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Whether you are looking for the Best Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023, Best Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadai in India or the Best Nickel Free Stainless Steel Kadai in India, the chances are Google will send you to this blog post.
If you are looking for the Stainless Steel Cookware or Dinnerware Set, you can also check our post on 7 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets in India in 2023 and 7 Best Stainless Steel Dinner Set Brands in India in 2023.
In this post, we are going to review some of the Best Stainless Steel Kadai Brands in India, which are not only top-notch in terms of performance, but all these kadai’s can also be used with Induction Cooktops.
There is no doubt about the fact that Kadai or deep frying pans are one of the most important kitchen tools, especially in India.
Stainless steel is one of the best materials for a kadai as it is not only safe, but it is also extremely durable and with the modern built in features such as Tri-Ply coating, cooking is fast as well as fun.
While looking for Best Stainless Steel Kadai in India, there are some of the basic tips you should know –
- Whether the material is food grade Stainless steel
- Capacity of the kadai
- Diameter, depth and thickness of the kadai
- Round or flat bottom
- Length of the handle
- Compatibility with Induction cooktops
We have also covered this in detail in our “Buying Guide” which you can check out.
You can also check out other related post on Top 10 Best Frying Pan in India in 2023, 7 Best Dosa Tawa in India in 2023 and 7 Best Dinner Set in India in 2023.
Comparison
Best Kadai | Diameter | Capacity | Weight | Warranty | Ratings | Check Price |
25 cms | 3 litres | 1.03 kgs | Nil | |||
24 cms | 2.5 litres | 1.42 kgs | 5 Years | |||
26 cms | 2.5 litres | 1.22 kgs | 5 Years | |||
26 cms | 3.5 litres | 2.29 kgs | 5 Years | |||
30 cms | 5.5 litres | 1.54 kgs | Nil | |||
22 cms | 3 litres | 2.2 kgs | 1 Year | |||
30 cms | 4.8 litres | 2.68 kgs | 10 Years |
Editor’s Pick
Reviews
1. Amazon Brand Solimo Stainless Steel Induction Bottom Kadhai Reviews
1st product in our today’s review of the Best Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023 is from one of the most affordable brands in India, Amazon Solimo.
This kadai is made from 100% food grade Stainless Steel and can handle all your day to day kitchen tasks such as cooking gravies, curries, deep frying, etc.
The Stainless steel kadai comes with a diameter of 25 cm and a capacity of 3 litres, which is ideal for a family of 3-4 people. The depth is 7.8 cms while the thickness of the steel is 0.6 mm.
There is also a high-quality induction bottom, so you can use this kadai on an Induction cooktop as well the gas stove.
To ensure you have a very strong grip while cooking, Amazon Solimo has added double-riveted handles which are comfortable to hold.
We noticed, with a good quality steel coating, this kadai protects your food from burning and is deep enough to cook more food at one time.
Due to a good insulated bottom, the food will not stick to the kadai, which can happen with a cheap kadai. We would suggest you to use a silicone or a wooden spatula for a longer life of this kadai.
Even though there is no warranty on this steel kadai from Amazon Solimo, but it is still very affordable and also one of the Best Stainless Steel Kadai under 1,000 Rupees in India in 2023.
Other Bestselling Kadai’s from Amazon Solimo – Solimo Triply Kadhai with Glass Lid (3.4 litres), Solimo Stainless Steel Induction Bottom Kadhai Set of 2
Product Specifications:
Diameter – 25 cm
Capacity – 3 litres
Thickness – 0.6 mm
Depth – 7.8 cm
Induction safe – Yes
Dishwasher safe – Yes
Weight – 1.03 kgs
Dimensions – 30.8 x 26 x 11.9 cm
Pros of Amazon Brand Solimo Stainless Steel Induction Bottom Kadhai:
One of the Best Stainless Steel Kadai under 1,000 Rupees in India
Good quality food grade Stainless steel
Affordably priced
Sturdy design
Induction and dishwasher compatible
Perfect for beginners
Cons of Amazon Brand Solimo Stainless Steel Induction Bottom Kadhai:
No warranty on this kadai
Does not come with a lid
2. Vinod Platinum Triply Stainless Steel Kadai with Lid Reviews
The brand Vinod is known for its quality and premium Stainless steel cookware in the Indian market. As a matter of fact, Vinod was one of the 1st brands in India to come up with the concept of Tri Ply Stainless steel kadai.
