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Buyer's guide
Cast Iron Kadai — How to Choose One
A cast iron kadai is the deep-frying and curry vessel that holds its temperature when food goes in. That single property is why puris puff instead of soaking, why onions brown instead of sweating, and why a cast iron kadai is worth its weight over thin steel or coated alternatives. It is 100% pure iron with no chemical non-stick coating.
Why heat retention matters for frying
Drop a batch of pakoras into a thin kadai and the oil temperature crashes; the food sits in cooling oil and absorbs it. Cast iron's mass means the oil recovers quickly, so you get a crisp exterior and less oil in the finished dish. The same behaviour helps with bhuna-style cooking where you want the masala to catch and brown rather than stew.
What size kadai do you need?
| Size | Suits | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 8 inch | 1–2 people | Tadka, single-portion sabzi, small-batch frying |
| 10 inch | 3–5 people | The everyday family default — curries, sabzi, deep frying |
| 12 inch | 5–8 people | Biryani, large batches, entertaining |
If you deep fry regularly, size up. A kadai should never be more than half full of oil, so a 10 inch kadai gives you far less usable oil depth than its diameter suggests.
Seasoning and first use
SOLARA kadais arrive pre-seasoned and are ready to cook on. The seasoning deepens fastest with fatty cooking — deep fry in it early. Avoid long-simmered tomato or tamarind dishes in the first few weeks; acid can strip a young seasoning layer. Once the surface is dark and slick, acidic cooking is fine.
Step-by-step in how to season cast iron, and the fuller picture in the cast iron kadai buyer's guide.
Care that actually matters
- Dry it fully straight after washing — standing water, not soap, is what rusts iron.
- Wipe a thin film of oil before storing, especially in humid weather.
- Do not soak it overnight. Deglaze stuck bits with hot water while the kadai is still warm.
- Rust is recoverable — scour, wash, dry, re-season. See keeping cast iron rust-free.
Common questions
Does a cast iron kadai work on induction? Yes. Iron is magnetic, so it works on induction, gas and chulha. Bring induction up in stages rather than starting at full power.
Is a cast iron kadai too heavy? It is heavier than steel, and that weight is the point. If you lift and pour frequently, a 10 inch is the practical ceiling for most people; a 12 inch is best kept on the stove.
Can I cook curry with tomato in it? Yes, once the seasoning is established. On a brand-new kadai, cook a few fatty dishes first.

















