Comparison: Best Kadai For Indian Cooking (Updated | Oct 22nd)
When it comes to preparing authentic Indian dishes, a high-quality kadai (wok) is essential for achieving the right balance of heat, flavor, and texture. Whether you’re sautéing spices, stir-frying vegetables, or simmering curries, the ideal kadai offers durability, even heating, and versatility. This comparison explores top kadai options made from materials like cast iron, stainless steel, and carbon steel, helping you choose a pan that aligns with your cooking style and needs without compromising on performance or tradition.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
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Best for best overall:
Vinod Platinum Triply Stainless Steel Kadai | Suitable For Indian Cooking -
Best for best value:
Tramontina Utsava 4.9-Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Kadai with Lid -
Best for hygienic surface:
Hawkins 2.5 Litre Deep Fry Pan -
Best for nonstick surface:
Hawkins Futura Nonstick Kadhai 2.5 L -
Best for durable design:
Triply Stainless Steel Kadai with Steel Lid | Everyday Pan -
Best for premium build:
Made In Cookware – 10" Stainless Steel Kadai Pan – 5 Ply Stainless Clad – Professional Cookware – Induction Compatible -
Best for budget pick:
Vinod Platinum Kadai Triply Stainless Steel | Suitable For Indian Cooking -
Best for heat retention:
Tramontina Utsava 3.9-Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Kadai with Lid -
Best for even heating:
Tramontina Utsava 2.75-Quart Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Kadai with Lid -
Best for large capacity:
Vinod Platinum Triply Stainless Steel Kadai | Suitable For Indian Cooking
Product Comparison: Best Kadai For Indian Cooking
Best overall
Vinod Platinum Triply Stainless Steel Kadai | Suitable For Indian Cooking, Sauces, Stews, Soups | Extra Deep, Induction, Electric Friendly (22cm)
Vinod
- 🎖️THREE LAYERS OF TRI-PLY QUALITY: Vinod Platinum Extra Deep Kadai is assembled with Tri-ply stainless steel of the highest quality, The first layer provides a Food Grade 18/8 Stainless Steel used in the Inner surface for healthy cooking, the second layer encapsulates the layer of aluminum throughout the cookware for even heat distribution, less cooking, and minimum burning. And the Third Layer is made from SS 430 magnetic stainless steel making the Vinod Platinum cookware induction friendly.
- 🍲A LID TO COVER: The Extra Deep Kadhai comes with a Stainless Steel Lid to be used as a cover to prevent spilling food while also designed to have a steam release vent that helps you steam and simmer food with ease and heat resistant handle attached to help you handle your lid without any worry of burns. The Platinum Steel Kadai will help you make some fantastic cuisine with love, warmth, and comfort 💛
- 💪DURABLE DESIGN: The Tri-Ply stainless steel body of the Induction wok not only helps maintain its shape, but it's also incredibly durable. The cookware comes with a diameter capacity of 22 cm diameter that allows you to cook in bulk while saving time and effort. Its deep design ensures that even the most delicate dishes will be cooked perfectly every time and can double up during prep work as you'll have so much space inside too!
- 🌟HANDLES WITH CARE: Comes with Heat-Resistant Stainless Steel handles at the sides that help your Steel Cookware helping you stay cool while cooking excellent dishes and handling your food with extra care. It is also provided with an induction-friendly base which goes well with multiple heat sources including Electric, Ceramic, Gas, Induction, and Halogen.
- 🤝COMES WITH A PROMISE: We at Vinod Cookware take customer satisfaction extremely seriously. We strive in providing the highest quality products to our customers. In the unlikely event of any issues, please feel free to contact us, we will do all we can to assist you!
Best value
Tramontina Utsava 4.9-Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Kadai with Lid, Large Kadhai Pot for Indian Cooking
Tramontina
- 4.9-Quart Kadai – Large Capacity for Entertaining: With ample space for cooking larger meals, this cast iron kadhai is perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions.
- Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Construction: Built for durability, this cast iron kadai provides superior heat retention and even cooking for excellent results every time.
