Idli is one of the common dishes in every household, especially in South Indians.
For making fresh and piping hot batch of idlis on regular basis, you require a idli marker.
Though it is a common kitchen appliance, you have to consider certain factors while purchasing it…
- Type – Two types of idli cookers are available in the market – with and without whistle. If you are beginner, then choose the one with whistle as it will produce sound when the idlis are ready.
- Number of Plates – This usually depends on the family size. Most of the idli cookers come with 2 to 6 plates and each plate has at least 4 to 6 provisions. Calculate your needs and choose wisely.
- Material – Stainless steel and aluminum are the common materials often used for idli makers. Stainless steel is the best among them as it will not alter the taste and texture of food.
Apart from that, you should also check the compatibility with induction cooktop. This option will help you make idlis when there is a gas shortage. However, this can be optional for some people.
Most of the idli cookers come in the price range of Rs.500 to Rs.1500 and warranty of 6 months to 2 years. Other factors to consider include maintenance, durability and others – you can read them in our “Buying Guide”.
We have also provided a list of Best Idli Makers in India which are carefully picked out after a vigorous research, testing and analysis.
Top 7 Idli Makers In India 2022
Best Idli Cookers | Material | Capacity | Warranty | Buy Now |
---|---|---|---|---|
Butterfly Stainless Steel Idli Cooker | Stainless Steel | 24 Idlies | -- | Check On Amazon |
Hawkins 5 Liter Idli Stand | Aluminium | 12 Idlies | 5 Years | Check On Amazon |
Pigeon Stainless Steel 6-Plates Idly Maker | Stainless Steel | 24 Idlies | 6 Months | Check On Amazon |
Alisha Stainless Steel Idli Maker | Stainless Steel | 13 Idlies | -- | Check On Amazon |
iBELL 2 Plates Idli Cooker | Stainless Steel | 8 Idlies | -- | Check On Amazon |
Pigeon Idli Pot with Steamer | Stainless Steel | 24 Idlies | 6 Months | Check On Amazon |
Prestige Classic Idli Cooker 4 Plate | Stainless Steel | 16 Idlies | 1 Year | Check On Amazon |
7 Best Idli Makers/Idli Cookers in India
1. Butterfly Stainless Steel Idli Cooker
Butterfly stainless steel idli maker is yet another high-quality idli cooker that would be a perfect addition to your kitchen. It has six plates with eight crevices each to give out 24 idlis at a time. So, this appliance suits medium to large families with around 7 people.
It has a uniform shape with premium quality stainless steel in and out to prevent corrosion on prolonged use.
The handles of this idli maker contain high-quality food-grade plastic, making them heat-resistant and sturdy. Moreover, the lid of this appliance has a whistle to release pressure for giving out moisture-free idlis.
With the heavy gauge base, this idli maker suits all cooktops including your induction stove.
Coming to the size, the appliance measures 29 x 29 x 24.5 centimetres and weighs 1.47 kgs, making it lightweight and flexible to use. Also, it easily fits in a corner of your kitchen shelf.
Other Notable Features:
- Sturdy bakelite handles
Bakelite is a high-grade material that is known for its ability to resist rust. This idli cooker has bakelite handles that are not only durable but also remain cool when the food is being cooked inside the cooker.
The Verdict:
In a nutshell, this idli maker from Butterfly has a high capacity of making 24 idlis at once. So, it best suits large families. With its stainless steel material, the appliance lasts long even with regular use.
What we like:
- Induction compatibility.
- Rust-proof body.
- Whistle for steam release.
- Strong bakelite handles.
- High capacity.
What we don’t like:
- Relatively high price.
- No warranty.
2. Hawkins 5 Liter Idli Stand
The Idly Stand by Hawkins is a lightweight idly stand that will help you to enjoy freshly made idly any time of the day. It is designed for a purpose and the attractive stand is available in a very attractive silver colour but its inability to cook on induction ovens, pushed this stand at the sixth place on our list.
This is a low maintenance idly stand capable of making a different type of idlies like Masala, Rava, etc. The idly stand is made of high-quality Aluminium which is a good conductor of heat and helps to cook idlies uniformly.
