If you make idli once or twice a week and already own a pressure cooker, a stainless steel stand that sits inside it is all you need. If you steam most days, or want idlis on one level and momos or vegetables on another at the same time, a 3-tier steel steamer like the Trio 3 in 1 Steamer is worth the shelf space. An idly pot sits in between: one pot that makes idli in the morning and works as a kadai for the rest of the day.
Most steamer listings in India show you a product photo and a line that says it fits all cookers. This guide does the opposite. It looks at what Indian kitchens actually steam (idli, dhokla, idiyappam, puttu, kozhukattai, momos, vegetables, fish), what each type of steamer is good and bad at, and how to check the fit before you order.
Quick answers
- Already have a 5 litre cooker and cook for 2 to 4 people? Buy a stand. A dhokla and thatte idli stand, mini idly stand or idiyappam stand costs a fraction of a new pot.
- Want idli and a second dish steaming together? Get a multi-tier steamer. The Trio has a deep base, a steamer tier and two idli plates under one glass lid.
- Want one pot that does idli and daily cooking? The Smart Multi Kadai and Idly Pot is a kadai with two idly plates and a glass lid.
- Feeding a big family or making idli every day? A dedicated idly maker like the Optima comes in 8, 12, 15 and 20 idly sizes and works on gas and induction.
- Cooking idli or dhokla in a pressure cooker? Always take the whistle off. Steam, don't pressure-cook.
What counts as a steamer in an Indian kitchen?
A steamer is anything that holds food above boiling water so that steam, not water, cooks it. In India that covers four kinds of things:
- Multi-tier steamer. A base pot with one or more stacked, perforated tiers and a lid. You can cook two things at once. The Trio 3 in 1 is this type.
- Idly pot or multi kadai. A deep pot that takes idly plates inside, and works as a regular kadai when the plates come out.
- Idly maker (idli cooker). A tall pot built for idli, with a fixed stand of plates. Some, like the Optima, also take dhokla or momos depending on the plate.
- Stand plates. A stand of 3 to 6 plates (idli, mini idli, dhokla or idiyappam) that goes inside a pot you already own: a pressure cooker, idly pot or deep vessel.
There are also electric steamers. They're useful if you have no stove space, but they need a plug point, have plastic parts in many models, and most aren't sized for idli batter. This guide sticks to steel stovetop options.
3-tier steamer vs idly pot vs cooker stand: comparison table
| Trio 3 in 1 Steamer | Smart Multi Kadai and Idly Pot | Optima Idly Maker | Stand plates in your own cooker | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Base kadai, steamer tier, 2 idli plates, glass lid with steam vent | Kadai with glass lid and 2 idly plates | Dedicated stainless steel idli cooker | Stand of 3 to 6 plates; you supply the pot |
| Sizes | 20 cm, 23 cm | 20 cm (8 big + 8 small idlis), 23 cm (10 big idlis) | 8, 12, 15 or 20 idlis | 3, 4, 5 or 6 plates |
| Best at | Idli plus a second dish at the same time | Idli in the morning, curry or stir fry later | Large idli batches, daily idli | Using a cooker you already own |
| Two dishes at once? | Yes | No | No | No |
| Other uses | Momos, modak, vegetables, dhokla, works as a kadai | Works as a kadai and cooking pot | Dhokla, momos, steamed veg (depends on plate) | Depends on the stand: dhokla, thatte idli, mini idli, idiyappam, kozhukattai |
| Gas / induction | Both | [Confirm on listing before publishing] | Both | Same as your cooker |
| Storage space | Stacks into one unit | One pot | One tall pot | Very little; stand goes inside the cooker |
| Price (3 Oct 2026) | From Rs. 1,420 | From Rs. 1,102 | From Rs. 1,544 | Rs. 399 (single plate) to about Rs. 800 (stand) |
| Best for | Families who steam most days | Small kitchens that want one pot for two jobs | Big families, idli-every-day homes | Anyone who already owns a 3 to 5 litre cooker |
Prices are the sale prices on fourbrothers.in on the day this was written. Check the product page for today's price.
Which steamer suits which household?
Single person or a couple. Stick with a stand in your cooker, or the 20 cm Smart Multi Kadai. A 3-tier steamer is more pot than you need unless you steam vegetables or momos most nights.
