11 Best Idli Cookers / Makers in India (February 2023) – Buying Guide & Reviews

Friday, April 26, 2024

No big fat family Sunday morning brunch is complete without a South Indian spread of food and what is a South Indian food spread without moist, warn idlis.

Gone are the days when idlis were stapled only to the down south, now they’re an international attraction!

Idli makers are a god-send for all the men and women who have laboured for hours over the years in the kitchen to get just the right texture and softness in their idlis.

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Prior to the advent of idli makers, making idlis was quite a laborious task, not to mention how tricky it could be to nail the density and moist texture.

With idli makers though, this process has become much easier. The idea is quite similar, they too generate steam to cook the idlis, which is why you can use these appliances to cook dumplings and Gujarati dhokla too!

Well, novice or expert, it’s never too late to make yourself a treat and such a healthy one at that! Three idlis combined with sambhar and chutney have been described by experts as the ultimate breakfast. It’s healthy, hearty, and will most definitely leave your mouth watery.

So what are you waiting for? Come take a look at the very best idli makers in the market today.

Don’t forget to read our detailed Buying Guide that will assist you in choosing the best idli cooker.

These are the Top 11 Best Idli Makers in India

Best Idli Cookers in India (2023)

1. iBell Stainless Steel Idli Cooker (4 plates)

Whether you’re in need of a grooming, some hair-styling, or if your office needs some security, or even if your driveway is in need of some washing, Ibell products will always have you covered. This iBell Stainless Steel Idli Cooker is truly one of the best in business.

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It comes with a compact frame, a corrosion-proof stainless steel body, and our favorite whistle. First things first, its stainless-steel body makes this product a very desirable appliance for a multitude of reasons.

Primary Features

  • Comes with an excellent thermal conducting
  • 4 plates allow for preparation of 16 idlis in single use
  • Comes with cool, plastic handle to eliminate burns
  • Full bodied pressure gauge and pressure whistle alert
  • Super lightweight appliance, measuring at only 1.19 kgs

Stainless steel has for long now been the preferred metal to craft utensils. It doesn’t blacken or corrode for a very long time, it’s an excellent thermal conductor, is recyclable, and is super easy to rinse, making it perfect for home use.

Next comes the high precision whistle, which would make best friends with any idli making beginner. Guiding this whistle is a pressure gauge, which detects the level of steam inside the cooker and guides the whistle to accordingly release pressure.

If you live in a studio apartment and use an induction cooktop to save up on space and money, don’t worry because this appliance works on an electricity-powered induction top the same way it does on traditional gas stoves!

To keep you safe and avoid burns, this idli maker comes with plastic handles, so you can comfortably take the cooker off the flame without hurting yourself.

Plastic not being a conductor, remains cool throughout the cooking process, allowing you a burn-free cooking session.

Finally, this idli maker comes with as many as 4 idli plates, with 4 slots each, giving you a total of 16 idlis in a single operation. So, if you’re cooking for a small family, you don’t need to spend over 15 minutes in the kitchen!

Pros
  • Pressure whistle alerts you when idlis are ready
  • The plastic handles keep your hands burn free
  • Gauge has been given a full-bodied design so as to ensure longevity
  • Extremely reasonably priced
Cons
  • Few complaints of idli plate misbalance

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2. Pigeon Stainless Steel Idly Maker (6 Plates)

Pigeon is a brand for the home-maker in you. It holds at its helm a wide array of kitchen appliances that start at the minimal end of the scale with products like idli makers and go on to much more sophisticated appliances like hob-tops, chimneys, and more.

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Pigeon – Stainless Steel Idly Maker is a top of the line product from this top of the line brand. This product is highly economical and comes with a capacity of as many as 24 idlis in one serving! This is another stainless steel idli cooker that exemplifies excellent thermal conduction

Primary Features

  • Stainless steel body fights off deterioration
  • Comes with heavy duty pressure gauge and pressure-release whistle
  • Parts can be washed manually as well as in the dishwasher
  • 6 medium sized idli plates come with a complimentary strainer
  • Cooker that weighs less than 1.5 kilograms

Thereby allowing for quick steaming and your idlis being ready in under 15 minutes! Stainless steel once again allows for amplified protection against blackening, which makes your device look as good as new for years at a stretch.

