Idli steamers are a vital kitchen appliance, prized for their ability to prepare soft, fluffy, and nutritious idlis, a traditional South Indian breakfast dish. Originating from India, these steamers have found global popularity due to their versatility and ease of use. However, to create the most delicious, perfectly cooked idlis, it’s imperative to have the right steamer.
The best Idli steamer should be durable, effective and provide consistent steam distribution. It should be constructed from high-quality, food-safe materials that ensure your idlis are healthy and safe to consume. Furthermore, the steamer should be easy to clean and maintain. Using the wrong type of steamer can lead to poor cooking results and even potential safety hazards.
While selecting an Idli steamer, closely examine the components. It should consist of multiple idli plates, a water container, a lid, and a base. This design will equip the steamer to cook numerous idlis at once, thereby enhancing its efficiency.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best Idli steamer. Our choices have been meticulously curated, following rigorous testing and analysis, to ensure they meet all the necessary parameters. By the end of this article, you will be well-informed to make a successful purchase of an Idli steamer truly tailored for your needs.
Best Idli Steamer
Choosing the correct Idli steamer is crucial for ensuring that you can make mouth-watering, perfectly cooked idlis, each and every time. Your Idli steamer should distribute heat evenly and be robustly designed. With so many options available in the market, choosing the best one can feel daunting. Therefore, in this article, we have assembled a curated list of the best Idli steamers to aid you in your decision-making process.
Milton Microwave Idli Maker and Steamer, Makes 12 Idlis, White
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make idlis at home, the Milton Microwave Idli Maker and Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- Makes 12 idlis at once, saving time and effort.
- Easy to use and clean, with a leak-proof lid and removable steamer tray.
- Made in India, with high-quality materials and durable construction.
Cons
- Requires a microwave oven for heating, which may not be convenient for everyone.
- Some users have reported that the idlis can stick to the bottom of the tray if not greased properly.
- The capacity may be too small for larger families or gatherings.
This idli maker and steamer is perfect for those who want to enjoy fresh and delicious idlis at home without the hassle of traditional cooking methods. With its compact size and easy-to-use design, it’s a great choice for busy professionals, students, or anyone who wants to save time in the kitchen.
To use, simply add water to the bottom of the bowl, place the idli batter in the removable tray, and microwave for 8-10 minutes. The idlis will come out fluffy and cooked through, ready to be served with your favorite chutney and sambar.
Overall, the Milton Microwave Idli Maker and Steamer is a great investment for anyone who loves idlis and wants to enjoy them at home with minimal effort.
Hawkins G05 Mini Idli Stand for Pressure Cooker, Mettalic Small
If you’re looking for a compact and sturdy idli stand for your pressure cooker, the Hawkins G05 Mini Idli Stand is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The stand is made of food-grade material, ensuring safety and hygiene.
- The compact size of the stand makes it perfect for small families or those with limited kitchen space.
- The stand is easy to use and clean, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.
Cons
- The stand can only hold up to 12 idlis at a time, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings.
- The stand may not fit all pressure cooker sizes, so it’s important to check compatibility before purchasing.
- The stand may not be as durable as some other idli stands on the market, so it’s important to handle it with care.
We’ve used the Hawkins G05 Mini Idli Stand for several months and have found it to be a reliable and convenient option for making idlis. The stand is made of food-grade material, which ensures that our idlis come out safe and hygienic. We also appreciate the compact size of the stand, which makes it easy to store in our small kitchen. The stand is easy to use and clean, which is a huge plus for us busy parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the stand can only hold up to 12 idlis at a time, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings. Additionally, the stand may not fit all pressure cooker sizes, so it’s important to check compatibility before purchasing. Finally, while the stand is sturdy and well-designed, it may not be as durable as some other idli stands on the market, so it’s important to handle it with care.
Overall, we would recommend the Hawkins G05 Mini Idli Stand to anyone in the market for a compact and convenient idli stand for their pressure cooker.
KSJONE Stainless Steel 5 pcs Multi Kadai (Induction Friendly) Idli Cooker with Stainless Steel lid, 3 idli Plates (12 Idlis), 1 patra Plate, Silver
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable idli cooker, the KSJONE Stainless Steel 5 pcs Multi Kadai is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes 3 idli plates, 1 patra plate, and a stainless steel lid, making it perfect for large families or those who frequently cook idlis.
- The cooker is made of high-quality stainless steel, which ensures even heat distribution and prevents the idlis from sticking to the plates.
- The cooker is induction friendly, which means you can use it on all types of stoves, including induction cooktops.
Cons
- The cooker is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.
- The lid may be difficult to open at times, especially if you’re in a hurry.
- The cooker may take a bit longer to heat up compared to other idli cookers.
We’ve used the KSJONE Stainless Steel 5 pcs Multi Kadai to cook idlis several times, and we’re impressed with its performance. The set includes everything you need to cook perfect idlis, and the stainless steel material ensures that the cooker will last for years.
One of the best things about this cooker is that it’s induction friendly. This means that you can use it on any type of stove, including induction cooktops. We’ve used it on a gas stove, and it worked perfectly. The even heat distribution ensures that the idlis cook evenly, and they never stick to the plates.
Another great feature of this cooker is that it’s made of high-quality stainless steel. This material ensures that the cooker is durable and long-lasting. It also prevents the idlis from sticking to the plates, which can be a problem with other types of cookers.
