Are you an Indian missing the flavors of Indian spices in your American kitchen? Or, an American citizen who recently visited India or dines out at an Indian restaurant, and can’t get the zesty food out of mind? Besides the right blend of spices, you will need the best cookware for Indian cooking in USA to start preparing the authentic dishes right at home.
Some people often argue – why do we need special cookware at all? Well, Indian cuisine is unique is so many ways and you can’t imagine making a dry fry in a grill pan or a dosa in just any skillet. You need the special handis, tadka pans, tava, and the right type of spoons to get started.
With the rising popularity of Asian cuisine around the world, you can find numerous brands selling cookware meant for preparing Indian food. However, with so many brands and options available, choosing one out of so many can become a tough job.
How to find out which one would be best for you? To take out the stress from your buying decision, our review team has spent hours separating the chaff from the grain. After careful analysis and comparison, we have shortlisted some of the top-rated products that are worth buying. Also, don’t forget to look at our buying guide at the end of the article.
If you too busy to read until the end of the article and need to order quickly, we suggest that you go with our editor’s choice – T-fal Signature Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set (see Amazon). It is a gorgeous non-stick set that is safe for all cooking methods (except induction) and comes with a themo indicator. It is also oven-safe and easy to clean after use.
#1. Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware
When diversified Indian cooking is on your mind, check out the Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware that has everything you would need to prepare dal, dosa, fries, and curries. All the pots and pans sport a durable nonstick design. They are made of durable aluminum and have hard enamel porcelain exteriors.
The 12-pieces PFOA-free nonstick cookware set is espresso-colored to give them a vibrant appearance and non-stick ensures that food does not stick to the bottom. Each pot or pan includes a dual-riveted rubberized and stainless steel handle with lids made of shatter-resistant glass.
We love the rolled-rim edges and silicone grips that make them perfect for everyday use. The baking pans are oven-safe to sustain a temperature of 450 degrees F. The set includes two saucepans with lids, a saute pan with lid, on stockpot, two frying pans, a slotted turner and spoon
Product Features
- Warm and rustic styled
- PFOA-free nonstick
- 12-piece cookware set
- Heavy gauge steel construction
- Nonstick bakeware set
- Silicone grips for better control
- Oven safe baking pans
- Nonstick baker set
User/ Customer reviews
Those who have bought the Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware is completely in love with their new set for its gorgeous looks and sturdy construction. Users are also impressed with how easy it is to clean the pots and pans as nothing sticks to the surface. A few customers have said they wished the cookware were induction friendly too.
Conclusion
If you are looking to prepare a full Indian meal replete with rice, dal, curries, fries, and chutneys, this cookware is just the thing you need. The set not only looks great in your kitchen and on the dining table but also adds a lot of comfort and convenience to your daily cooking. Overall, we think this product offers good value for money.
#2. Calphalon Simply Pots and Pans Set
If you are an Indian cuisine enthusiast shopping with a tight budget, we would recommend the Calphalon Simply Pots and Pans Set (see Amazon). The product impresses with its simple yet elegant Calphalon style that adds performance, durability, and value to your kitchen.
Made from hard-anodized aluminum, the cookware set resists warping and corrosion. The non-stick surface helps in releasing food easily and ensures a hassle-free cleanup too. The pots and pans have silicone handles that feel more comfortable and stay cool to touch even while cooking.
The cookware is oven-safe and can sustain heat up to 400 degrees F, allowing you to go from stovetop to oven, and back with ease. Through the tempered glass lids, you can see what’s cooking inside. We love that the manufacturer stands behind the product with a 10-year warranty.
Product Features
- Weighs 19 pounds
- Hard-anodized aluminum make
- PFOA-free, two-layer nonstick
- Stay-cool handles with silicone grip
- Hand-wash only
- Ensures even heating
- Not safe for broiler use
User/ Customer reviews
The Calphalon loyalists have said that the product is as good as the previous products from the brand, and they are totally in love with their purchase. Most people have said that the non-stick function is great and the pot heats up evenly without any hotspots. A few customers have warned that some of the pans topped being nonstick after some time.