- Pre-Seasoned Smooth Interior: Stone-grind polished and pre-seasoned with natural oil, this cooking surface offers easy food release and improves with use, enhancing performance over time.
- Tempered Glass Lid & Heat-Resistant Silicone Sleeves: The shatter-resistant lid features a black natural silicone rim for a tight seal, while silicone sleeves provide a secure, comfortable grip and heat resistance up to 450°F.
- Versatile & Oven-Safe: Works with induction, gas, electric, and ceramic stovetops. Oven-safe up to 450°F without the lid and 350°F with the lid, offering flexibility for various recipes.
Hygienic surface
Hawkins 2.5 Litre Deep Fry Pan, Triply Stainless Steel Kadai with Glass Lid, Flat Bottom Induction Kadhai, Silver (SSD25G)
HAWKINS
- Material: Superior, rust-proof, food-grade Tri-Ply Stainless Steel. It comes with a glass lid
- Hawkins Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware retains the advantages of cooking on stainless steel surfaces while eliminating the disadvantages of sticking and burning that come with normal stainless steel
- Hawkins Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware is made of three layers
- The Cooking Surface is made of AISI 304, 18/8 food grade stainless steel that is extremely hygienic, durable and non-reactive to most foods. It does not pit or corrode
- The Core is made of heavy gauge aluminium which spreads heat evenly and prevents hot spots
Nonstick surface
Hawkins Futura Nonstick Kadhai 2.5 L, 26 cm, 3.25 mm with SS lid (Black)
HAWKINS
- PFOA Free Non-stick coating locked into tough Hard Anodised Aluminium – lasts longer
- The Pan is ideal for sautaing and stir-frying foods using minimal quantities of oil. It can also be used for deep-frying and for cooking gravies, curries and sauces
- It is offered with elegant, comfortable plastic handles which are permanently riveted to the Pan. The handles are carefully designed to provide greater comfort and safety, particularly when handling heavy loads or hot oil
- The Pan has a round bottom for greater convenience during stir-frying. It comes with a stainless steel lid
- Suitable for use on domestic gas and kerosene stoves"
Durable design
Triply Stainless Steel Kadai with Steel Lid | Everyday Pan, Stir Fry Pan with Triply Base, Saute Chef’s Pan with Glass Lid, Multipurpose Stewpot Skillet, Diameter: 24 cm, Capacity: 2.5 L (2.64 Quart)
ARTISENIA
- ✓ THREE LAYERS OF TRI-PLY QUALITY ARTISENIA Extra Deep Kadai assembled with Tri-ply stainless steel of the highest quality, The first layer provides a Food Grade 18/8 Stainless Steel used in the Inner surface for healthy cooking, the second layer encapsulates the layer of aluminum throughout the cookware for even heat distribution, less cooking, and minimum burning. And the Third Layer is made from SS 430 magnetic stainless steel making the ARTISENIA cookware induction friendly.
- ✓ A LID TO COVER: Comes with a Stainless Steel Lid to be used as a cover to prevent spilling food and a steam release vent that helps you steam and simmer food with ease and heat resistant handle attached to help you handle your lid without any worry of burns.
- ✓ BUILT STURDY: With its Tri-ply stainless steel body, the Extra Deep Kadhai provides a durable and sturdy design that helps maintain its shape and makes it last longer. The cookware has a capacity of 1.8 Liters(1.9 Quarts) with a diameter of 22 cm(8.5 inches) helping you cook more and worry less.
- ✓ VERSATILE: Provided with an induction-friendly base this Stainless Steel Kadhai goes well with multiple heat sources including Electric, Ceramic, Gas, Induction, Halogen
- ✓ HANDLES WITH CARE: Comes with Heat-Resistant Stainless Steel handles at the sides that help your Steel Cookware helping you stay cool while cooking excellent dishes and helping you handle your food with extra care.
- ✓ COMES WITH A PROMISE: ARTISENIA take customer satisfaction extremely seriously. We strive in providing the highest quality products to our customers. In the unlikely event of any issues, please feel free to contact us, we will do all we can to assist you!