In simple words, a Tri Ply kadai would have 3 layers in total. Two of these layers are Stainless steel and the one in the middle is Aluminium. This type of coating ensures excellent heat distribution and faster cooking.
With this Stainless steel kadai from Vinod, you will have 3 layers as follows –
- Layer 1 : Food Grade 18/8 stainless steel used in the inner surface for healthy cooking
- Layer 2: Aluminium layer right throughout the cookware including the bottom and the body
- Layer 3: Stainless steel 430 to make the kadai induction friendly
For your information, 18/8 Stainless steel is the best stainless steel with the longest life. The Aluminium coating will ensure the food does not burn and stick to the surface, along with faster cooking due to the perfect heat distribution.
At the 1st look, you will find this kadai to be very attractive with a polished Stainless steel exterior and a matte finished interior. The kadai comes with riveted cast Stainless-steel handles for extreme comfort.
The Vinod Tri Ply Stainless steel kadai comes with a diameter of 24 cm and a capacity of 2.5 litres. The depth of this kadai is 6.3 cms while the thickness is 2.5 mm.
During our tests before writing this review, we observed that the kadai heats up really fast, the food does not stick to the bottom, cleaning is easy and the handle along with the lid is quite sturdy.
One thing you should is that this kadai comes with a lid, which is really nice and value for the money.
One of the best things I loved about this kadai is that it comes with a huge 5 years of warranty and this is why, this steel kadai from Vinod is one of the Best Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023.
Other Bestselling Kadai’s from Vinod – Vinod Platinum Triply X Kadai (3.2 litres), Vinod Stainless Steel Platinum Extra Deep Kadai (3.3 litres)
Product Specifications:
Diameter – 24 cm
Capacity – 2.5 litres
Thickness – 2.5 mm
Depth – 6.3 cm
Induction safe – Yes
Dishwasher safe – Yes
Weight – 1.42 kgs
Dimensions – 35.1 x 24 x 13.8 cm
Pros of Vinod Platinum Triply Stainless Steel Kadai with Lid:
One of the bestselling Stainless steel kadai in India
Massive warranty of 5 years on this kadai
Less usage of oil with this kadai
Latest Tri Ply technology
Excellent 18/8 Stainless steel material
Induction and dishwasher compatible
Ideal for experienced cooks
Cons of Vinod Platinum Triply Stainless Steel Kadai with Lid:
None we could find other than a bit expensive price for this kadai
3. Hawkins Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Induction Compatible Kadai Reviews
Hawkins as a brand does not need any kind of introduction as it is one of the biggest market leader especially in the pressure cooker market in India.
This is a 2.5 litre Stainless steel and induction compatible kadai with a diameter of 26 cm, thickness of 3 mm and a depth of 8.5 cm.
The construction of this kadai is based on the “Tri Ply” technology where you will see 3 layers as below:
- Layer 1 : Food grade 18/8 Stainless steel used in the cooking surface for low oil usage
- Layer 2: Heavy gauge Aluminium for perfect heat distribution
- Layer 3: 430 magnetic Stainless steel for induction compatibility
For a comfortable usage, Hawkins has added natural and durable Rosewood handles in this kadai. There is also a no-drip flange on the rim of this kadai which helps you to pour or slide the food without the risk of any spills.
The flat and plain bottom of the kadai helps to spread the oil evenly across the surface.
As off today when I am writing this post, Hawkins is giving a wooden spatula and a scrubber complimentary with this kadai, which is really great.
One thing you should know is that this kadai is not compatible with a dishwasher and in my opinion, this is not a concerning factor at all.
The fact that Hawkins is giving a 5 year warranty on this kadai makes this cookware product as one of the Best Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadai in India under 1500 rupees in 2023.
