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Whether you are looking for the Best Idli Maker in India in 2023 or the Best Idli Cooker in India in 2023, the chances are Google will send you to this blog post.
The demand for dutch ovens, egg boiler, pasta maker and idli maker has increased exponentially in India, especially after the Covid lockdown.
It does not matter if you are a health buff or not, nothing can beat fresh and fluffy idlis at the start of the day. In order to prepare the perfect idlis for your breakfast, you are going to need the Best Quality Idli Maker in India.
The good thing is an Idli maker is inexpensive, it is very easy to use, and most importantly, it is multi-purpose as you can cook idli, dhokla, momos, etc.
In today’s post, we are going to review the Best Idly Maker Brands in India in 2023 such as Hawkins, Pigeon, Butterfly, iBell, and many others.
Before you buy the Best Idli Dhokla Maker in India, do check these things –
- Is it multi-purpose
- Number of idli plates
- Material of the idli maker
- Induction compatibility
- If it comes with a warranty
To know how to pick the perfect idli maker, types of idli maker, how to clean the idli maker, you can scroll down to our “Buying Guide”.
You can also check out other related post on Best Stainless Steel Kadai in India, Best Cast Iron Cookware in India and Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets in India in 2023.
Comparison Best Idli Makers
Editor’s Pick Idli Makers We have Tested
Best Idli Makers India Reviews
1. Hawkins Stainless Steel Idli Stand Reviews
1st product in our today’s review of the Best Idly Maker in India in 2023 is from one of the best idly maker brands in India, Hawkins.
For those who do not need a cooker, and are only looking for an idli stand can go for Hawkins Stainless Steel Idli Stand.
The entire stand is made from 18/8 food-grade Stainless Steel, which means the stand is hygienic, durable and most importantly, non-toxic.
There are 3 plates in this stand, and you can cook 12 idlis at one point of time in the Hawkins idli stand. These 12 idlis can be cooked in only 6 minutes.
The stand is extremely lightweight at only 400 grams, and this idli stand will work with any pressure cooker which comes with a capacity of 5 litres and above.
The stand is easy to use, wash and store. While using this product, make sure to keep sufficient water in the cooker, and steam on low to medium flame to avoid burning the bottom side of the lower plate.
The only that could have been improved is the size of the idli which is going to be a bit small. But, one thing is for sure, the idlis will be soft and fluffy.
The best part about this idli stand is that it is extremely affordable, and being a Hawkins product, you get a 5 year warranty on the idli stand.
To sum it up, this stand from Hawkins is one of the Best Idli Stand in India under 500 rupees in 2023.
If you are looking for a combination of idli cooker and idli stand, you can checkout Hawkins Classic Pressure Cooker and G05 Mini Idli Stand.
Hawkins Stainless Steel Idli Stand Ratings – 4.9/5
Product Specifications:
Number of plates – 3
Number of idli – 12
Material – 18/8 food grade stainless steel
In the box – 1 idli stand, 1 cookbook
Warranty – 5 years
Weight – 400 grams
Dimensions – 15.4 x 14.4 x 12.7 cm
Pros of Hawkins Stainless Steel Idli Stand:
One of the best idly maker brands in India
Extremely affordable idli stand
Can cook 12 idlis in 6 minutes
Heavy gauge stand
Made from 18/8 Stainless steel
5 years of massive warranty
Cons of Hawkins Stainless Steel Idli Stand:
Size of the idli is a bit small, which may not be ideal for some people
2. BMS Lifestyle Stainless Steel 4-Plates Idly Cooker Reviews
This idli cooker from BMS Lifestyle is one of the best selling idli cookers in India. The idli stand is made from excellent quality 18 gauge Stainless Steel.
In the box, you get a idli cooker and 4 idli plates.
The good thing is you can use the cooker on all types of cooktop such as induction cooktop, electric stovetop, portable stoves, gas burners, glass and ceramic cooktops.
Each of the 4 idli plates has a 7.75 inches of diameter, whereas the idli mould is around 3 inches in diameter. You should know there are no holes in the idli plates.
On the idli cooker, you will see a couple of heat resistant handles, which will allow you to hold the cooker comfortably and safely.
In order to ensure a firm and solid structure, the brand has made sure that the trays are stacked and secured through a center rod, which stands firmly in the cooker.
