Overall Score: 7.2/10
- Made from best quality aluminium, confirming to IS 21:1992
- Gas Stovetop Compatible ; Anti-Deflecting Bottom ; Strong and Sturdy Body ; Other Features: Strong and Sturdy Body, User…
- Pigeon gaskets are made from superior quality, food grade nitrile rubber confirming to IS 7466:1994
₹3,090
In-depth review
When it comes to pressure cookers in India, three names dominate the conversation: Prestige, Hawkins, and Pigeon. While the first two carry decades of brand legacy, Pigeon by Stovekraft has carved out a strong niche as the go-to budget-friendly option that refuses to completely compromise on quality. The 106 Deluxe Aluminium Pressure Cooker — available in capacities ranging from 3 to 12 litres — is one of Pigeon's flagship offerings in the outer lid segment, and it has accumulated tens of thousands of customer reviews across Amazon and Flipkart. We tested and researched the 12-litre variant to give you a comprehensive picture.
Build Quality & Design
The 106 Deluxe is constructed from food-grade virgin aluminium that conforms to IS 21:1992, India's Bureau of Indian Standards specification for aluminium pressure cookers. The body has an anti-deflecting bottom designed to maintain flatness over years of regular use on gas stoves. At 2.82 kg (12L variant), it is on the heavier side but that is expected given its capacity. The silver finish is clean and stain-resistant, which helps with aesthetics over time.
The outer lid design is the traditional Indian pressure cooker form factor — familiar, practical, and easy to operate. The injection-moulded handles are ergonomically shaped to keep heat away from the user's hands, though some customer reviews on Amazon note that the handle construction feels lighter than expected, with a few reporting cracks on the handle after delivery or extended use. This is not universal, but it is a pattern worth noting.
Performance on the Stove
On a gas stove, the Pigeon 106 Deluxe performs commendably. The thick anti-deflecting base distributes heat evenly, reducing the risk of hot spots. Multiple customer reviews across platforms confirm that everyday staples like rice, dal, rajma, and vegetables cook efficiently and quickly. The precision weight valve releases steam at 1 kg/cm², the standard operating pressure for Indian-style pressure cooking.
It is worth noting explicitly that this cooker is NOT induction compatible. It has a non-induction base, which is a significant limitation if your kitchen uses an induction cooktop. Pigeon does offer induction-compatible variants in the Favourite and Calida series, but the 106 Deluxe range is strictly for gas stovetops.
Safety Features
Safety is where Pigeon has invested noticeably. The 106 Deluxe comes with a three-layer safety system: a precision weight valve as the primary pressure regulator, a Gasket Vent Release System (GVRS) that allows steam to escape safely if the weight valve is blocked, and a metallic safety plug that acts as a last-resort pressure relief. The food-grade nitrile rubber gasket conforms to IS 7466:1994, the Indian standard for cooker gaskets. This multi-layered approach is reassuring, especially for large-capacity cookers where pressure build-up can be significant.
Ease of Use & Maintenance
The outer lid mechanism is simple and familiar to any Indian kitchen user. Locking and unlocking is straightforward, and the cooker's cylindrical body makes it easy to clean both inside and out. The manufacturer lists it as dishwasher safe, though hand-washing is recommended for longevity of the gasket. Replacement gaskets and weight valves are available in the market, which adds to the long-term convenience.
A few customers on Amazon have flagged missing components upon delivery -specifically the weight valve - which is disappointing but appears to be an isolated packaging quality control issue rather than a design problem. If ordering online, inspect the package on delivery.
Value for Money
This is where the Pigeon 106 Deluxe truly shines. Priced significantly lower than equivalent capacity Prestige or Hawkins cookers, it delivers 80–85% of the functionality at roughly 60% of the cost. For large families, caterers, or buyers on a tight budget, this value proposition is hard to beat. The 5-year manufacturer warranty against defects also adds a degree of purchase confidence, though customer feedback on the after-sales service network suggests that claiming warranty can sometimes be a cumbersome, in-person process with limited service centers.
PROS
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- ISI-certified with 3-layer safety system
- Wide capacity range (3L to 12L) •
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
CONS
- Not induction compatible
- Handles feel lightweight; durability concerns
- After-sales service network is limited • Occasional QC issues (missing parts on delivery)
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
| Build Quality | 7/10 |
| Performance | 8/10 |
| Safety Features | 8/10 |
| Value for Money | 9/10 |
| After-Sales & Warranty | 5/10 |
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Brand | Pigeon by Stovekraft |
| Model | 106 Deluxe |
| Capacity | 12 Litres (also available: 3L, 5L, 7.5L, 10L) |
| Material | Food-grade Virgin Aluminium (IS 21:1992) |
| Lid Type | Outer Lid |
| Stovetop Compatibility | Gas Stove only (Non-induction base) |
| Safety System | Weight Valve + Gasket Release System + Metallic Safety Plug |
| Warranty | 5 Years against manufacturing defects |
Our Verdict
Editor’s Verdict: BUY – if you’re on a budget and cook on gas. SKIP – if you use induction or need premium durability.
- Made from best quality aluminium, confirming to IS 21:1992
- Gas Stovetop Compatible ; Anti-Deflecting Bottom ; Strong and Sturdy Body ; Other Features: Strong and Sturdy Body, User…
- Pigeon gaskets are made from superior quality, food grade nitrile rubber confirming to IS 7466:1994
₹3,090
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