Iron kadais have been a part of Indian kitchens since forever! If you plan to invest in something to last for years, then let us help you find nothing but the best. We have rounded up the 9 best iron kadais available online in India and a buying guide to help you understand the factors you should consider while buying.
9 Best Iron Kadais Available In India
This highly versatile cookware is refrigerator-safe and compatible with barbecue stoves, gas stovetops, ovens, and induction cooktops. Specifications
Dimensions: 43.7 x 37.3 x 10.8 centimeters Weight: 3.9 kgs Diameter: 35.56 cm Capacity: 6.2 liters
Key Features
Pre-seasoned 2 handles on the sides Non-stick coating Safe for oven up to 500°F Even heat distribution and retention Compatible with induction cooktop 1-year limited warranty
Pros
User-friendly handle Easy to lift Multifunctional cookware Suitable for all cooking surfaces Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
Not dishwasher-friendly Heavy
2. The Indus Valley Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware
The Indus Valley Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware is a perfect cast-iron kadai for the Indian kitchen. This durable cast-iron kadai is made with heavy-duty iron that can withstand high temperatures. It is ideal for slow-cooked Indian curries and dal. This cast-iron kadai distributes heat evenly, thus enhancing the rich flavors of your food while giving it the traditional rustic taste. It requires minimum oil for cooking and can be used to cook on the stove, oven, or open fire. Specifications
Dimensions: 26.8 x 26.1 x 20.7 centimeters Weight: 1.8 kgs Diameter: 21cm Depth: 8 centimeters Capacity: 1.5 liters
Key Features
Cast-iron build Withstands high temperatures Even heat distribution Can be used on stovetops, induction stoves, open fire, and grills
Pros
Durable Easy to clean Easy to handle Value for money
Cons
Does not have a non-stick coating
3. Rock Tawa Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Kadai
Rock Tawa Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Kadai is made of heavy-duty iron. Its flat bottom and wide mouth ensure even heat distribution for perfectly cooked food on high flame without any burning. The kadai comes pre-seasoned with sunflower oil. Specifications
Dimensions: 24.51 x 24.51 x 9.5 centimeters Weight: 1.9 kgs Diameter: 19.05 cm Depth: 7.5 centimeters Capacity: 1.4 liters
Key Features
Flat bottom Pre-seasoned with sunflower oil 1-year warranty
Pros
Sturdy Lead-free cast iron Easy to maintain Easy to clean Can be re-seasoned Durable
Cons
Rusts after a couple of use
4. Akky Handmade Pure Iron Kadai
The Akky Handmade Kadai is durable and sturdy cast-iron cookware ideal for everyday use. It can be used for roasting, sautéing, grilling, shallow frying, or deep frying in a small quantity. This pure iron kadai uses less oil for cooking and maintains the cooking temperature to cook the food and enhance its texture evenly. This kadai is compatible with gas stoves only. It is easy to cook and maintain and is, undoubtedly, one of India’s best pure iron kadais. Specifications
Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 9 centimeters Weight: 454 grams Diameter: 20.32 cm Depth: 7.62 cm
Key Features
Handmade Suitable for versatile cooking techniques Even heat distribution Only for gas stove use Adds a smokey flavor to the food
Pros
Easy to clean Versatile Durable Rust-resistant Sturdy Affordable
Cons
Not pre-seasoned
5. EXPRESSIONSS Iron Kadai
The EXPRESSIONSS Iron Kadai is perfect for Indian cooking. This iron kadai has a 2.5 mm thick body that ensures cooking without burning. This iron kadai is ideal for sautéing, broiling, roasting, grilling, and shallow or deep frying. It is pre-seasoned, handmade, and easy to use and clean. Specifications
Diameter: 22.86 cm Depth: 7 centimeters Capacity: 1.5 liters
Key Features
Traditional design Handmade and pre-seasoned 2.5 mm thick Smooth edges Ideal for various cooking techniques
Pros
No synthetic chemical coating PB lead-free Durable and sturdy Value for money Easy to clean and maintain Affordable
Cons
Very thin build Top coating can peel
6. Mannarcraft Cast Iron Kadai
The Mannarcraft Cast Iron Kadai is made of heavy-duty food-grade iron. Its loop handles ensure smooth lifting and handling while cooking or transferring the food. This handmade cookware comes with a non-stick coating for increased durability. It distributes heat evenly and helps cook your food uniformly. The thickness and the density of this iron kadai help retain heat longer, helping you cook dishes that require stirring or grilling easily. Specifications
Dimensions: 20.3 x 20.3 x 7.1 centimeters Weight: 1.5 kgs Diameter: 8 inches Depth: 3 inches Capacity: 1 liters
Key Features
Pre-seasoned Non-stick coating Dishwasher-safe 7 mm thick 2” wide handles 2-year warranty
Pros
Durable Retains heat for long Hand-seasoned using traditional methods No chemical additives
Cons
Cracks easily Takes time to heat up
7. Meyer Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Kadai
The Meyer Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Kadai is highly durable and perfect for Indian cooking. This cast-iron kadai is free from toxic coating and is pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil. It is designed with a uni-body ‘one-piece’ technique that keeps it free from any screws or welding joints. This stylish kadai comes with a shatter-resistant tempered glass lid. It heats up instantly and retains heat for a long time, ensuring your food cooks evenly. It comes with easy-to-grip canvas grip handles that do not heat up, along with easy-pouring lips on both sides. Specifications