Other Bestselling Kadai’s from Hawkins – Hawkins Tri Ply Kadai with Glass Lid (4 litres), Hawkins Tri Ply Kadai with Glass Lid (3 litres)
Product Specifications:
Diameter – 26 cm
Capacity – 2.5 litres
Thickness – 3 mm
Depth – 8.5 cm
Induction safe – Yes
Dishwasher safe – No
Weight – 1.22 kgs
Dimensions – 37.7 x 26.12 x 9.1 cm
Pros of Hawkins Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Induction Compatible Kadai:
Best Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadai in India under 1500 rupees in 2023
Comes with natural and durable Rosewood handles
Includes a complimentary wooden spatula and a scrubber
Huge warranty of 5 years on this kadai
Affordable and sturdy
Cons of Hawkins Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Induction Compatible Kadai:
Not compatible with a dishwasher
4. Bergner Argent Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadhai Reviews
Bergner is an Austrian company and also one of the most prestigious kitchenware brands in the world. This is one of those brands where you will get what is written on the product label.
At the very 1st touch, you will find this kadai to be extremely elegant with a beautiful glossy exterior and something you will cherish for a longer period of time.
This is a 3.5 litre Stainless steel and induction compatible kadai with a diameter of 26 cm and an excellent depth of 9.5 cm.
The kadai uses Tri Ply technology to transfer the heat quickly, evenly, and precisely throughout the cookware, all the way to the rim, preventing hot spots and resulting in an evenly cooked healthy meal.
The inner body of this kadai is made of 18/10 stainless steel to ensure minimum oil usage, the second layer consists of edge to edge aluminium for uniform heat distribution and the third layer is made of 18/0 Stainless steel for induction compatibility.
As compared to a regular kadai, you will be able to achieve 2x faster cooking with the Bergner kadai with the help of stay cool cast handles and flared rim.
This Bergner kadai is one of the rare kadai’s that comes with a Stainless steel lid. The weight of this kadai is a bit on the heavier side, which speaks volume about the quality of this kadai.
The price of Bergner products is always on the higher side, but the quality is also beyond words, so you won’t mind paying more for this kadai because it is going to last for the next 10 years, if you can maintain it well.
With a 5 year warranty and a Stainless steel lid, this kadai from Bergner is the Best Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023.
Other Bestselling Kadai’s from Bergner – Bergner 5-Ply Stainless Steel Kadhai with Stainless Steel Lid, Bergner Hitech Prism Non-Stick Stainless Steel Kadai with Glass Lid (4.5 litres)
Product Specifications:
Diameter – 26 cm
Capacity – 3.5 litres
Depth – 9.5 cm
Induction safe – Yes
Dishwasher safe – Yes
Weight – 2.29 kgs
Dimensions – 26 x 26 x 9 cm
Pros of Bergner Argent Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadhai:
One of the best kitchenware and kadai brands in the world, based out of Austria
Comes with a Stainless steel lid
Excellent depth of 9.5 cm
Warranty of 5 years on this kadai
2 times faster cooking
Exceptionally durable kadai
Cons of Bergner Argent Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadhai:
None other than expensive, but worth the premium quality
5. Camro Stainless Steel Kadhai Reviews
If you have been searching for a Stainless steel kadai which comes with a high capacity and is affordable at the same time, you can choose this kadai from Camro.
Camro is an Indian brand and this steel kadai from Camro is one of the bestselling steel kadai in India in 2023. This kadai has a huge capacity of 5.5 litres, which is perfect if you have a large family.
The diameter of this kadai is 30 cm which is also the biggest in all the 7 kadai’s we have reviewed today. When it comes to the depth, it stands at 6 cm and the thickness is 5 mm.
This kadai has been made using 3 layers out of which Aluminium is placed between 2 layers of Stainless steel. The look and feel of this product is quite sturdy and the kadai comes with a mirror finish.
The Camro kadai comes with a heavy bottom which helps to distribute the heat evenly, and the good thing is food does not stick to the bottom.
With all these positive features, there are a couple of things that I did not like about this steel kadai –
- The diameter of this kadai is 30 cms and the kadai does not come with a lid. Due to the big diameter, you cannot cover the kadai with a thali because the thali may not be that big.
- The bottom of the kadai is attached to the surface, which means there is a joint, and it is not a one piece kadai. This attachment can impact the durability in a longer run.
Even with all these points, this kadai has a 3 layer coating, it is affordably priced and that is why, the Camro kadai is rated one of the Best Heavy Bottom Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023.
