Hawkins Contura 2L Aluminium Inner Lid Pressure Cooker - Curved Body

Our review of the Hawkins Contura 2L Aluminium Inner Lid Pressure Cooker finds it best suited for couples or small families who want a compact, easy-to-handle cooker for everyday meals. The single biggest reason to buy is its distinctive curved body that genuinely makes stirring and food removal easier than in a standard straight-sided pot, which helps when preparing stews, dal and one-pot recipes for two to three people.

Key Features

• 2 Litre capacity: Ideal volume for cooking full meals for two to three persons without wasting energy or space.
• Curved body design: Rounded sides improve stirring clearance and make it simpler to scrape food from the edges while cooking.
• Aluminium construction: Lightweight material that heats quickly for faster cooking and easier handling when full.
• Inside-fitting safety lid: The lid will not open until pressure falls, providing a reliable safety feature during use.
• Flat base dimensions: A solid base with measured thickness that ensures even contact with the hob for consistent heat distribution.
• Comfortable handles: Sturdy grips make lifting and pouring more controlled, useful when serving directly from the cooker.

Who It's For

The Hawkins Contura 2L is aimed at small households, couples, or anyone cooking for two to three people who values quick heating and easy stirring. It works well for daily tasks like cooking rice, pulses, soups or small batches of curry where a compact cooker saves time and fuel.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who need very large batch cooking, need induction hob compatibility (not specified), or who prioritise a pressure cooker with elaborate, serviceable mechanisms rather than a simple aluminium inner lid design.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact 2 L capacity that matches the needs of two to three persons without wasting space.
• Curved body gives noticeably better stirring and easier food removal compared with straight-sided pots.
• Lightweight aluminium construction heats quickly and is easy to handle when full.
• Inside-fitting safety lid that prevents opening until pressure has safely dropped.

Cons

• Some users report mixed long-term functionality, so durability of moving parts may vary by usage.
• Sealability is mentioned as a negative by some customers, which can affect pressure performance if not checked.

Specifications

Brand	HAWKINS
Model	Contura HC20 (2 L)
Capacity	2 Litres
Material	Aluminium
Base	Flat base, 1.4 mm diameter equivalent, 3.25 mm thickness
Safety	Inside-fitting safety lid that will not open until pressure falls
Suitable servings	Ideal for 2-3 persons

Our Verdict

The Hawkins Contura 2L Aluminium Pressure Cooker is a practical, economical choice for small households who want fast heating and easier stirring thanks to its curved body. It offers good build quality and safety features for everyday cooking, though potential buyers should inspect seals and accept that long-term mechanical reliability has mixed reports. For those cooking for two to three people, it represents solid value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cooker suitable for a family of three?
Yes, the 2 litre capacity is described as ideal for two to three persons and should handle everyday family meals.

Does the lid open under pressure?
No, the cooker has an inside-fitting safety lid designed not to open until pressure has fallen.

What is the body made of and how does it perform?
The body is aluminium, which heats quickly and keeps the cooker lightweight for easier handling and stirring.