Dimensions: 33.9 x 27.5 x 9.6 Centimeters Weight: 4.36 kgs Diameter: 26 centimeter Depth: 5 centimeter Capacity: 2.9 liters
Key Features
Comes with a shatter-resistant tempered glass lid Uni-body built Easy-pouring lips Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil Heat-resistant canvas grip handles Safe for oven use Safe for induction cooktops Lifetime warranty
Pros
Durable Hassle-free usage Easy to maintain Enamel-free Non-toxic No black paint coating No chemical coating
Cons
Expensive
8. Butler Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware Kadai
The Mr. Butler Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware Kadai is sturdy and durable. This pre-seasoned pure cast-iron kadai ensures your food is cooked perfectly with minimal oil use. The kadai heats up quickly and retains heat for a long time. It is made of a natural non-stick material that is safe for use as it does not contain any toxins or chemicals. This cast iron kadai works seamlessly with all cooking tops, including induction, electric, and gas. Specifications
Dimensions: 24.5 x 24.5 x 13 centimeters Weight: 1.9 kgs Diameter: 9 inches Depth: 4.7 inches Capacity: 1.75 liters
Key Features
Pre-seasoned Comfortable gripping handles Natural non-stick material Retains heat Heats up quickly Can be used on stovetops, induction cooktops, grills, and open fire 1-year warranty
Pros
Easy to clean Highly durable Rust-resistant Non-stick
Cons
Not dishwasher-safe Expensive
9. Kitchen Shopee Traditional Iron Kadai
The Kitchen Shopee Traditional Iron Kadai is handmade and pre-seasoned. This sturdy and well-built kadai comes with loop handles that provide a good grip for easy lifting and adjusting while cooking. This kadai is ideal for roasting, sautéing, grilling, broiling, and shallow frying. This lightweight and highly efficient iron kadai is easy to maintain and can be re-season if required. Specifications
Dimensions: 30.5 x 30.5 x 10.2 centimeters Weight: 1.8 kgs Diameter: 12 inches Capacity: 3.5 liters
Key Features
Flat bottom Made of pure iron Handmade and pre-seasoned Ideal for versatile cooking techniques
Pros
Highly durable Sturdy Value for money Easy to clean and maintain Available in multiple sizes
Cons
Not safe for oven Not suitable for deep frying
Now, let’s check out the benefits of using a kadai for cooking.
Benefits Of Using Iron Kadai For Cooking
Some of the benefits of using an iron kadai for cooking are:
Naturally Non-Stick: When seasoned properly, any iron kadai becomes a naturally non-stick surface. The food does not stick or burn despite less oil or butter on the cooking surface, making your foods lower in fat. Even Cooking: Iron kadai heats up evenly and distributes heat naturally throughout the kadai. It ensures that your food is cooked perfectly and evenly. Retains Heat: Every iron kadai retains heat for a long time, making sure your food stays warm for a longer time without the need for reheating. It helps in saving gas. Versatile: An iron kadai is highly compatible with various cooking surfaces – gas top, induction, oven, grill, open fire, or even electric cooktop. It is also multifunctional and can be used for various cooking techniques that include sautéing, grilling, baking, searing, roasting, slow cooking, shallow frying or deep-frying, or even boiling or poaching. Cost-Efficient: Compared to any other non-stick cookware, a pure iron kadai or a cast-iron kadai is relatively low cost and efficient. You can easily find a well-built and premium-quality pure or cast-iron kadai for a very reasonable price. Plus, it requires very little maintenance, making it even more convenient.
If you are planning to buy an iron kadai, then here are some factors that you should consider. Check them out below.
How To Choose The Best Iron Kadai?
Size And Weight
One of the major factors to consider while buying an iron kadai online is its size. Cast-iron kadais come in various sizes and weight ranges. Most cast-iron utensils are heavy, making them difficult to use daily. While buying, opt for lightweight cookware. For a small family, it is best to buy a smaller iron kadai which that is handy for everyday use.
Build And Durability
Ensure that the iron kadai you plan to buy is made of heavy-duty iron. Utensils with 5 to 7 mm thickness or more usually last longer. The kadai should be well-seasoned to ensure that it remains non-stick and lasts many more years.
Compatibility
Iron kadais now come in various styles, some being extremely versatile and compatible with all cooktops and cooking techniques. Ensure that the cast-iron kadai you pick is compatible with gas top, induction, oven, open fire, grill, and electric cooktop.
Maintenance And Care
Maintaining and cleaning a pure iron kadai is easy if it pre-seasoned. The reason is that pre-seasoned iron kadai is non-stick and prevents the vessels from getting rusted. Also, maintaining and cleaning iron kadais is extremely easy. Just wash it with mild detergent and warm water, dry it, and coat it with oil until subsequent use. It ensures that the cast-iron kadai does not rust and lasts for many years.
Price
The plus point of buying a pure iron kadai or a cast-iron kadai is the fact that is a one-time investment. Iron kadais are cost-efficient and last for many years (and even generations) if maintained and seasoned well. Also, low cost does not mean that the cast-iron kadai will be cheap or less effective. Numerous brands in the market sell pocket-friendly kadais and have great reviews. Pure iron kadais are highly versatile, durable, and compatible. They are convenient to use on various cooking surfaces and last long. Pick one from our list of the 9 best iron kadais in India for a great cooking experience.
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