The stand consists of 4 plates, each one capable of cooking 3 idlies at a time making it a 12-idly stand.
It does not take much to maintain the stand; simply wash it with mild detergent after every use. Finally, the idly stand comes with a 5 years warranty.
Other Notable Features
- Size
The size of this idly stand is just perfect, it’s neither big nor small. Best used with a 5 Litre steam pot.
- Safety
Hawkins designs every product that is safe for every customer. Simply, lower the lid into the body of the cooker, unless the pressure inside the cooker falls to a safe level you won’t be able to open the cooker. So, it is recommended it use this stand with a Hawkins cooker.
The Verdict
Simply stating, this is an excellent idly stand capable of making 12 idlies. Due to the Aluminium material the idlies get cooked evenly and faster and comes with a whopping 5 years warranty. This is a huge bonus as most companies don’t provide much warranty information on their products. If only, if it was induction capable, it would have been slightly ahead than the rest here!
What We Liked
- The size of the stand is extremely comfortable, fits in most of the pressure cookers.
- The Silver coating makes it standout from other similar products.
- The use of Aluminium is great, supplies heat uniformly.
- Comes with a 5-year warranty.
What We Didn’t Like
- This stand is not compatible with inductions ovens.
3. Pigeon Stainless Steel 6-Plates Idly Maker
Pigeon as a brand need no introduction; it is one of the biggest manufacturers of home and kitchen appliances in India. While going through all the potential idly makers for this list, Pigeon 6-Plate Idly Maker caught our eye due to its considerably attractive design choices, 7500 mL of capacity and the use of high-quality stainless steel which is also corrosion proof. Combing all these factors, we have placed this idly maker in the first place.
This is an attractive induction compatible Idly Maker. The appliance itself is very strong and sturdy, even the gauge is very thick to enhance durability.
A high-quality whistle is also provided for better pressure control. Not to worry, the appliance is easily washable and the entire body of it is rust-proof. The appliance weighs 1.61Kg and the dimensions are 9 x 9 x 4 cm.
The Idly Maker package contains an idly maker, 6-pieces of Idly Plates and a piece of Steiner which comes with 6-months of warranty.
Other Notable Features
- Maintenance
Very hygienic product that requires very low maintenance to keep the appliance in pristine condition
- Other Variants
There is another variant of this product available with 4-pieces of idly plates instead of 6.
The Verdict
This is an efficient and durable Idly Maker where you can grease the idly moulds very easily. It is extremely well built, provides a lot of capacity of around 7500mL and a very durable appliance. It is ideal for a large family, as it can cook around 24 idlies easily. Pour warm water inside the Idly Cooker and the idly will be cooked of high temperature within 12 to 15 minutes. But be sure to remember that the water level inside the cooker must not be higher than the top idly plate.
What We Like
- The bets idly maker within the price range.
- It is easy to handle due to its lightweight.
- The stainless steel, makes the appliance rust proof increasing its durability.
- The thick pressure gauge is very reliable.
- Good capacity
What We Don’t like
- The handle is not very durable.
- You may have to use 5 plates instead of 6 to cook the idly perfectly, otherwise, the water level does not match and idly get too moist.
4. Alisha Stainless Steel Steamers and Idli Maker
Alisha idli maker deserves a spot on our list for its versatile design. It occupies very less space in your cupboard as it has a sleek body.
In addition to this, the idli maker has a thick gauge bottom, making it compatible with all cooktops.
It comes with three medium-sized idli plates to make 13 idlis at a time, one small plate with 18 mini idli slots and one dhokla and steamer plate each. So, making your favourite momos, idiyappam, thatte idli, noodles or dhokla is now a hassle-free job.
Furthermore, the unit contains high-quality stainless steel material with a mirror finish that makes it look attractive in your kitchen.
It measures 31 x 22.9 x 22.8 centimetres and weighs 1.85 kgs, making it compact and lightweight. Also, cleaning this appliance is a cakewalk as it is dishwasher-safe.
Other Notable Features:
- Minimal cooking time:
This idli cooker takes 20 minutes on average to give out fluffy and soft idlis.
