an AC electric motor, a heating element and a cooking vessel.

First Generation

During the early development stage, it was found that cooking pap
presents a certain amount of danger of sustaining burns for a novice cook. The
process of adding additional maize meal into the cooking vessel exposes the
user to hot mixture of porridge bubbling out of the cooking vessel as small
steam pockets are formed at the bottom of the cooking vessel. A decision was
taken then to enclose the cooking chamber to form a self-contained unit where
the user would not be exposed to the risk of being burned from the hot bubbling
mixture. A small window was added on the lid to allow the user to add the
additional maize meal once the cooking process has begun.

From the user experience point of view, it does not allow the user to
completely detach from the cooking process. Furthermore, it still presents a
challenge to the novice cook since the amount of additional maize meal to add
during the cooking process is generally based on experience. Thereafter the
decision was made to develop a complete autonomous device where measuring
containers for maize meal and water were included. Later, the markers were
added to cooking vessel to replace the separate water measuring container.

Second Generation

In 2018, the second generation of the automatic pap maker was
developed. The second generation of the automatic pap maker was the first
commercially available automatic pap making device in the south African market.
Although an extremely small numbers were available. It was only as the
Automatic Pap Maker at the time.

Further development was included in the second generation of the Appetite
automatic pap maker. Anti-rotational restraining elements were added to the
cooking vessel as well as restraining elements were added to the lid. The
capacity was increased to accommodate a family of 6. A user interface was also
added to the second generation.

There were major safety upgrades to the second generation. The AC electric
motor was replaced with a low voltage DC electric motor to complete eliminate
the risk of getting shocked. A physical connector was included to disconnect
the motor from its power source once the lid is opened. Temperature protection
was included as well as overflow protection.

Third Generation

In 2021, the 3rd generation of the Automatic Pap Maker was developed. The device is now
branded as The Appetite Automatic Pap Maker. The upgrade included a completely
redesigned lid and handle to redefine the looks not only for the Automatic Pap
Maker, but perhaps for all stove top cooking appliances. A brand new simple and
intuitive user interface to further enhance user friendliness.

There are also significant changes under the skin. A brand-new low voltage DC
motor was included in the third generation to reduce noise level and to
increase durability. Brand new food grade stainless steel constructions were
introduced to enhance stability. Improved connector and restraining design to
allow lid to open and close with perfect feel and precision.

The Appetite Automatic Pap Maker was launched into the market on 26th of April
2022.