I like to cook in the microwave oven. I am still exploring the different ways and methods of microwave cooking. One thing, I am really proud of, is my discovery of steaming idlis in the microwave oven.
Traditionally, idlis were always made in the heavy metal idli maker on fire. But the microwave is a great boon. Along with the microwave oven, new utensils like microwave bowls, containers have also come in the market.
One such microwave safe ware is the microwave idli maker. In this post, I will share pictures of the microwave safe idli maker and also how to use it. I have used the pictures of microwave safe idli container for making mini idlis.
For making normal size idlis too, there is a microwave safe idli maker available in the market. I am posting this article for the benefit of many women who are time bound and have hectic schedules. They have to take care of their homes, families as well as their jobs.
Pictures of Microwave Idli Maker and How to use it:
1: This is the complete look of the idli maker from outside. Its the complete set. This entire set goes in the microwave oven. Now lets see what it contains of and how the parts are used for making idlis.
2: The picture below is of the top cover with the idli moulds and the base.
3: These are the idli moulds. One need not smear oil in the moulds. The idlis once done, can be easily removed from the moulds with a spoon.
4:There are 2 set or stands of idli moulds in one microwave container. Each mould set contains of 15 moulds. So two sets make 30 moulds. Thus one gets 30 mini idlis ready in 3-5 minutes. Thats so much of your time and labour saved.
For normal size idlis, each stand has 3 or 4 moulds depending on the make and model. So one gets 6-8 idlis ready in minutes. Its great for working women as it saves a lot of time.
5: This is the base of the microwave idli maker. In this base, 125 ml of water is added. When the idlis are being microwaved, it is steam from this water that is utilized for the steaming of the idlis.

6: So its simple to use the microwave idli maker and assemble it. The steps are given below:
- You add water in the base.
- Pour the idli batter in the moulds.
- Keep the idli moulds on the base.
- Put the top cover and close properly
- Keep the idli maker in the microwave.
- On full power, microwave the mini idlis for 3-5 minutes. This time varies as it depends on the make and model of the microwave oven. Check to see if the idlis are done by inserting a knife or fork in the idlis. If the knife or fork does not come out clean, then microwave again for 1-1.5 minutes.
- Mini Rava Idlis take 3-3.5 minutes whereas mini idlis made from rice-black lentils batter take 4-5 minutes.
Note: I have made both rava idlis and the plain idlis in this microwave safe container and trust me, the idlis have always come out great.
Just a word of caution – When you remove the container from the microwave, then be careful as the hot steam coming from the container can burn your hands. Use a glove or a kitchen napkin to open the top cover. Keep your face at a distance and not too close.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
i tried maing idli today morning in microwave, but evrytime it comes out uncooked. i kept it for 5 min but it was the batter and did not cook at all. i tried it several times but i failed.
dear shivani
i am unsure why the the idlis were uncooked. they should get cooked as its the microwave energy that cooks them. 3-4 mins on full power is enough to cook mini idlis. you can get checked your microwave oven by the company people to see if everything’s fine in it.
Hi,
Thanks for the tips in your recipe. I have the same microwave mini idli maker as you. But however when I opened it I noticed there are four holes in each mould. I am worried that the idli batter will drip down and fall through the holes in the mould before it is cooked and becomes solid. How did you solve this problem? Please let me know. Thanks.
dear kadambari, it did not even come to my mind that the idli batter would drip when i first used the microwave idli maker… and trust me, it won’t drip. the idli batter is a thick batter. so there are no chances of it dripping. just go ahead without worry and make the idlis in the microwave
Hi frinds,
Shall we want to fill water in the base for making idlys? If yes, then how much we want to fill for 6 molds?
you will have to fill water in the base. usually in the instruction booklet it is mentioned how much water one has to add in the base.
the water should fill around 1/3rd of the base.
IshopIndian also sells microwave idli makers. I buy their products all the time, they’re fantastic! Shipping only takes a few days, they are very quick.
Their website is: http://www.ishopindian.com
They definitely sell the microwave idli maker, that’s where I bought mine from .
thank you mary for the info.
best idlis . enjoy
Hi,
I am looking for these kind of idli makers in USA. Can you please let me know where
I can get these. I need to buy these especially microwaveable
i brought the microwave idli maker from delhi. in india in any city or metro you can get these microwave idlis makers. i do not know anything about usa. see if you can order it online from usa or india. may be you can get these microwave idli makers online.
Hi,
I found them on amazon.com in the US. I’m sure you can find it in Indian supermarkets as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Prime-Microwave-Idli-Maker/dp/B0041Y3TYA
thanks mimi for the information. i am sure that this info will help people who do not live in india and are looking for these microwave idli makers.