Modern kitchens require devices that perform well without cluttering the counter, and multi-purpose steamers perfectly fit the category. In the morning, soft fluffy idlis, dhoklas in the evening, a snack or a treat of juicy dimsums on the weekend, a steamer has everything going on without any hassle. These steamers will serve the cooking habits of the Indians and allow a mixture of recipes without sacrificing on their flavours, textures and nutrition.
Their greatest advantage is that they can cook for the entire family simultaneously. Multi-tier designs allow different dishes to be steamed at the same time, which saves on time spent on cooking and eliminates the use of numerous pots and pans. They are compatible with all gas, induction and electric systems, so they can be used in traditional and modern kitchens as well.
Best For These Dishes
Idli & Dhokla
A properly designed steamer provides a smooth and uniform flow of steam that contributes to the proper rising of idlis and the lightness of dhoklas. The baked cake does not drip much of the excess moisture since the heat is controlled, therefore the texture remains soft and not heavy or sticky. Multi-plate systems will also enable you to add more than one set of plates at a time, making it possible to get breakfast ready in a shorter period in those hectic early mornings.
Dimsums & Momos
Such delicacies require light and constant steaming to guard their wrappings as well as fillings. The cooking environment provided by modern steamers is moist, which prevents the outer layer from being hard and the juiciness from being trapped inside. Correct spacing of baskets prevents sticking, and each piece will cook thoroughly without tearing.
Vegetables & Rice
Vegetables and rice retain their natural colour, crunchiness, and nutrients in the process of steaming better than they would in the process of boiling. It can be cooked in a good steamer without waterlogging, thus making the meals that you have day by day lighter and healthier. It gives a perfect fit to the corny greens and the fluffy steamed rice.
Large Portions
Steamers having large levels or tiers of stacking baskets carry 3-6 person meal deals with ease. There is a chance to cook different dishes together, waste less time and energy and keep flavour and texture in their place.
Things to Check Before Getting a Steamer
Capacity & Tiers
Select a steamer that would suit your size and cooking patterns. Multi-tier systems are the models that enable you to cook idlis, vegetables, and snacks while saving time and energy. To save on repetition of batches, cook more than just enough plates or baskets of one meal at a time. Single steamers are convenient in couples, whereas bigger families should use tiers.
Material
Material influences durability, safety and results of cooking. Long-term use and resistance against rust are the characteristics of stainless steel. The aluminium steamers heat quickly and are lightweight, so they are easy to move. Food-grade non-stick coating will guarantee that the food will not become sticky, and it is also simpler to clean.
Compatibility
Check stove compatibility before purchasing. There are those steamers that operate on gas only, but also those that, in addition to gas, support induction. Electric steamers fit in any contemporary kitchen and provide automatic cooking time with a scheduled clock. A selection of the type will prevent heating problems and will enhance efficiency.
Steam Circulation
Proper steam circulation will produce soft idlis, dimsums that are cooked properly and no water dripping on food. Vents and separation between levels are well designed to even the amount of heat in circulation to avoid wet bottoms or raw middles.
Ease of Cleaning
The ease of taking off drip trays, detachable plates and smooth surfaces makes them easy to clean in a day. This ensures that the steamer is clean and can be used very often with no remaining scent.
The Prestige Multi Kadhai is made from hard anodised aluminium and is extremely durable. This idli maker has a capacity of 4.5 litres. It has many attachments that have multiple usages, such as an idli stand, a dhokla stand, a steamer and many others. It is made to fit on both induction and gas. This kadhai also comes with handles that ensure that one does not burn their hands while handling it.
Key Features- Multi-purpose designer that has an idli stand, a dhokla stand and a steamer with which to cook anything.
- Hard Anodised Aluminium Body is hard anodised to have long durability and fast heating.
- Induction and Gas Compatible Base will fit both the new and classic stoves.
- Spacious 4.5 L Capacity ideal for family meals and larger portions.
- Sturdy Handles & Balanced Build for secure handling and stable cooking.
The Vinod Stainless Steel multi-kadai with 5 Plates has a mirror finish. It has 2 idli plates, 2 dhokla/momos plates, and 1 Patra plate. The SAS bottom also contributes to consistent heating to avoid the burning of food and ensure tasty meals all the time. The clear tempered glass lid has a steam release vent to cook foods quickly. It is a kadhai with heat-resistant soft touch handles, so you no longer have to worry about burning your hands while handling the kadhai.
Key Features- Full 5-Plate set including 2 idli plates, 2 dhokla plates, and 1 patra plate to steam it all.
- Sturdy Gauge Stainless Steel Body is very durable, hygienic and long-term everyday wear.
- SAS Bottom Technology promotes even heat distribution for uniform cooking results.
- LPG Gas & Induction Compatible Base works smoothly across different cooktops.
- Family-Friendly Size with Lid ideal for preparing multiple dishes in one go, backed by a 2-year warranty.
