There are a few utensils that have ruled the Indian kitchens since time immemorial and continue to do so even today. Chances are that if you have ever visited an Indian kitchen, you must have encountered one of these utensils for cooking. Whether bronze kadai for frying, brass saucepans for simmering, or copper water dispensers for simply drinking, these are some of the utensils that are inseparable as well as irreplaceable from Indian kitchens.
So, if you are planning to equip or re-equip your culinary space, this list details the best utensils for cooking that you can choose to build a flawless Indian kitchen arsenal.
Which Metal is Good For Cooking?
While building your dream kitchen, you will come across many types of utensils and metals that offer distinct bags of pros and cons. Each metal has a unique characteristic that makes the utensils different from each other. Here are the most popular options that will help you in your search for the finest metal or material for your kitchen set.
1. Brass Utensils
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that has been used as a popular utensil for cooking in Indian kitchens. The utensils made in brass evoke a traditional appearance perfect to bring an unmatched charm to any place.
Pros:
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Brass utensils are known for their excellent heat conductivity and polished looks.
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This metal is also durable and resistant to corrosion when lined with a tin coating (Kalai).
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It is naturally non-sticky and will help you serve your omelets and rotis in one piece - making it one of the best metals for cooking.
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It has several health benefits, including an improvement in digestion and immunity as it retains 93% of the nutrients available in the food.
Cons:
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While brass is immune to some form of corrosion, it may react with acidic food over time.
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It requires timely maintenance and cleaning to retain its natural sheen.
Cleaning & Care Tips:
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It is recommended to use only water to clean the brass utensils and avoid harsh abrasive chemicals as they can damage its surface.
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To remedy those hard-to-remove stains or natural discoloration, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Apply and let it sit for a while before rinsing it with water. You can also use pitambari powder.
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Store the brass utensils in a dry place away from any materials of corrosive or toxic nature.
2. Copper Utensils
Copper is one of the oldest and most reliable metals that carries the potential to transform any kitchen space. It has been used since ancient times in cooking due to its natural health properties.
Pros:
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Copper utensils have an incredible heat conductivity which makes them amongst the best metals for cooking.
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They are also known for their anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It is proven that the water stored in a copper vessel for 8 hours (known as tamra jal) has magical properties to detoxify the body and aid weight loss.
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The auburn sheen of this metal is aesthetically pleasing and makes a beautiful addition to any space.
Cons:
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Copper, just like brass, requires timely upkeep to maintain its natural state.
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High consumption of copper water (drinking more than 1 liter of copper water) or letting the water stay in a copper vessel for more than 12 hours and then drinking it, can lead to copper toxicity in the body.
Cleaning & Care Tips:
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Avoid the use of harsh detergents for daily cleaning of copper utensils.
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Use regular dish soap and warm water. A non-abrasive cloth or a sponge can be used to easily rinse away the dirt.
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Use medium heat for cooking to ensure that the tin-coating of your copper utensils remains intact.
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Store the copper utensils away from moisture to ensure they maintain their natural state for a longer time.
3. Bronze Utensils
Bronze utensils have been traditionally used in Indian households as they can last many generations and have properties that make them one of the best utensils for cooking. They are a good conductor of heat and extremely durable, sometimes lasting several generations of use.
Pros:
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Bronze is renowned for its visual appeal and historical significance. Its reddish-brown color can add a touch of sophistication to any space.
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It is a durable metal that can survive generations of use.
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Bronze utensils can be good conductors of heat depending on the amount or types of alloys used.
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They balance the pH levels of the food and help in improving digestion.
Cons:
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The bronze utensils are available in limited numbers as compared to other metals.
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They are more prone to developing a patina over time.
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They are also heavier and more expensive as compared to other metals.
Cleaning & Care Tips:
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Bronze is susceptible to oxidation when exposed to air and moisture. Regular cleaning helps remove the tarnish and limit the process of oxidation.
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Rinse the utensil with warm water. If there are stubborn stains, use vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda and clean with a soft, dry cloth.