Although there are a couple of things that we did not like in this idli cooker –
- The base of the cooker is really thin, so you cannot use it on high or even medium flame
- While cooking, we observed that the water enters the lower plate, so you will have to keep an empty plate below, and steam your food in another plate by placing it above the lower one.
The good thing is the brand is offering a 1 year warranty to cover you from manufacturing defects.
BMS Lifestyle Stainless Steel 4-Plates Idly Cooker Ratings – 4.8/5
Product Specifications:
Number of plates – 4
Number of idli – 16
Material – 18/8 food grade stainless steel
Whistle – Yes
In the box – Idli cooker, 4 idli plate
Warranty – 1 year
Weight – 1.15 kgs
Dimensions – 24 x 24 x 17 cm
Pros of BMS Lifestyle Stainless Steel 4-Plates Idly Cooker:
Made from 18/8 Stainless steel
Induction safe idli cooker
Firm construction
16 idlis in 4 plates
Heat resistant handle on the cooker
1 year warranty
Cons of BMS Lifestyle Stainless Steel 4-Plates Idly Cooker:
Thin base of the cooker
Structure could have been a little better
3. Alisha Stainless Steel Steamers and Idli Maker Reviews
If you have been looking for a multi-purpose idli maker, you can take a look at Alisha Stainless Steel Steamers and Idli Maker.
With this idli maker, you can not only make fluffy idlis, but you can also cook dhokla, momos, noodles, etc.
You can make 13 idlis in this idli maker at the same time with the help of 3 plates you are going to get. The idli maker is compatible with induction as well as the gas stove.
Overall, this idli maker has a total of 6 plates, where you get 3 for normal size idlis, 1 for small size idlis, 1 for momos, and 1 for dhokla.
The entire idli maker set is made from high quality 202 stainless steel.
To give you an idea on size of the idli, the diameter of the 5 pits idly plate is 21.5 cm, where each pit has a diameter of 7.5 cm (approx. 3 inches).
Similarly, the diameter of the steamer plate is 21 cm (8.2 inches).
While using this idli cooker, we realised that you have to keep the cooker on a medium flame as the lid might open on a high flame and that is the only thing we did not like about this idli maker.
You should know there is no warranty on this idli maker from Alisha, but since it is a multi-purpose induction safe idli maker, you might want to consider it.
At this price, the idli maker from Alisha is one of the Best Idli Dhokla Maker in India in 2023.
Alisha Stainless Steel Steamers and Idli Maker Ratings – 4.9/5
Product Specifications:
Number of idli plates – 3
Number of idli – 13
Material – 202 Stainless steel
Whistle – No
In the box – Idli cooker, 3 idli plates, dhokla plate and steamer plate
Warranty – Nil
Weight – 1.83 kgs
Dimensions – 31.3 x 23.5 x 22.7 cm
Pros of Alisha Stainless Steel Steamers and Idli Maker:
Induction safe idli maker
Multi-purpose idli maker
Can cook idli, dhokla, momos, noodles, etc.
Strong and sturdy built
6 plates for different types of cooking
Hard and thick base
Rust resistant
Cons of Alisha Stainless Steel Steamers and Idli Maker:
No warranty on this product from the brand
4. QSEC Stainless Steel Idli Cooker Reviews
The idli maker from QSEC is one of the Best Quality Idli Maker in India in 2023 for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, this idli maker is multipurpose, and you can use it to cook a number of dishes. The idli cooker set comes with a multi kadai vessel, 2 idli plates, 2 dhokla plates and 1 patra plate.
The kadai comes with a stainless steel lid, and a premium quality heavy gauge copper bottom.
There is no doubt about the fact that Copper is an excellent conductor of heat. Therefore, one of the major benefits of using this idli maker is that because of the copper bottom, the cooker will heat evenly, and more efficiently.
The kadai has a diameter of 28.5 cm, with a height of 11 inches, and 3 mm bottom thickness. There are 2 idli plates, and each of the idli plates can serve and cook 7 idlis at a time.
This is a very sturdy, and smart stainless steel idli cooker which gives you a variety of dishes that you can cook with one single appliance. The fact that you can use the idli cooker on induction cooktop, makes it even more better.
You should also know, this idli cooker because of the kadai has a compact design as compared to the traditional tall idli stands, which takes more space in the kitchen.
Considering the fact that you are getting a lifetime guarantee on this multi-purpose idli cooker, the cooker from QSEC is certainly the Best Idly Maker in India in 2023.