Premium build
Made In Cookware – 10" Stainless Steel Kadai Pan – 5 Ply Stainless Clad – Professional Cookware – Induction Compatible
Made In
- Total Diameter: 10.45” | Cooking Surface Diameter: 6” | Height (height to handle): 3 1/4" | Depth: 3 1/16" | Length (handle to handle): 14.56”
- Versatile Cooking Experience – The Made In Stainless Clad Kadai features a wide bowl and sloping sides cladded from 5 layers of metal, ensuring even and quick heating for sautéing, stir-frying, or deep-frying
- Superior Quality – Made from 5 layers of premium metal for professional-quality superior heat conduction and distribution
- Ergonomic Handles – Equipped with ergonomic handles to ensure a comfortable grip during cooking and serving, enhancing your culinary experience
- Induction Cooktop Compatible – With a top layer of 430 stainless steel, this Stainless Clad Kadai work effortlessly with any cooktop, including induction
- Classic Kadai made in Thailand – Part of a curated collection with food expert Khushbu Shah
Budget pick
Vinod Platinum Kadai Triply Stainless Steel | Suitable For Indian Cooking, Sauces, Stews, Soups | Deep/Extra Deep Kadai With Lid | Induction, Electric Friendly (Extra Deep Kadai, 18cm)
Vinod
- 🎖️THREE LAYERS OF TRI-PLY QUALITY: Vinod Platinum Extra Deep Kadai is assembled with Tri-ply stainless steel of the highest quality, The first layer provides a Food Grade 18/8 Stainless Steel used in the Inner surface for healthy cooking, the second layer encapsulates the layer of aluminum throughout the cookware for even heat distribution, less cooking, and minimum burning. And the Third Layer is made from SS 430 magnetic stainless steel making the Vinod Platinum cookware induction friendly.
- 🍲A LID TO COVER: The Extra Deep Kadhai comes with a Stainless Steel Lid to be used as a cover to prevent spilling food while also designed to have a steam release vent that helps you steam and simmer food with ease and heat resistant handle attached to help you handle your lid without any worry of burns. The Platinum Steel Kadai will help you make some fantastic cuisine with love, warmth, and comfort 💛
- 💪BUILT STURDY: With its Tri-ply stainless steel body, the Extra Deep Kadhai provides a durable and sturdy design that helps maintain its shape and makes it last longer. The cookware has a capacity of 1.1 Liters(1.2 Quarts) with a diameter of 18 cm(7 inches) helping you cook a lot more and worry less. The Extra Deep capacity ensures magnificent delicacies can be made and ensures the Kadai lasts for a long time.
- 🌟HANDLES WITH CARE: Comes with Heat-Resistant Stainless Steel handles at the sides that help your Steel Cookware helping you stay cool while cooking excellent dishes and handling your food with extra care. It is also provided with an induction-friendly base which goes well with multiple heat sources including Electric, Ceramic, Gas, Induction, and Halogen.
- 🤝COMES WITH A PROMISE: We at Vinod Cookware take customer satisfaction extremely seriously. We strive in providing the highest quality products to our customers. In the unlikely event of any issues, please feel free to contact us, we will do all we can to assist you!
Heat retention
Tramontina Utsava 3.9-Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Kadai with Lid, Kadhai Pot for Indian Cooking
Tramontina
- 3.9-Quart Kadai – Ideal for Family Cooking: Designed for medium-sized portions, this cast iron kadhai is great for preparing curries, stir-fries, and deep-fried dishes with ease.
- Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Construction: Built for durability, this cast iron kadai provides superior heat retention and even cooking for excellent results every time.
- Pre-Seasoned Smooth Interior: Stone-grind polished and pre-seasoned with natural oil, this cooking surface offers easy food release and improves with use, enhancing performance over time.
- Tempered Glass Lid & Heat-Resistant Silicone Sleeves: The shatter-resistant lid features a black natural silicone rim for a tight seal, while silicone sleeves provide a secure, comfortable grip and heat resistance up to 450°F.
