As Indian kitchens evolve, so does the way families cook. From air-fried snacks to oil-light versions of favourite comfort foods, appliances like air fryers are changing everyday habits, especially for younger, curious cooks eager to try their hand in the kitchen. But safety, simplicity and suitability for Indian food remain top of mind for parents.

Over the years, Stovekraft (the company that manufactures Pigeon Kitchen Appliances) has built its approach around listening closely to Indian consumers and designing products that balance affordability, reliability and modern convenience. In this section, the brand shares how it is responding to post-pandemic cooking trends, innovating with purpose-led technologies, and expanding its portfolio beyond appliances into cookware and lifestyle solutions, all while keeping safety, consistency, and the Indian home cook firmly at the centre.

In this conversation, Amitabh Bhatia, Head of Brand & Marketing, Stovekraft Ltd. (Pigeon/Gilma/Black+Decker) shares how it is responding to post-pandemic cooking habits, evolving consumer expectations, and the future of Indian kitchens.

How does Pigeon innovate to meet evolving Indian kitchen needs — especially with appliances like air fryers?
Being in the industry for 26 years, we are able to understand the rapidly changing needs of Indian consumers. We are an Indian company making for India and the world. Families seek quality products that are also priced fairly - this has been our fundamental approach through the years. We have several formal and informal channels to meet and hear from our users. The customer is at the centre of everything we do, and appliances like the Healthifry+ Air Fryer are developed to handle Indian cooking styles while offering modern conveniences such as digital controls and preset menus.

What technologies or design decisions set Pigeon air fryers apart in a crowded market?
Pigeon air-fryers combine intuitive digital interfaces with functional innovations like AirWhirl technology for faster and even cooking, an oil separator tray for cleaner operation, and thoughtfully designed presets tailored for everyday use. These design choices ensure consistent results without overwhelming users with complexity.

How has consumer behaviour changed in the last few years — especially after the pandemic — in terms of kitchen appliance usage?
Ever since the pandemic, consumers are cooking more frequently at home and paying closer attention to health, hygiene and convenience. There is a growing preference for appliances that simplify cooking while enabling healthier outcomes. Air fryers have moved from being a novelty appliance to a staple one, now found in a large number of households.

What key trends in the kitchen appliance market is Pigeon responding to right now?
Key trends include healthier cooking methods, smart digital controls, multi-purpose appliances and products that reduce cooking time without compromising taste. Pigeon is responding by building appliances that are efficient, intuitive and aligned with modern Indian lifestyles that are priced fairly for the Indian consumer.

Where do you see the Pigeon brand headed in the next three to five years in terms of product expansion or new cooking solutions?
Pigeon aims to continue expanding its ecosystem of smart, health-focused kitchen solutions that cater to everyday Indian cooking. The focus will remain on blending traditional cooking needs with modern technology, making cooking easier, safer and more efficient for Indian households. This headway is not only for kitchen appliances, but also for cookware. There is a shift towards cast iron cookware and tri-ply pressure cookers, which provide consumers with health benefits and convenience without sacrificing traditional cooking styles. Many other exciting launches, both within the kitchen space and outside of it, are on the anvil.

What key innovations are you most excited about in the upcoming Pigeon product line-up?
We are excited about innovations that build on our strengths while expanding into new categories. Today, Stovekraft owns and operates India’s largest cast iron foundry at its 53-acre manufacturing facility in Harohalli, near Bengaluru in Karnataka. Cast iron cookware focuses on superior heat retention, durability and healthier cooking and is widely accepted as healthier cookware alternative by a large section of consumers.
In pressure cookers, tri-ply and duo-ply constructions are enabling faster, more efficient and consistent cooking for everyday kitchens.

How does Pigeon ensure consistency and safety across diverse product categories — from mixers to air fryers to induction cooktops?
Consistency and safety are reinforced through rigorous quality testing, adherence to Indian safety standards and a strong focus on user-centric design. Across multiple categories, Pigeon prioritises durability, easy operation and dependable performance, ensuring trust regardless of the product type.

Do you have an air fryer in your kitchen? Share your experience of using it in the comment section below.