Recommendation Service
- TOP
- Kitchen supplies
- 10 Best Kadai for Cooking in India 2023 (Hawkins, Tefal, and more)
10 Best Kadai for Cooking in India 2023 (Hawkins, Tefal, and more)
Nothing can beat the combination of aloo-puri, chai-pakora, chutney-samosas, and many more when it comes to Indian fried food. To make these mouth-watering dishes, you need a good quality deep-fry pan or what we often call ‘Kadai.’
However, it can be a little tricky to get your desired product because of the variety of options available in the market. If you’re the one who researches before purchasing, you will like the buying guide with proper reasoning that we have prepared on the best Kadai for cooking, and we've included top brands with the best price or budget for you, Prestige, Hawkins, Zishta, and more.
mybest editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in India in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose Kadai for Cooking in India – Buying Guide
- ① Choose the Size Based on the Number of People you Usually Cook for
- ② Think about the Pros and Cons of Each Type of Material
- ③ Check the Depth, Thickness, and Width for Indian Cooking
- ④ Long Handle to Keep you from Burning or Two Small Handles for a Sturdier Grip
- ⑤ Non-Stick Cookware for Easy Cooking and Fast Cleaning
- We Have More Kitchen Supplies for You
- Summary
How to Choose Kadai for Cooking in India – Buying Guide
Deep-fry pans can vary based on their size, shape, and material used. There are also other specifications you may want to check, such as the handle length and whether the utensil is non-stick. It would help if you chose the Kadai which has most of the features you need and matches your cooking style too.
① Choose the Size Based on the Number of People you Usually Cook for
You should choose the size of the Kadai based on how much food you usually make. If you have a family of four, then 2.5 litres Kadai, with a diameter of around 26 cm would do. On the other hand, if you need a Kadai for one or two people, then 1 to 1.5 litres Kadai with a 16 to 22 cm diameter will be fine.
Pans weighing 2.5 litres and above are heavy and take time to heat-up, whereas, 1.5 litres or less are lightweight and gets heated quickly. A longer diameter ensures there’s enough space for heat distribution, and the depth makes sure the food is appropriately deep-fried.
② Think about the Pros and Cons of Each Type of Material
There are various kinds of metals and alloys used for making frying pans, and each of them has different characteristics. The following sections will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of these.
Aluminium Types for those Who Reuse Oil
Since deep-frying requires the use of a lot of oil, an aluminium Kadai would be one of the pros as it is corrosion-resistant. It does not react with oil, so it is perfect for those who want to reuse oil. Aluminium types are also usually less expensive, so they’re great for those looking for an affordable option.
However, some cons of using aluminium-based kadai are - since aluminium is much softer compared to other materials, you would have to be careful while cleaning it. Furthermore, it can suffer from scratches and dents easily, it only works on gas stoves, and you cannot wash it in a dishwasher either.
Cast Iron Types Are Durable
Cast iron has excellent heat conduction and retention properties, second only to those of copper. Kadais made with cast iron are useful because they become non-stick when coated with oil. Although these are moderately priced too, they are relatively easy to clean and durable, so they will last you a long time if used correctly.
While deep-frying, you need a pan which can retain the heat. Cast iron pans not only heats-up quickly, but they also distribute the heat properly, giving you an evenly cooked food which can be one of the pros you shouldn’t miss out on. Moreover, if you are a fan of grilled chicken and fish or even paneer tikka, you can bake or grill them in a cast iron pan.
There are some cons to these types of pans; one of them is their heavyweight. Cast iron pans are not only some of the heaviest on this list; they are also not the best choice for those who want to reuse oil. They will rust if you don’t wash them after one use, degrading the quality of the pan.
Stainless Steel Types for Induction Cook-Tops and Dishwashers
Stainless steel Kadai is another great option, especially for those who use induction cooktops, as it is induction safe. The pros of the aluminium type are that it is also corrosion-resistant, so you can reuse the oil, they are dishwasher safe, and easier to clean.
Although, it is essential to note that steel is not the best conductor of heat and doesn’t distribute the heat equally. Due to this unequal distribution of heat, certain areas of the pan become much hotter and can sometimes burn food if you’re not paying close attention while cooking.
