Make Dal, Rice and One‑Pot Meals with These Multi‑Cookers

When you’re living solo, sharing a flat, or just don’t want a mountain of pots cluttering the kitchen, a multi‑cooker can feel like a tiny miracle. It’s basically an electric pot that boils, simmers and steams – think of it as a handy little helper that lets you skip the juggling act of separate pans.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that most of the affordable units under ₹5,000 aren’t pressure cookers. They won’t blast beans into softness in minutes, but they’re perfect for everyday staples like rice, khichdi, light dals, noodles and soups. If you’re after hard‑to‑soften beans, you’ll still need a bit of patience.

Below is a quick rundown of seven models that strike a balance between price, capacity and features. Each one has something a little different to offer, so you can pick the gadget that matches your cooking style.

1. Prestige PMC 4.0 1.5 L Multi‑Cooker – Best Overall
Price: ₹2,245 (down from ₹2,995, 25% off). This stainless‑steel pot comes with a steamer insert and an egg rack. The glass lid lets you peek inside without losing heat, and the concealed heating element makes cleaning a breeze. At 600 W it’s made for modest portions – ideal for a quick dal or a couple of bowls of rice.

2. AGARO Regal 3 L Electric Multi‑Cooking Pot – Best for One‑Pot Meals
Price: ₹2,799 (44% off the original ₹4,990). With a roomy 3‑litre capacity and 1,200 W power, this aluminium‑bodied cooker can handle larger batches – perfect for a hearty khichdi or a family‑size noodle soup. Adjustable temperature control lets you switch from a rolling boil to a gentle simmer with ease.

3. Cookwell 1.5 L Multipurpose Cook Kettle – Best Budget Pick
Price: ₹1,199 (40% discount). The most wallet‑friendly option on the list, it offers a non‑stick interior, 600 W heating and a few handy accessories for steaming. Great for basic tasks like boiling eggs, whipping up oatmeal or steaming a small veggie medley.

4. Amazon Basics 1.2 L Multi‑Kettle Steamer – Best for Steaming
Price: ₹1,229 (56% off). If steaming is your go‑to method, this stainless‑steel unit shines. It ships with a dedicated steamer basket, an idli tray, a seven‑egg rack and even an iron grill. The adjustable power modes and overheat protection add a layer of safety.

5. KENT 1.2 L Electric Multicooker – Best for Small Portions
Price: ₹1,410 (65% off). Tailored for singles or couples, the KENT’s compact size means it barely takes up counter space. It still manages rice, dal and light soups without fuss.

6. InstaCuppa 3‑in‑1 1.2 L Multi‑Cook Kettle – Best Non‑Stick Option
Price: ₹1,699 (15% off). Its coated interior means food slides right out, and cleanup is swift. Though the discount isn’t huge, the non‑stick benefit can be worth it for frequent stir‑fries.

7. Milton Champ 1.5 L Multi‑Cook Kettle – Best Simple Everyday Choice
Price: ₹1,399 (39% off). No frills, just reliable cooking. It’s a solid workhorse for daily meals, from simple dal to quick noodle dishes.

All these models are compact enough for dorm rooms, studio apartments or any kitchen that’s short on space. They won’t replace a full‑size pressure cooker, but for everyday, smaller‑portion cooking they’re more than capable.