The Indus Valley Stainless Steel Steaming Pot is a multi-purpose and durable kitchen utensil. It is a 4.2 litre and a 5 plate capacity and is made from the highest quality food-grade 304 stainless steel with quality approval from the NABL Laboratory. It isolates heat distribution and guarantees quick cooking as compared to conventional aluminium cookers. It also has a tri-ply sandwich bottom and is induction-friendly. Its bottom is not sticky, made of 3 layers to make it easily cleanable.
Key Features- 100% Chemical-Free Construction: It is made of food-grade 304 stainless steel with no toxic finishes, which helps ensure safe and healthful cooking on a daily basis.
- The full 5-Plate Steaming Set consists of 2 idli plates, 2 dhokla plates, and 1 steamer plate, which are suitable for making idlis, momos, vegetables, etc.
- Multilayered Tri-Ply Bottom is designed with a 3-layer construction with a minimum of scrap and rust-resistant properties, which lasts longer compared to others.
- Induction & Gas Friendly Design supports modern kitchens with faster heating and better energy efficiency.
- Large 4.2 L Capacity with Durable Build suited for family meals, offering quick cooking and years of reliable performance.
The pigeon idli pot is employed in making soft and delicious idlis. It has a capacity of 7500ml, and the steamer has been made of polished stainless steel that cannot easily rust. It contains six idli plates and a stainer that is suitable for a large family. It has a thick gauge and supportive construction. It is compatible with both induction and gas. This pot can be washed and cleaned easily.
Key Features- 7.5 L Capacity: Big enough to prepare idlis at a large scale, which is why this product is suitable for big families and events.
- Durability Heavyweight Stainless Steel Body made with a heavier gauge,e so it lasts longer and can be used on a daily basis.
- The full steaming system has 6 plates and a strainer and can be used to cook batches. Induction Compatible Design is compatible with both gas and induction cooktops.
- Rust-free, easily cleaned and hygienic surface means that it is simple to clean and that it also preserves the food safety in the long term.
InstaCuppa Multi Cook Kettle Electric Steamer has become the need of every busy morning. You can steam 15 idlis, vegetables, dhoklas and more in just 10 minutes. It has two heat settings: low heat for idlis, dhoklas, momos, etc., and high heat for searing meats and other similar foods. This steamer is compact and can easily fit any kitchen design, and you can use it at home, office or while on a vacation.
Key Features- 3-in-1 Multi-Functional Design lets you boil, cook, and steam in one compact appliance, ideal for quick daily tasks like tea, milk, eggs, and vegetables.
- Fast 600-Watt Heating ensures rapid boiling and cooking, saving time during busy mornings or short meal breaks.
- Steaming for Healthier Cooking helps retain nutrients and natural flavours, making everyday meals lighter and more wholesome.
- Non-Stick Inner Pot with Easy Cleaning features a removable stainless steel interior and trays that simplify post-cooking cleanup.
- All-In-One Convenience with adjustable temperature control, designed for small kitchens, hostels, offices, or quick family use.
The Subaa Anodised Aluminium Steamer is a traditional cooking utensil that has a 16 idli capacity for steaming. This steamer is made up of hard anodised aluminium for heat to be uniformly distributed. The accessories include one 16 L anodised idli pot together with three idli plates, which can hold up to sixteen idlis each. It has a small size that allows it to fit on stove tops. This highly durable and incredibly simple-to-use steamer offers perfectly steamed food all the time.
Key Features- Multi-Functional Design: 3-in-1, allows you to boil, cook and steam with only one small appliance, perfect for the busy day-to-day tasks to make tea, milk, eggs, and vegetables.
- Quick 600 Watts Heating: Fast boils and cooks,s and saves time when there is a rush in the mornings or when making quick meals.
- Steaming for Healthier Cooking aids in the conservation of nutrients and natural flavours to ensure everyday foods are less heavy and healthier.
- The Stainless steel removable inner pot with easy cleaning is characterised by trays that are also easy to clean up after the cooking process.
- All-In-One Convenience: Adjustable temperature, suitable for a small kitchen, hostel, office or fast service.
Vinod 2-Tier Stainless Steel Idli Steamer is made of high-quality mirror finish steel, which cannot rust, stain, or be dented. Its induction base is 2.5 mm deep, such that it guarantees even heating. It is suitable for cooking idlis, modaks, momos, idiyappams, etc. The glass lid is convenient during cooking with a durability factor.
Key Features- Premium 2-tier stainless steel construction assures even heat spread and allows you to steam several batches concurrently, saving on time and energy.
- Multipurpose Steaming: Any of the idlis, momos, modaks, idiyappam, vegetables, puttu, dhokla, etc. can be prepared in a single setup.
- Suitable Base to be inducted and gased, with an encapsulated bottom 2.5 mm thick, to ensure quick, even heating in the cooktops.
- Tempered Glass Lid with Steam Vent enables easy observation, and it preserves the right amount of moisture and constant steaming.
- Long-lasting, secure, and convenient to use with rust-free construction, comfortable, cool-touching handles and a 2-year warranty.
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