Other Bestselling Kadai’s from Camro – Camro Stainless Steel Tri Ply Kadhai Induction Bottom with Lid
Product Specifications:
Diameter – 30 cm
Capacity – 5.5 litres
Depth – 6 cm
Thickness – 5 mm
Induction safe – Yes
Dishwasher safe – Yes
Weight – 1.54 kgs
Dimensions – 29.5 x 21.5 x 10.5 cm
Pros of Camro Stainless Steel Kadhai:
Made in India
Highest capacity kadai with 5.5 litres
Induction compatible
Heavy bottom kadai
Excellent diameter of 30 cm
Cons of Camro Stainless Steel Kadhai:
No lid with the kadai
No warranty
6. Cello Steelox Induction Compatible Stainless Steel Kadhai Reviews
This Stainless steel kadai is from the brand Cello, which is one of the biggest kitchenware brands in India from decades.
Cello has manufactured this Stainless steel kadai with a diameter of 22 cms, a 3 litre capacity and a thickness of 4.2 mm.
The strong and sturdy kadai has been made using a combination of 18/8 Stainless steel with a multi-element core which creates a strong bond of metal.
Due to this combination, the heat passes through the whole body from top to the bottom and up the side walls for maximum cooking performance.
The riveted cool touch handles with an anti slip finish makes it easy for you to hold the kadai while you are cooking. You can use this kadai on the induction cooktop as well as the gas stove.
The good thing is this kadai comes with a transparent glass lid, which is quite nice at this affordable price.
The only thing that could have been improved in this Steel kadai was the knob on the lid. For some reason, the length of the knob is short which means your fingers might touch the glass which will be hot during the cooking.
This kadai comes with a 1 year warranty, and it is very affordably priced under 1000 rupees, and considering the fact Cello is a trusted brand, you can give this kadai a shot.
Other Bestselling Kadai’s from Cello – Cello Steelox Premia Stainless Steel Kadhai with Stainless Steel Lid
Product Specifications:
Diameter – 22 cm
Capacity – 3 litres
Thickness – 4.2 mm
Induction safe – Yes
Dishwasher safe – Yes
Weight – 2.2 kgs
Dimensions – 29 x 26.4 x 12.2 cm
Pros of Cello Steelox Induction Compatible Stainless Steel Kadhai:
One of the Best Stainless Steel Kadai under 1,000 Rupees in India
Comes with a glass lid
Made in India
Anti rust Stainless steel
100% flame proof
Induction compatible
Anti slip finish on the handles
1 year warranty
Cons of Cello Steelox Induction Compatible Stainless Steel Kadhai:
Knob on the lid is too short
7. Meyer Select Stainless Steel Covered Kadai Reviews
The last product in our today’s review of the Best Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023 is from the American brand Meyer, which is also one of the largest and most innovative cookware manufacturers and distributors in the world.
If you have been looking for the Best Nickel Free Stainless Steel Kadai in India, you must go for Meyer Stainless steel Kadai.
This premium kadai is made from high grade proprietary Nickel Free Stainless Steel from Nippon Corporation, based out of Japan.
The kadai is layered with Aluminium core inside and Stainless-steel protector outside. This is to ensure consistent and even heat distribution, thus completely removing the hot spots, and has no traces of chromium in it.
The benefit of this material is that this kadai has extra strength and durability as compared to other Steel kadai’s and don’t be surprised if this kadai from Meyer lasts for the lifetime.
The Stainless steel handles are provided with silicone inserts for soft grip and maximum comfort. Instead of having sharp edges on the side, this one from Meyer comes with curved and rolled edges for extra safety.
This Stainless steel kadai from Meyer comes with a huge diameter of 30 cms, capacity of 4.8 litres, thickness of 6 mm and a depth of 12 cm. This kadai is all you will need for a family gathering.
The lid fits beautifully and there is no heat escape while you are cooking. While the price of this Steel kadai is on the higher side, but you can be assured you will relish every penny spent.
With 10 years of massive warranty and nickel free Stainless steel, this kadai from Meyer is indeed the Best Nickel Free Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023.
