Hawkins Aluminium 5 Litre Classic Pressure Cooker, Best Inner Lid Cooker, Silver (Cl50)
The Timeless Workhorse: Hawkins Classic 5-Litre Pressure Cooker Review
For traditional cooks and families who value time-tested reliability, fuel efficiency, and unparalleled speed in everyday cooking, the Hawkins Aluminium 5 Litre Classic Pressure Cooker is a legendary kitchen essential. This stovetop powerhouse promises to cook meals up to three times faster while locking in nutrients and flavor. After putting it through its paces with dals, stews, and meats, here’s our in-depth, expert assessment.
Design & Craftsmanship
Crafted from pure virgin aluminium, this cooker offers exceptional thermal conductivity, heating up rapidly and distributing heat evenly. Unlike clad or non-stick pots, it develops a natural patina over time. The heavy-gauge base (3.25mm to 4.06mm thick) ensures durability and stability on any stovetop. The signature Hawkins Inner Lid Design minimizes gasket exposure to steam, extending its lifespan, while the downward-facing safety valve is a crucial safety feature.
Performance Highlights
This cooker excels at its primary function: speed. It cooked soaked dal to a perfect consistency in just 3 whistles (approx. 7 minutes). It used noticeably less fuel compared to a standard pot. The even heat distribution ensured a uniform tenderness in meat dishes with just a gentle shake midway through cooking.
Performance Testing
| Scenario | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Speed (Dal) | ★★★★★ | Cooked 2 cups of soaked dal in just 3 whistles (~7 mins). |
| Fuel Efficiency | ★★★★★ | Used noticeably less gas compared to standard pot cooking. |
| Even Cooking | ★★★★☆ | Achieved uniform tenderness in chicken curry; required a gentle shake midway. |
A Versatile Kitchen Tool
Conclusion & Final Verdict
The Hawkins Classic Pressure Cooker is an indestructible, fuel-efficient legend that remains the gold standard for fast, flavorful stovetop cooking. Its robust virgin aluminium construction, ingeniously efficient inner-lid design, and proven ability to slash cooking times and costs offer a clear advantage over modern, complex electric cookers.
Final Verdict: For traditional Indian families, fuel-conscious cooks, and anyone who prefers the reliable, whistle-guided method of cooking, this is a one-time investment that can last a lifetime.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
