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Idleez and Akshaya Electric Idli Steamer Review
Product review of electric steamers available in the market to make Idli
This is primarily a North Indian website, and I do not do product reviews. This is an exception. A friend asked my opinion. I decided to put the opinion on the internet. The electric Idli steamer is sold under two names: Akshaya Idli steamer, and Idleez. I like the product, but it could be a much better product. I hope the manufacturer will see this review and consider incorporating some of the ideas in their next model.
My interest in steamers is simple. I use Asian Vegetable to hard-boil eggs, steam vegetables, steam prawns and mussels, freshen up rice pilaf by steaming.
Steam temperature
When the steam is built, the ambient steam temperature is near 204ºF to 208º F. This is the best reference time to set your timer for the length of cooking. The unit needs an indicator when this temperature has been reached. It could be cheap LED indicator or an audio 'ding'.
The timer should still run independently of the temperature indicator to let the User decide.
Idli Plates
There are up to five Idli plates with divided into stem between two chambers: 3 plates bottom chamber, and 2 plates top chamber. Each Idli plate has four indentations for the batter, giving a maximum capacity of 20 Idli (4 Idli per plate, 5 plates).
Manufacturer may consider including an extra set of 3 plates for the lower chamber to accommodate up 8 mini Idli per plate. This will help making 24 mini Idli (8 mini Idli per plate, 3 plates) for children and seniors. Also, we can steam (hard-boil) 2 dozen eggs in the lower chamber.
Steam Bowl
One more steam bowl configuration will be highly desirable. Provide a bowl with three flat plates (no indentation for Idli, no stem in the center). The plates may be stacked on top of each other with about 1¼" space in between. A handle snaps on the top to remove the entire stack of the plates. This will permit steam cooking fish fillets in the center of the plate without trying to make it fit around the stem.