Best Idli Makers Review
The mere sight of piping hot and fresh idli with scrumptious sambhar ignites your taste buds and gets your saliva flowing incessantly. The perfectly round-shaped, precisely steamed, and super-fluffy idlis may leave you awe-struck while devouring this traditional delicacy.
Preparing the perfectly-cooked idlis that satiate your hunger and soul requires precise cooking skills and a high-quality idli maker. It is specially designed to enable you to prepare steamed idli conveniently and quickly.
It features special plates or racks that have concave depressions for accommodating batter. These non-stick plates are stacked one over another and allow you to prepare many idlis simultaneously.
IN this review, you will read about the key factors to consider before you seriously consider any model, the key benefits of using an idli maker, leading models on the current market and some FAQs.
Top 11 Best Idli Makers in India
| Product (Best Brands) | Best Price |
|---|---|
Our Pick |  |
| |
Convenient | |
Powerful heating mechanism | |
Top-notch material | |
Great capacity | |
Portable | |
Enhanced capacity | |
Efficient system | |
Construction quality | |
High capacity | |
How idli makers work
Idli makers come in a variety of designs that work in slightly different ways. Still, most of them come in as adapted steam cookers that can handle various foodstuffs, including the idli.
In essence, a basic idli maker is a steamer that incorporates special plates designed to accommodate the idli as the steam releases its heat to the contents of the chamber.
In basic terms, steaming is defined as a moist-heat cooking process that heats the food by immersing it in heated vapour in a tightly sealed compartment.
It is considered one of the healthiest and efficient cooking methods for foodstuffs such as rice and vegetables due to its ability to preserve essential nutrients.
Steamers exist in two main types, namely: Stovetop and Electric steamers.
The stovetop variant features an insert fitted on a saucepan or an adapted pot that holds a layer of simmering water at the bottom.
The insert has some tiny perforations at the base, and it accommodates the food, which in this case is the idli. The perforations provide passage to the steam, which surrounds and heats the food.
Electric steamers incorporate a heating element at the base, which can be AC or battery-powered. However, they tend to prove rare due to the associated manufacturing costs.
Benefits of an idli maker
Simplicity: Cut off the extra hours and effort
Idli makers provide a highly convenient and easy way of getting the idli done in minutes, and this is probably the key advantage they offer over traditional methods.
The best designs can get you started without the need for practice.
Once you have the batter and other necessary ingredients, it’s mostly a matter of loading the stand and plates to commence the steaming process. On average, you should be done in around 15 minutes.
Versatility
Most idli makers can be used to prepare other foodstuffs as well.
This implies that you may have the ability to prepare a range of dishes on one compact unit, which translates to more cooking time saved.
Efficient steaming process
One key challenge associated with traditional methods is getting the right amount of steam for an ideally textured idli. The idli maker takes care of this by ensuring a uniform and adequate steaming process.
If you are not that experienced with idlis, this can be a clever way of getting it done without a lot of fuss.
What to look for when buying an idli maker
To come across the best idli maker for your needs, there are a few things you need to consider. Let’s go through the crucial factors before we jump to the key benefits of using these appliances.
Type
Idli makers exist in four different main types that fit different needs and preferences.
Microwave idli makers
As the name suggests, these work in conjunction with microwaves, which act as the sole source of the heat.
Ceramic and plastic are the major materials of choice for the obvious reason that they offer the best properties to get along with the heat generated by the microwave.
They are capable of decent performance, but most of them aren’t as great as other types on the market.
Induction cum gas idli makers
These derive their heat from a gas stove or the induction process. They generally offer better performance when compared to most microwave idli makers.
Induction idli makers
These only work with induction cooktops.
The significant advantage is that they tend to be portable, thus providing the best option if you expect something you can easily carry along when going outdoors.
Conventional Makers
These are typically fortified with aluminium and are by far the most common type available. They usually take the shape of a pyramid and are great for making soft and fluffy idlis.
The downside is that they typically require more maintenance as the material can be quite delicate.
Warranty
This is an indispensable part of any electronic gadget as it safeguards your investment against faulty products.
Always check the warranty policy if it provides anything reasonable if you get unlucky and end up purchasing a defective product. Typical warranty periods range from one to several years, depending on how generous the manufacturer is.