③ Check the Depth, Thickness, and Width for Indian Cooking
Deep-frying as the name says should be deep, so if your Kadai lacks that, you won’t be able to deep-fry the food from both inner and outer areas properly. Ever seen the depth of Kadai a halwai has?
Yes, Indian deep-fried foods need that much depth and width to cook, especially in the case of dishes like samosas, vadas, or even jalebis! Though it might vary depending on the quantity.
A deep-frying pan with enough thickness and depth will also retain more heat, so your food will be less susceptible to burning. For your reference, the average depth of an Indian Kadai is 5 to 6 cm. However, one downside can be that it might take a few more minutes to heat up, thus slowing down your pace of cooking.
④ Long Handle to Keep you from Burning or Two Small Handles for a Sturdier Grip
There are two types of handles a Kadai can have, one long handle or two shorter ones. The long handle keeps your hands safely away from the hot vessel when you’re holding it, while two smaller ones are better for a sturdier grip because they distribute the weight evenly.
Both of these have their demerits; the longer one can put the load on one hand, making it heavier and slippery. In comparison, the shorter ones put your hands at risk of burning.
⑤ Non-Stick Cookware for Easy Cooking and Fast Cleaning
Do not get confused with non-stick coating and the type of materials. Non-stick cookware means a layer of Teflon that is coated with materials such as aluminium, cast iron, ceramic, and more so that food does not stick on the surface.
Non-stick Kadais are also easier to clean as you do not need to put too much effort to remove any food that may be stuck, and they use less oil for cooking.
This point might not directly relate to deep-frying, but it is useful when buying a Kadai, as we rarely use a pan for one sole purpose.
10 Best Kadai for Cooking in India
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hawkins Q56 Futura Non-Stick Kadhai | | A Kadai for Joint Families | |
2 | Flipkart SmartBuy Induction Bottom Kadhai | | A Perfect Choice for Experienced Cooks | |
3 | Butterfly Rapid Kadhai 24 cm with Lid | | Sturdy Non-Stick Kadai for a Family of 3 to 4 People | |
4 | Hawkins Non-Stick Deep-Fry Kadhai | | A Kadai that Will Give You Even Heating | |
5 | Tefal Simply Chef Non-Stick Kadhai with Lid | | High-Quality Kadai With 2-Year Warranty | |
6 | Zishta Traditional Large Cast Iron Kadhai | | Those Who Are Looking for a Traditional Cast Iron Kadai | |
7 | Vinod Cookware Zest Induction Bottom Kadhai with Lid | | Medium-Size Kadai for 3-4 People | |
8 | Prestige Omega Select Plus Kadai with Lid | | A Non-Stick Kadai for Your Puris and Mathis | |
9 | Camro Induction Bottom Kadhai | | A Large Kadai Which Will Work on Both Induction and Gas | |
10 | Kitchen Essentials Hard Anodised Small Kadai | | A Mini and Lightweight Kadai That Can Serve 1 or 2 People |
Hawkins Q56 Futura Non-Stick Kadhai
A Kadai for Joint Families
This product is recommended to those who’re looking for a durable Kadai with a round bottom. It is non-stick with a hard anodised material, it heats up quickly, distributes heat evenly, and is easy to clean. It also has two handles, which are made of rosewood, so they not only allow you to have a sturdy grip but also make it more comfortable to hold.
It uses less oil, yes because of the round shape bottom you do not need to use as much oil when you are deep frying items. If you have a joint family of more than six people, then this 4 litres Kadai will save your time as well as gas. Users have called it ‘super easy to clean Kadai,’ however, it is heavy to hold.
FlipkartSmartBuy Induction Bottom Kadhai
A Perfect Choice for Experienced Cooks
One of the best products on the list, this Kadai is non-stick and works both on induction as well as gas stoves. It is made with high-quality aluminium, so it feels quite sturdy. The size of this Kadai is big enough for a family of three to five members, so unless you’re cooking for more people, this should easily suffice.
Its handles are also insulated so you won’t burn your hands while cooking, and since it is made of aluminium, it also heats up relatively quickly. It is the perfect choice for those who have a lot of experience cooking and want to invest in an all-rounder Kadai. Many customers have lauded its non-stick base.