QSEC Stainless Steel Idli Cooker Ratings – 5/5
Product Specifications:
Number of idli plates – 2
Number of idli – 14
Material – Stainless steel with Copper bottom
Whistle – No
In the box – 1 Kadai, 2 idli plates, 2 dhokla plates, 1 patra plate
Warranty – Lifetime
Weight – 3.18 kgs
Pros of QSEC Stainless Steel Idli Cooker:
One of the best multi-purpose idli maker in India in 2023
Stainless steel kadai with a lid
Copper heavy bottom for quick and even cooking
Lifetime guarantee
Can cook idli, dhokla, momos, patra, and steam veggies
Big size copper bottom steamer
Cons of QSEC Stainless Steel Idli Cooker:
None
5. Butterfly Stainless Steel Idli Cooker Reviews
Butterfly is one of the best idly maker brands in India in 2023 which also deals in LPG stoves, mixer grinders, table top wet grinders to blenders & sandwich makers.
This is a heavy gauge Stainless steel idli cooker where you can make 24 idlis at a time with the help of 6 idli plates.
The idli cooker is rustproof, and can be used with induction as well as gas stoves. The cooker has a very sturdy body, and there is a mirror bright polish to enhance the looks.
The good thing is brand has added a whistle on the idli cooker, so you know when your idlis are about to be completely cooked.
The addition of cool bakelite handles and knobs ensures you can hold the idli cooker comfortably, with worrying about the hot cooker.
We observed and tested that you can cook 24 idlis at a time in a matter of 10-12 minutes, which is really good. The noise of the whistle is also not too much.
Although there is no warranty on this idli maker from Butterfly, but if you are looking for a cooker that can cook big size idlis for you, you can choose this idli cooker as it is one of the Best Idli Cooker in India in 2023.
Butterfly Stainless Steel Idli Cooker Ratings – 4.9/5
Product Specifications:
Number of idli plates – 6
Number of idli – 24
Material – Stainless steel
Whistle – Yes
In the box – Idly cooker, Idly plate, Stand, Lid
Warranty – Nil
Weight – 1.47 kgs
Dimensions – 29.5 x 29 x 24.5 cm
Pros of Butterfly Stainless Steel Idli Cooker:
Comes with a steam adjusting knob
Cooks 24 idlis in only 10 minutes
Heavy gauge stainless steel
Rust proof
Induction safe idli cooker
Whistle to release steam
Cool bakelite handles
Cons of Butterfly Stainless Steel Idli Cooker:
No warranty from Butterfly on this idli maker
6. iBELL Stainless Steel Idly Cooker Reviews
iBell is an Indian company that deals in home, daily and kitchen appliances such as air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, induction cooktops, glass hob, glass stoves, etc.
This idli cooker fromiBell is very similar to the Butterfly idli cooker, except for one thing, which is, you get a 1 year warranty from iBell on this product.
However, to avail a complete 1 year warranty, you will need to register on the brand’s website, which should not take more than 5-7 minutes.
The idli cooker has been made using excellent quality 305 grade Stainless steel. You can use this cooker on both the gas and induction cooktop.
On top of the stainless steel cooker, there is a glass lid, which allows you to see the progress of the idlis that are being cooked.
The size of the idli plate is really impressive, and you also get bakelite handles that can stay cool for a longer time.
Overall, this is a budget and affordable idli cooker from iBell, and also the Best Stainless Steel Idli Cooker in India in 2023.
iBELL Stainless Steel Idly Cooker Ratings – 5/5
Product Specifications:
Number of idli plates – 6
Number of idli – 24
Material – Stainless steel
Whistle – Yes
In the box – Idli cooker, idli plates, stand, lid
Warranty – 1 year
Weight – 1.58 kgs
Dimensions – 23 x 26 x 25 cm
Pros of iBELL Stainless Steel Idly Cooker:
Comes with a whistle
Glass lid included
Cooks 24 idlis in 15 minutes
Cool bakelite handles
1 year warranty
Induction safe idli cooker
Cons of iBELL Stainless Steel Idly Cooker:
None
7. Pigeon Hot 24 Stainless Steel Idly Pot with Steamer Reviews
Pigeon is a well-known home and kitchen appliances brand in India that was established in the year 1999, and currently deals in gas stoves, pressure cooker, nonstick cookware, etc.