Not only you will able to rinse and soap this idli cooker in the sink but can also be washed in the dishwasher as well without any risk of damage.

The whistle comes to the rescue of all the idli-chefs in the making. It adequately releases pressure at regular intervals and gives out a loud whistle when the idlis are ready to be taken out of the cooker.

Whether you use a conventional gas stove, hob-top, or induction, this device is compatible with all and is only concerned with treating you with the yummiest idlis.

A full-bodied, heavy-duty gauge once again accurately detects how much of the water has been converted into steam by the amount of pressure build-up inside the cooker.

Then, it allows for the release of measured amounts of pressure through the whistle for precise cooking. This is an incredibly compact appliance. It houses 24 idlis within a diameter of less than 9 inches while weighing only 1.45 kilograms!

Pros
  • 24 idlis in under 15 minutes!
  • Heavy-duty pressure gauge doesn’t falter under high steam
  • Super compact with an 8.8’’ diameter
  • Can be washed in dishwasher too
Cons
  • Warranty period is quite short, just six months

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3. Amazon Brand – Solimo SS Induction Bottom Multi Kadai (5 plates)

Solimo is a brand that comes from the prolific minds at Amazon. When you house a brand that has the makers of a multi-billion-dollar company backing it up, you can be sure that quality and service will never be cut back on.

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Another amazing product by Solimo is the stainless Steel Induction Bottom Multi-Kadai. It comes with multiple plates, some for idlis, and some for Gujarati dhoklas. This appliance is your one-stop-shop for a day of mixed cuisines embedded in our Indian routes. 

Primary Features

  • Cook 8 idlis, multiple dumplings, dokhlas and patrodas in one go
  • All 5 plates have a diameter of 8.6 inches
  • Comes with a stainless-steel body, thick pressure gauge
  • Bakelite plastic handles keep you burn-free
  • 2.66 kilogram heavy pot suitable for other cooking purposes as well

With this appliance, you can not only cook idlis but multiple dishes, all at once. It comes with 8 holders in 2 plates for idlis, 2 plates for you to whip up some dumplings, or dhoklas.

This appliance too adorns a stainless-steel body, which in this line is basically synonymous with longevity.

A thick-gauge comes in handy as this appliance is friendly with both your basic stovetop and modern-day induction.

To keep you safe from burns, this product comes with handles carved out of grade-A Bakelite plastic. This is an extremely sturdy and heat-resistant form of plastic that keeps you safe and burn free.

Once again, this appliance is super compact housing 6 plates, 8.6 inches each in diameter. The pot acts as a multi-purpose utensil, take out the plates and use it to boil some water, tea, or even cook some veggies in!

Pros
  • 5 plates allow you to cook as many as 4 dishes simultaneously
  • Bakelite plastic is heat-resistant and highly durable
  • The pot can serve as a multi-purpose cooking pan
  • Cooks on induction just as well as gas stove top
Cons
  • Doesn’t come with a whistle
  • A little heavy, Weighing over 2.5 kilograms

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4. BMS Lifestyle Stainless Steel Idly Maker/Cooker (4 Plates)

BMS Lifestyle is a big name in the world of kitchen appliances. It produces a wide range of products that make your kitchen nothing short of one in a Five-star restaurant. From inductions to the idli cookers that go on top of them, BMS has got you covered.

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The BMS Lifestyle 4-Plates Stainless Steel Idly Maker/Cooker is a wonder your kitchen needs. This product can whip you upto 16 idlis in no time. This product comes with an easily washable body, that is as always crafted out of stainless steel. 

Primary Features

  • Stainless steel body assures longevity with its 18 gauge mark of thickness
  • Plastic handles fight heat off to allow you comfortable and easy operation
  • Light product, measures only at 1.15 kilograms

Stainless steel ensures longevity especially when it comes with a heavy gauge bottom that is marked at 18 gauge. The stainless steel at the bottom that comes in direct contact with the flame is quite thick. The greater the gauge number, the lesser the thickness is.

18 gauge of stainless-steel ensures a heavily armoured bottom, thereby ensuring your appliance remains tip-top even with everyday use for years and years.