Conclusion
If you are a fan of Calphalon, this Simply Pots and Pans Set (see Price) will not disappoint you. This is well designed and sturdily built a set of cookware that looks great too. At this price, this is one of the most affordable yet dependable cookware you can get to enjoy cooking Indian food.
#3. Enameled Cast Iron Balti Dish
Do you want a cookware set that works perfectly for making Indian food and looks great too? The next one on our list – the Enameled Cast Iron Balti Dish by Bruntmor fits the bill just right. Made from premium quality material, the cookware retains heat well and also distributes it evenly.
The outer enamel finish looks great and heat disperses to the flat wide base to give you optimal cooking results. When you cooking Indian dishes with authentic spices, the balti dish helps in retaining the aroma and flavors, hence it works great for cooking, marinating, and storing food.
We like the fact that the enameled cast-iron dish can be safely used on all cooking top surfaces such as a stove, oven, or grill. When using it on a glass-top surface, be careful about not dragging the dish. For cleaning, you must wait until the balti dish is cool completely and then hand wash using warm soapy water.
Product Features
- Weighs 6.39 pounds
- 3 quart enameled cast iron dish
- Durable porcelain enamel
- Oven safe up to 500 degrees F
- Easy to clean
- Safe for All Cooking Surfaces
User/ Customer reviews
Users have said that they often mention balti dishes in Indian cookbooks and this one came perfect for making fritters and curries. Some people have mentioned that even though the dish is pre-seasoned, you will find instructions on how to re-season as this helps in creating a stronger bond. A few users have said that the cookware is too heavy for them.
Conclusion
If you are looking for that one multipurpose cookware that you can use for making a wide range of Indian dishes with ease then this Enameled Cast Iron Balti Dish is a perfect choice. It is not only well-made but also looks so good in the kitchen that compliments will keep pouring, plus you can easily take it from the stove to the top. Overall, this is a good bargain.
#4. Prestige Deluxe Stainless Steel Mini Handi Pressure Cooker
If you have ever seen an Indian kitchen, you know it’s incomplete without a pressure cooker and Prestige stands ahead in the competition. Hence, we have picked for you this Prestige Deluxe Mini Handi Pressure Cooker made from sturdy stainless steel for durability and good capacity.
This Prestige cooker comes with stronger lugs and features a thick base to ensure a safe and long life. It includes a 2-in-1 safety device known as the pi-pressure indicator that rises when pressure builds up inside the pot and comes down when the pressure is released.
The cooker is designed in a way to give you more capacity than a standard pressure cooker. It enables a ‘separator cooking’ system that lets you prepare food more hygienically by retaining the taste and nutritional value. Also, it lets you cook as many as three dishes at a time.
Product Features
- Measures 14 x 8 x 6.5 inches
- Weighs 4.4 pounds
- 2-in-1 safety device
- Separator cooking
- ISI certified
- Cooks 3 dishes at a time
User/ Customer reviews
Several users have said that this is not your old grandmas’ pressure cooker but comes with advanced features to make cooking more fun. Customers love the shiny and attractive exterior polish of the pressure cooker that complements the kitchen. Some people who have made rice on this cooker have said that rice came out perfect and the cooker can also be used on an inductive stove.
Conclusion
This is a small and good looking pressure cooker that works as well as it looks. If you have used a Prestige pressure cooker before, this cookware will not let you down. Those who are new to it will enjoy this investment as it can cook a lot of delicious Indian food in less time. All in all, it offers a great price to performance ratio.
#5. Prestige Manttra Omega Select Plus
When you are enthusiastic about cooking Indian dishes in your USA kitchen, you will need kadhai or pan to make delicious curries and fries. We suggest investing in this revolutionary three-layered, deep, non-stick frying pan from the house of Prestige, Omega Select line.
The kadhai features a non-stick Poi-free coating from DuPont to ensure that food does not stick and stays healthy for your family. The coating is metal spoon friendly, so you don’t have to worry about the pan surface getting scratched if you use a metal spoon by mistake.
The pan comes with a sturdy handle that gives a nice and comfortable grip, making it easier to use too. We love the performance of the pan as it avoids burning the residue oil at the sides when cooking food, so your food stays healthy and does not stick.
