Bring Homemade Idlis To The Breakfast Table With These 5 Idli Steamers

Making idlis at home can be a simple way to enjoy a wholesome South Indian breakfast, especially when you have the right cookware. An idli steamer is designed to make the steaming process more convenient, with dedicated plates or moulds that allow you to prepare several idlis in one go. It also helps maintain the steam needed to cook the batter properly, giving the idlis their familiar soft and airy texture. There are several designs to choose from. Depending on your cooking needs, you can choose from different sizes, materials, and designs. Some models are compact enough for a smaller kitchen, while larger options are useful when preparing breakfast for the entire family. 

5 stainless steel idli steamers for soft, fluffy idlis at home; Photo Credit: Unsplash

If you enjoy making fresh idli at home, an idli steamer can be an addition to your kitchen. Amazon has 5 great options worth picking. Some suit a household of 2, while others handle a full Sunday table. A few also cook dhokla, momos, and more, so a single pot can cover several recipes. Material, capacity, and plate count are listed for each, along with the features that matter most in daily use. 

Also Read: Bring Authentic Indian Style To Your Kitchen: 5 Masala Danis to Keep Your Spices Neatly Organised

5 Stainless Steel Idli Steamers For Soft And Fluffy Idlis At Home

1. AADHIK Stainless Steel Idli Maker 3 Plate 13 Idli Cooker

3 plates hold up to 13 large idlis in a single round of steaming. The heavy-gauge stainless steel build is made for regular use on the stove. It also works for dhokla, modak, and momos, so its use goes beyond idlis. 

Key Features:

• 3 plates that steam 13 large idlis together
• Heavy-gauge stainless steel build
• Big idli moulds for generous portions
• Suitable for dhokla, modak,ak and momos as well
• Smooth steel surface that wipes clean easily

2. Idli Steamer Stainless Steel 2 Plate

2 plates give a modest batch, enough for a small breakfast table. The stainless steel body is a familiar, sturdy choice for everyday cooking. Its lighter footprint suits compact kitchens and limited shelf space. 

Key Features:

• 2 plates for a modest batch
• Stainless steel body
• Compact size that stores easily
• Simple design that is quick to learn
• Practical for daily breakfast cooking

3. WayMore All-in-One Big Size Stainless Steel Idli Cooker Multi-Purpose Kadai Steamer

This wide kadai-style pot comes with 5 plates, so several dishes can be steamed in one go. The set has 2 idli plates, two dhokla plates, and one patra plate. A copper base helps heat travel evenly from the flame to the batter.

Key Features:

• 5-plate set with idli, dhokla,  and patra plates
• Stainless steel body
• Copper bottom for even heating
• Wide kadai shape with generous cooking space
• Doubles as a momo steamer

4. Stainless Steel Multi Kadai Idli Cooker Steamer with Copper Bottom, All-in-One Big Size Dhokla Cooker

This all-in-one set covers idlis, dhokla, patra, and momos with a single kadai. 5 plates come in the box, split into two for idlis, two for dhokla,kla and one for patra. Stainless steel walls are paired with a copper base for steady, even heat. 

Key Features:

• 5 plates in one complete set
• Copper base for steady heat
• Stainless steel construction
• Big-size kadai for larger quantities
• Handles several steamed dishes without extra utensils

5. The Indus Valley Stainless Steel Idli Maker

A large pot is paired with five plates: two for idlis, two for dhokla, and one for steaming. The 3-layer base is built to spread heat evenly and resist scratches. It is made from food-grade 304 stainless steel and suits both gas and induction stoves.
At a little over four litres and 2.5 kg, it has a solid, weighty feel. 

Key Features:

• Food-grade stainless steel body
• Three-layer base for even heat
• Two idli plates, two dhokla plates and one steamer plate
• Suitable for gas and induction stoves
• Generous pot size with a firm build

Check the plate count and pot size against your usual batch, look at the base if you cook on induction, and pick the steamer that fits your kitchen; get the batter soaking, and make the next weekend breakfast the first one cooked in it. If you have been meaning to upgrade, add your favourite of these 5 to your wishlist today. Shop now on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many idlis can a steamer make at once?

It depends on the number of plates and the size of each mould. Most plates hold around four idlis, so three plates give roughly twelve to thirteen.

2. Is stainless steel a good material for an idli steamer?

Stainless steel does not react with food and is easy to wash. It also resists rust when dried properly after cleaning.

3. Should water be added before heating a copper-bottom kadai?

Yes, add water first, as an empty pot can overheat and get damaged. Keep the water level below the bottom plate so the batter never touches it.

4. Can an idli steamer be used for other dishes?

Many sets with extra plates can also steam dhokla, patra, and momos. Check which plates come with the pot before buying.

5. How can idlis be kept from sticking to the plates?

Lightly grease each mould with oil or ghee before pouring in the batter. Let the idlis rest for a couple of minutes after steaming before lifting them out.