As always, you can use your idli maker on gas stoves just as well as induction plates with equally effective and yummy results. This appliance allows you to cook 16 idlis by the means of 4 plates it houses inside its compact body.

Speaking of compact, each plate is 7.75 inches wide and each idli is 3 inches wide, making it a sizeable portion for a good breakfast for your growing kids.

However, the plates are fixed to the stand and are not detachable, the stand is 5 inches tall. Plastic handles have been provided to keep your hands free from burns and make your cooking process comfortable and joyful.

Pros
  • Thick 18 gauge metal body for assured durability
  • 16. 3-inch wide, large-sized idlis in one go
  • Induction friendly
  • Light weight product, only weighs 1.15 kilograms
Cons
  • Idli plates are not detachable
  • Plates sometimes come with black marks

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5. Prestige Classic Idli Cooker (4 Plates)

Just like the name suggests, Prestige is a brand that comes with years of prestige and a remarkable legacy attached to its name. The cookware industry in India is synonymous with the name Prestige and no Indian household has ever gone on without experiencing at least once, the joy of using a prestige pressure cooker.

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The Prestige Classic Idli Cooker 4 Plate, just like the brand that manufactures it, is the very best. This product makes use of all the best materials, so you only introduce to your kitchen something durable from a brand that assures service always.

Primary Features

  • 304 SS product is compatible with both gas stove and induction plate
  • Comes with 4 idli plates
  • 1.5 kilogram heavy product
  • Comes with a year long warranty period

This product comes with your favorite feature – the whistle. The whistle blows out at regular intervals to let out excessive steam build-up, giving louder whistles with each passing pressure release. The loudest whistle comes when your idlis are ready to be devoured.

The whistle and the body are both made out of stainless steel, grade 304 SS in particular. Grade-304 SS is the most preferred kind of metal for cookware and is used all over the world.

Thanks to its inherent protection against blackening and degradation that is typically associated with long-term use.

304 SS is an alloy of chromium, nickel, and very little carbon. These elements combine to make this an extremely long-lasting metal, nothing short of what your idli maker and kitchen deserve.

It is advised, that you use this appliance with caution and care as it doesn’t come with heat-resistant handles and knobs, exposing you to a greater risk of injuries.

This 1.5 kg heavy built product comes with 4 idli plates each with 4 slots to give you 16 idlis in one go. This is more than enough for your little nuclear family, ensuring that you don’t have to spend too much time labouring in the kitchen.

Pros
  • Grade 304 SS is the most preferred and durable material
  • Prestige comes with assured quality and brand service
  • Whistle alerts you when your idlis are ready
  • Comes with a year long warranty period
Cons
  • Doesn’t come with heat-resistant handles

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6. Butterfly Stainless Steel Idli Cooker (6 Plates)

Since the 50’s, Butterfly has continually transcended and pushed all boundaries, helping enhance ISI standards in the country, ensuring you only consume what is safe and exudes quality.

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As mentioned earlier, Butterfly pioneered the use of Stainless Steel in India for cookware manufacturing purposes, so naturally, this product too comes with a shiny stainless steel body.

Primary Features

  • Thick gauge ensures longevity and resistance to degradation
  • Bakelite plastic provides excellent resistance to heat
  • Allows you to cook 24 idlis simultaneously
  • This 1.6 kg heavy product works on induction just as well as it does on gas stove

Speaking of shiny, the stainless steel has been polished so thoroughly so as to give it a reflective surface, which adds to this idli maker’s aesthetic. Why stainless steel is used so extensively in idli cookers is something we’re well aware of by now. 

It effectively withstands high flame for prolonged periods and doesn’t submit to corrosion even with daily use. It is also easy to rinse clean and doesn’t require excessive scrubbing saving you a lot of effort.

The thick gauge, which basically implies the full-bodied metal cover of this appliance ensures that this product lives for at least as long as you.

Next comes the use of Bakelite plastic which provides the heat-resistance to parts that come in direct contact with you, like handles.

Normal plastic tends to degrade, melt, and chip off over time, Bakelite plastic being the best in the business doesn’t disappoint and doesn’t degenerate with time. Since this is a cooker, it has to come with a whistle.

The whistle lets go of the excessive pressure build-up to maintain optimal levels of steam inside the cooker for fast cooking and only the softest idlis.

