12-Pit Brass Idli Steamer with Tin Coating / Cooking Utensil

The 12-Pit Brass Idli Steamer with Tin Coating (traditionally known as Pithalai Idli Pathram / Cooker) is a handcrafted heritage cookware set made from heavy-gauge brass, specifically engineered for uniform steam distribution and soft, fluffy idlis.

Key Product Features & Specifications

12-Pit Capacity: Features tiered, stacked brass plates holding a total of 12 idli cavities (pits/kuzhi), making it suitable for medium to large family meals.

Pure Brass Construction: Built with heavy-gauge brass that retains heat efficiently, generating continuous high-density steam while saving cooking fuel.

Traditional Tin Coating (Kalai / Velli): The interior vessel surfaces and idli plates are lined with food-grade pure tin. This creates an inert, non-reactive barrier that prevents the fermented batter from reacting with raw brass.

Perforated Steam Cavities: Each pit includes tiny steam vents that allow pressurized steam to circulate directly through the batter for evenly cooked, feather-soft idlis without soggy centers.

Tight-Fitting Lid & Sturdy Handles: Designed with a domed lid that redirects condensation along the sides rather than dripping back onto the idlis, paired with durable handles for safe handling.

Suitable Uses

Steamed Breakfast Specialties: Ideal for traditional rice idlis, rava idlis, ragi idlis, and dhokla.

Dumplings & Snacks: Suitable for steaming momos, modaks, kozhukattai, and vegetable dumplings.

Maintenance & Care

Never Dry-Heat: Always ensure there is sufficient water in the bottom reservoir before placing the steamer on the stove, as the tin coating (kalai) melts under dry-heat conditions (~232°C).

Cleaning the Interior: Use a soft sponge and mild dishwashing liquid. Avoid metal scrubbers, wire brushes, or abrasive pads that can strip the tin layer.

Restoring Exterior Luster: Clean the outside brass surface periodically with tamarind paste, lemon with salt, or Pitambari powder to maintain its natural golden shine.

Re-tinning: Over prolonged regular use, when the silver-colored tin begins wearing thin and exposes the yellow brass underneath, have the plates and inner base professionally re-tinned.

English: Traditional 12-Pit Brass Idli Steamer / Cooker with Tin Coating (Kalai)

Tamil: பாரம்பரிய வெள்ளீயம் பூசிய 12 குழி பித்தளை இட்லி பானை / குக்கர்

Hindi: कलाई (टिन) कोटेड पारंपरिक 12-सांचा पीतल का इडली स्टीमर / कुकर

Telugu: సాంప్రదాయ తగరం పూత పూసిన 12 గుంటల ఇత్తడి ఇడ్లీ పాత్ర / కుక్కర్

Malayalam: പരമ്പരാഗത ഈയം പൂശിയ 12 കുഴി പിച്ചള ഇഡ്ഡലി പാത്രം / കുക്കർ

Kannada: ಸಾಂಪ್ರದಾಯಿಕ ತವರ ಲೇಪಿತ 12 ಗುಳಿಯ ಹಿತ್ತಾಳೆ ಇಡ್ಲಿ ಪಾತ್ರೆ / ಕುಕ್ಕರ್