Tawa vs. Nonstick: What Is The Difference?
Important Note: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Content, pricing, offers and availability are subject to change at any time - more info.
An important factor that adds to cooking is the type of utensil you use. After all, the metal the utensil is made up of adds more flavor to the dish. Besides, cooking in the right type of utensil also includes some health benefits.
With the improvement in kitchen appliances, people have moved on from using the traditional Tawa to the nonstick pans. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The major difference between the two is the metal it is made up of and the coating on the surface of the cookware. Tawa is usually made up of iron and enhances the taste of the food whereas non-stick cookware is made up of aluminum and does not give the desired flavor to the food.
Non-stick cookware does not allow you to use a steel spatula because of the chances of scratching the surface. With the Tawa, you can use any spatula.
This article will help you understand Tawa and non-stick cookware in detail. So, read ahead to find outmore!
What Is Tawa Cookware?
Tawa is one of the traditional utensils used by Indian households. A Tawa is also called “Saj”. It is concave/flat and is made up of cast iron or aluminum. Some Tawas also have a non-stick coating.
What makes a Tawa stand out from other utensils is the health benefits that one gets from a Tawa made out of iron. It is non-toxic and adds more iron content to your food.
It can be used for making Indian delicacies such as roti, dosas, naan, etc. You can also use the Tawa upside down i.e. make use of the convex side of the Tawa.
Also, did you know that many people consider cooking in Tawa as the best option since it holds the heat longer? This allows you to cook the food without burning it!
The thick coating of the Tawa helps to retain the nutrients while cooking. Since most of them are made up of iron, taking good care of them is essential. Sometimes, the iron may rust over time and cause health issues.
What Is Nonstick Cookware?
Non-stick cookware is used in at least 90% of households. It is easy to use and requires less care.
The benefit of using non-stick cookware is that it does not allow your food to stick to the pan. So, you can toss and cook without worrying about the food sticking to the cookware.
Nonstick cookware is usually coated with Teflon also known as Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE). This coating makes sure that the food doesn’t stick to the pan and ensures easy cleaning.
Non-stick cookware is a win for most people since it is cheap and easy to clean. Moreover, it also works well when it comes to cooking your favorite dish. But, there are certain negative factors to this too.
The disadvantage of nonstick cookware is that the material with which it is coated can cause cancer and other health-related problems.
The use of non-stick cookware has been discontinued in some countries but, there is still cheaply available non-stick cookware.
Non-stick cookware has a wide variety of uses, they can be used for frying eggs, making bread, pancakes, and also frying fish.
Tawa vs. Nonstick: Comparison Table
The table below summarizes all the differences between both Tawa and nonstick cookware.
| Category | Tawa | Nonstick |
| Metal | Iron | Aluminum |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheap |
| Coating | Usually no coating | Teflon coating |
| Maintenance | High | Low |
| Health benefits | Provides iron content | Has fewer health benefits |
| Quality of food | Enhances taste | Reduces flavor |
Differences Between Tawa and Nonstick Cookware
Now, let’s understand the differences in detail so you can make the right choice while choosing your utensil!
Tawa is usually made up of iron, sometimes they may also be made up of aluminum. The iron contained in the Tawa not only acts as a plus point for cooking but also provides health benefits.
Nonstick cookware is made up of aluminum and comes with a Teflon coating.
Tawas are expensive because they are made of iron and are long-lasting.
Nonstick cookware is comparatively cheaper. This may seem like a plus point but, non-stick cookware does not last long, so you may have to switch to a new one immediately.
The traditional Tawas do not have any coating but now some of them are also available with a nonstick coating.
Nonstick cookware is coated with Teflon which prevents the food from sticking to the utensil.
Since Tawas are made up of iron, they need proper care and cleaning. Also, you need to ensure that the iron doesn’t rust.
Nonstick cookware requires very little maintenance and you can also clean it easily.
Tawa does not have any coating, so it adds iron content to the food that is being prepared and helps boost immunity.
Nonstick cookware has Teflon which is harmful to health. Continuous usage of such cookware makes the Teflon wear off while cooking and gets mixed with the food. This can cause various health problems such as cancer.
Since a Tawa is made up of iron, it helps to retain the taste of the food because it heats up slowly. This allows you to cook the food evenly and enhance its flavor.
Non-stick cookware may not allow your food to stick but it reduces the flavor of the food. At times the cookware heats up quickly and prevents your food from cooking evenly.
Related Questions
The surface of the pan will be smooth and shiny and the surface will have a dark grey coating on it.
Nonstick cookware lasts for about 1-3 years. Tawa can last for more than 3 years provided that you clean it properly after use.
Final Thoughts
Though nonstick cookware is preferred by most households, most aren’t aware of the health problems it can lead to.
Using nonstick cookware on low flame is advisable. But, you can resort to a better alternative such as the Tawa which is considered beneficial in many aspects.