ButterflyRapid Kadhai 24 cm with Lid
Sturdy Non-Stick Kadai for a Family of 3 to 4 People
This non-stick Kadai is perfect for a family of 3 to 4 people as it comes with a capacity of 2.6 litres. It is made of aluminium, so it heats up really fast. It doesn’t allow food to stick, which makes it easy to clean as well. It also has insulated handles to make sure you have a firm grip while cooking, and you do not burn yourself.
It is an induction-friendly Kadai, so it would be suitable for those who have induction cooktops and are looking for a Kadai that is not too big. According to the reviewers, this Kadai heats up quickly with induction as well; however, the handles loosen up quite frequently, so you have to tighten them manually.
Hawkins Non-Stick Deep-Fry Kadhai
A Kadai that Will Give You Even Heating
This Kardai is for those who have less time to cook as 26 cm wide pan can comfortably fry around three normal-size break pakoras in one go with its even heating feature. It is very durable as well, and if maintained properly, will last for a long time. Due to its round bottom, you will not have to use a lot of oil.
This product is compatible only with gas; if you do not have a gas stove, then we do not recommend this one. You would also need to pay close attention while cleaning it to avoid any scratches on the non-stick coating or else it would destroy the pan.
TefalSimply Chef Non-Stick Kadhai with Lid
High-Quality Kadai With 2-Year Warranty
This Kadai is 24cm in diameter, so it is big enough to serve more than 3-4 people, and since it is a non-stick product, it is also really easy to clean. It has two insulated handles, providing a firm grip and keeping your hands from getting burnt. The unique thing about this product is that it comes with a 2-year warranty.
You cannot use metal or spoon ladles on this Kadai because the Teflon coating will get damaged, so it is better to have wooden or silicone ladles.Lastly, the Kadai is not that deep, so you will have to make smaller pieces of samosas, kachoris, or whatever you want to cook so that there are no unfried areas left.
Zishta Traditional Large Cast Iron Kadhai
Those Who Are Looking for a Traditional Cast Iron Kadai
If you’re a fan of the traditional type of Kadais, then this one would be perfect for you! This 1.75 litres cast iron Kadai is big enough for a family of three to four members. It is also durable, and it distributes heat evenly, so there’s almost no chance of burning your food. Additionally, once it’s adequately oiled, it is nearly as good as a non-stick pan.
It heats up quickly, retains heat for longer, and you can use metal spoons with it too. However, due to the material, it weighs almost 3 kgs, making it harder to wash. The handles are not insulated and have a thin shape, so you have to be extra cautious while holding them with a cloth.
Vinod Cookware ZestInduction Bottom Kadhai with Lid
Medium-Size Kadai for 3-4 People
This one is for those who need a medium-size but lightweight Kadai to serve at least 3 to 4 people. If your guests visit frequently, you would want to impress them by cooking early, so this Kadai will work at your advantage. It heats up quickly, so you can cook much faster, and it has two insulated handles to make sure you have a firm grip while cooking.
It is also quite deep, so you can deep-fry foods like samosas, and can easily prepare larger quantities of smaller items such as nuggets or fries. Although, if you are buying this Kadai for its non-stick coating, then it might not be the best one. According to the reviewers, the non-stick coating starts coming off after about four to six months.
PrestigeOmega Select Plus Kadai with Lid
A Non-Stick Kadai for Your Puris and Mathis
For those who only fry smaller foods like puris or mathis, and do not need to cook large quantities, this would be the right choice! It has a round base, so you can deep fry without having to use too much oil, while its non-stick coating makes it easy to clean. It works well for those who usually cook for 2-3 people, and do not need a huge one.
If you’re looking for an induction-friendly Kadai, this is not the one for you because it cannot be used on induction cooktops. Also, it is not too deep enough for cooking bigger deep-fried foods like cutlets or chops. However, if you want to cook something else besides frying like poha, regular sabzi, pura, or any other thing, this Kadai with a rounded base is apt.
Camro Induction Bottom Kadhai
A Large Kadai Which Will Work on Both Induction and Gas
All those looking for a large stainless steel Kadai which will work on both a gas stove and an induction cooktop should definitely consider this product! It is quite big so it can easily serve up to 6 people. You don’t need to worry about the handles either as they are insulated so they won’t burn your hands.