- Rustproof
With the high-quality stainless material in and out, the appliance is free from corrosion and lasts long.
The Verdict
Overall, this idli cooker from Alisha has a good build quality, so it lasts long even if you use it daily. The hard base makes it easy to clean and does not cause any burns while on high flame.
What we like:
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Rust Proof material.
- Dishwasher-safe.
- Compact size.
What we don’t like:
- There are chances the lid gets opened when kept on high flame.
5. iBELL 2 Plates Idli Cooker
Another iconic durable idly maker which is a great competitor to Pigeon! This particular idly makes comes with only 2 idly plates but it got placed second due to its multi-purpose properties.
First of all, this is an Idly Cooker cum Kadai. So, this is a very rare multi-purpose kitchen appliance which can be not only used to cook idly but also to sauté other food ingredients.
It actually has to separate parts; the bottom part is the Kadai which is also induction compatible. Besides its obvious uniqueness, this appliance also has a very strong and sturdy body made of quality stainless steel. The use of stainless steel makes this idly cooker immune to rust. A very hygienic appliance which can be cleaned very easily!
The pressure gauge is very thick and designed for high durability.
The delivered package will contain an idly maker and 2-pieces of Idly Plates where you can cook 8 pieces of idly. Unfortunately, we are not sure about the warranty but if you have got it from the Amazon then it can be returned following the Amazon regulations if any defects were found.
Other Notable Features
- Small but efficient
It is true that this particular idly makes comes with only 2 pieces of idly plates which are capable of cooking 8 pieces of idly effectively. It also means that compared to other idly makers this one cooks fast and to perfection.
- Steamer
The top half of the idly maker can also be used a steamer you can even cook rice in it.
The Verdict
It’s quite an efficient piece of hardware perfectly for small kitchens. The 2-in-1 feature of appliance is rarely found but very appreciable. It enhances the capability of the user, enabling them to cook two things at the same time, also saves money and space in the kitchen. Overall, a multifarious and value for money appliance!
What We Like
- Attractive elegant design looks really great in the kitchen.
- Value for money.
- Multi-purpose appliance, it is an idly maker but also a Kadai.
- Easily operable, idly can be cooked with perfection.
What We Don’ Like
- Only 2-pieces of idly plates are available, compared to other idly makes the quantity is very low.
- Not sure about the product warranty.
6. Pigeon Idli Pot with Steamer
Being one of the biggest kitchenware manufacturers, Pigeon enters our list for the second time with their outstanding strong and sturdy idly maker capable of making 24 idles. Similar to the one before, Pigeon has designed another idly maker worthy of taking the fourth place on our list.
This is a multi-purpose hot-pot by Pigeon with a capacity of 7500ml and induction compatibility. It is made of strong and sturdy stainless steel material which makes it rust proof, enhancing its durability.
This one is a very hygienic product which is easy to clean and wash. The thick pressure gauge makes it excellent for steaming different type of foods.
The product dimensions are 21 cm (8.3″) is the height including the lid and 16 cm (6.3″) without a lid. Its diameter is 28 cm (11″) at the top and 19 cm (7.5″) at the bottom.
The delivered package contains 1-piece idly maker, 6-pieces of idly plates and a Steiner. And also comes with a warranty of 6 months only.
Other Notable Features
- Light-weight and Maintenance friendly
A rust-proof idly maker that is easy to maintain and easily operable! It weighs around 2 kg.
- Multi-purpose
One of the best multi-purpose hot-pots ever designed. Apart from idlies, you can also cook anything from momos, chicken, cakes, rice, vegetables, etc.
The Verdict
As usual, Pigeon made another strong and sturdy idly maker with the best quality materials possible. But the capacity of this idly maker is much greater than most products on this list. So, it is very suitable if you have a big family and it can be an ideal appliance, if a large number of guests frequently arrive at your house and you need something really quick like in 15-20 minutes flat.
What We Liked
- A really lightweight idly maker, with a capacity to cook for a large number of people.
- A multi-purpose hot-pot for capable of cooking foods other than idlies.
