Pressure cookers

Best Small Pressure Cooker (1 to 2 Litre) in India

By , buying guides writer 5 products compared 8 min read

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Short answer

The Hawkins 1.5 Litre Triply Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is our top pick: it is the only one here that states gas and induction use. Very small pressure cookers are bought by singles, couples and anyone cooking a side dish. This guide covers five small cookers in the 1 to 2 litre range: one at 1 litre, three at 1.5 litres and one at 2 litres. The Stahl Baby is the only true 1 litre model on the list. It also gives its thickness, lid type and guarantee.

All five state a 5-year term, a guarantee from Hawkins and a warranty from Stahl and Pigeon. The Stahl and Pigeon pages say less about cooktops than the Hawkins pages do.

Compare all 5 picks

Comparison at a glance

Comparison at a glance: 5 products compared side by side
ProductCapacityMaterialInductionWarranty Amazon
Hawkins Triply Stainless 1.5 litresTri-ply steelYes5 years View on Amazon for Hawkins 1.5 Litre Triply Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab)
Hawkins Miss Mary 1.5 litresAluminiumGas advised5 years View on Amazon for Hawkins 1.5 Litre Miss Mary Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab)
Stahl Xpress Triply Baby 1 litreTriply steelNot stated5 years View on Amazon for Stahl Xpress Triply 1 L Pressure Cooker Baby (opens in a new tab)
Hawkins Contura Black 1.5 litresHard anodisedGas advised5 years View on Amazon for Hawkins 1.5 Litre Contura Black Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab)
Pigeon 101 Deluxe Aluminium 2 litresAluminiumNot stated5 years View on Amazon for Pigeon by Stovekraft 101 Deluxe Aluminium Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab)

Specs from each manufacturer's product page. "Not stated" means the maker does not publish it.

The picks

Pick #1Best overall

Hawkins 1.5 Litre Triply Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

Brand: Hawkins
View on Amazon for Hawkins 1.5 Litre Triply Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab)
  • Capacity1.5 litre
  • MaterialStainless steel
  • InductionYes
  • Warranty5 years

The Hawkins 1.5 Litre Triply Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is built in 3 mm extra-thick tri-ply steel. Inside is 18/8 food-grade stainless steel. The core diffuses heat, and the outside is AISI 430 magnetic steel. It works on gas and induction.

The maker says the body heats the base and sides evenly, so food and spices do not burn and stick, and less oil is needed. A wider mouth makes stirring easier. The plastic handles stay cool.

Hawkins 1.5 Litre Triply Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker specifications
Capacity1.5 litre
Material3 mm extra-thick tri-ply stainless steel: 18/8 food-grade stainless steel inside, heat-diffusing metal core, AISI 430 magnetic stainless steel outside
Induction compatibleYes, works on gas and induction
Lid typeInside-fitting lid (Hawkins says every Hawkins pressure cooker has one)
Thickness3 mm
Warranty5-year guarantee
Ideal for1 or 2 persons

Pros

  • It is the induction-ready choice for one or two persons.
  • The wider mouth helps with stirring.

Cons

  • ISI certification is not stated for the triply model.

Suits: A buyer on induction who cooks for one or two persons.

Falls short: Hawkins rates it for one or two persons only.

View on Amazon for Hawkins 1.5 Litre Triply Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab) Source: buyhawkins.in (opens in a new tab), hawkinscookers.com (opens in a new tab)
Pick #2Best with an ISI mark

Hawkins 1.5 Litre Miss Mary Pressure Cooker

Brand: Hawkins
View on Amazon for Hawkins 1.5 Litre Miss Mary Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab)
  • Capacity1.5 litre
  • MaterialAluminium
  • Warranty5 years

The Hawkins 1.5 Litre Miss Mary Pressure Cooker is listed by Hawkins among its aluminium cookers. The shielded safety valve sits under the lid handle bar, and the maker says steam is deflected downwards. Its pressure regulating system is said to reduce frothing of foods such as dal.

The cooker is ISI certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Hawkins rates it for one or two persons.