In this idli maker set from Pigeon, you will get a 1-Piece Idli Maker, 6-Pieces idly Plates and 1-Piece Stainer.
The quality of the idly cooker seems to be really sturdy with a thicker gauge for high durability. The idly cooker is totally safe to be used on induction cooktop.
A lot of people worry about the lid, that it comes out when the steaming process starts. However, this is not the case with this idly maker from Pigeon.
As per our test and observations, in this idly pot, the lid sits outside the pot, unlike the other idly makers, where the lid has to be fastened tightly inside the pot. As a result, the steam builds up and the lid pops out.
Another thing you should know about Pigeon idli cooker is that each idly plate is separate, so you fill the idly batter in one plate, and put it inside the pot. This allows you to use the steamer and just one idli plate at a time, as per your requirement.
This is a multi-purpose idly cooker where you can steam momos, make dhokla, and cook 24 idlis at a time with 4 idly plates.
The only issue is you will get a 6 months warranty on this product, instead of 1 year, but at least you are getting a warranty, which is good.
To sum it up, this is one of the most versatile idly cookers in India and hence, we have rated Pigeon Idly cooker as the Best Quality idly Maker in India in 2023.
Pigeon Hot 24 Stainless Steel Idly Pot with Steamer Ratings – 5/5
Product Specifications:
Number of idli plates – 4
Number of idli – 24
Material – Stainless steel
Whistle – No
In the box – Idli maker, 6-Pieces idli plates and 1-Piece Stainer
Warranty – 6 months
Weight – 2.39 kgs
Dimensions – 31.75 x 31.75 x 24.13 cm
Pros of Pigeon Hot 24 Stainless Steel Idly Pot with Steamer:
Strong and sturdy idli maker
Innovative and premium construction
Lid does not come out, while the steaming starts
24 idlis in 4 plates
6 months warranty
Rust proof and easy to clean design
Induction safe idli cooker
Cons of Pigeon Hot 24 Stainless Steel Idly Pot with Steamer:
None
8. Ideal Nonstick Idli Maker Reviews
The last product in our today’s review of the Best Idly Maker in India in 2023 is a nonstick Idly maker from the brand, Ideal.
This is a hard anodized Idly cooker with nonstick coating.
Sometimes, with the regular Idly cookers, the shape and size of the Idly can get distorted, especially when you are taking out the Idly from the Idly plate. This can also lead to broken idlis at times.
With a nonstick Idly maker, you will not have to worry about these things, as there is a nonstick coating on the Idly plates, which makes sure the idli does not stick to the idli plate.
You should also know that the nonstick coating does need minimum amount of oil, and it is very easy to remove the idlis once they are ready.
The idli maker also includes a cool touch handle and knob, and it is resistant to scratches and corrosion.
You can use the Ideal idli maker on both the induction and gas stoves. There is a total of 6 plates, where you can get 24 idlis at a time.
As a recommendation,once the whistle starts, set the gas stove at the lowest heat setting. By doing this, the lid will not pop up.
Although there is no warranty on this idli maker, but the quality and the performance is really impressive.
So, if you have been looking for the Best Nonstick Idly Maker in India in 2023, you can pick Ideal nonstick Idly maker.
Ideal Nonstick Idli Maker Ratings – 4.9/5
Product Specifications:
Number of idli plates – 6
Number of idli – 24
Material – Aluminium nonstick coating
Whistle – Yes
In the box – Idli maker, 6-Pieces idli plates
Warranty – Nil
Weight – 1 kg
Dimensions – 26 x 25.5 x 24.7 cm
Pros of Ideal Nonstick Idli Maker:
Best Nonstick Idli Maker in India
Premium and elegant looks for an idli maker
Can cook idlis with minimum oil
Cool touch handle
Easy to use and clean
Induction safe idli cooker
Cons of Ideal Nonstick Idli Maker:
No warranty
Which is the Best Idli Maker in India in 2023
While looking for the best idly maker in India in 2023, a few factors have to be considered such as compatibility with induction cooktops, warranty, material and of course, the budget.
Keeping all these factors in the mind, here are the top picks for the best idly maker brands in India in 2023 —
If you do not have a budget in mind and you are looking for the best quality idly maker in India in 2023, you must choose one between Pigeon Stainless Steel Idly Pot with Steamer and QSEC Stainless Steel Idly Cooker.