- Compatible with induction ovens.
- The plates are easy to insert and remove, the maintenance is very easy.
What We Didn’t Like
- The handle may get lose easily.
- Only a 6-month warranty.
7. Prestige Classic Idli Cooker 4 Plate
There Is no introduction required for Prestige as the name defines its authenticity and fame it has achieved among customers from the last 65 years. If you are an idly lover, then Prestige has brought a Classic Idly cooker that will provide your perfect size of the idlies at home.
This product is different from other products on our list because of its 4-plates idly maker, which come in the capacity of 2 liters. The cooker is made of stainless steel with a silver coating that reduces the chances of rust on it.
The plates are of great quality with 304-grade stainless steel and handle steam are durable that can handle high-temperature cooking.
The structure of the cooker is stylish and promises to provide fluffy idlis to your plate every time.
Other Notable Features
Build Quality
The stainless-steel cooker has a great build with 4-plates that requires low maintenance for keeping it in condition.
- Other Variants
There is no other variant at this range of the idli pressure cooker.
The Verdict
You can cook 16 idlis once at a time as it has 4-plates. You have to be careful while checking the water present inside the cooker. The handles are made of steel. So be careful while carrying it to the dining table.
What we like
- Best for joint families with 4-idli plates
- Comes with the great build quality
- Stainless steel will eliminate the chance of getting rust
- Dual lid option
- 1-years warranty
What we do not like
- The handle must be made of insulating material
Things to look when buying the best Idly Makers in India
Idly is the simplest and the healthiest food that originated in South India, it is nothing but steam cooked rice. And with the help of idly makers you can make the perfect morning breakfast. But there are several features like the kind of metal, capacity, size and number of idlies, etc to look for before buying. Knowing these things will help you buy the right idly maker that will also be fruitful for you in the coming years. Here is a list of those factors to give you a better idea for choosing the best idly maker. Read on to know more about these factors.
1. Features
An idly maker is a simple steam cooking food maker. You might feel that making idly in breakfast is a good idea but you may not have the right ingredients and the cooking vessel too. That is why several idly makers in India are being sold. This idly maker works just like a steam cooker. The only difference is that it has plates where you can pour the idly batter, then you cover it with a lid and cook for a few minutes.
These idly makers not only cook idlies for you, indeed you can steam cook vegetables, momos and all other steam cooked foods. Separate plates for cooking idly and vegetables are available when you buy the maker. They can have many other features too. Here are some of the must-have features in an idly maker.
- A number of idly plates: Idly makers are just like cookers and their size is determined by the number of idly plates it includes.
- Cooking on induction stove: Some idly makers are versatile that it can be cooked both on induction stove and gas stove.
- Material: Idly makers are available in several materials like aluminium, steel, ionized materials etc.
- Multi-purpose plates: Idly makers come with an extra plate that is designed for cooking vegetables.
- Multi-purpose idly maker: You can get idly makers that can make idly and then remove the plates to use it as a cooking pan. This was introduced to save time while cooking.
So while buying idly makers, you must also check about the insulating handles and easy mechanism. It is important to get a multi-functional idly maker so that you get several benefits from it.
2. Mechanism
In idly makers, there are two mechanisms available. One which has a whistle to release the pressure as soon as the idly gets cooked. So that you can know when the idly is cooked in this mechanism.
It is the best choice for beginners to make soft idly every day. You can use a few drops of oil on the plate, pour the batter and keep it for steaming. Make sure you pour enough water in the idly maker bowl and then keep the plates. This will need a medium to a high flame to cook the idly well. After it cooks for some time, you can expect the steam to build up. As soon as the steam becomes excess, it starts releasing it through the whistle. Slowly as the idly cooks, the sound keeps increasing. Once it becomes a long high pitched sound you can turn off the idly maker. You can wait for some time and then take the idlies out.
The next mechanism will not have a whistle in it. You need to follow the same procedure to make idlies. There can be one difference in the plates. The idly plates can have small holes in them for steam to flow. For this, you will need a moist muslin cloth to be spread on the plate before making it. This is done to cook very soft idlies that can stay soft even for a long time. The only disadvantage is that the idlies can stick to the cloth. Also, there is no whistle so that you will not know when they are ready. You can cook them for a few minutes and check if they are cooked before turning the maker off. You can get plates without the steam holes also.