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Avoid the use of abrasive or corrosive materials while cleaning the bronze utensils.
4. Stainless Steel Utensils
This alloy of iron inherits the best properties of its parent metal with a list of added benefits. It is a “green material” that is infinitely recyclable and safe to use in culinary spaces. Due to this, many households have added stainless steel as their primary utensil for cooking.
Pros:
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Stainless steel utensils are comparatively new but a cheaper alternative to other metals.
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The utensils cast in this metal are one of the best utensils for cooking as stainless steel is non-reactive to most foods.
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It is also versatile, durable, and corrosion-resistant.
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Additionally, stainless steel utensils are lightweight and easy to maintain.
Cons:
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The type of utensils cast in stainless steel generally displays moderate heat conductivity as compared to other metals on this list.
Cleaning & Care Tips:
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Avoid heating cold or refrigerated food on a stainless steel utensil as it might stick on the surface.
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A hot stainless steel utensil tends to warp when it is submerged or soaked in cold water. Let the utensil cool down before washing it or introducing it to water.
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You can use dishwashing soap and a gentle cloth to clean the utensil while ensuring that its non-stick coating does not fade away.
5. Cast Iron Utensils
One of the oldest metals to be introduced in Indian kitchens, cast iron is durable as well as a great conductor of heat. There are many types of utensils available in cast iron - whether in the form of a skillet or a frying pan.
Pros:
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The utensils made in this metal are very strong and durable, lasting longer than most of the metals on this list.
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The cast iron utensils have exceptional heat retention and distribution which is excellent for slow cooking and searing at high temperatures.
Cons:
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This metal requires high maintenance and can react with water - rusting and breaking over time.
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It is also one of the heaviest metals on this list which makes the utensils made in cast iron very difficult to manage.
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They have a very slow heat-up time as well as cool-down time, making your cooking time-consuming.
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Cast iron can react with acidic food, altering the taste and flavor of the meals.
Cleaning & Care Tips:
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Cast iron utensils can be easily washed with soapy water and cloth after use.
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While storing the utensils, avoid placing them near any moist surface as the iron can react and oxidize.
6. Aluminium Utensils
The aluminim utensils are perhaps the most versatile tools available in the modern kitchen. The utensils cast in this metal have a silver luster that brings a touch of refinement to any kitchen.
Pros:
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Aluminium utensils are very lightweight and possess good heat conductivity making them excellent utensils for cooking.
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Just like stainless steel, it is also very affordable and available everywhere.
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What adds to its allure is its non-reactive nature with most of the foods.
Cons:
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Aluminium utensils can be easily scratched or dented, making them a fragile option.
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It has to be covered in a non-stick coating to ensure that food does not stick to the metal. This coating can wear off over time.
Cleaning & Care Tips:
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Avoid cooking on high heat on aluminium utensils as the food might stick to the surface or the utensil might lose its non-stick coating. Furthermore, avoid using the aluminium utensil on high heat as it might lead to discoloration.
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For tough cleaning, use vinegar and water. Soak the utensil for a few minutes before proceeding to scrap the stains with a wooden spoon.
7. Clay Utensils
The clay can be shaped into numerous forms - allowing creative uses. The handi or the clay pot has been a staple tool in the Indian kitchen used for cooking delicious stews or flavorful rice.
Pros:
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The clay utensils are non-toxic and organic, allowing and encouraging sustainability.
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These earthenware pots retain the moisture of the meal, reducing the amount of fat and oil content used in cooking the food.
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The clay pots and utensils are naturally alkaline and balance the acidity of the food while cooking.
Cons:
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The clay utensils are very fragile and brittle and can break easily.
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The utensils made from this material are generally heavier and difficult to manage.
Cleaning & Care Tips:
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Avoid the use of soap, detergent, or any abrasive scrubber to clean the clay utensils as it might chip away its parts.
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Keep the clay utensils in a clean and dry place to avoid the growth of mold. If the mold does develop, wipe it with a clean dry cloth.