Additionally, a warranty is a good indication of a credible manufacturer. Any great manufacturer will be committed to ensuring that you get what your pay deserves.
Functionality
Great idli makers come in as multi-purpose devices that can prepare much more than just idlis.
Most of them offer a flexible structure that allows the plates to be removed to leave a pan that can be employed for cooking other foodstuffs.
This serves as a great convenience, especially when you are preparing a variety of dishes.
Capacity
Capacity is usually defined in terms of the available number of plates. Your choice ultimately depends on the intended number of people or the size of your family.
Larger families will need a greater number of plates while modestly sized ones need a couple or fewer number of plates.
Plate size
Idli makers come with different sizes of plates, which determine the overall capacity. The number of plates ranges from 4 to around 24, the intended number of people, or your household’s size.
If you expect no more than two to three people, a 2-4 plates idli maker will do the trick.
On the other hand, medium to large households would benefit from at least four plates.
Another factor in connection to this is the diameter of the idli. Most of the devices range from 3-5 inches in diameter. Your choice will purely depend on your preferred size; thus, you may need to check on the actual sizes on the specs list.
Additional utilities
This is connected to functionality. Some idli makers tread the extra mile to incorporate additional capabilities such as vegetable cooking and steaming.
Complimentary devices
Earlier, we considered different types of idli makers, and you might have noticed that most of the types are based on the primary source of heat.
For instance, we saw that induction makers utilize an induction cooktop while microwave makers use microwaves as a primary heat source.
This means that you need to consider the available appliances you might have to work with the idli maker. For instance, if you have a microwave as part of your kitchen inventory, it may be worth it to consider a microwave maker.
Whereas, the presence of a stove or induction cooktop will point to an induction maker.
Material and construction
You don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on an appliance that only lasts a few weeks or months due to poor engineering and materials used in the construction.
Firstly, ensure that the appliance is made of standard materials that offer the best possible resistance to the involved heat and daily handling. Typical construction materials include aluminium, ceramic, and plastic.
Secondly, be sure to get something that offers a well-built frame that should withstand occasional knocks and manual handling.
Additionally, it pays a great deal to consider how current and former users react to the product. You can do this by a quick look at online reviews on various platforms.
Any consistent complaints relating to durability should be treated as potential red flags.
Maintenance issues
Idli makers are generally easy to take care of. However, some materials used in the product may render it rather hard to keep in top-notch condition.
For a general guide, make sure that the appliance uses non-stick material such as stainless steel and specially treated plastic.
This also allows the idli maker to work efficiently as stains may affect how heat is distributed across the surface.
Control and feedback system
Idli makers employ different mechanisms to assist you with keeping track of the progress.
Some makers use a whistle mechanism whereby an alarm is activated once the process is through, while others hardly have any feedback tools.
The former is better, as it affords the convenience of a hands-off approach. Other models allow you to alter the heat generation as needed to achieve a desired temperature and texture.
General Safety
Firstly, make sure that the maker incorporates material that keeps the idli intact without any chance of contamination.
If plastics are involved in the structure, make sure that its BPA-free as BPA plastics can contaminate the food and environmental concerns once the maker is disposed at the end of its lifespan.
Secondly, the maker should be expertly wired to eliminate any exposure to electricity accidents such as shocks, on top of endangering other appliances.
Another detail worth considering is the steam outlet. Make sure that it’s positioned in such a way that keeps it away from your hands as steam is very much capable of rendering nasty burn wounds if you are not as careful.
Lastly, make sure that you get your appliance from trusted and proven manufacturers.
1. Luxuria Idli Maker
A durable frame, combined with a highly efficient system warrants its inclusion on the list.
Let’s get into the details.
- Type: Gas stove idli maker
- Capacity: 3 plates, 21 idlis per cycle
- Weight and size: 26.7 x 26.7 x 21.6 cm, 2.3 kg
- Primary Material: Stainless steel
- Additional features: It’s also usable as a basic steamer and dhokla cooker. Automatic switch-off mechanism
- Durable material and construction
- Great capacity
- Easy to use
- It incorporates an automated system to allow a hands-off approach and enhanced safety
- A more intuitive feedback system, such as a whistleblower would be a great addition
2. Butterfly Stainless Steel Curve Idli Cooker
Butterfly manufactures long-lasting kitchen appliances and utensils. Its idli cooker is made with heavy gauge stainless steel. The cooker is rustproof and induction compatible. It is in a curve handi shape with bakelite handles for ease of holding. The cooker comes with a whistle for releasing extra steam.
