An idli steamer is an appliance used in preparing idli rice cakes. One can also use it to steam other foods, including vegetables, rice, and even chicken. The idli steamer normally has a tight-fitting lid, which encloses the steam and keeps it from escaping. It is heated from this steam and then that cooks the idli rice cake. If you are using the appliance to prepare other dishes, it is still this steam heat that cooks them up. Foods that you prepare using this sort of steamer end up having greater nutritional value. That is because the enclosure of steam also prevents nutrients from escaping. Further, the steamer makes it possible for you to prepare food without heating up the space too much. Again this is because of the steamer’s enclosed design.
Also, check the buyers’ guide for the best Idli Maker, OTG Oven, Microwave ovens, electric cookers, electric kettles, Air fryers, kitchen Tongs, Egg boilers, Bread Toasters, Sandwich makers, pizza makers, Dough Makers, Pressure Cookers, Hawkins Cookers, Electric Rice Cookers, Induction stoves, Electric stoves, Electric Tandoors, Electric Lunch boxes, in India.
Top 10 Best Idli Steamers in India
List of Idli Steamers |
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| 1. QSEC Multi Kadai Idli Cooker Steamer |  |
| 2. Cello Steelox Stainless Steel Multi-Purpose Steamer | |
| 3. LUXURIA IDLY Pot and Steamer | |
| 4. Urban Spoon Stainless Steel Steamer for Idlis | |
| 5. IBELL (Stainless Steel) Idly Pot with Steamer | |
| 6. Diamond Stainless Steel Idli Steamer Maker | |
| 7. Lyticx All-In-One Idli Cooker Steamer | |
| 8. IM ENTERPRISE Stainless Steel Idli Cooker Steamer | |
| 9. Escrow Stainless Steel Multi Kadai Idli Cooker | |
| 10. Coconut Adigas Stainless Steel Idly Steamer | |
Features of Idli Steamer
- Firstly, an idli steamer should be rustproof. Otherwise, one that is prone to rusting can easily turn into a food safety hazard.
- Secondly, an idli steamer should be leakproof. Leaking can affect the steamer’s efficiency, and possibly even result in poorly cooked rice cakes. Thus being leakproof is very important in this sort of appliance.
- Thirdly, an idli steamer ought to have an adequate number (and size) of idli plates. The plates are essential when it comes to preparing idli rice cakes. So the steamer needs to have them: unless one only intends to use it for steaming other types of dishes.
- Fourthly, an idli steamer should have a thick enough base. A steamer with a thick base is able to conduct heat well and disperse it evenly.
- Fifthly, an idli steamer should be energy efficient. Otherwise, the steamer may prove too expensive to maintain.
- Finally, an idli steamer should have user-friendly knobs and handle. These make the steamer convenient to use.
Types of Idli Steamers
- There are induction idli steamers. Then there are gas idli steamers. The induction idli steamer makes it possible for you to prepare rice cakes using electric stoves. Conversely, the gas idli steamer makes it possible for you to prepare rice cakes using gases like LPG. Also increasingly available are idli steamers whose bases make them compatible use on both induction and gas ovens.
- There are stainless steel idli steamers. Then there are aluminum idli steamers.
Buying Guide for Idli Steamer
- The first consideration is on how exactly you intend to use the idli steamer. Is it just for preparing idli rice cakes? Or is it also for steaming other types of food? The answer to this question will point you toward the most ideal idli steamer for your needs.
- In all cases, only buy an idli steamer that will be convenient to use. Don’t make the mistake of buying a steamer without considering how convenient to use it is. Otherwise, you may find yourself having to seek a replacement soon.
- As for the idli steamer price, note that this mainly depends on the features and brand. So if a particular steamer is higher, ask yourself whether it is on account of features. Or whether it is higher on account of the brand name only. Only pay more for useful features.
How To Use Idli Steamer?
- You may use the idli steamer to prepare the savory idli rice cakes. Or you may use the steamer to prepare other foods that can be cooked by steaming. Those would include things like rice, vegetables, and chicken.
- If you are using the steamer to prepare idli rice cakes, you start by oiling the idli plates. Then you scoop the idli batter (which you will have prepared earlier) into the plates. You then introduce the idli plates (now with the batter in them) into the steam. Thereafter, you steam for an adequate amount of time – like say, 10 minutes, and remove for serving.
- After using the idli steamer, remember to wash all its parts thoroughly.
List of Top 10 Best Idli Steamers in India-Buyers Guide
1. QSEC Multi Kadai Idli Cooker Steamer
Made using stainless steel. Comes with a copper bottom.