Name Of Some Of The Best Utensils For Cooking In India
There are some utensils for cooking that are an essential part of the kitchen if you want to cook delicious and authentic meals. They are not only an everyday part of the Indian culinary scene but also reflect the unique culture, traditions, and history of this country.
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Tawa - The Brass Tawa is a nod to tradition, a simple tool that is capable of creating wonders with easy recipes. Whether you are craving steaming rotis (flatbreads) or sweet pancakes, the tawa will surely come to the rescue.
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Kadai Pan - This Indian version of the deep frying pan is a must for any traditional kitchen, featuring the perfect structure for deep frying and cooking rich, flavorful gravies.
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Frying Pan - While kadai is used for deep cooking, the frying pan accommodates shallow cooking, allowing you to sauté, sear, or shallow fry your favorite meals.
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Spice Containers (Masala Dabbas) - Casting vibrant colors of reds, whites, and mustards, the spice containers fill the kitchen with an uncompromising charm. Each container is used to hide secrets of familiar flavors - the zestiness of cloves, the subtlety of turmeric, the freshness of cardamom - and each of these spices is stored dried, powdered, or pestled.
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Copper Water Dispenser or Water Bottle - Known for their pro-health benefits, copper water dispensers or copper bottles can convert your water into a better and safer alternative.
Which Metals To Avoid For Cooking?
Though many metals encourage safe cooking conditions, there are materials that can be toxic and harmful to your health or simply too brittle to withstand long use. Here is a list of utensils for cooking you should avoid.
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Teflon
This artificial material has been recently introduced to kitchens and has proven to be a lightweight as well as a cheaper alternative for many metal utensils. However, the long-term use of Teflon utensils for cooking is proven to be hazardous to health. The Teflon coating has traces of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) or PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) which produce toxic gases when heated leading to the polymer fume fever. The symptoms of this sickness include difficulty in breathing, sore throat, and fever.
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Plastic
Though lightweight, cheap, and convenient to use; there is a list of health hazards related to the use of plastic in cooking. It restrains the production of estrogen and other natural hormones causing imbalances in the body. Other health risks include diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
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Glass/Ceramic
Glass or ceramics make poor cooking utensils simply due to their brittle and fragile nature. Though the utensils made of these materials often have an attractive appeal to them, their use is limited to a short period. It is better to opt for metals or other materials if you want utensils that support longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Which type of utensil is best for cooking?
A. It depends on your personal preferences, cooking style, budget, kitchen decor, and other factors. Copper and brass utensils have been traditional utensils for a long time due to their excellent heat conductivity but both of them require proper and timely maintenance. Bronze and cast iron utensils are durable but can be heavy to manage. Stainless steel and aluminium are sturdy and affordable but can become subject to wear and dents after use. Each type of utensil has its own pros and cons that you need to weigh before choosing the best utensils for your kitchen.
Q. What are the healthiest cooking utensils?
A. Utensils cast in natural metals and materials tend to be the healthiest cooking utensils. Copper utensils, especially, have been used since ancient times for their health benefits.
Q. Are brass utensils used in Ayurvedic cooking?
A. Brass has been used since ancient times as an Ayurvedic form of cooking because of its health benefits. It is known to improve digestion since the food cooked in brass utensils retains a maximum of its nutritional value. Brass also has a meagre amount of copper in it which helps in boosting immunity.
Q. How to prevent cooking utensils from rusting?
A. The best way to save your cooking utensils from rusting is to store them in dry places away from any moisture.
Q. How to find a utensil for cooking that lasts a long time?
A. It is better to opt for metals or materials that are known for their sturdiness and durability to choose a utensil that lasts. Utensils cast in quality iron, copper, and brass are perfect for long-term use if cared for properly. Stainless steel and aluminium utensils are also a good choice but they do not have the longevity of the metals mentioned earlier. Lastly, utensils made from materials like ceramics, clay, glass, or even wood have a very short life and require very careful use.