3. Number of plates
As we mentioned, the number of plates determines the size of the idly maker. If you want to make more idlies, go for makers that have at least six plates. Usually, idly makers are cylindrical and broad. So they can have 4 provisions for making idly in one plate. In some models these are broad. So they can have 6-7 provisions in one plate. In these cases, they are available in two plates alone. Choosing the number of plates and how you want to buy them is all your choice.
The idly maker with a whistle is usually long and cylindrical. In one plate, there are about 4 provisions. You can choose the number of plates from 4 to 6. You also need to look for the weight of the idly maker. They are available from 1.2 kg to 3 kg. You can choose the number and weight according to the number of members in your family.
4. Material
Idly makers are available in different materials from aluminum, steel, ionized material, and even plastic or ceramic. The material depends upon the kind of idly maker. They can be microwaved, induction, induction and normal or traditional ones. Aluminum idly makers are one of the traditional makers and mostly they don’t have a whistle. You can make large and soft idlies with them. You might need a cloth to prepare idlies in them.
If you are not fine with using cloth, then idly plates are available in non-stick materials too. Make sure that you get them serviced as soon as the Teflon coating starts coming out. Microwave idly makers are available in several colors. You can buy one according to your kitchen interiors. They are usually made of durable plastic or any other microwave friendly material.
If you want an induction idly maker, you can go for induction and normal idly maker. This can help you make idlies on both stove and induction cook-top. Ionized idly makers are available for both stove and induction based cooking. These also do not lose their color even after a long time. Although the plates are not available in ionized material!
5. Size of plates
There are two variants of sizes available in idly plates. One is to make the normal idlies which have a medium size; the other size is small to make small idlies. Small idlies are loved by children and elders equally. It looks tiny and attractive that anyone will love eating them. You can use one spoon of batter in one small idly plate provision. You can get a minimum number of small idly plates which is 6. A separate idly maker for small idlies is not commonly available. Instead, you can buy only the plates and use them in your already existing idly maker.
A normal idly maker size is a medium to large size. The conventional idly makers can give you big idlies. Otherwise, you can get idlies that are of medium size only. It is recommended that you use a little less batter in the idly provision than filling up completely. This can give you idlies that don’t stick to each other.
6. Strength and durability
A good idly maker should have reasonable strength and durability. It can be made of any material, but that must be manufactured with high quality. In the case of steel, it should be made of heavy gauge stainless steel. Aluminum should be of good quality so that it does not have any chemical reaction while heating. The same thing goes with plastic material. Ionized material has good strength. The handles should be riveted properly on the material so that it does not break. It will be difficult to prepare idlies if the handles are broken. They must be made of a durable material like Bakelite. It is recommended to buy idly makers that are rust proof. This only ensures the hygiene of your idlies. If the outer pot is strong enough you can definitely use it for some other cooking purpose. If the base is not strong enough then you cannot hold it up on heat for long. So the outer body should be strong too.
7. Safety and protection
As idlies cook in steam, protection and safety are a must. The lid should have a proper let-out so that the excess steam escapes. The lid can be made of the same material as the body of the idly maker. Sometimes it is also made of high-quality glass so that you can have an eye while cooking. The model in which there is a whistle, make sure the lid is a little heavy so that it does not cause any damage. The idly stand is another main aspect of checking safety and strength. This should be thick enough and also hold the idly plates in place. Some models in which only two idly plates are available, this stand is avoided. That is also a good option to choose. Make sure the knobs on the lid and on top of the stand are tight in place.
8. Maintenance
Most idly makers today are easy maintenance. They have opted for non-conventional materials like non-stick, stainless steel, plastic instead of the heavy aluminum. Using a cloth or other materials is absolutely your choice. You can use the cloth on stainless steel idly plates if you like. Otherwise, applying some oil before pouring the batter will surely work out. You need to wash the outer pot at least after using two times. However, it is not necessary to wash them every single time. Make sure you pour enough water to cook; otherwise, the idlies do not cook well.