On the downside though, since this is made of stainless steel, it does not distribute heat evenly, and there is a high chance of your food getting burnt if you’re not careful.
Furthermore, due to its size, it can be pretty heavy and may seem difficult to handle for those who usually do not use heavier utensils. You would also need to use more oil as it has a flat bottom.
Kitchen EssentialsHard Anodised Small Kadai
A Mini and Lightweight Kadai That Can Serve 1 or 2 People
This is the only Kadai on the list which will perfectly serve 1 to 2 people with its compact size. Although it is a lightweight product, it is quite sturdy and has insulated or dual handles to make sure your hands are not burnt while cooking. This product is made of hard anodised aluminium, so it heats up quickly.
If you are looking for a Kadai which can serve more than two people though, this isn’t the one for you as it is too small for that. Due to its size, it is also not the best Kadai to prepare bigger deep-fried foods like kachori as they need more space to cook, but you can fry french-fries or aloo tikki easily.
We Have More Kitchen Supplies for You
If you are looking for more kitchen supplies, you are covered here. We have all the products that will make your kitchen tools elegant. Here, have a look!
Summary
A kadai may seem like a product you do not need to think much about before buying, but if you want to make sure you buy the perfect product, then you must look at all of the specifications like material - stainless steel for those who prefer induction-based cooking and iron for those who want to get even heat while cooking.
Top 5 Kadai for Cooking
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Popular articles
- 10 Best Sandwich Makers in India 2021 (Borosil, Hamilton Beach, and more)Kitchen suppliesMornings can be busy for many of us to spend time in the kitchen preparing a full-fledged breakfast. Having a sandwich maker at hand can help you prepare those crunchy restaurant-style sandwiches right at home. Major home appliance companies like Prestige, Borosil, and more have released their models in the market for you to choose from.Be it a tasty breakfast, an evening brunch, or a quick snack when you are hungry, a sandwich maker is a small appliance that every household should have. Read our buying guide below to learn about the factors that you need to consider before buying a sandwich maker. In the end, we will recommend the top products in the market and their specifications to make your decision-making process easier.
- 10 Best Hand Blenders in India 2021(Inalsa, Philips, and more)Kitchen suppliesA hand blender is the smaller version of the bigger and more powerful blenders. Its smaller size and ease of use make it one of the most popular small appliances for easier food processing. Because of its rise in popularity, many top brands in the market like Inalsa, Philips, and Morphy Richards have released their models with various features in the market.When you shop for home appliances, you look for the build material, features, and extra accessories, right? Well, you have to do that for hand blenders too. And we have prepared a buying guide to help you with just that. Scroll down to find out the various features to look for in a hand blender, including our recommendations to the ten best hand blenders in the market.
- 10 Best Dinner Sets in India 2021 (MIAH Decor, Corelle, and more)Kitchen supplies2020 has taught us a lot, and one of the things that top the list is the value of spending quiet nights around the dinner table with family. The memorable conversations, delicious food, and the time spent together make everything feel alright. And, what better way to elevate any meal or gathering than incorporating an eye-catching dinner set.An ideal dinnerware set has the power to make every home-cooked meal (or takeout) feel more polished; after all, a good presentation makes all the difference. A dinnerware set in bone china, white porcelain, or a mix-and-match plate setting is an extension of your style and helps create the ambiance for any occasion.
- 10 Best Rice Cookers in India 2021 (Panasonic, Preethi, and more)Kitchen suppliesRice is a staple food in India and is consumed in every Indian household daily. The only difference is, it is consumed more in some sections of society than others. If you are making rice in a traditional cooking method in a vessel, you have to stand around in the kitchen and check on rice now and then to ensure it's not over or undercooked.Even if you use a pressure cooker thinking of getting fluffy rice, it seldom happens. You have to pour the right amount of water to get that perfectly cooked rice. So much work, isn't it? This tedious work of cooking rice can be eased out by using an electric rice cooker. So, here we bring you the list of the best rice cookers in India from the companies like Panasonic, Bajaj, and more.
