Hawkins 1.5 Litre Instaa Pressure Cooker (IIH15): A Complete Overview
The Hawkins Instaa 1.5 Litre Pressure Cooker, model IIH15, is a compact, sleek, and highly efficient kitchen appliance designed to meet the modern cook’s needs, especially in small households. With its hard anodised body, tall and slim design, induction compatibility, and inner lid mechanism, this cooker represents a perfect balance of safety, performance, and aesthetics. Here’s a deep dive into its features and why it is a preferred choice among users who need a small-sized cooker that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Design and Build Quality
The Hawkins Instaa IIH15 features a hard anodised aluminium body in a deep black finish, giving it a premium and durable appearance. Hard anodising is an electrochemical process that makes the metal surface tougher than steel. This means the cooker is highly resistant to corrosion, scratches, and stains, making it ideal for long-term use.
The tall body design is particularly noteworthy. It gives the cooker a slender and elegant look, while also making it perfect for cooking food that rises while boiling, such as milk, dals, or small portions of biryani or khichdi. It can also accommodate tall utensils or separators inside.
. Size and Capacity
With a 1.5-litre capacity, this cooker is ideal for:
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Small families
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Singles or couples
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Students living in hostels or PGs
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Making baby food
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Side dishes or small portions of curries, soups, or rice
Despite its small size, the cooker’s tall design allows for efficient cooking without spilling over. It saves energy, water, and time, making it perfect for quick meals or daily use.
. Material & Finish
The body of the cooker is made of pure virgin aluminium that has been hard anodised. This makes the cooker:
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More durable than regular aluminium cookers
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Non-reactive with food (acidic ingredients like tomatoes or tamarind won’t corrode it)
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Easy to clean
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Retains its looks for years
The black hard anodised surface also distributes heat evenly, reducing the chances of food sticking or burning.
. Inner Lid Mechanism
The IIH15 model uses an inner lid design, which means the lid goes inside the cooker mouth rather than sitting on top. This is generally considered safer for smaller capacity cookers, as it relies on pressure to stay locked in place.
Benefits of an inner lid include:
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Better safety under pressure
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Tighter sealing
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Less chance of steam leakage
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Added safety for beginners
The lid itself is made from stainless steel, which enhances durability and corrosion resistance.
. Pressure Regulation System
The Hawkins IIH15 is equipped with the brand’s signature pressure-locked safety lid, which cannot be opened while there is pressure inside. This prevents accidental opening and is a vital safety feature.
Other safety features include:
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Automatic safety valve placed under the lid handle bar for better safety and easy steam release
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Gasket release system (GRS) for safe venting of excess pressure
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Strong heat-resistant Bakelite handle that stays cool and offers a firm grip
These features make the cooker one of the safest options in its size category.
. Induction and Gas Stove Compatibility
One of the biggest advantages of the Hawkins Instaa IIH15 is that it is compatible with both:
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Induction cooktops
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Gas stoves
The base is flat and induction-friendly, made of magnetic stainless steel cladding at the bottom that ensures optimal heat distribution. This versatility allows users to switch between stoves with ease, making it suitable for modern kitchens.
. Usability and Applications
This cooker is incredibly easy to use, even for beginners. It doesn’t require much oil, retains nutrients, and cooks food faster than conventional methods. Some common uses include:
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Cooking 1–2 servings of dal, rice, or vegetables
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Making baby food
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Boiling milk or eggs
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Preparing soups, kheer, or small curries
Thanks to its compact size, it is easy to store, clean, and maintain. It also travels well, making it suitable for trips or kitchen setups in RVs and small apartments.
. Brand Trust and Warranty
Hawkins is a trusted brand in India and worldwide, known for its quality and innovation in pressure cookers. The IIH15 comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, ensuring peace of mind.
Their customer service is reputed to be responsive, and spare parts like gaskets or safety valves are easily available across India.
. Environmental and Health Aspects
Hard anodised cookers are considered healthier than non-stick cookers because they don’t leach chemicals into food. Also, the energy efficiency of pressure cooking means reduced gas or electricity use, which is good for the environment and your bills.
Conclusion
The Hawkins 1.5 Litre Instaa Pressure Cooker (IIH15) is a smart investment for anyone who needs a reliable, efficient, and safe pressure cooker for small-scale cooking. Whether you’re a student, working professional, or a home cook making baby food or side dishes, this model delivers excellent performance with the durability and safety Hawkins is known for.
Its hard anodised body, inner lid mechanism, induction compatibility, and compact design make it one of the best pressure cookers in the small-size segment. If you’re looking for a high-quality baby cooker that doesn’t compromise on style or safety, the IIH15 is definitely worth considering.