The 1.6-kilogram heavy product not only comes with 6 idli plates to give you a total of 24 idlis in one serving but it also comes with an additional plate for mini idlis which makes it perfect for munching and snacking.

Pros
  • Bakelite plastic doesn’t degrade and come off over time
  • SS body comes with mirror like finish for beautiful aesthetic
  • Gives as many as 24 idlis in one serving
  • Comes with additional mini-idli plate
Cons
  • Parts aren’t dishwasher safe
  • Relatively expensive

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7. Nandi Aluminium Idli Cooker

Nandi is one of the most economical and affordable cookware brands you’ll ever come across. Its motto is to make quality products accessible to all which is why it only makes use of the most economical materials, to bring to you the most affordable, yet reliable products in the business.

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The Nandi Aluminium Idli Cooker is the most inexpensive product on this list, but even so, it brings to you 16 idli plates in the same amount of time as its more expensive counterparts.

Primary Features

  • Crafted out of 1.5 millimetre thick
  • Comes with whistle to release pressure and plastic handles for comfortable, burn-free handling
  • Comes with 4 plates
  • Featherweight product, weighs only 1.13 kilograms

This product makes use of wrought aluminum, which is essentially molten aluminum that is then moulded in a very specific way. Wrought iron is a pretty economical metal and it comes with great malleability, ductility, and tensility.

This means that this alloy can be easily beaten into thin shits, drawn out into wires, and stretched without breakage within its temperature range. All of these properties thus making it very suitable for carving out utensils, tools, or anything mechanical.

Wrought aluminium, however, is not half as effective and durable as stainless steel. It tends to slowly corrode under a high flame and acidic foods over time, but since idlis do not have high acidic content, wrought aluminium works fine here.

Additionally, the aluminium surface has been left 1.5 mm thick so it doesn’t crack under daily exposure to high flame.

Next comes the whistle, which we all know is responsible for releasing pressure and maintaining an optimal amount of steam inside the cooker for quick cooking.

Plastic covered knobs and handles provide great insulation to heat, so your hands don’t burn upon touching the utensil allowing you to use it comfortably. This is also the lightest product we’ve seen so far, weighing only 1.13 kilograms and cooking 16 idlis in one go.

Pros
  • Extremely inexpensive
  • Lightest idli cooker in the list as yet
  • Aluminium sheet is 1.5 millimetres thick, sufficient for withstanding high flames daily
  • Comes with a year long warranty period
Cons
  • Wrought aluminium isn’t as effective as stainless steel

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8. Steel Induction 12PC IDLI Maker

This product is retailed by a brand called Mahavir, although not too renowned, this brand has established its presence on multiple e-commerce platforms as an affordable enterprise for the masses.

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So if your budget is a bit of a concern for you, the Steel Induction 12PC IDLI Maker is definitely the way to go for you. What’s surprising is that this product makes use of grade-A stainless steel and is still priced minimally, isn’t that exciting? 

Primary Features

  • Extremely reasonable Stainless Steel Idli Cooker
  • Comes with heavy duty SS gauge
  • Fits in 3 idli plates that come with complementarily
  • Whistle and plastic knobs and handles enhance user experience
  • Featherweight cooker, measures at only 1.17 kilograms

Stainless steel steals the stage once again with its exceptional proficiency as a cookware base. It doesn’t blacken or corrode and doesn’t require rigorous scrubbing to clean off the little idli bits stuck at the bottom.

The appliance comes with a heavy-duty SS gauge which ensures that it has a thick metal base. This ensures that the idli cooker can effectively withstand hours of use under the high flame, every day, while still looking almost as good as new.

The whistle lets out pressure at short intervals when the idlis are close to cooking and gives out a shrill squeal when the idlis are ready to be taken out.

You, therefore, don’t need to have too much or any experience at all with this idli maker to get the yummiest results. Even this economical product understands that the user and their safety comes first.

This is precisely why the handles and lid knob have been lined with plastic which insulates heat and allows you to comfortably move, extract idlis and take the idli cooker off the flame.

This idli cooker comes with three complimentary idli plates that allow you to serve 12 idlis together and in under 15 minutes.