- The utensil has a 4.5 litres capacity to cook idlies for a family of 4-6 members.
- It comes with four plates and makes 16 idlies, which means time is saved in repeated cooking. Idlies for the family can be cooked in a single go.
- It also has a steam adjusting knob which ensures safe cooking as extra steam is released timely.
- The product is made with food-grade material, which ensures healthy cooking.
- The cooker is easy to use and makes idlie fast.
- It is light in weight which makes it easy to move around.
- It is compact, making it easy to store
- No con was observed.
3. KS Mart Idli Maker
Kasana’s aluminium idli-maker is a high-quality cooking utensil that uses steam for cooking a wide range of steamed recipes like idli, dhokla, and khaman. It is engineered for making the effective utilization of most of the steam.
It is equipped with various special features that provide complete cooking satisfaction while using it. The package comprises one idli cooker, 4 idli plates, 2 dhokla plates, and 1 patra plate.
- Type: Gas stove idli maker
- Colour: Silver
- Capacity: 4 plates, 16 idlis per cycle
- Primary Material: Aluminum
- Weight and Size: 10 x 10 x 10 cm; 499 grams
- Constructed from food-grade pure aluminium
- Sturdy construction that provides long-lasting usage and enhanced durability
- Can be used for preparing Idli, dhokla, and momos
- Easy to clean
- Provides a quick way of preparing early morning breakfast or evening snacks
- Makes optimal utilization of steam for cooking various steamed recipes
- Simultaneously cook idlis in one rack and momos in other
- Easy to store in compact spaces with all its plates inside the body
- It cannot be used on induction based stove
4. Ibell Idli Maker
The iBell idli maker is famous for its durable construction, capacity, and efficient steaming system. The convenient design also adds to the impressive profile to earn rather encouraging reviews from seasoned idli enthusiasts.
Let’s get into the details.
- Type: Induction and gas stove idli maker
- Capacity: 6 plates, 24 idlis per cycle
- Primary Material: Stainless steel
- Additional features: Whistle blower feedback system
- Warranty: 6 months
- It’s fortified with durable stainless steel material along with solid construction
- Easy to operate and clean
- High capacity
- It comes with a whistleblower to serve a valuable feedback system
- Reasonable warranty policy
- The maker comes with a relatively high price tag
5. Pigeon Idli Maker
If you are up for a modestly sized idli maker to cater to a large family, this model from the renowned Pigeon brand should offer something close to a fitting profile.
Let’s look at the specs before we weigh its validity as a top-notch product.
- Type: Induction and gas stove idli maker
- Capacity: 6 plates, 24 idlis per cycle
- Primary Material: Stainless steel
- Weight and size: 9 x 9 x 4 cm ; 1.61 kg
- Cooking time: 12-15 mins
- Warranty: 6 months
- High-grade stainless steel material
- Efficient heating process
- Portable and highly convenient design
- Easy to operate
- Rustproof, hygienic and corrosion-free material
- Hefty price
6. Hawkins Idli Maker
This offers a high capacity option from a series of Idli makers by the Hawkins brand. It’s designed for those looking to get a more affordable version to handle the needs of a medium to the large-sized household.
Let’s have a look.
- Type: Induction and gas stove idli maker
- Capacity: 4 plates, 12 idlis per cycle
- Primary Material: Aluminium.
- Weight and size: 16.5 x 14 x 15.2 cm, 454 gms
- Warranty: 5 years
- Durable construction and frame material
- Portable and easy to operate
- Affordable
- Limited capacity
7. Ideal Idli Maker
The Ideal idli maker presents another well-built and highly efficient device that’s recently made waves as evidenced by the highly positive reaction from the user community.
An appealing price tag also adds on to the rather impressive profile. Let’s take a look.
