Pressure Cooker ISI Mark: How to Check Before You Buy

A pressure cooker ISI mark tells you the cooker was made under a licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards. Domestic pressure cookers must meet Indian Standard IS 2347:2017. This guide shows how to check the mark before you buy, and what else to inspect in the shop.

What the pressure cooker ISI mark means

The quality control order requires domestic pressure cookers to meet IS 2347:2017. They must also bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence. TÜV Rheinland’s regulatory summary gives 1 August 2020 as the start date.

In plain terms, a cooker sold for home use in India should carry the mark. A cooker without it is a reason to pause. Safety matters here, because a faulty lid or valve can cause burns.

How to check the mark in the shop

First, look for the ISI mark on the cooker body or lid and on the box. Then look for the standard number, IS 2347, and the licence details printed near the mark. A blurred or hand-stuck label is a red flag.

Next, verify the licence. Our guide to the BIS Care app and the ISI mark explains how to look up a licence number. In short, the mark on the product should match a live BIS licence.

If the seller cannot show the mark, walk away. Also be careful with unbranded cookers sold at a very low price.

What else to inspect before you buy

The mark is the starting point, not the whole check. For example, test how the lid closes. It should lock smoothly without force. Also look at the rubber gasket, which should sit evenly and feel soft.

Check the handles for a firm fit, because loose handles are risky when the cooker is full. Look at the safety valve and the vent, and make sure they are clean and clear. Finally, match the base to your stove. If you use an induction cooktop, confirm that the cooker supports it.

Choosing the right size and material

Pick the size by the number of people you cook for, not by the lowest price. A cooker that is too small forces you to overfill it. One that is too large wastes gas. In short, match it to your regular batch.

Then think about material. Aluminium cookers heat quickly and are light. Stainless steel ones are heavier and often suit induction. However, the base type matters more than the label on the box, so check it against your stove. Also compare the warranty and the availability of spare gaskets and valves, because you will need them.

When to retire a pressure cooker

Even a good cooker does not last forever. Stop using it if the lid is warped or the body is dented. Also retire it if a handle is cracked or loose. Do not use one whose valve will not seat properly.

Meanwhile, keep the paperwork. A bill and the warranty card help if you need a replacement part or a complaint. Our note on reading the BEE star label on a geyser shows the same habit with another appliance label.

Care habits that keep a cooker safe

Even a certified cooker needs care. Do not fill it beyond the level the maker suggests, since food needs room to expand. Clean the vent and valve after use, because a blocked vent can build pressure. Replace the gasket when it hardens or cracks.

Also let the pressure drop before you open the lid. Never force a lid that will not turn. For another kitchen safety check, see our gas geyser safety checklist.

FAQ

Is the ISI mark mandatory on pressure cookers?

Under the 2020 quality control order, domestic pressure cookers must meet IS 2347:2017 and carry the Standard Mark. The order took effect on 1 August 2020, as summarised by TÜV Rheinland.

How do I check a pressure cooker ISI mark?

Look for the mark and the IS 2347 number on the product and box. Then verify the licence details, for example through the BIS Care app.

Which parts of a pressure cooker should I inspect?

Check the lid lock, the gasket, the handles, the safety valve and the vent. Also confirm the base suits your stove.