If you are only looking for the best Idly stand in India, you can undoubtedly go for Hawkins Stainless Steel Idly Stand.
If you are looking for the best nonstick idly maker in India in 2023, you can go for Ideal Nonstick idly Maker.
Lastly, if your choice is for the best Idly dhokla maker in India in 2023, you can buy Alisha Stainless Steel Steamers and idly Maker.
Buying Guide
As of 2023, there are more than 3,000 idly makers waiting to be sold on Amazon India alone, let alone other E-commerce giants such as Flipkart, etc. The chances are if you go to the nearest local market, you will be shown poor and flimsy idly makers, which may cost you less, but will not last long in terms of performance and durability both.
In this buying guide, we will talk about the factors which you need to consider before buying the perfect idly maker for your kitchen, and some more important things that you should keep in mind.
Top Idli Maker Brands In India
If you go to Amazon India, there are more than 50 idly maker brands, but how to determine which is the best idly maker brand in India in 2023. The most important definition of a good brand is that it does what it states on the product label.
In order to identify the best idly maker brands in India, we tested a batch of idly makers through various factors. Some of these factors are performance, quality of the product, durability, brand’s previous performance records, after sales support for those who offers a warranty and most importantly, customer reviews.
Customer reviews are the best way to check which brand is superior as it states the real time reviews and feedback of a product once it has been used by the consumers.
Keeping all these factors in mind, the Best idly Maker Brands in India in 2023 are —
- Hawkins
- Prestige
- Pigeon
- Alisha
- QSEC
- Butterfly
- iBell
- Ideal
All these brands have an edge over the other brands, because not only they are the best-selling, but their performance have also been superior.
To start with, Hawkins is one of the best brands known for providing versatility and excellent value for money. Hawkins Idly stand is one of the most sold Idly stands in India, and the price is less than 500 rupees, which is excellent for what this brand has to offer.
Brands such as Prestige, Pigeon, iBell and Butterfly have been operating in India for more than 100 years and their products are known to provide a genuine performance, and most importantly, they are 100% value for money.
When you look at the other best idly maker brands such as Alisha, QSEC, etc, one may not have heard about these brands a lot, but there is a reason their idly makers are sold like hotcakes in the market. These brands have innovated, and their idly makers are quite affordable, making them a good choice amongst the buyers.
How Does an Idli Cooker Work?
When you are trying to make those soft and fluffy idlis, what you have as a raw material is some batter. In order to make a set of idlis, you will need the Idly batter to be steamed enough that it is not too hard, and at the same time, it is not too soft as well.
An Idli cooker works on the principle of steaming. There are two ways, how this can be done. Some Idly cookers have a steam vent on the top. In order to adjust the cooking, you can manually release the steam vent. The sound of the whistle will let you know that the idlis have been cooked.
However, if there is no whistle in the Idly cooker, you will have to check manually after 10 minutes to see the progress of the idlis being cooked in the cooker. These type of Idly cookers have small holes in the Idly plates, which helps to generate steam and cook your idlis.
The Most Common Types of Idli Maker
An idly maker can be further classified into 4 different types, depending on what kind of mechanism they are using to cook idlis. Let’s take a look at the 4 types of Idly maker —
1. Standard Idli Makers
A standard idly maker is usually what we already have in our kitchens, and have been using it for a long period of time. These idly makers are also known as traditional or conventional Idly makers. A standard Idly maker needs a gas stove to cook idlis, and it is either made from Stainless steel or high quality Aluminium.
2. Microwave Idli Makers
A microwave idly maker, as the name suggests, works with the help of a microwave oven. In comparison to a conventional idly maker, a microwave Idly maker is not a very popular choice, for the reason they may not operate if there is no electricity. These Idly makers are usually made from BPA free plastic or Ceramic material, which supports microwave ovens.
3. Induction Idli Makers
An induction Idly maker is very similar to a microwave Idly maker, except for the fact, that it needs an Induction cooktop to operate. This type of Idly maker is preferred by those individuals, who do not have a lot of time to cook on the gas stove and are usually from service glass. One disadvantage of an induction Idly maker is that it needs electricity to work.
4. Induction Cum Gas Idli Makers
To overcome the dependency on the electricity to operate microwave or induction idli makers, induction cum gas idli makers were manufactured. The good thing is the majority of the best idly makers in India these days are compatible with induction as well as traditional gas stoves.