- Type: Gas stove idli maker
- Capacity: 6 plates, 24 idlis per cycle
- Primary Material: Pure aluminium
- Weight and size: 998 gms
- Impressive capacity
- It features durable pure aluminium material
- Highly convenient.
- Easy to clean
- The quality could be better as it is not completely non-stick
8. SMB Idli Maker
The SMB brand is known for a string of top kitchenware that easily fits into the competition involving global brands. This model exemplifies its prowess when it comes to durability and reliability.
Let’s take a quick walk through what it has in store in terms of key specs and standout pros and cons.
- Type: Induction idli maker
- Capacity: 4 plates, 16 idlis per cycle
- Primary Material: Stainless steel
- Size: : 17.8 x 17.8 x 10.2 cm, 3 inch idli cavities
- High capacity, amply sized idli cavities
- Durable construction
- User-friendly
- Great price
- Easy to use and store
- Limited control options
9. Pigeon Idli Maker
The Pigeon Hot 24 offers another great portable alternative if you are in for something you can easily fit in multiple idlis for a larger number of people.
If you are looking for a high-end model, it is also exceptionally durable.
Let’s take a look.
- Type: Induction and gas stove idli maker
- Capacity: 4 plates, 24 idlis per cycle
- Primary Material: Stainless steel
- Size and weight: 31 x 32 x 24 cm, 2.39 kg
- Warranty: 6 months
- Enhanced capacity
- Great construction quality with thick gauge and durable material
- Reliable, functional system
- Easy to install and use
- Expensive
10. Pristine Idli Maker
The Pristine idli maker furnishes a highly durable and reliable system for those in need of a high capacity, which can also be used in a wider range of dishes.
It also boasts of an overwhelming response from the user community to justify the validity of the promises rendered by its feature profile.
Let’s take a closer look.
- Type: Induction and gas stove idli maker
- Capacity: 2 plates, 14 idlis per cycle
- Primary Material: Stainless steel
- Additional features: Multi-purpose(can also work as a deep fryer and vegetable cooker)
- It’s built with highly durable stainless steel
- Multi-purpose
- Easy to operate
- Easy to clean
- No feedback system available
- No warranty included
11. Expresso Idli Maker
The second slot goes to the Expresso idli maker for good reasons. This product is endowed with superior build material, along with a highly efficient heating system.
- Type: Induction and gas stove idli maker
- Capacity: 2 plates, 14 idlis per cycle
- Primary Material: Stainless steel, copper bottom for enhanced heat conductivity
- Additional features: It’s also ideal for other foodstuffs such as paddu, vegetables, idiyappam, pasta, and noodles. It also incorporates a backlight handle
- Durable: It combines the high resistant qualities of stainless steel and copper
- Versatile: It can accommodate a wider range of foodstuff
- Convenient and easy to operate
- Relatively good capacity for medium-sized families
- Highly-priced
- Relatively smaller idli plates
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best idli maker in today’s market?
A lot of models compete for the top spot by incorporating an extra edge in terms of versatility.
However, the best model comes down to your needs. In other words, the best choice will depend on how it best addresses the needs of your family size and personal taste in terms of design.
Thes best, according to us, is the KS Mart Idli Maker.
2. Is stainless steel the best durable option in terms of materials?
Yes. Stainless steel provides the best material as it is both safe and highly resistant to the intense heat involved in the preparation process.
3. What’s the best capacity for medium-sized families?
Anything from 8 cavities should offer an adequate capacity from small to medium-sized families.
Conclusion
Thanks to idli’s immense popularity as one of the most loved Indian snacks, an idli maker has made its way into every other household or hotel kitchen no matter which part of the country you are residing in.
An idli maker is a must-have kitchen appliance that completes your kitchen. The ease and convenience it provides for making idlis make it a chef’s favourite cooking utensil. You can cook a wide variety of idli recipes using an idli-maker.
Our favourites are Luxuria Idli Maker, KS Mart Idli Maker, Pigeon Idli Maker and Hawkins Idli Maker.
It provides a great way to enjoy healthy and delicious morning breakfasts or evening snacks. It can also be used for preparing other steamed recipes like dhokla, khaman, or momos.
Cook healthy, hygienic, and tasty recipes by bringing home a high-quality idli-maker.