Family of 3 to 5. This is where the Trio makes sense. Idlis go on the top plates, and sambar vegetables or momos steam on the middle tier at the same time. The 23 cm size gives more room per plate.
Joint family or 6+ people. An Optima in the 15 or 20 idly size will keep up with breakfast without running three batches. Add a dhokla or idiyappam stand for variety.
Gujarati or Maharashtrian kitchens. If dhokla, khaman and muthia matter more than idli, start with the dhokla stand. It's the same stand that makes thatte idli, so it works for Karnataka-style breakfasts too.
Kerala and Tamil kitchens. Idiyappam and puttu need their own tools. An idiyappam stand with 3 to 6 plates goes into an idly pot or cooker; puttu is best made in a steel puttu kodam.
Hostel room, PG or small rented kitchen. One pot that does two jobs: the Smart Multi Kadai and Idly Pot.
What can you steam besides idli?
This is the question competitor listings skip. Steam times are a rough guide for an average gas flame once the water is at a full boil. Thicker batter, bigger plates and low flames all add a few minutes.
| Dish | Best tool | Rough steam time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idli | Any idli plate, Optima, Trio | 10 to 12 min | Done when a toothpick comes out clean |
| Mini idli | Mini idly stand, 6-idly mini plate | 7 to 9 min | Fill moulds three-quarters; they cook faster than full-size |
| Thatte idli | Dhokla / thattu idly stand | 12 to 15 min | Grease the plate well |
| Dhokla, khaman | Dhokla stand or single dhokla plate | 15 to 20 min | Add eno or soda just before pouring, and get it on the steam immediately |
| Muthia, patra | Trio steamer tier, dhokla plate | 15 to 20 min | Rolls need space around them for steam to move |
| Idiyappam | Idiyappam stand or single plate | 8 to 10 min | Press thin, don't pile up |
| Puttu | Puttu kodam | 5 to 8 min after steam rises through the top | Flour should be damp, not wet |
| Kozhukattai, modak | Trio steamer tier, idiyappam plate | 10 to 12 min | Steam on a greased plate or banana leaf |
| Momos | Trio steamer tier, Optima | 10 to 12 min | Leave a finger's gap between momos |
| Vegetables (beans, carrot, broccoli, corn) | Trio steamer tier | 5 to 10 min | Cut to the same size so they finish together |
| Fish (patrani machhi, steamed fillets) | Trio steamer tier | 8 to 12 min, depending on thickness | Wrap in banana leaf; fish is done when it flakes |
For more detail on momos, read can momos be made in an idli steamer. For idiyappam, see how to use an idiyappam steamer and the Kerala-style idiyappam recipe. For puttu, there's our Kerala puttu recipe.
Can you make idli in a pressure cooker? Yes, but without the whistle
You can, and millions of Indian homes do. The one rule is that idli and dhokla need steam, not pressure.
With the whistle on, the cooker builds pressure and the temperature inside goes above 100°C. Batter that should rise gently gets cooked fast from the outside. The usual result is idlis that are dense and rubbery, or dhokla that sets before it has a chance to rise. Pressure also pushes condensed water back onto the plates, which gives you soggy tops.
How to use a pressure cooker as a steamer:
- Pour water to about 1 to 1.5 inches deep. It must stay below the lowest plate.
- Bring the water to a full boil before the plates go in.
- Close the lid without the whistle (weight). Many cooks also take out the gasket so no pressure can build.
- Steam on medium flame for the time in the table above.
- Turn off the flame and wait 2 to 3 minutes before opening, so idlis come off the plate cleanly.
Vegetables and dals are different. Those you can pressure-cook with the whistle on as usual. It's only batters (idli, dhokla, kozhukattai dough) that need gentle steam.
Will it fit? Sizes for stands, pots and cookers
This is where most stand purchases go wrong. Listings say fits most cookers, and buyers find out at home that the plates are too wide for a 3 litre cooker or the stand is too tall to close the lid.
Before you order a stand, check two numbers:
- Inner diameter of your cooker or pot. Measure across the inside at the widest point, wall to wall. The plate needs a gap on each side for steam to rise.
- Inner height. Measure from the base to the rim. The stand needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water below it, and the top plate must sit low enough for the lid to close without touching the batter.