- Versatile & Oven-Safe: Works with induction, gas, electric, and ceramic stovetops. Oven-safe up to 450°F without the lid and 350°F with the lid, offering flexibility for various recipes.
Even heating
Tramontina Utsava 2.75-Quart Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Kadai with Lid, Kadhai Pot for Indian Cooking
Tramontina
- Consistent Cooking: Tri-ply clad design heats quickly and evenly, perfect for dishes that bring everyone together.
- Family-Sized: The 2.75 Qt capacity serves 3-4 people, ideal for shared meals and making memories.
- All Cooktop Compatible: Works on all cooktops, including induction, giving you the flexibility to cook anywhere.
- Oven Safe: Safe up to 500°F for oven use, letting you easily elevate your recipes.
- Built-In Measurements: Inside quart and liter markings make cooking and measuring a breeze.
- NSF Certified: Meets professional standards for safety and performance.
- Lifetime Warranty: Designed to be a reliable and lasting part of your kitchen
Large capacity
Vinod Platinum Triply Stainless Steel Kadai | Suitable For Indian Cooking, Sauces, Stews, Soups | Extra Deep, Induction, Electric Friendly (30cm)
Vinod
- 🎖️THREE LAYERS OF TRI-PLY QUALITY: Vinod Platinum Extra Deep Kadai is assembled with Tri-ply stainless steel of the highest quality, The first layer provides a Food Grade 18/8 Stainless Steel used in the Inner surface for healthy cooking, the second layer encapsulates the layer of aluminum throughout the cookware for even heat distribution, less cooking, and minimum burning. And the Third Layer is made from SS 430 magnetic stainless steel making the Vinod Platinum cookware induction friendly.
- 🍲A LID TO COVER: The Extra Deep Kadhai comes with a Stainless Steel Lid to be used as a cover to prevent spilling food while also designed to have a steam release vent that helps you steam and simmer food with ease and heat resistant handle attached to help you handle your lid without any worry of burns. The Platinum Steel Kadai will help you make some fantastic cuisine with love, warmth, and comfort 💛
- 💪BUILT STURDY: With its Tri-ply stainless steel body, the Extra Deep Kadhai provides a durable and sturdy design that helps maintain its shape and makes it last longer. The cookware comes with a diameter capacity of 30 cm helping you cook a lot more and worry less. The Extra Deep capacity ensures magnificent delicacies can be made and ensures the Kadai lasts for a long time.
- 🌟HANDLES WITH CARE: Comes with Heat-Resistant Stainless Steel handles at the sides that help your Steel Cookware helping you stay cool while cooking excellent dishes and handling your food with extra care. It is also provided with an induction-friendly base which goes well with multiple heat sources including Electric, Ceramic, Gas, Induction, and Halogen.
- 🤝COMES WITH A PROMISE: We at Vinod Cookware take customer satisfaction extremely seriously. We strive in providing the highest quality products to our customers. In the unlikely event of any issues, please feel free to contact us, we will do all we can to assist you!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which kadai is best for even heat distribution?
Tramontina Utsava 4.9-Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Kadai with Lid offers excellent heat retention and distribution.
What is the most durable kadai for Indian cooking?
Made In Cookware 10"Stainless Steel Kadai Pan with 5 Ply construction is highly durable for long-term use.
Which kadai is ideal for small families?
Hawkins 2.5 Litre Deep Fry Pan or Hawkins Futura Nonstick Kadhai 2.5 L are compact options suitable for small households.
Do any kadais have nonstick surfaces?
Hawkins Futura Nonstick Kadhai 2.5 L features a nonstick coating for easy cooking and cleaning.
Which kadai has a glass lid for visibility?
Hawkins 2.5 Litre Deep Fry Pan includes a glass lid for monitoring food while cooking.
Are there triply stainless steel options?
Vinod Platinum Triply Stainless Steel Kadai and Triply Stainless Steel Kadai with Steel Lid are triply-constructed options.
What is the largest kadai available?
Made In Cookware 10"Stainless Steel Kadai Pan has the largest capacity for big batches.