Which Material is the Best for Idli Maker
An idli maker can be manufactured using different types of material. The choice of material can be Aluminium, Stainless steel, Ceramic or even plastic. If we look at the most common types of material for idli maker, it is usually Stainless steel or Aluminium.
Some brands also coat the idli maker with nonstick coating, but you will have to be a bit careful with those as once the nonstick coating starts to peel off, these idli makers will need service.
If your choice is to get the idli maker that is compatible with a microwave, you should pick the one which is made from Ceramic or plastic, as Steel or Aluminium idli makers are not safe to use with the microwave.
If you do not have an induction cooktop, it is best to go for an Aluminium idli maker as they are affordable, lightweight and most importantly, Aluminium as a material is an excellent heat and electricity conductor. This will make sure, your idlis are cooked superfast.
For those who want to have the flexibility of cooking on both the gas and induction cooktop should opt for Stainless steel idli makers. Stainless steel idli maker may be a bit heavier, but nothing beats them in terms of durability. 18/8 food grade Stainless steel is the best steel choice.
In my honest opinion, Stainless steel is the best choice for the idli maker as Aluminium as a material tends to react with the food contents, which may prove harmful in the long run.
How to Chose the Best Idly Maker
1. Material of the Idli Maker – The material of the idli maker is the most important thing you should look at before considering to buy the idli maker for your kitchen. You can choose from Aluminium, Stainless steel, Ceramic or Plastic. The choice of the material directly depends on your requirements, as you should get the one that suits your needs. To make this easy for you, Stainless steel is one of the best material for idli maker, because of its durability and performance both.
2. Number of Idlis – The number of idlis you want to cook is also a buying factor that you should consider before purchasing the idli maker. For a small family of 2-3 people, you can get the idli cooker with 3 plates as it can cook up to 15 idlis at a time. If you have a family of 4, you should get a cooker that can cook somewhere around 20-25 idlis at a time. For a bigger family size, you will have to cook in batches, as 20-25 idlis is the maximum you will get from the idli maker at one point of time.
3. Types of Idli Maker – There are 4 most common types of idli maker, out of which standard or conventional idli makers are the most used and bestselling as well. These idli makers are simple, easy to use and clean. If you want to cook idlis on a microwave or an induction cooktop, always check the product label before buying anything. In 2023, it is best to go for the idli cooker that can be used both on the induction and gas cooktop.
4. With or Without Whistle – An idli cooker comes in 2 mechanisms such as, with and without the whistle. In simple words, there is no difference in how you are going to cook your idlis. However, if you are a beginner, you should go for the idli maker that comes with a whistle. The presence of a whistle makes sure you know when the idlis are completely cooked. On the other hand, if you know the cooking process, and how much will it take to cook the idlis, you can get the idli cooker without the whistle. Both the cookers are good, and will give you the same output.
5. Safety Aspect – Idli cooker operates on the basis of steam. If you are not careful with the steaming process, there is always a chance of mishap. To avoid this, you can also consider buying the idli cooker which comes with a whistle. When the whistle rings, you can carefully remove the lid to take out the fresh idlis. You should also make sure that the handle of the idli cooker must be heat resistant, otherwise you will have to use a cloth to hold the cooker. If there is a lid on the cooker, check how thick it is, and it should not be flimsy.
6. Induction Compatibility – Even if you do not have an induction cooktop, it is considered wise to get the idli maker, which works well with both the induction and gas stove. The good thing is the majority of idli makers these days are compatible withinduction and gas cooktop. Compatibility with Induction cooktop gives you an added flexibility and portability.
7. Nonstick Idli Maker – If you are tired of cleaning the remains from your idli stand after cooking a fresh batch of idlis, you might want to take a look at the nonstick idli maker. The nonstick properties of the idli maker helps to make sure, that you have to use very little oil to cook idlis. Moreover, the extraction process of the idlis becomes a lot easier if you have a nonstick idli maker.
8. Multi-Purpose – If your idli cooker can cook more things in addition to hot and soft idlis, there is nothing better than that. Thankfully, in 2023, most of the idli makers are multi-purpose. With a multi-purpose idli maker, not only you can cook and serve delicious idlis, but you can also make a variety of other dishes such as momos, modak, dhokla, and even steam vegetables, if required.