All that’s required of you is to fill the cooker with water, grease the idli plates before pouring batter onto them, secure the lid and wait for the whistle. The idli cooker works out all the magic on its own, making the process leisure-some for you.

Pros
  • Reasonably priced
  • Comes with heavy duty gauge for assured longevity
  • Plastic on handles and knob acts as an insulator to resist heat
  • You can tell idlis are ready when whistle gives out a shrill noise
Cons
  • No information of product being induction friendly

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9. Kuber Industries Idli Maker Cooker CTKTC6034 (4 Plates)

Kuber Industries is a multi-faceted brand that predominantly works in textiles but does however dabble in the world of kitchenware with its top of the line Tandoors and Idli Cookers.

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The Kuber Industries Idli Maker Cooker CTKTC6034 comes with 4 Plates+ 3 Plates Steamers (2 Dhokla Plate + 1 Patra Plate) is an exceedingly reasonable and although hefty looking idli cooker that weighs just about 400 grams!

Primary Features

  • Allows you to cook multiple cuisines in one go
  • Aluminium body helps reduce cost
  • Comes with plastic insulated knob

What’s more is that within this petite 400-gram physique, this space optimizing appliance accommodates as many as 7 plates to not just cook idlis but more. This idli cooker allows you to taste cuisines from all over India within a single steaming operation.

It provides four plates for idlis, which together allow for you to cook 15 idlis. While most of the idli cookers we’ve seen so far can only hold 4 idli plates, and sometimes even less, this idli cooker can simultaneously hold as many as seven plates!

Naturally, accommodating this much food calls for a big body. This idli cooker is 11 ½ inches tall and 9 ½ inches wide, but even so, it weighs less than half a kilogram.

This idli cooker has been carved out of aluminium, which is the reason why this product is so light. Aluminium is used as a base for utensils all over the world for several reasons.

First, as we know already, is that aluminium is much lighter than stainless steel or iron. It is also an excellent thermal conductor and heats up quicker and arguably more evenly than its aforementioned counterparts.

Also, it’s just as easy to clean, plus it’s cheaper. An aluminium idli cooker thus makes for a very desirable choice, but bear in mind that aluminium utensils are prone to corrosion and do not last as long as stainless steel products.

Therefore, with other things being equal, stainless steel products make for a better addition to your kitchen.

Although, this product comes with a rubber knob, the handles have not been insulated with plastic, which makes it a burn risk, especially given aluminum excellent thermal conduction properties.

Pros
  • Aluminium body makes this product lighter and cheaper
  • Extremely lightweight, weighs only 400 grams
  • Can cook multiple dishes together
Cons
  • Aluminium corrodes faster than stainless steel

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10. Alisha Stainless Steel Steamers and Idli Maker

This is one of the slightly fancier products on the list. Once again, it caters to multiple dishes and not just idlis and what’s better is that even with just idlis it gives you the option of both large and mini idlis.

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The Alisha Stainless Steel Steamers and Idli Maker, therefore, brings to you yummy treats in all shapes and sizes. This product comes with 3 idli plates, 2 of which host 4 idli slots each, and the third accommodates as many as 5 idlis, giving you a total of 13 idlis in one serving. 

Primary Features

  • Stainless steel exterior has been given a polished finish for aesthetic appeal
  • Product is used as both gas stove and induction friendly
  • Product is 22 centimetres long, and 1.85 kilograms heavy
  • Accommodates 6 plates within its compact design
  • Comes with heavy duty gauge for added longevity

Besides this, we have the mini idli plate which offers over 15 idlis in just one plate. Besides idli plates, this idli cooker also comes with 2 flat plates so you can prepare other steamed dishes like dumplings, Keralite dishes of appam, idiyappam, and our staple companions, dhoklas.

To accommodate all of these plates, while still maintaining a compact size, this idli cooker’s body has been given a slightly curved, hourglass-like frame, which also adds to its aesthetic.

Speaking of aesthetics, this stainless steel idli cooker has been polished extensively from the outside so as to give it a reflective surface.

This polished look greatly contributes to the appeal of this product, making it not just an effective cooker but also a good-looking one.

As we know, Stainless steel comes with countless benefits. It’s easy to wash, smooth surface saves you of the toil and trouble of relentlessly scrubbing the stuck idli bits off the plates.