Product Features
- Measures 11.5 x 10.5 x 4 inches
- Weighs 2.99 pounds
- 200 Deep Fry Pan
- Sturdy handles
- Stainless steel lid
- 3-layer metal spoon friendly
- Non-stick coating from DuPont
User/ Customer reviews
Most customers have said that this product is perfect for cooking Indian curries, fries, stews, and soups. Some people have also mentioned that the pan is lightweight and easy to clean after use. A few customers have warned that the non-stick coating is not as durable as they expected it to be.
Conclusion
The Prestige Manttra Omega Select Plus is an indispensable kitchen utensil for anyone who is fond of Indian cuisine and enjoys cooking the dishes in their USA kitchen. At this price, this is one of the best investments you can do for your Indian-food-loving kitchen.
#6. Futura Hard Anodised Handy Sauce Pan with Lid
If you go for dinner to any Indian home or visit an Indian restaurant, you can’t miss the handi with its traditional shape that sets things apart. So, we recommend this Pearl Hard Anodised Handi from the trusted brand Futura to complete your Indian cookware set in the USA.
Made from hard-Anodized Aluminum, the handi sports a durable and sturdy make. The deep base and shining black exterior add more value to the saucepan. It stands as the contemporary version of traditional Indian utensils to help you make flavorful meals using less water.
The lid is designed in a way to hold water on the top and beneath the surface to allow steam to rise from food and simmer in handi for slow cooking. It has reverse taper sides to let water droplets to fall into the handi to make delicious and moist food.
Product Features
- Measures 10 x 10 x 5 inches
- Weighs 4 pounds
- 3 liters capacity
- Made from Hard-Anodized Aluminum
- Comes with two short handles
- Gas Stovetop Compatible
User/ Customer reviews
Most people who have used the product are thrilled with its traditional appearance and sturdy construction that makes it one-of-a-kind. Many users have said this works best for making Indian rice Palau and curries in low heat. Some customers have also said that the lid is lightweight but very strong. A few users have said that they wished the handi was dishwasher safe, but it’s probably not.
Conclusion
This handi pot (see Price) is a great utensil that you can use to cook Indian food and also serve on the table with pride. It is beautifully designed to cook a wide variety of traditional dishes using less oil and water. Make sure you read the warranty and other instructions in detail before placing your order. All in all, this is one of the best cookware you can buy for Indian cooking.
#7. T-fal Signature Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set
Do you want to enjoy cooking in Indian cookware and not have to worry about cleaning later? We recommend the dishwasher-safe and non-stick -fal Signature Cookware Set that comprises 12 pieces carefully chosen to suit your requirements for Indian cooking.
The cookware set includes two frying pans (7.75 inches and 11 inch), two saucepans with lids (1 quart and 2 quarts), a Dutch oven with a lid (5.5 quarts), a griddle, a ladle, a spoon, and a slotted spatula. Each piece has a non-stick interior and exterior coating for less fat requirement while cooking and easy cleaning.
We love the fact that the set is dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning. It comes with a Thermo spot indicator to let you know when the pan is ready for use. It is also oven safe up to 350 Fahrenheit. There are ergonomic heat resistant handles to give you a comfortable grip and vented tempered glass lids to trap moisture and heat.
Product Features
- Weighs 3.3 pounds
- Durable Nonstick Interior
- Thermo-Spot Technology
- Thermo Spot Indicator
- Stay Cool Handles
- Dishwasher Safe
- PFOA, Lead, and Cadmium free
User/ Customer reviews
People who have bought this set are full of praises about how nicely the dishes turn up and food does not stick to the bottom. Some users have said that after using every single piece of the set, they can claim that it’s bliss to use and clean up. A few customers have said that the only gripe is that there is a gap between the glass and metal in lids, resulting in food sticking there.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a good quality Indian cookware set that lasts for a long and delivers good performance then the T-fal Signature Cookware Set is a sure shot. They are not only beautiful to look at but can be cooked and served on the table too. Overall, we feel that it’s worth every penny you spend on it.
#8. Heim Concept Kitchen Cookware Set 12-Piece Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Set
If you prefer stainless steel cookware over the non-stick ones then we present the Heim Concept Kitchen set as the last, but not the last in our list. This set comprises a frying pan (10.5-inch), a saucepan (1.75-quart), and four different sizes of Casseroles (1.75-quart, 2.25-quart, 3.25-quart, and 5.75-quart).