9. Durability – If your idli cooker is not going to last long, there is no point to invest in it. While looking for the best idli cooker in India, first check the material, and its durability. If the material is Stainless steel, make sure it is the best steel, for example, 304 grade or 18/8 stainless steel. Similarly, if your idli cooker is made from Aluminium, it should be premium quality which does not react with the food. At the same time, the lid should not be flimsy or thin. If there are handles on the cooker, check if it is heat resistant, or it should be cool touch bakelite. All these factors clubbed together makes for a durable, and a superior idli maker.
10. Price and Warranty – Unless you do not care about the money, it is wise to go for the idli cooker that has some sort of warranty with it. The good thing is most of the idli makers in this post have a warranty attached to it. As a matter of fact, QSEC Stainless Steel Idli Cooker comes with a lifetime warranty. The price of the idli maker in India varies from 800 rupees to 2,000 rupees. On an average, you can get the best idly maker in India for around 1,100 rupees.
7 Benefits of Idli Maker
1. Saves Time – For those who do not know, there is a World Idli Day as well, yes, it’s a new trend which is being celebrated on March 30th from the past few years. If you have ever tried to cook idli without the help of idli maker, you certainly know it takes a lot of time, and then there are chances it might not be cooked very well as per your expectations.
Visiting the nearest South Indian cafe must be a good experience, but when you do it thrice a week, it’s not nice anymore. Plus, you will end up spending way too much money for that. Having an idli maker in your kitchen not only saves a lot of money, but it saves tremendous amount of time. It takes only 15 minutes to cook a batch of 20-25 idlis.
2. Cost Effective – Dining out and ordering your favourite idlis will cost you at least 50 rupees on a given day, and we are not even including the cost of transportation in this. Imagine, if you buy an idli maker for around 1,000 rupees, the daily cost of that idli maker is less than 3 rupees in 2023. If you do the Math, you know buying an idli maker is cost effective too.
3. Health Benefits – In addition to the time and money you will be saving, don’t even get started on the health benefits of consuming idli in your breakfast.
According to a Times of India report, this healthy breakfast option is loaded with numerous health benefits, plus the fact it is easy to cook, digest, lose weight, easy to count your calories, loaded with iron and contains a good amount of fibre.
Idlis are oil-free, and steamed in a such a proportion so as to serve you a delicious meal and make your stomach full for longer, which is exactly what you need for breakfast.
4. Multi-purpose – On a given day, when you do not want to use your idli maker to cook idlis, you can use it as a multi-purpose kitchen appliance, as it is capable of cooking delicious dhokla, patra, modak, momos, etc. As an icing on the cake, you can even steam veggies, when required.
5. Energy Efficient – There is a huge amount of energy you can save if you are cooking idlis on an Induction cooktop. The way idli makers work is on the basis of steaming process. Quick steam leads to faster heating of the food contents, and thus you end up using the induction cooktop for less time.
6. Easy to Use – There is absolutely no rocket science required to understand how you can cook the perfect idlis in the idli maker. An idli maker is ridiculously easy to use, and anyone with a limited knowledge of cooking can cook perfect idlis with the time.
7. Inexpensive – In 2023, when we spend thousands and lakhs just to automate our daily tasks and activities, an idli maker is still an inexpensive investment. If you look at the rate of return after buying an idli maker, you will see it is more than value for money.
How to Clean Idli Maker Easily
An idli maker may be a combination of idli cooker, idli plates, idli stand, etc. You can clean most of these utensils with water and some soap. Although these utensils are dishwasher compatible, you can still handwash them easily in a matter of a few minutes.
While washing the idli maker, try and not use an abrasive detergent, as it is not good in the long run, and can affect the durability and performance. If there is a stain, you can use some lukewarm water, and a cleaning brush to gently remove the stains.
If you are still not able to remove those stains from the idli maker, using baking soda paste is the best solution. All you need is some baking soda, water and a cleaning brush. You can make a paste by adding some water to 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
You can add more water or baking soda, depending on the thickness of the paste. Now, coat this paste inside the idli maker, and leave it there for 15-20 minutes. You can now rinse the idli maker thoroughly, and the stains will be gone by then.
If you are going to use the dishwasher to clean the idli plates, then make sure to scrub the idli plates in the cups using a kitchen scrub. Post this, you can park the idli plates in the dishwasher.
How to Make Perfect Idli in the Idli Maker
While the process to cook idlis in the idli maker may not vary a lot, you can still make a few changes in the idli batter to get the best and soft idlis for your meal.