Overall, we highly recommend the KSJONE Stainless Steel 5 pcs Multi Kadai to anyone who wants a versatile and durable idli cooker. It’s a bit heavy, but the quality of the material makes it worth it. The even heat distribution and induction compatibility are also great features that make this cooker stand out.
Chanaksha Trading Idli Pot Steamer With 3 Plates(12 IDLY),Steel Idli maker,idli maker,stainless steel idli maker make 12 idlis in a Jiffy
If you’re looking for a stainless steel idli maker that can make 12 idlis in a jiffy, then the Chanaksha Trading Idli Pot Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- The idli maker is made of food-grade stainless steel, which makes it durable and safe to use.
- The steamer comes with three plates, which means you can make different types of dishes at the same time.
- The idli maker is easy to use and clean, making it a great option for busy people.
Cons
- The idli maker is not non-stick, which means you’ll need to use oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- The steamer is relatively small, which means it may not be suitable for large families or parties.
- The idli maker is not suitable for induction cooktops, so you’ll need to use a regular stove top.
The Chanaksha Trading Idli Pot Steamer is a great option for those who want to make idlis quickly and easily. The stainless steel construction ensures that the idli maker is durable and long-lasting, while the three plates make it easy to make different types of dishes at the same time.
One of the best things about this idli maker is how easy it is to use and clean. Simply add water to the bottom pot, place the idli plate on top, and add the batter. Once the water starts to boil, the idlis will steam quickly and easily. When you’re finished, simply rinse the idli maker with soap and water, and it’s ready to use again.
However, there are a few downsides to this idli maker. First, it’s not non-stick, which means you’ll need to use oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Second, it’s relatively small, which means it may not be suitable for large families or parties. Finally, it’s not suitable for induction cooktops, so you’ll need to use a regular stove top.
Overall, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make idlis, the Chanaksha Trading Idli Pot Steamer is a great option. It’s durable, easy to use and clean, and can make different types of dishes at the same time. Just be aware of its size and non-stick surface before making your purchase.
Tabakh 4-Rack Stainless Steel Idli Cooker with Strong Handles, Makes 16 Idlis
If you’re looking for a traditional idli cooker that can cook perfect idlis every time, then the Tabakh 4-Rack Stainless Steel Idli Cooker is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 4-layer steam cooking technology ensures that the idlis are cooked evenly and retain their softness.
- The strong and sturdy handles make it easy to lift the lid, even when the cooker is hot.
- The large capacity of the cooker allows you to cook up to 16 idlis at once, making it perfect for large families or parties.
Cons
- The cooker is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The lid can be a bit difficult to clean, as there are several small sections that can trap food.
- The cooker can take up a lot of space on the stove, so it may not be suitable for smaller kitchens.
We’ve used the Tabakh 4-Rack Stainless Steel Idli Cooker several times now, and we’re always impressed with the results. The 4-layer steam cooking technology really makes a difference, as the idlis come out soft and fluffy every time. The strong handles are also a great feature, as they make it easy to lift the lid without worrying about getting burned.
One of the things we really like about this cooker is its large capacity. We can easily cook enough idlis for our whole family, and there’s even enough room to cook some vadas or dosas at the same time. This makes it a great choice for anyone who loves to entertain.
Of course, there are a few downsides to this cooker as well. It’s quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around if you need to. The lid can also be a bit tricky to clean, as there are several small sections that can trap food. Finally, the cooker can take up a lot of space on the stove, so it may not be suitable for smaller kitchens.
Overall, though, we think the Tabakh 4-Rack Stainless Steel Idli Cooker is a great choice for anyone who loves traditional Indian cuisine. Its 4-layer steam cooking technology ensures perfect results every time, and its strong handles and large capacity make it a great choice for families or anyone who loves to entertain.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best idli steamer, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various idli steamers and have come up with a list of features that are essential for a good idli steamer.
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when buying an idli steamer is its capacity. The capacity of the steamer will determine how many idlis you can steam at once. If you are cooking for a large family or for a gathering, a larger capacity steamer is recommended. However, if you are cooking for a small family or for personal use, a smaller capacity steamer may be sufficient.
Material
The material of the idli steamer is also an important factor to consider. The most common materials used for idli steamers are stainless steel and aluminum. Stainless steel is a durable and long-lasting material that is easy to clean and maintain. Aluminum is also a good option as it is lightweight and heats up quickly. However, it may not be as durable as stainless steel.
Steaming Time
The steaming time of the idli steamer is another important factor to consider. The steaming time will determine how long it takes for the idlis to be cooked through. A longer steaming time may result in overcooked idlis, while a shorter steaming time may result in undercooked idlis. It is important to find a steamer that has a steaming time that is suitable for your needs.
Additional Features
Finally, it is important to consider any additional features that the idli steamer may have. Some steamers come with a removable lid, which makes it easier to add water or clean the steamer. Others may have a non-stick coating, which makes it easier to remove the idlis from the steamer. It is important to consider which features are important to you and will make your idli-making experience easier and more enjoyable.
In conclusion, when looking for the best idli steamer, it is important to consider the capacity, material, steaming time, and any additional features that the steamer may have. By taking these factors into consideration, you can find an idli steamer that will meet your needs and make your idli-making experience a success.