Other Bestselling Kadai’s from Meyer – Meyer Trivantage Stainless Steel Triply Cookware Kadai, Meyer Centennial Stainless Steel Kadai
Product Specifications:
Diameter – 30 cm
Capacity – 4.8 litres
Thickness – 6 mm
Depth – 12 cm
Induction safe – Yes
Dishwasher safe – Yes
Weight – 2.68 kgs
Dimensions – 41.6 x 30 x 18.16 cm
Pros of Meyer Select Stainless Steel Covered Kadai:
Whopping 10 years warranty from Meyer
Nickel free Stainless steel
One of the Best Heavy Bottom Stainless Steel Kadai in India
Mirror finish exterior surface
Induction cooktop compatible
Handle with silicone inserts
6 mm thick base
Cons of Meyer Select Stainless Steel Covered Kadai:
None
Which is the Best Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023
When you are looking to buy the Best Stainless Steel Kadai in India, there are a few choices in front of you. For an example, the choice of kadai with the lid or without the lid, with the Tri Ply construction or without it.
Of course, budget is also a binding factor.
Keeping all these things in mind, here are my recommendations for Best Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023 —
If you have been looking for the Best Stainless Steel Kadai with Lid in India, you should go for Vinod Platinum Triply Stainless Steel Kadai with Lid.
If you have been looking for the Best Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadai in India, you can choose anyone amongst Meyer Select Stainless Steel Covered Kadai and Bergner Argent Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadhai.
Lastly, if you are looking for the Best Stainless Steel Kadai under 1,000 Rupees in India, you can pick Cello Steelox Induction Compatible Stainless Steel Kadhai.
Buying Guide
Stainless steel kadai’s have always been in fashion, and they will remain so. Steel kadai’s are extremely durable, which is something a consumer always want for his money spent. The other most important thing is food safety, which comes with a food grade Stainless steel material.
In this buying guide, we will explore why should you choose a Stainless steel kadai along with the cons of Stainless steel as a material and how to choose the Best Stainless steel kadai.
Best Kadai Material for Indian Cooking
In addition to Stainless steel, there are several other Kadai materials that you can check out such as Cast Iron, Aluminium, Copper, Non Stick, etc. Of course, all of these materials have their own pros and cons and after all, it depends on the individual’s preference as well.
Let’s take a look at all these materials and see which is the best kadai material for the Indian Cooking.
1. Stainless Steel Kadai
Stainless steel material is a great choice for Indian style of cooking as it does not react with the acidic foods and does not even need to be seasoned before use. Stainless steel is also one of the most durable materials as it is resistant to stains and dents.
A steel kadai may not be very attractive at the first look, but brands these days have come up with elegant looking steel kadai’s. This type of material is usually clubbed with Aluminium for better heat distribution. This is called “Tri Ply” Stainless steel, which results in better heat distribution and uniform heating.
Most of the steel kadai’s these days are dishwasher and induction compatible as well. If you end up buying a steel kadai, you can be assured it will last for years.
Pros of Stainless Steel Kadai:
Durable, will last for ages to come
Affordable, not very heavy on the pocket
Induction and dishwasher compatible
If combined with Aluminium, excellent heat distribution
Does not leach chemicals into the food
Cons of Stainless Steel Kadai:
Can be a bit heavy
High quality food grade Stainless steel kadai’s are usually expensive
Which is the Best Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023 – Vinod Platinum Triply Stainless Steel Kadai with Lid or Bergner Argent Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadhai
2. Nonstick Kadai
If you have been using a Stainless steel kadai, it might take some time for you to get used to a nonstick kadai. Steel kadai’s are durable, however you nonstick kadai’s do need some attention and care. As the name suggests, your food contents will not stick to a nonstick kadai.
One of the most important reason why people prefer nonstick kadai’s these days is the usage of oil in it. You can literally cook the food in a nonstick kadai with little or no oil at all. Even with minimal amount of oil, your food will not stick to the base of the pan.
However, nonstick kadai’s are a bit delicate, and you will need to take special care of them as they are prone to scratches. If the coating gets removed due to any reason, you should replace the kadai as soon as you can.
I did write a post on the 7 Best Non Stick Cookware Set in India in 2023 that you can check out.
Pros of Nonstick Kadai:
Cooking is fun in nonstick kadai
Saves time and energy
Aids in weight loss and dieting goals as you are using less oil
Cleaning is a breeze
Perfect for cooking sticky foods such as eggs, etc.
