9 Best Iron Kadais Available In India For 2024
Sizzle up your kitchen with an iron kadhai for the ultimate flavorful desi food experience!
Experience: 2 yearsPratyasha has a master's degree in English from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is an avid lover of art and literature. She has over two years of experience in writing articles across beauty and lifestyle, and she curates and reviews products and appliances that make the readers’ household chores easy and keep their homes running smoothly.
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Shopping for an iron kadai online might seem easier at first glance, but you have to consider multiple factors before hitting the ‘Add to Cart’ button. Among the most crucial factors, you need to check for durability, dimensions, weight, and other cookware specifications before buying one. As with most iron products, a cast-iron kadai can last generations when maintained correctly and seasoned regularly.
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.
In This Article
9 Best Iron Kadais Available In India
1. AmazonBasics Heavy Duty Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok Pan
The AmazonBasics Heavy Duty Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok Pan is a wide-mouth iron kadai with a small base. The heavy-duty cast-iron body ensures even heat distribution and optimal heat retention. The looped side handles of this cast-iron kadai ensure smooth lifting while transferring food. This pre-seasoned kadai is perfect for baking, roasting, and making other Indian delicacies.
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
- User-friendly handle
- Easy to lift
- Multifunctional cookware
- Suitable for all cooking surfaces
- Easy to clean and maintain
- 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
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Easy to handle
- Value for money
- 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
- Sturdy
- Lead-free cast iron
- Easy to maintain
- Easy to clean
- Can be re-seasoned
- Durable
- 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
- Easy to clean
- Versatile
- Durable
- Rust-resistant
- Sturdy
- Affordable
- 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
- No synthetic chemical coating
- PB lead-free
- Durable and sturdy
- Value for money
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Affordable
- 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
- Durable
- Retains heat for long
- Hand-seasoned using traditional methods
- No chemical additives
- 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
- Durable
- Hassle-free usage
- Easy to maintain
- Enamel-free
- Non-toxic
- No black paint coating
- No chemical coating
- 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
- Easy to clean
- Highly durable
- Rust-resistant
- Non-stick
- 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
- Highly durable
- Sturdy
- Value for money
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Available in multiple sizes
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is cooking with an iron kadai different from using other types of cookware?
Iron kadais heat up more slowly but distribute heat evenly, providing consistent cooking results. They also retain heat well, making them ideal for slow-cooking dishes. Other cookwares are made with other materials that may not give you the same results.
Are iron kadais suitable for all types of cooking, including high-temperature cooking?
Yes, iron kadais are suitable for high-temperature cooking like stir-frying and deep-frying. They can withstand and maintain high temperatures without warping, negatively reacting with the food, or losing their effectiveness.
Can cooking in an iron kadai help in preventing iron deficiency?
Cooking in an iron kadai may help prevent iron deficiency as some of the iron from the cookware seeps into the food during cooking, especially when cooking acidic or liquid-based dishes. This can be beneficial for individuals who need to boost their iron intake.
Are there any precautions or guidelines to follow when using an iron kadai?
Yes, there are some precautions to keep in mind when using an iron kadai. Dry the kadai thoroughly after washing it to prevent rusting. Avoid cooking highly acidic foods for an extended period in an iron kadai to minimize excessive iron leaching. Coat the kadai regularly with neutral oil to help maintain its non-stick properties and prevent food from sticking.
Are there any specific dishes that are traditionally cooked in iron kadais?
There are several dishes traditionally cooked in iron kadais in various cuisines. For example, in Indian cooking, food like dosa (Indian crepes), stir-fried vegetables, and certain curries are commonly prepared in these kadais. In other cuisines, they are used for stir-frying, sautéing, and deep-frying various foods.
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