Hawkins 1.5 Litre Miss Mary Pressure Cooker specifications
Capacity1.5 litre
MaterialAluminium (listed by Hawkins under its aluminium pressure cookers)
Induction compatibleRecommended by Hawkins for use on gas stoves
Lid typeInside-fitting lid
Thickness3.25 mm
ISI certifiedYes, quality-certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (ISI)
Warranty5-year guarantee
Ideal for1 or 2 persons

Pros

  • It states ISI certification.
  • The regulator is meant to reduce frothing.

Cons

  • Hawkins advises gas stoves for the Miss Mary.

Suits: A buyer on a gas stove (Hawkins rates it for one or two persons).

Falls short: Hawkins recommends gas stoves, so induction cooks should look elsewhere.

View on Amazon for Hawkins 1.5 Litre Miss Mary Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab) Source: buyhawkins.in (opens in a new tab), buyhawkins.in (opens in a new tab)
Pick #3Best for the smallest pot

Stahl Xpress Triply 1 L Pressure Cooker Baby

Brand: Stahl
View on Amazon for Stahl Xpress Triply 1 L Pressure Cooker Baby (opens in a new tab)
  • Capacity1 L
  • Warranty5 years on manufacturing defects

The Stahl Xpress Triply 1 L Pressure Cooker Baby is named for its size, and it serves one person. The material is triply, listed as stainless steel. The maker says it has a double safety mechanism and a custom-made gasket.

The warranty is 5 years against manufacturing defects. Stahl names Autopress India Pvt. Ltd. as the maker, and says it is made in India.

Stahl Xpress Triply 1 L Pressure Cooker Baby specifications
Capacity1 L (Serves 1)
MaterialTriply; listed as SS pressure cooker
Warranty5 years warranty on manufacturing defects

Pros

  • It is the smallest cooker in the group.
  • The maker states a double safety mechanism.

Cons

  • Cooktop, lid type and thickness are not stated.

Suits: A single cook who wants the smallest pot here.

Falls short: Stahl says it serves one, so it will not stretch to a second person.

View on Amazon for Stahl Xpress Triply 1 L Pressure Cooker Baby (opens in a new tab) Source: stahlkitchens.com (opens in a new tab)
Pick #4

Hawkins 1.5 Litre Contura Black Pressure Cooker

Brand: Hawkins
View on Amazon for Hawkins 1.5 Litre Contura Black Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab)
  • Capacity1.5 litre
  • MaterialStainless steel
  • Warranty5 years

The Hawkins 1.5 Litre Contura Black Pressure Cooker is hard anodised outside, with a stainless steel lid. Hawkins says the 60-micron finish absorbs heat faster and keeps the cooker looking new for years. Hawkins rounds the sides to help with stirring, seeing and removing food.

The inside-fitting lid pressure-locks the cooker. Hawkins likens it to a jetliner door.

Hawkins 1.5 Litre Contura Black Pressure Cooker specifications
Capacity1.5 litre
MaterialHard anodised body and stainless steel lid
Induction compatibleRecommended by Hawkins for use on gas stoves
Lid typeInside-fitting lid
Thickness3.25 mm
Warranty5-year guarantee
Ideal for1 or 2 persons

Pros

  • The finish is hard anodised.
  • It is rated for one or two persons.

Cons

  • Hawkins advises gas stoves for the Contura Black.

Suits: A buyer on gas who wants a hard anodised finish in a one or two person cooker.

Falls short: Hawkins lists no ISI mark for the 1.5 litre Contura Black.

View on Amazon for Hawkins 1.5 Litre Contura Black Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab) Source: buyhawkins.in (opens in a new tab)
Pick #5Best for a bigger pot

Pigeon by Stovekraft 101 Deluxe Aluminium Pressure Cooker

Brand: Pigeon
View on Amazon for Pigeon by Stovekraft 101 Deluxe Aluminium Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab)
  • Capacity2 litre
  • MaterialAluminium
  • Warranty5 years on manufacturing defects

The Pigeon by Stovekraft 101 Deluxe Aluminium Pressure Cooker is sold as the 2 litre size. Larger Deluxe sizes run from 3 to 12 litres. The body is aluminium with an outer lid.

Pigeon says it has a high-precision stainless steel weight valve. The gasket is food-grade nitrile. A special alloy safety plug releases excess pressure.