Cons of Nonstick Kadai:
Needs proper care and maintenance
Prone to scratches and dents
Which is the Best Nonstick Kadai in India in 2023 – Prestige Omega Select Plus Non-Stick Flat Base Kadai with Lid
3. Cast Iron Kadai
If you are looking for a kadai that will last more than yourself, Cast iron is the way to go. Cast Iron kadai’s are extremely durable, they usually last for years to come. This is a heavyweight kadai and is known for its excellent heat retention properties.
Another benefit with a Cast iron kadai is that when you cook food in it, small ions of iron are released into your food, which is beneficial for the health. Having said this, Cast iron material is not easy to care for and it will look after over the course of its life.
If you season your Cast iron kadai, it will virtually become nonstick over a period of time. I have also covered a post on Best Dosa Tawa in India, where Cast iron has been reviewed in detail.
Pros of Cast Iron Kadai:
One of the best heat retention kadai’s
Remains hot for longer periods
Naturally adds Iron to the food contents
Long lasting
Versatile for Indian style of cooking
Cons of Cast Iron Kadai:
Needs proper care and maintenance
Very heavy
Which is the Best Cast Iron Kadai in India in 2023 – The Indus Valley Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware – 2.5L Kadai
4. Hard Anodised Aluminium Kadai
Aluminium as a material is abundantly available, and hence it is cheaper as well. Aluminium kadai’s are affordable, lightweight and easy to use. However, maintenance of an Aluminium kadai is not easy as it is prone to scratches, dents, etc.
To resolve this problem, the aluminium material goes through an electrolytic process using higher voltage and lower temperature, which results in an even harder and more durable cookware coating. The resultant cookware is Hard Anodised Aluminium.
This type of material does not react with acidic foods, and is safe to use as well. However, a hard anodised aluminium kadai is expensive as compared to the other materials.
Pros of Hard Anodised Aluminium Kadai:
Compatible with all kind of utensils
Does not leach chemicals into the food
Durable and heat conductive
Ideal for healthy cooking
Stackable and scratch resistant
Cons of Hard Anodised Aluminium Kadai:
Not compatible with Induction cooktop
Expensive
Which is the Best Hard Anodised Aluminium Kadai in India in 2023 – Vinod Hard Anodised Deep Kadai with Glass Lid
5. Copper Kadai
When it comes to one of the best heat conductors, there is nothing better than Copper as it is known for its brilliant heat conduction properties. With a copper kadai, you will notice that it will spread the heat very quickly to all the areas, and it will also cool down quicker.
Similar to Aluminium, copper does not go very well with the acidic contents present in your food. For this reason, a lot of brands have started coating Copper kadai’s with Stainless steel so that it does not leach chemicals into your food.
A combination of copper with a steel lining will ensure the food gets cooked faster without any risks at all. I recently wrote a blog post on Top 10 Best Copper bottles in India in 2023 that you can check out.
Pros of Copper Kadai:
Excellent heat conductor
Food cooks evenly
Looks premium and traditional
Adjusts to the temperature quickly
Cons of Copper Kadai:
Highly reactive with acidic foods
Has to be mixed with steel for a safe usage
Which is the Best Copper Kadai in India in 2023 – HAZEL Alfa Premium Heavy Gauge Stainless Steel Kadai with Copper Bottom
Final Verdict
Like I mentioned before, there is no perfect kadai material for Indian cooking as requirements depend from person to person and that defines which is going to be the best material for your style of cooking. Having said this, every material has its own pros and cons. If I still have to pick the best material, it has to be Stainless Steel, Hard Anodised Aluminium and Nonstick kadai. But, you should know all of these materials requires maintenance.
Ideal Thickness of a Stainless Steel Kadai
Thickness of a Steel kadai is really important as it makes sure your food gets cooked properly and evenly from all the sides. If your Steel kadai is not very thick, there are chances the food will get burnt. This is why, it is important to have a perfect thickness as explained in this image. So, do keep in mind the thickness of the stainless steel kadai before buying one.
How to Choose the Best Stainless Steel Kadai
1. Types of Stainless Steel – Stainless steel material comes in various forms and knowing which one is in your steel kadai will help you to pick the best stainless steel kadai in India. The first thing, you should check if the steel used is food grade or not. The good thing is that all the 7 kadai’s we have reviewed in this post are made from food grade Stainless steel. 304 Stainless steel is the most common type of stainless steel used these days. Within 304 steel, there is 18/10 and 18/8 stainless steel as well. The main difference between these two types of steel is the percentage of nickel in it. You should also know there is negligible difference between 18/10 and 18/8 stainless steel and both are good for your kadai.