What we stock:
- Trio 3 in 1 Steamer: 20 cm and 23 cm. Self-contained, so no fit question.
- Smart Multi Kadai and Idly Pot: 20 cm (2 plates, 8 big and 8 small idlis) and 23 cm (2 plates, 10 big idlis).
- Optima Idly Maker: 8, 12, 15 and 20 idly sizes. Each comes with a free mini idly plate.
- Dhokla / thatte idli stand, mini idly stand and idiyappam stand: 3, 4, 5 or 6 plates. The mini idly stand holds 5 mini idlis per plate.
A smaller, shorter cooker usually takes fewer plates. If you're not sure, send us your cooker's inner diameter and height on WhatsApp at +91 97894 16196 and we'll tell you which stand and plate count fits before you pay.
(Editor note: replace this paragraph with a plate diameter and stand height table once the product pages list dimensions. When the dhokla stand and mini idli guides go live, link them here.)
Steel or aluminium steamer?
Aluminium idli cookers are lighter and heat up a little faster. Steel lasts longer, doesn't react with fermented, slightly sour batter, doesn't pit or darken over the years, and works on induction (aluminium doesn't, unless it has a steel base plate). For a full side-by-side, read which idli maker is better, aluminium or steel. If you're weighing steel plates against bamboo for idiyappam, there's a separate guide on bamboo vs stainless steel idiyappam plates.
Is a 3-tier steamer worth it for 2 people?
Only if you'll use the second tier. A couple who eats idli on Sunday and nothing steamed during the week is better off with a stand in the cooker they already own. But if you steam vegetables for dinner, make momos on weekends, or pack steamed food for office lunches, a multi-tier steamer saves a second pot and a second burner. The 20 cm Trio is the size most small households pick.
A simple check: count how many times last week you steamed something. If it's three or more, the steamer will earn its place.
Water level, cleaning and care
Water level. Keep water 1 to 1.5 inches deep, always below the lowest plate. Too little and the pot boils dry (and the steel can discolour). Too much and it bubbles up through the holes into your batter. For long steams like dhokla, keep a kettle of hot water ready to top up. Cold water stops the steam.
Greasing. A thin layer of oil or ghee on idli and dhokla plates stops sticking. For idiyappam and kozhukattai, a light wipe is enough.
After cooking. Soak plates in warm water for 10 minutes and the batter lifts off. Scrub with a soft sponge and mild dishwash liquid. Avoid steel wool on mirror-finish plates, as it leaves scratches that batter clings to.
White marks on the base. That's mineral deposit from hard water. Boil a little water with vinegar or lemon juice in the pot, then wash as usual.
Dry fully before stacking the plates away, especially in humid cities like Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata.
The dhokla, mini idly and idiyappam stands are dishwasher safe. So is the Trio.
Steamers and stands at Four Brothers
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- Trio 3 in 1 Steamer, Idli Pot and Multi Kadai: 20 cm and 23 cm, gas and induction. From Rs. 1,420.
- Smart Multi Kadai and Idly Pot with Glass Lid: 20 cm and 23 cm, 2 idly plates. From Rs. 1,102.
- Optima Stainless Steel Idly Maker: 8 to 20 idlis, gas and induction, free mini idly plate. From Rs. 1,544.
- Dhokla Stand, Thattu Idly Stand: 3 to 6 plates. From Rs. 759.
- Dhokla Plate Single Piece: Rs. 399.
- Mini Idly Stand, 5 Idlis per Plate: 3 to 6 plates. From Rs. 803.
- Idiyappam Stand, 3 to 6 Plates: also good for kozhukattai. From Rs. 637.
- Idiyappam Steamer Plate Single Piece, 6.5 Inch: Rs. 342.
Browse the full traditional and regional cookware range.
Buying steamers in bulk: caterers, tiffin services and gifting
Idli plates and steamer stands wear out fastest in kitchens that run them every day. Four Brothers handles bulk orders from around 25 pieces up to 5,000 or more, depending on the product and stock, with delivery to one address or many across Tamil Nadu and the rest of India.
| Buyer | What usually works |
|---|---|
| Tiffin services and cloud kitchens | Optima 15 or 20 idly makers, plus spare idly and mini idly stands |
| Caterers and wedding cooks | Dhokla and idiyappam stands in 5 or 6 plates for large batches |
| Hostels, PGs and college messes | Optima idly makers and multi kadai pots |
| Housewarming and wedding return gifts | Trio 3 in 1 Steamer or Smart Multi Kadai, both easy to gift-wrap and used daily |
| Corporate and festival gifts (Pongal, Onam, Diwali) | Trio steamer, or a stand plus a kadai as a set |
For a quote, share the model and size, quantity, budget per piece, occasion, delivery address(es) and your deadline on the bulk order page or on WhatsApp at +91 97894 16196.