- 10 Best Coffee Makers in India 2021(Morphy Richards, InstaCuppa, Bialetti, and More)Kitchen suppliesNothing quite beats a fresh cup of hot, fragrant, and delicious coffee. These days, it is possible to make yourself a great cup of coffee in the comfort of your own home. There are different ways to make coffee, including French Press, Drip-filter, and AeroPress. Several sophisticated and well-designed coffee makers are available, which can help you make your favourite coffee easily.In this article, we will explain the different methods by which coffee is brewed, the kinds of coffee makers you can buy, and all the considerations you need to consider when looking to buy a good coffee maker. We will also give you our top 10 recommendations of the best coffee makers you can buy in India.
- 10 Best Coffee Mugs in India 2021 (Chumbak, Clay Craft, and more)Kitchen suppliesMost of us start our day with a cup of delicious, aromatic coffee. Some of us like it black, some white, some with milk, some with cream, some like it hot, while some prefer it cold, and the list goes on. But whatever style of coffee you like, having the right set of the mug makes the whole difference. It can have a huge impact on how you enjoy your coffee.Mugs are an essential part of every kitchen, but most of them are chosen rather unexpectedly as gifts, random purchases at coffee shops, or office conferences. Other than being a safe option for drinking generic hot liquids, the best coffee mugs should have a certain size, quality material, and a lot more features. Read on, as we explain all of them in detail in our buying guide.
- 10 Best Dosa Tawa in India 2021 (Futura, Pigeon, and more)Kitchen suppliesBreakfast, lunch, or dinner, there’s never a bad time to have dosa, but to have the perfect dosa, you need the perfect dosa tawa or dosa kallu, and getting your hands on that can often be quite hard. There are way too many options on the market, and it’s hard to tell what makes one different from the other. Just for starters, there are the different material types for the Tawas; then there are different sizes. To help you ease with selection, we have assembled a buying guide with relevant and precise information in a well-laid-out manner to help you remember easily and choose. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss how you can choose the best dosa tawa that suits your specific needs perfectly. To make the task of choosing even easier, we’ll also introduce you to the top 10 best dosa tawas that you can buy.
- 10 Best Vegetable Choppers in India 2021(Pigeon, Orpat and More)Kitchen suppliesWhen you are cooking, it takes a long time to cut vegetables. If you have a big family, then this can take even longer. It's only natural to find the task of cutting vegetables monotonous. Vegetable choppers are now available to make this process easy and pain free. These handy devices can help make dicing, mincing, cutting and handling your vegetables really simple. With a vegetable chopper in your kitchen, you can cut food preparation time from hours to minutes.In this article, we explore the considerations you need to be aware of when buying a vegetable chopper. We will also include a list of the top 10 vegetable choppers you can buy online in India. With this information at hand, you should be able to select the right vegetable chopper to suit your kitchen’s needs!
- 10 Best Mixer Grinders in India 2021 (Bajaj, Preethi, and more)Kitchen suppliesA mixer grinder is an indispensable part of every kitchen in India. Right from our childhood, we have seen our parents making delicious meals using it. With a mixer, in a blink of an eye, you can make the batter for dosa, idli, grind dry or wet masalas, make varieties of chutney, and much more.Gone are the days, when grinders were only used to make pastes and chutneys. Nowadays, you can find grinders catering to different needs like making juices, purees, sauces, chopping vegetables, slicing, kneading, etc. In this article, we have brought to you the best mixer grinder brands like Bajaj, Preethi, etc., available with different features to meet your requirements.
- 10 Best Electric Kettles in India 2021 (Philips, Havells, and More)Kitchen suppliesAsk a busy person, and they would say that electric kettles are one of humankind's greatest inventions. And we couldn't agree more as they have made cooking a lot easier than conventional ways. Want to boil water or make some tea, and the electric kettle will complete the job in a few minutes.To get the best service, you also need to choose the best product. But with so many options for electric kettles in the market, it can get tricky to select the best electric kettle in India. So as your knight in shining armor, we present to you a list of the 10 best electric kettles in India 2021 from brands like Kent, Philips, etc.
Search by category
PC and Cameras
Home Appliances and Electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Household goods
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Smartphones and mobile phones
Investment and asset management
Music
Smartphone applications