Hawkins Stainless Steel Contura Pressure Cooker 3.5 Ltr
- Brand : Hawkins
- Size : 3.5 Ltr
- Material : Stainless Steel
- Model : Contura Steel
- Size Range : 3.5 - 6.5 Ltr
- Product Type : Induction Compatible, Inner Lid
DELIVERY OPTIONS
Hawkins Stainless Steel Contura Pressure Cooker 3.5 Ltr
The Hawkins Stainless Steel Contura Pressure Cooker 3.5 Ltr is built around a deceptively simple idea: a curved body makes everyday cooking easier. The rounded sides let you stir thoroughly without scraping into sharp corners, give a clearer view into the pot while cooking, and make scooping out the last bit of food far less fiddly than with a straight-walled cooker. For dishes that demand a lot of stirring — thick dals, khichdi, or pulao — this shape genuinely changes the cooking experience.
The body and lid are made from superior grade AISI 304 non-magnetic stainless steel, a food-safe alloy resistant to corrosion, pitting, and staining even after years of daily use. Beneath that sits a 6.6mm thick sandwich bottom — combining stainless steel with an aluminium core — that distributes heat evenly across the base and eliminates the hot spots responsible for scorched food. A separate AISI 430 grade magnetic stainless steel plate is permanently attached to the exterior base, making the cooker fully induction compatible without sacrificing any of the benefits of the steel body above it.
True to Hawkins engineering, the base is designed to stay permanently flat — it will not bulge or warp even after years of thermal cycling on a high-heat burner. The inner lid seals progressively tighter as pressure builds, and the cooker remains compatible with gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, and induction cooktops alike. At 3.5 litres, it suits small to medium families looking for a durable, versatile, everyday cooker that performs equally well across different kitchen setups.
Key Features
AISI 304 Non-Magnetic Stainless Steel Body
The body and lid are constructed from superior grade AISI 304 stainless steel, prized for its corrosion resistance and food-safe non-reactivity. Unlike lower grades of steel, AISI 304 stays bright and resists pitting even after years of cooking acidic dishes like tomato-based curries or tamarind preparations.
Curved Body Design
The Contura's signature curved sides serve three practical purposes: easier stirring without corners to navigate around, improved visibility of food while cooking, and simpler removal of food once cooking is complete. This makes a real difference for dishes that need attention and frequent stirring before or during pressure cooking.
6.6mm Thick Sandwich Bottom
The base combines layers of stainless steel with an aluminium core, creating a sandwich construction that conducts heat rapidly and evenly. This eliminates the localised hot spots common in thinner, single-layer bases, ensuring food cooks uniformly rather than scorching at the centre while remaining undercooked elsewhere.
AISI 430 Induction-Compatible Base Plate
A plate of magnetic AISI 430 grade stainless steel is permanently bonded to the exterior base, giving the cooker full induction compatibility. This addition doesn't compromise the cooking surface, which remains the non-reactive AISI 304 steel throughout.
Flat Base That Never Bulges
The base is engineered to remain perfectly flat through years of repeated heating and cooling cycles — a common failure point in lower-quality cookers, where the base can warp and create instability on the cooktop or uneven heat distribution.
Improved Pressure Regulator
The pressure regulator is designed for efficient, controlled release, helping the cooker maintain consistent pressure throughout cooking while making post-cooking pressure release straightforward and predictable.
5-Year Warranty | ISI Certified
Backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty. ISI certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards for domestic pressure cooker safety and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AISI 304 stainless steel mean for everyday cooking?
AISI 304 is a high-quality, food-safe stainless steel grade known for excellent corrosion resistance. It does not react with acidic ingredients like tomatoes or tamarind and resists pitting and discolouration, keeping the cooker looking new for years.
Is the Hawkins Contura Steel 3.5L compatible with induction cooktops?
Yes. A separate AISI 430 magnetic stainless steel plate is permanently attached to the base, making the cooker fully induction compatible while keeping the food-contact surface as non-reactive AISI 304 steel.
What is the benefit of the curved body shape?
The curved sides make it significantly easier to stir food thoroughly without corners to navigate around, give better visibility while cooking, and make it easier to scoop out food completely once cooking is finished.
Why does the base matter so much in a pressure cooker?
A high-quality base ensures even heat distribution and prevents warping over time. The Contura's 6.6mm sandwich bottom combines stainless steel with an aluminium core specifically to eliminate hot spots and maintain a permanently flat surface.
Is the 3.5-litre size suitable for my household?
The 3.5-litre capacity is well suited for small to medium families of 3-4 people, comfortably handling a full dish like dal, rice, or a curry in a single cook.
Does this cooker work on gas as well as induction?
Yes. The Contura Steel 3.5L is compatible with gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, and induction cooktops — one cooker that adapts to nearly any kitchen setup.
Is the stainless steel body dishwasher safe?
The AISI 304 stainless steel body is generally dishwasher safe, though the gasket and pressure valve components are best hand-washed to preserve their sealing function over time.
What's included in the package?
The package includes the pressure cooker body, cooker lid, vent weight, rubber gasket, warranty card, cookbook, and a service centre directory for after-sales support.
How does the inner lid design improve safety?
The inner-fitting lid seals progressively tighter as internal pressure builds, and cannot be opened until that pressure has dropped to a safe level — providing inherent safety without requiring constant monitoring during cooking.
What warranty does the Hawkins Contura Steel 3.5L come with?
It is backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty and is ISI certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
About Girdhar Das & Sons, Varanasi
The Hawkins Stainless Steel Contura Pressure Cooker 3.5 Ltr is available at Girdhar Das & Sons, Varanasi's trusted kitchenware destination since 1970. Serving homes across the city and beyond for over five decades, Girdhar Das & Sons offers genuine products, expert guidance, and dependable after-sales support.