It shows incredible resistance to corrosion and comes with assured longevity. You can use this idli maker to cook idlis on gas stoves and induction plate alike without any trouble and in less than 15 minutes.

Pros
  • Can cook large and mini idlis simultaneously
  • Stainless steel body lasts much longer than its other metal counterparts
  • Mirror finish adds to aesthetic appeal
Cons
  • Slightly heavy, weighs 1.85 kilograms
  • Doesn’t come with heat-resistant handles

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11. Tallboy Classic Idli Cooker (6 plates)

Tallboy works with the aim of making your cooking experience as joyful as eating is and thus comes with assured standards always. It can feed a family of six in just one operation since it can prepare 24 idlis in one go, so there’s no need to toil in the kitchen for longer than 15 minutes.

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These 24 idlis are offered by the means of 6 plates with 4 slots each. All of these 6 plates can be simultaneously accommodated in this idli cooker that is less than 18 cm tall, making it a compact yet efficient must-have in your kitchen.

Primary Features

  • Comes with 6 plates that allow you to prepare as many as 24 idlis at once
  • Stainless steel body comes with a mirror finish
  • Plastic handles provide insulation against heat
  • Whistle allows for release of pressure build up at regular intervals
  • 17.56 centimetres tall and 1,36 kilograms heavy

The body is carved out of stainless steel for its countless beneficial properties. It offers high resistance to blackening and corrosion, which is what ensures its long life and durability. Additionally, stainless steel is extremely easy to wash and comes with all these benefits at an exceedingly reasonable price.

The stainless steel body has been polished off with a mirror-like finish, which gives it a posh look, thereby also adding your kitchen’s appeal.

This idli maker comes with a whistle to let out pressure build-up within short intervals and also gives out a shrill noise every time pressure is blown out.

These whistles also alert you to when the idlis are ready to be taken out. So even if you’re a beginner, there’s no need to fret, your idli cooker has got your back.

Plastic covered handles and knobs are used to insulate heat, which protects your hands from burns and allows you to operate the appliance comfortably.

The base of the cooker is a completely flat, smooth surface, which helps spread heat out more evenly and at a faster pace, speeding up the cooking process.

Pros
  • Flat base allows for better thermal conduction
  • Whistle helps novices take out idlis in time by alerting them with a shrill sound
  • Serves 24 idlis in one go
  • Can accommodate 6 plates in its 1.36 kilogram light frame
Cons
  • Doesn’t come with flat plates to cook other steamed items

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Buying Guide – Best Idli Makers in India

Idli cookers are exceptionally simple devices and are kind of specialized, more narrowed-down versions of pressure cookers.

They usually come in a cylindrical body and with detachable plates that have slots where you pour in idli batter. You then fill the pot with some water before allowing it to steam and gradually cook your idlis.

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Sounds simple no? well, it most certainly is!

You may have noticed that Idli cookers come with little variation. Some points of difference include whether they’re made out of stainless steel or not; whether they’re induction friendly or not; the number of plates they can accommodate, etc.

These are some of the things that you may want to look into before you make your pick. But first, let us start with the types of Idli makers available in the market.

Types of Idli Cookers

Idli makers are primarily divided into two types, one with whistles and the other without whistles. Whistle idli cookers are a lot like normal pressure cookers, that also use whistles to let out excessive steam build-up.

These models are perfect for idli making novices, as they let out whistles that gradually increase in volume as the idlis get closer to being fully cooked.

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The idli cookers that come without whistles are simply equipped with a few small holes that allow the steam to escape gradually, slowly cooking the idlis.

The second type relies greatly on your sense of timing to get the perfect finish and cook on your idlis.

Factors to consider while buying an Idli Cooker

1. Induction Friendly

Induction cookers are extremely economical, energy-efficient, and substantially more environmentally friendly than gas stove-tops. Moreover, most singles, flatmates, and families of two find it more space optimizing to go for induction tops rather than conventional gas stoves.

Does this mean you should be robbed of the joy of a warm, home-cooked South-Indian meal? Absolutely not!

A number of stainless steel idli cookers are both stove-top and induction plate friendly. A number of idli cookers are simply only induction friendly but these are slightly less desirable due to their lack of versatility.