2. Capacity of the Kadai – Size of the kadai is something you should know before you decide to buy one. The capacity of a Stainless steel kadai in India starts from 1 litre and it can go up to 7 litres as well. So, if you are a bachelor and only need a small capacity kadai for let’s say 1-2 people, you can buy a 1.5 to 2 litre kadai. On the other hand, for a family of up to 4 people, a kadai of 2.5 to 3 litre will be sufficient. Lastly, if you have a big family, you can choose a kadai that has a capacity of 4 to 5 litres. The good thing is we have listed all the kadai’s which are apt for every family size.
3. Diameter, Depth and Thickness – You are going to buy a kadai to deep fry foods. Deep frying is dependent on 3 things such as the diameter, depth and thickness of the kadai. The better is the depth of the kadai, you will have more flexibility on how much you want to deep fry. Similarly, if the width of the kadai is more, the food contents as well as the oil will have more room to expand, again resulting in deep frying. As far as the thickness is concerned, your kadai should not be too thick or too thin, it should have an apt thickness according to the diameter and depth. This is required for a perfect balance of deep frying and uniform heat distribution.
4. Handle Type – You will have choices in terms of how the handle is designed on the stainless steel kadai. There are kadai’s which comes with only 1 handle on the either side, which are designed to keep your hands away from the heat source. As per me, you should go with two handles as it gives you more power to control the kadai. You can also check if the handles have some sort of anti skid design, which is really useful in the long run.
5. Price and Warranty – If you are going to buy a Stainless steel kadai in 2023, then make sure it is Tri Ply coated as it gives you more efficiency on how you deep fry the foods. A good Tri Ply stainless steel kadai will cost you less than 2,000 rupees in 2023 if it is from an Indian brand. On the other hand, International brands like Bergner and Meyer will cost you 3-5k, but they are surely worth the price paid. A kadai is not something you replace every 2 years. So, make sure you buy a stainless steel kadai that comes with a warranty. In our today’s post of the Best Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023, only Amazon and Camro does not offer warranty. On the other hand, the American brand Meyer offers a huge 10 years warranty on their stainless steel kadai.
6. Induction Compatibility – Since most of the kitchens have Induction cooktops these days, it makes more sense to buy a stainless steel kadai that can be used on an Induction cooktop, when required. The good thing is the majority of the kadai’s comes with Induction compatibility.
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Kadai
There are quite a few ways to clean a Stainless steel kadai. You can start by removing stains with the help of boiling water. Hot water will dissolve the stains easily and effectively and whatever is still left, you can remove it using some soft brush. Remember, always avoid abrasive detergents or cleaners. You can also use a silicone spatula to remove any excess food from the kadai.
Vinegar and Baking soda are the most proven and effective ways to remove any hard stains from the cookware. Due to the acidic composition of vinegar, it helps to remove the stuck food quite effectively. You can also make a paste using some baking soda and water and use that paste to remove any kind of stains. You can choose to leave the paste overnight for effective results.
It is recommended to immediately wash your stainless steel kadai. Leaving the kadai with stains or food remains will make your dishwashing job more difficult. The earlier you do it, the easier it will be. Also, if you have a cleaner, make sure it is compatible with Stainless steel material.
For scratches on the stainless steel kadai, you can use a scotch-brite pad or a sandpaper technique depending on how deep the scratch is.
6 Things You Should Not Do With Your Stainless Steel Kadai
No matter how strong stainless steel is or how much it can take stains, chips, etc, it is still not immortal. If not cared for, there are chances you might have to replace your steel kadai every couple of years. These are some of the tips you should follow –
1. Always and always stay away from the cooking sprays. These sprays are a composition of oil and other chemicals too, which is not really good for your kadai in the long run.
2. Most of us are used to heating the kadai before putting anything else into it. This is basically done to achieve a higher temperature before the food contents go into the kadai. If you want to do this, make sure you don’t heat the kadai empty for too long.