The pots and pans feature a three-layered bottom with heat conduction functionality. They are also oven safe to up to 550°f, and each cookware is perfectly suited for all types of a stovetop. Each utensil comes with tapered rims for drip-free pouring.
The cookware set looks gorgeous with a mirror-polished interior and exterior, plus the capsulated bottom ensures uniform distribution of heat. It also prevents sticking of food and ensures quick release while cooking. The pots and pans are easy to clean as they are dishwasher safe.
Product Features
- Weighs 13.25 pounds
- 12-Piece Stainless Steel Pots and Pans
- 3 layered thermal bottom
- Drip-free pouring
- Easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe
User/ Customer reviews
Several users have mentioned that this cookware is extremely stylish with a shining mirror finish that looks great in the kitchen and they also perform equally well. Many customers have also mentioned that they work great on an induction stovetop and heats up uniformly, while the lids stay comparatively cooler.
Conclusion
If you would like to give your Indian dishes a more authentic touch and impress your guests then the Heim Concept Kitchen Cookware Set (shop now) fits the bill just right. Besides being a gorgeous and durable set, it also affordable to fit any budget. Overall, we think it brings you an amazing price to performance ratio. Highly recommended.
Now, that we have reviewed the top-picked cookware for Indian cooking in the USA, let’s take a look at our quick buying guide. This will help you narrow down your choice further and select what you think would best suit the kind of Indian cuisine you will be making.
Buying Guide: Best Cookware for Indian Cooking In USA
There are so many varieties of Indian cuisine that it may not be possible for someone to have all the kinds of essential cookware. From rice dishes and rotis to curries and fries, there are different sizes and styles of pots and pans required for each, so choose the ones according to the food you like. Here are a few things to consider before buying
Materials
The most important aspect is obviously the choice of materials and the three things you need to keep in mind are acid resistance, versatility, and heat resistance. As Indian cooking uses a lot of high-acidic ingredients like tomatoes, we recommend pots and pans with a protective coating.
You must also look for cookware that is easy to clean as it involves a lot of preparation work, hence there will be several dirty pots and pans in the kitchen. Cast iron cookware is hard to maintain hence we recommended the non-stick coated pots and pans, ceramic, and ceramic-copper coated ones.
Design
Indian dishes comprise watery curries, soups, stir-fries using chunky vegetables and sauce, hence you will need pots and pans of varying designs. Some of the common design features you should look for are thick bottoms, deep pots, and wide pans.
Thick bottomed pans and pots are capable of distributing heat more uniformly and deliver consistent results with less risk of food sticking to the surface. Deep pots work best for dishes that include rice mixed with vegetables, masala, and sauce. Wide pans are best for stir-fries when you don’t want ingredients to spill out.
Non-stick
As Indian cooking will typically involve a lot of slow cooking, boiling, and frying, you will need pots and pans that have a
non-stick coating. For example, you love making dosa then a non-stick tava is a must-have. It may be in the form of a true non-stick coating, or a ceramic, or copper coating.
The non-stick coating not only prevents food from sticking to the surface while cooking but also reduces your oil intake and makes cleaning easier. While most cookware comes pre-seasoned, you may still need to season some before using it.
Related Features
What do they use in Indian restaurants
In the Indian restaurants, you will typically find cast iron sizzlers. They are an important piece of Indian cookware used in the restaurants, as they help in delivering sizzling hot food to create that authentic ambiance.
What are the safest options for Indian cookware
Ceramic cookware is the safest of all but they tend to be very expensive for everyday kitchen use. Other common safe options include durable stainless steel with low non-stick functionality, aluminum that conducts heat well but is not non-stick, cast-iron, copper, and non-stick pots and pans.
What are the easiest Indian food for beginners
If you have decided to plunge into the sea of Indian cuisines, start with the less intimidating varieties. We recommend that you begin with dishes like Jeera rice, keema paratha, masala keema, chicken saagwala, mutter paneer, chicken pulao, paneer kebab, to name a few.
See Also:
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6 Best Air Fryers For Indian Cooking In USA
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