Buying in Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Our store is at 77/30, V.O.C Salai, Wall Tax Road, Chennai 600001. We deliver across Chennai, including OMR, Sholinganallur, Perungudi, Velachery, Adyar, T. Nagar, Guindy, Porur, Ambattur and Tambaram, and across Tamil Nadu to Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Tirunelveli, Erode, Vellore and Tiruppur. See our Chennai and Tamil Nadu kitchenware page for more.
Delivery across India
We ship steamers and stands across India, including Bengaluru and Mysuru (thatte idli country), Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode (idiyappam and puttu), Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara (dhokla and khaman), Delhi NCR (momos) and Kolkata. Shipping is free on orders above Rs. 2,499, and delivery timelines show at checkout.
Quick pick
- Have a cooker, cook for 1 to 2: a stand (dhokla, mini idly or idiyappam), Rs. 399 to about Rs. 800.
- Family of 3 to 5, steam most days: Trio 3 in 1 Steamer, 20 cm or 23 cm.
- One pot for idli and everyday cooking: Smart Multi Kadai and Idly Pot.
- Idli every day for 6 or more: Optima Idly Maker, 15 or 20 idly size.
- Gujarati breakfasts: dhokla stand or single dhokla plate.
- Kerala breakfasts: idiyappam stand plus a puttu kodam.
- Bulk (25+ pieces): bulk order page.
FAQs
Can I use a stainless steel steamer on an induction stove? Yes, if the base is magnetic steel. The Trio 3 in 1 Steamer and the Optima Idly Maker both work on gas and induction. Stand plates work on whatever your cooker works on, since the cooker is what sits on the stove.
Can I make momos in an idli steamer? Yes. Use a perforated tier or a flat plate with a few holes, grease it lightly, and leave a gap between momos. The Trio's middle tier is made for this. Our momos in an idli steamer guide has the full method.
Steamer or pressure cooker: which is better for idli? Both make good idli, as long as you take the whistle off the cooker. A dedicated steamer or idly maker is easier to watch and open mid-way, holds more plates, and doesn't tie up the cooker you need for dal.
Which steamer is best for a small family? If you already own a pressure cooker, a stand is enough. If not, the 20 cm Smart Multi Kadai and Idly Pot or the 20 cm Trio both suit 2 to 4 people.
How much water should I put in a steamer? About 1 to 1.5 inches, always below the lowest plate. For anything that steams longer than 15 minutes, check halfway and top up with hot water.
Can I steam two different dishes at the same time? In a multi-tier steamer like the Trio, yes. Put the dish that takes longer (idli, dhokla) closer to the heat and the quicker one (vegetables) on the upper tier, or add it later.
Is it safe to steam food in stainless steel? Yes. Food-grade stainless steel has no coating to wear off and doesn't react with fermented batter, so it's a good fit for idli and dhokla. If you're comparing it with non-stick or tri-ply for everyday cooking, see stainless steel vs non-stick vs tri-ply.
Will a dhokla or idli stand fit my 3 litre cooker? It depends on your cooker's inner diameter and height, not the litre number. Measure both and send them to us on WhatsApp (+91 97894 16196). We'll confirm the right stand and plate count before you order.
Why are my idlis hard when I steam them in a cooker? The usual cause is the whistle being on, which pressure-cooks the batter. Other causes are steaming too long, batter that hasn't fermented enough, or water touching the bottom plate.
Do you deliver steamers outside Tamil Nadu? Yes, across India. Shipping is free above Rs. 2,499.
More reading: Why the Trio 3 in 1 steamer is a kitchen essential · Idly pot with steamer · Best steel idli maker guide · Why your kitchen needs an Optima idly maker · Insulated casserole buying guide (keeps idlis soft till lunch) · Ganesh Chaturthi kitchen essentials (for modak)