Make sure you tighten the knobs and handle if they are getting loose. You can go to the service provider if you have any other problem.
9. Type of idly maker
There are four types of idly makers available in the market. They are induction makers, conventional makers, induction-cum-gas makers, and microwave makers.
Induction idly makers are usually made of steel and can be used in induction cook-top only. This is handy can be carried easily for picnics. However, you cannot use them on the gas stove.
Conventional idly makers are the traditional South Indian idly makers that are made of aluminum. They look like a pyramid and can make the very soft idlies any day. However, they are high maintenance.
Induction-cum-gas idly makers are the most versatile ones. You can use them on any cooktop and start making idlies. They are highly advantageous in every way.
Microwave idly makers are made of microwave friendly materials like plastic or ceramic. The best part is that you can get them in different colors. As far as performance is concerned, they are not up to the mark.
10. Quality and warranty
Always look for an idly maker with a warranty. This can help you in the coming years. You can go to the service provider to get a repair done. Idly makers are not something that you can buy frequently so opt for reputed brands. You can buy an idly maker that comes with a warranty from 6 months to 2 years. Good maintenance of the idly maker can help you protect it for long days. An idly maker that is made of good quality which comes with a warranty will be worth your money.
Frequently Asked Questions?
When buying an idly maker see for features like induction plate and gas stove compatibility, how easily can it be cleaned, warranty, number of plates, durability and toughness, user guide/manual, capacity, safety while using (handles and knobs) and safe to wash in a dishwasher etc.
You can make anything that you have to use steam for cooking. For example, you can prepare momos, dhokla and even steam cook vegetables. You can remove the plates and use the pot to make curry. You can also reheat any dish using steam in an idly maker.
Yes, most of the idly makers are dishwasher safe. You can remove the idly plates and put them in the dishwasher. You can also put the idly maker pot into the dishwasher. But you can still confirm if your particular model is dishwasher safe or not.
It will take about 10 to 15 minutes to prepare idlies in a medium to high flame. In a microwave, it might take a little time more than that. For the induction cooktop, you will need 15 to 20 minutes to cook the idlies. If the batter is under refrigeration, it can take more time to cook.
Idlies markers mainly come in steel, aluminium and microwave safe material (Plastic). Using steel and aluminium idlies makers are better as they produce the right amount of steam, which is required to moisten the idlies thoroughly. Besides, the texture of the idlies cooked in steel and aluminium maker is much softer as compared to the ones prepared in the microwave.
Making idlies using muslin cloth is done to get soft idlies. This is a traditional way of making idlies. This is totally optional and not a compulsory thing. In fact, you can make idlies by applying a few drops of oil in the plates. This is easy to wash and maintain. In the case of cloth, you need to wash the cloth every time you make idlies.
In an ideal idly maker, the idly will look 8 cm in diameter. You can obtain the exact shape as it is on the plate when you cook properly. It is important that you leave the idly maker undisturbed for 5 minutes before taking them out.
The idly plates have holes either on the sides or in the middle so that the steam passes through the entire area. The steam circulates inside and helps the batter cook. The excess steam is let out through the provision on the lid.
Yes. Some brands give you heart shaped idly makers. Many other shapes are also available. This is done in order to attract children.
Conclusion :-
Choosing the best idly maker is quite simple if you give attention to all the mentioned features here. Make sure you get the best size that is suitable for your family. It is recommended that you get an idly maker with an additional steamer so that you can cook vegetables and other foods. Steam cooking is highly beneficial for your health too.
Now, our best pick for the best idly maker in India for 2019 is Pigeon Stainless Steel 6-Plates Idly Maker. This is an ideal idly maker that can be used on both stove and induction cooktop. This is made of quality material, light weight, hygienic and also has a potent 6 months warranty. The capacity is huge at around 7500 mL, it is sufficient for making 24 idlies easily. You can use the additional steamer to cook other steam foods too.
You can let us know about your favorite products from the list. We will always be excited to hear from you.