3. Never use your knife in the stainless steel kadai. There are times when we forget to cut the veggies in the chopping board and we do this on the kadai itself. This is not good as knives can leave cuts and bacteria can accumulate in those areas created by the knives.
4. Avoid using any kind of abrasive detergent on the stainless steel kadai. Try and do most of the cleaning with the hot water and use vinegar or baking soda, when required. Though most of the kadai’s are dishwasher compatible, but still handwashing is preferred because detergent used in the dishwasher can ruin the kadai in the longer run.
5. Keep the stainless steel kadai away from a microwave. Steel as a material is not compatible with the microwave due to a very high inside temperature which can damage the kadai.
6. Never put the hot kadai into the cold water immediately after using it. The sudden change in extreme temperature will cause the metal to warp and damage eventually. Instead, let the kadai cool down first and use warm soapy water for the best results.
What is a Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadai
In very simple words, Tri Ply coating is the term given to the 3 layers used in the construction of the bottom of the kadai. This technique usually has an Aluminium layer sandwiched between the two layers of Stainless steel. The Tri Ply coating makes the bottom even thicker and due to the Aluminium layer in between, the heat distribution gets much better.
For a more detailed answer, you can also check our post on What is Tri Ply Stainless Steel Cookware? (With Benefits)
The first layer used is the 304 Stainless steel which prevents any kind of rust and makes the kadai look new even after years of usage. The 2nd layer which is the Aluminium, is there for excellent heat distribution as Aluminium is one of the best heat conductors available. The 3rd layer Stainless steel is magnetic, which allows you to use the kadai on Induction cooktop.
There is no doubt about the fact that Tri Ply Stainless steel kadai’s are expensive than the others, but it has its own benefits as you are able to cook faster and your Tri Ply kadai will last for the years to come. Another benefit of having a Tri Ply stainless steel kadai is that you can cook the food with the less oil. You will only need some amount of oil to grease the surface of the kadai.
These days, brands have also started manufacturing steel kadai with the 5 ply or even the 7 ply technology. Of course, these kadai’s are very expensive and considering the Indian style of cooking, a Tri Ply Stainless steel kadai is what you really need.
So, if you are looking for the Best Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023, you can choose anyone amongst Meyer Select Stainless Steel Covered Kadai and Bergner Argent Tri Ply Stainless Steel Kadhai. Both of these brands are International and in case you are looking for a Made in India Tri Ply Stainless Steel kadai, you can pick anyone amongst Vinod Platinum Triply Stainless Steel Kadai with Lid and Hawkins Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Induction Compatible Deep-Fry Pan.
What is a Nickel Free Stainless Steel Kadai
Nickel free Stainless Steel kadai, as the name suggests, does not have any amount of nickel in it. To explain this in simple words, when you hear of 18/10 stainless steel, it means the kadai or the cookware is made from 18% of chromium and 10% of nickel. At the same time, 18/08 Stainless steel will mean the kadai is made from 18% of chromium and 8% of nickel.
This means for any kadai to be nickel free, it has to be 18/0 Stainless steel. But, why would you want to have a nickel free kadai, what are the benefits, etc? Well, there are some people who have allergies from nickel and hence, they prefer a nickel free stainless steel kadai.
In addition to this, you should also know that nickel is used in the majority of the stainless steel cookware. In fact, the presence of nickel makes the steel more stronger and resistant to corrosion. Nickel also helps to add a mirror like finish to the steel kadai, which makes it look new even after years of usage.
Nickel and chromium both present in the stainless steel kadai have the tendency to mix up with acidic foods, but this hugely depends on the cooking time, method and, also the presence of acidic foods. For the majority of us, the small amount of nickel is not harmful for human consumption, but it can be a problem to those who have an allergy with nickel.
So, if you are looking for a brand that sells Nickel free Stainless Steel kadai or other type of cookware, look no further than Meyer. Meyer is an American brand that specializes in nickel free cookware, it is certainly expensive than the rest of the kadai’s, but you will not repent your money spent on it. If you have been searching for the Best Nickel Free Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023, you can go for Meyer Select Stainless Steel Covered Kadai.
I hope this detailed guide on the Best Stainless Steel Kadai in India in 2023 was useful and informative. If you have any questions, feel free to write at askus@betterchoices.in.