Pigeon by Stovekraft 101 Deluxe Aluminium Pressure Cooker specifications
Capacity2 litre (the Deluxe range is also made in 3, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12 litres)
MaterialAluminium
Lid typeOuter lid
Warranty5-year warranty on manufacturing defects

Pros

  • It is available in many sizes.
  • The weight valve is stainless steel.

Cons

  • Cooktop, thickness and ISI status are not stated.

Suits: A buyer who may want a bigger pot from the same range later.

Falls short: Pigeon gives no persons rating for the 2 litre size.

View on Amazon for Pigeon by Stovekraft 101 Deluxe Aluminium Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab) Source: stovekraft.com (opens in a new tab), stovekraft.com (opens in a new tab)

How to choose

Capacity is the first filter. The Stahl is 1 litre, the Hawkins models are 1.5 litres and the Pigeon is 2 litres. Hawkins rates its three models for one or two people, and Stahl says its Baby serves one. Pigeon does not state a persons rating. If you often cook for guests, a larger size may be easier than stretching a small one.

Cooktop matters next. Only the Hawkins tri-ply model states gas and induction. Two Hawkins models advise gas stoves. The Stahl and Pigeon pages do not say.

Lids differ a little. Hawkins says every Hawkins pressure cooker has an inside-fitting lid, while Pigeon lists an outer lid. Stahl does not state the lid type. Stahl does say its cooker has a double safety mechanism and a custom-made gasket.

ISI certification is the next point. Only the Miss Mary lists it. The two other Hawkins models, the Stahl and the Pigeon leave it not stated.

Handling counts for a small pot. Hawkins says the plastic handles on its triply model stay cool, and the wider mouth gives better visibility of the food. It adds that the tri-ply body needs less oil.

Look at materials too. Aluminium, hard anodised and steel options are all here. Our best stainless steel pressure cooker page covers steel in more depth.

For family cooking, move to the best pressure cooker 3 litre or best pressure cooker 5 litre guide. The main best pressure cooker guide covers the category, and the best electric pressure cooker page covers plug-in pots. The pressure cookers hub lists everything.

Related: Best Pressure Cooker 3 Litre in India, Best Pressure Cooker 5 Litre in India.

Verdict

The Hawkins tri-ply is the pick on the listed specs: it is the only cooker here that states gas and induction use, and it gives its thickness, lid type, persons rating and 5-year guarantee. Its gap is that ISI certification is not stated. The Stahl is the smallest pot and serves one. The Miss Mary adds an ISI mark but is for gas. The Contura Black adds a hard anodised finish, also for gas. The Pigeon gives a bigger pot and a family of sizes.

Our top pickHawkins 1.5 Litre Triply Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

See our top pick on Amazon for Hawkins 1.5 Litre Triply Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab)

Frequently asked questions

Is a 1 litre cooker enough for one person?

Stahl says its Baby model serves one.

Which compact cooker works on induction?

The Hawkins tri-ply model states it.

Do all five carry the same warranty?

Each states a five-year term. Stahl and Pigeon limit theirs to manufacturing defects.

What do the makers say about gaskets?

Pigeon names a food-grade nitrile gasket. Stahl says only that its gasket is custom made.

Where is the Stahl made?

In India. Stahl gives Autopress India Pvt. Ltd. as the maker.

What does the wider mouth do?

On the tri-ply model, Hawkins says a wider mouth makes stirring easier and improves visibility of the food.

Is a 1.5 litre cooker the same as a 1 litre one?

No. Only the Stahl is a true 1 litre cooker. The three Hawkins models hold half a litre more, and the Pigeon holds a full litre more.

Where does the Hawkins safety valve sit?

On the Miss Mary, Hawkins says the shielded valve sits under the lid handle bar. Steam is then deflected downwards.

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Sources and credits

Facts and figures in this article draw on these sources. Guides are drafted with AI writing tools from the makers' published facts, then checked by the Wiselist team.

Disclaimer

As an Amazon Associate, Wiselist earns from qualifying purchases. This does not change the price you pay or which products we include. This article is for information only. Product details come from the makers and the sources credited above and may change; please check them on the retailer's page before buying. Found an error? Tell us and we will correct it.

We compare published specifications; we have not tested these products hands-on.