Pros
- This idli steamer’s design minimizes cooking time as far as possible
- The stainless steel parts of it are not prone to rusting at all
- It is a multipurpose steamer (with which you can steam many types of dishes)
Cons
- Dry heating this steamer may result in its copper base burning
- It comes with only two idli plates
2. Cello Steelox Stainless Steel Multi-Purpose Steamer
Comes with a glass lid. This steamer is induction compatible.
Pros
- This steamer is rather simple to clean
- The stainless steel with which it is made is of heavy gauge
- This is a 100% flameproof steamer
Cons
- The warranty for this steamer is only 1 year
- The steamer’s handle may be somewhat prone to breaking if you handle it in certain ways
3. LUXURIA IDLY Pot and Steamer
Made from stainless steel. Comes with one free mini idli plate.
Pros
- This is a compact steamer that takes up little space
- Its handles and knobs are of non-melting quality
- You can use this steamer on LPG cookers
Cons
- The area around this steamer’s handle may be tricky to clean
- This steamer’s body may develop dents if you handle it in too rough a manner
4. Urban Spoon Stainless Steel Steamer for Idlis
What you get here is a 2-tier steamer. Also suitable for cooking dhoklas.
Pros
- One can use this steamer on electric, gas as well as various types of ceramic stovetops
- This is one of the most low-cost steamers
- The steamer has a high degree of corrosion resistance
Cons
- Some may find this steamer’s weight too modest at first
- The overall size of the steamer is quite small
5. IBELL (Stainless Steel) Idly Pot with Steamer
This is a thick gauge steamer. It comes with three idli plates.
Pros
- This steamer comes with a folding handle
- You may cook with this steamer on both gas and induction
- It comes with a stylish, easy-to-use knob
Cons
- The warranty for this steamer is quite limited
- The lid may break if you don’t handle it well
6. Diamond Stainless Steel Idli Steamer Maker
This is an easy-to-use idli maker. It comes with 2 big idly plates and one small (mini) idly plate.
Pros
- This is a low-price steamer
- All components of this steamer seem to be quite sturdy
- It can make as many as 14 idly rice cakes at a go
Cons
- This steamer comes with a basic design handle
- Cleaning this sort of steamer may be a somewhat taxing task
7. Lyticx All-In-One Idli Cooker Steamer
The core construction material in this steamer is stainless steel. It facilitates the cooking of idly rice cakes (and other dishes) on gas and induction stoves.
Pros
- This steamer is built using the metal of heavy gauge
- It comes with 5 plates
- The steamer has a copper bottom for optimal heat conduction
Cons
- The steamer’s handle may feel hot at times
- In some situations, the lid may feel a little hard to remove
8. IM ENTERPRISE Stainless Steel Idli Cooker Steamer
For this steamer, the diameter is 28.5 cm. It has a stainless steel main body with a copper bottom.
Pros
- This is a fully leak-proof steamer
- The steamer’s design maximizes the user’s efficiency
- This steamer’s stainless steel body does not become dull with time
Cons
- The upper body’s stainless steel may feel a bit light
- The price for this steamer appliance may appear a bit high
9. Escrow Stainless Steel Multi Kadai Idli Cooker
This steamer is meant for preparing a wide range of dishes, besides idlis. It comes with 4 idli plates.
Pros
- This steamer can be potentially very durable
- The steamer’s handles are sturdy and with easy grip
- It is a compact and stylish-looking steamer
Cons
- To some, this steamer may come across as awkwardly lightweight
- The steamer may bend a bit if you handle it too roughly
10. Coconut Adigas Stainless Steel Idly Steamer
What you get here is a non-sticky steamer. Suitable for making as many a 15 idlis at once.
Pros
- You can provide heat to this steamer using gas or induction
- The steamer’s design makes removal of the rice cakes made in it easy
- It is food safe (as it is made from 100% food-grade steel)
Cons
- The price for this steamer may appear a bit high in comparison to some others
- Some may find this steamer’s handles a bit small
Conclusion
You need a proper steamer to make good quality idli rice cakes. This guide has the info you need to identify and proceed to buy a proper idli steamer.
FAQs
Which idli steamer is best?
One whose base material conducts heat well is convenient to handle and is durable.
How long does idli take to cook in the steamer?
It can steam for around 10 or so minutes.
What is the cost of an idli steamer?
Idli steamer price ranges from around 700 to as much as 3500 Indian rupees, depending on its overall quality.