2. Stainless Steel

The material your idli cooker is carved out of determines how fast the idli cook, how durable your idli cooker is, whether it’ll blacken over time, how much it’ll cost, etc. Stainless steel idli makers are the most desirable choice.

They’re more expensive than their aluminium counter-parts but they do come with more benefits as we’ve mentioned countless times throughout.

They are excellent thermal conductors, & are resistant to corrosion, and are super easy to clean. On the other hand, Aluminium is lighter and cheaper but it comes with some risks.

Aluminium tends to corrode quicker and also reacts to some chemicals in foods, making it a less obvious choice. Stainless steel parts are also dishwasher safe and induction friendly.

Since you can get both, aluminum and stainless steel idli cookers in under a thousand bucks with a difference of just a few hundred, it is advised that you stick to the stainless steel.

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3. Number And Types Of Idli Plates

Idli plates come in several shapes and sizes, standard ones come with 4 idli slots and standard sized idli cookers can accommodate 3-4 idli plates, giving 12-16 idlis in a single serving. 

Slightly bigger models can accommodate even more plates going all the way upto 6 maybe even 7.

Additionally, some models not only offer idli plates in one size but also different sizes, meaning that they offer a variety in the size of idlis they cook.

Some idli cookers come with plates for mini idlis and even other steamed dishes like dumplings, idiyappam, dhoklas.

4. Safety Features

Safety features include plastic insulation on knobs and handles, along with a secure fastening lid and a stable plate stand that can hold the idli plates secure.

A solid lid is essential for idli cookers with whistles, given their powerful pressure release. An unsecured lid can fly off and lead to spillage, burns, and injuries.

5. Price, Brand And Warranty

Price isn’t too big of an issue with idli cookers as most of them cost less than Rs. 1500, with aluminium ones on the lower end and stainless steel ones on the higher end. Since price doesn’t vary all that much, it’d be advisable to look at other features first.

Go with a brand that comes with assured service and a longer warranty period, which usually tends to range upwards of six months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) – Best Idli Cookers in India

Q1. How long should idlis be left to cook inside the idli cooker?

Ans. Under high flame, idli cookers usually ready your treats within 12 to 15 minutes, it might take a few minutes longer on induction tops. 
Different idli cookers depending on size and capacity may show greater variation, with smaller ones cooking the idlis faster. 

Q2. Are Idli Cookers dishwasher safe?

Ans. No, not all idli cookers are dishwasher safe, especially not the aluminium ones. Some Stainless steel idli cookers come with dishwasher safe parts however this needs to be explicitly stated. You may still wash your idli cooker in a dishwasher even if it isn’t explicitly stated, but it is advisable not to. 

Q3. How do idli cookers work? 

Ans. Idli cookers as mentioned before, are a lot like pressure cookers. Idlis are cooked by the means of steam and that’s precisely what an idli cooker generates. You pour in the batter onto the plates, fill the pot in with water, secure the lid and place the pot on the flame. 
The flame will turn the water into steam which will cook the idlis. Additionally, a whistle or small holes release excessive steam build up for optimal cooking. 

Q4. Can idli makers also make momos? 

Ans. Yes! Idli makers can definitely be used to make restaurant quality momos. In fact, some idli makers also come with separate plates for momos and other steamed dishes.
Since momos also require steaming, you can simply place the raw dumplings in place of the batter in the idli plates and wait for them to cook. 

Q5. Can you use separately bought plates inside your idli cooker?

Ans. Yes! You most certainly can. As long as the size is the same and it fits onto the idli stand well, without unclasping, you can use any plate you want. 

Conclusion – Best Idli Cookers in India

So there you have it, all the best idli makers in India along with pointers to keep in mind when buying them. Idli makers are an incredibly economical and well, a rather tasty investment, so you should really buy it with your eyes closed.

Top-Idli-Makers-in-India

At the end, we recommend to you the Amazon Brand – Solimo Stainless Steel Induction Bottom Multi -Kadai with 5 plates. This product is super inexpensive, allows you to cook multiple dishes at once, and is really, just the very best.

That’s it out of us, folks!

Do drop in a comment should you be in need of any assistance and we’ll get back to you.

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