Idlis, those soft, fluffy, and incredibly nutritious steamed cakes, are a beloved part of Indian cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, a good idli maker is an essential tool for achieving perfectly steamed idlis every time. With a plethora of options available online, choosing the right one can be daunting.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve deep-dived into five popular idli makers available on Amazon India, comparing their features, benefits, and considerations to help you find your ideal kitchen companion.
Why the Right Idli Maker Matters
A quality idli maker ensures:
- Uniform Steaming: Leading to consistently soft and fluffy idlis.
- Durability: Materials like high-grade stainless steel offer longevity and resistance to wear.
- Health Benefits: Steaming is a healthy cooking method, preserving nutrients with minimal oil.
- Versatility: Many models double as multi-kadai units for steaming other dishes like dhokla, momos, or even cooking curries.
Featured Idli Makers: A Closer Look
Here are five top contenders, each with its unique strengths:
1. Vinod Stainless Steel Deluxe Multi Kadai (Induction Friendly)
This multi-purpose unit from Vinod is designed for versatility. It’s not just an idli maker but a complete steaming solution.
- Material: High-quality stainless steel with SAS bottom for even heat distribution.
- Includes: Kadai, lid, 2 idli plates, 2 dhokla plates, 1 patra plate, and 1 mini idli plate.
- Compatibility: Gas stove and Induction friendly.
- Ideal for: Families looking for a multi-functional steamer that can also be used as a kadai for other cooking needs.
Buy on Amazon.in: Vinod Stainless Steel Deluxe Multi Kadai
2. Prestige Aluminum Multi-Kadai (3 Litres)
Prestige offers a robust hard anodized aluminum multi-kadai that promises durability and multi-functionality.
- Material: Hard Anodised Aluminum.
- Includes: Multi-kadai, idli plates, dhokla plates, and patra plates.
- Compatibility: Induction and Gas compatible.
- Ideal for: Those who prefer hard anodized cookware for its heat retention and durability, and need a versatile unit for steaming and deep frying.
Buy on Amazon.in: Prestige Aluminum Multi-Kadai
3. The Indus Valley Triply Stainless Steel Idli/Dhokla/Momo Maker (B0C86CMCPQ)
Known for its toxin-free cookware, The Indus Valley offers a tri-ply stainless steel idli maker for even cooking and durability.
- Material: Tri-ply Stainless Steel (3 layers for even heating).
- Features: 100% toxin-free, reduces food sticking/burning, easy to clean. Often comes with multiple plates (idli, dhokla, momo).
- Compatibility: Induction friendly.
- Ideal for: Health-conscious individuals seeking a safe, non-toxic, and efficient steaming solution.
Buy on Amazon.in: The Indus Valley Triply Stainless Steel Idli Maker (B0C86CMCPQ)
4. HORIZON Stainless Steel Cooker Idli Maker (B0CDX88M95)
HORIZON presents a stainless steel idli cooker designed for consistent results and ease of use.
- Material: High-quality stainless steel.
- Features: Food-grade, rustproof coating, thick gauge for durability, mirror finish. Can have multiple plates (e.g., 6 plates for 24 idlis).
- Compatibility: Induction and Gas stove compatible.
- Ideal for: Larger families or those who frequently make idlis due to its potentially higher capacity and robust build.
Buy on Amazon.in: HORIZON Stainless Steel Cooker Idli Maker
5. The Indus Valley Stainless Steel Idli Maker (B0F1G7LKGB)
Another offering from The Indus Valley, emphasizing health and multi-purpose functionality with its tri-ply bottom.
- Material: Tri-ply Stainless Steel.
- Features: 100% toxin-free, 3-layer bottom for even heat, often comes as a multi-pot steamer set.
- Compatibility: Induction friendly.
- Ideal for: Similar to its counterpart (B0C86CMCPQ), this is for those prioritizing health, even cooking, and a versatile steaming pot.
Buy on Amazon.in: The Indus Valley Stainless Steel Idli Maker (B0F1G7LKGB)
Comparative Analysis: Choosing Your Perfect Idli Maker
| Feature | Vinod Stainless Steel Deluxe Multi Kadai | Prestige Aluminum Multi-Kadai | Indus Valley Triply Stainless Steel (B0C86CMCPQ) | HORIZON Stainless Steel Cooker Idli Maker | Indus Valley Stainless Steel (B0F1G7LKGB) |
| Material | Stainless Steel (SAS Bottom) | Hard Anodised Aluminum | Tri-ply Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Tri-ply Stainless Steel |
| Compatibility | Gas & Induction | Gas & Induction | Induction | Gas & Induction | Induction |
| Plates Included | Idli, Dhokla, Patra, Mini Idli | Idli, Dhokla, Patra | Idli, Dhokla, Momo | Idli (can be 4, 6, or 8 plates) | Idli, Dhokla, Momo |
| Capacity (Idlis) | Varies with plates (e.g., 16 idlis) | Varies (e.g., 13 idlis) | Varies (e.g., 8 or 14 pit options) | Varies (e.g., 16 or 24 idlis) | Varies (e.g., 8 or 14 pit options) |
| Special Features | Multi-purpose Kadai, Even Heat SAS Bottom | Multi-purpose Kadai, Deep Frying Capable, Perma Cool Handles | 100% Toxin-free, Even Heat, Easy Clean | Rustproof, Thick Gauge, Mirror Finish | 100% Toxin-free, Even Heat, Multi-pot |
| Pros | Highly versatile, durable, hygienic | Durable, good heat retention, versatile for frying | Health-focused, non-stick properties, durable | High capacity options, robust, hygienic | Health-focused, durable, versatile |
| Cons | May be bulkier | Aluminum can discolor, heavier | Higher price point, might require specific cleaning | Basic design | Higher price point, might require specific cleaning |
Tips for Making Perfect Idlis
- Batter Consistency: The secret to soft idlis lies in a well-fermented batter – it should be thick but pourable.
- Grease Molds: Always lightly grease the idli molds to prevent sticking.
- Don’t Overfill: Fill molds about ¾ full to allow room for the idlis to rise.
- Pre-heat Water: Bring water to a boil in the idli maker base before placing the idli plates inside.
- Steaming Time: Typically 10-15 minutes on medium to high flame. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the idlis rest for 2-3 minutes after steaming before demolding.
Conclusion and Our Recommendation
The best idli maker for you depends on your specific needs:
- For ultimate versatility and durability: The Vinod Stainless Steel Deluxe Multi Kadai is an excellent choice, offering a complete solution for various cooking tasks.
- For hard anodized enthusiasts who deep fry: The Prestige Aluminum Multi-Kadai stands out with its robust build and multi-functionality.
- For health-conscious users prioritizing toxin-free and even cooking: Both The Indus Valley Triply Stainless Steel Idli Makers (B0C86CMCPQ and B0F1G7LKGB) are fantastic options. They offer similar benefits, so choose based on specific capacity or plate configurations.
- For large families needing high capacity: The HORIZON Stainless Steel Cooker Idli Maker offers options for making a larger batch of idlis at once.
No matter your choice, investing in a good idli maker will elevate your home cooking and bring the joy of perfectly steamed idlis to your table.