The two main ingredients of idli are rice and daal. The idli batter is a mixture of soaked rice and daal, which is then steamed in the idli maker to cook fresh and hot idlis. In order to get soft idlis, it is recommended to use idli rice. However, if you do not have idli rice, it is good to use short or medium-grain rice for the batter.
For daal, you can use dhuli urad dal, which will make your idli soft and also, it is very nutritious. Instead of soaking the combination of rice and daal together, soak these two ingredients separately. This is due to the fact that both daal and rice needs different quantities of water to turn soft.
The next step to prepare soft and fluffy idlis is to avoid a mixer grinder and, instead, use a wet grinder. As a special ingredient, you can soak some fenugreek seeds in the water, also known as methi dana. Once the seeds rise, they can tremendously improve the texture of the idli batter.
If you are able to follow this process right a few times, you will be able to cook soft and fluffy idlis.
Can I Use Idli Maker as a Steamer?
The short answer is yes, you can use an idli maker as a steamer too. The popularity of momos in the Indian market has increased exponentially, and cooking your favourite momos in the idli maker is possible, if you know how to do it.
As a matter of fact, a lot of brands have manufactured idli makers that works as a steamer too. So, not only you can cook idlis in the idli maker, but you can also prepare dhokla, modak, patra, momos, noodles, etc.
For your reference, an idli steamer works on the same principle as that of momos steamer, and hence, you can make well-cooked momos in the idli maker as well. You can also steam vegetables for your daily cooking in the idli maker. To get the best results, chop the veggies into smaller chunks using a vegetable chopper, as they will take less time to get boiled.
How Can I Make Idli Without an Idli Stand?
You can certainly make idlis without using an idli stand, however having said this, the easiest way is to get an idli stand which can hold the idli batter, without any spills. In order to make idlis without the idli stand, you will need to find something where you can place the idli batter.
The best choice is to find a container that will not melt in the heat of the pressure cooker. For example, you can use a small steel glass, which is used to serve filter coffee in a South Indian restaurant. If you do not have it, you can also use a silicone baking mould.
While cooking the idlis, make sure you coat the container with a few drops of cooking oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I make idli in a microwave oven?
A. Yes, you can certainly make idlis in the microwave oven as long as you do the preparations right. Make sure you soak the daal and rice separately for at least 6 hours. After grinding them, store it overnight for fermentation. On the next day, beat up the mixture, if required, add some water and salt. Now, take out the microwave friendly idli steamer, and add some coconut oil in the area where the batter will go. Close the container and microwave it for 5 minutes, and that’s it.
Q. Which is the best microwave idli maker in India in 2023?
A. The process of cooking idlis is going to remain the same if you plan to use a microwave, the only difference is, no idli maker will be required. Instead, you will need to use microwave safe idli dents, which can either be plastic or silicone. If you are looking for the best microwave idli maker in India in 2023, you can pick anyone amongst Tupperware Idli Maker or Oliveware Idli Maker.
Q. Can I use dishwasher to clean my idli maker?
A. Yes, you can use a dishwasher to clean the idli maker, however this is not something, we will recommend. Washing the idli maker in a dishwasher may cause dark patches on it. Also, due to the heavy built of the idli makers, there is always a chance of dents or scratches during the dishwashing cycle, which is why handwashing is recommended.
Q. Which cloth is used for idli making?
A. For the idli makers that do not come with a whistle, it is necessary to use a cloth while preparing your idlis, so that the water does not seep from the idli plates to the bottom ones, which may affect the texture of the idli. Cotton liners are known to be an ideal and the best cloth for idli making, because they are naturally breathable, which is good for steam circulation.
Q. How do I know if the idli is cooked?
A. For idli cookers that come with a whistle, you will know when the idlis are cooked, as you hear the whistle. On the other hand, for idli cookers without a whistle, the time ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, also depending if the gas flame is low, medium or high. With time, you will be able to hit the precise accuracy, and know the exact time it takes for the idlis to be cooked.
We hope this detailed and comprehensive guide on the Best Idly Maker in India in 2023 was useful and informative to you. We also encourage you to read the customer reviews of any product before buying. Should you have any questions on this, feel free to leave a comment. If you want our team to review a product you are interested in buying, you can reach out to us at askus@betterchoices.in, and we will be happy to review it.
