Multipurpose Cooker: Non-Stick vs Stainless Steel — Which Should You Buy?
Non-Stick vs Stainless Steel: Side-by-Side Comparison
Both versions of the multipurpose cooker have the same power (600W HIGH / 300W LOW), same capacity (1.2L), and same accessories (steamer, egg tray, idli tray). The only difference is the pot interior coating.
| Factor | Stainless Steel (Rs 1,699) | Non-Stick (Rs 1,899) |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Needs scrubbing with steel wool | Wipe clean with a soft sponge |
| Durability | Lasts 5-10 years | Coating wears in 1-2 years |
| Frying eggs | Needs more oil, eggs may stick | Eggs slide off with minimal oil |
| Cooking rice | May stick at bottom (add extra water) | Rice lifts off easily |
| High heat safety | Safe at any temperature | Avoid above 260 degrees Celsius |
| Scratching | Scratch-resistant | Use wooden or silicone utensils only |
| Baby food | Safe — zero coatings | Not recommended for infants |
| Weight | Slightly heavier | Slightly lighter |
Coating Safety: What the Research Says
Modern non-stick coatings are PFOA-free. PFOA was a chemical used in older Teflon coatings that raised health concerns. It was phased out globally around 2013. Current non-stick coatings do not contain PFOA.
The safety concern with non-stick is high heat. Once the pan reaches 260 degrees Celsius or higher, the coating can start to break down and release fumes. A 600W cooker rarely reaches this temperature during normal cooking. Boiling water maxes out at 100 degrees Celsius.
For normal cooking — boiling, steaming, simmering, light frying — non-stick is safe. The coating becomes a concern only with extremely high heat like deep frying or leaving an empty pan on high heat for several minutes.
Stainless steel has no coating at all. There is nothing to break down. It is the most chemically inert cooking surface available.
Baby Food: Which Version Is Safer?
For baby food, stainless steel is the safer choice. Most parents prefer zero coatings for infant meals. The steel version has no PTFE, no PFOA, and no risk of coating particles mixing with food.
This is not because non-stick is dangerous. It is because parents want zero risk for their baby. When you are preparing food for a 6-month-old, the peace of mind from a bare metal surface matters.
The InstaCuppa Steel version at Rs 1,699 is the one we recommend for baby food prep.
Zero coatings. Food-grade 304 stainless steel.
The Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Buy Steel if:
- You are preparing baby food
- You want maximum durability (5-10 years)
- You cook mostly rice, dal, soup, and steamed dishes
- You do not mind scrubbing after cooking
Buy Non-Stick if:
- You fry eggs often
- You hate cleaning sticky pots
- You cook for yourself (no baby food prep)
- You want the easiest cooking experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Is non-stick coating safe for daily cooking?
Yes, for normal cooking below 260 degrees Celsius. Boiling, steaming, and light frying are all safe. Avoid heating an empty non-stick pan on high for several minutes.
How long does the non-stick coating last?
With proper care, 1-2 years. Use wooden or silicone utensils. Do not use steel wool for cleaning. Avoid metal spoons that scratch the surface.
Can I use steel utensils in the non-stick version?
No. Steel utensils scratch the non-stick coating. Use the wooden spatula that comes in the box, or any silicone or wooden spoon.
Is the steel version harder to clean?
Yes. Food sticks more to steel, especially rice and eggs. Soak the pot in warm water for 10 minutes after cooking. Then scrub with a steel wool pad. It comes clean.
Can I buy both versions?
Yes. Some customers buy steel for baby food and daily cooking, plus non-stick for egg frying and easy cleanup. The tray accessories fit both versions.
Steel for Safety. Non-Stick for Easy Cleanup.
Both versions come with all 3 tray accessories included.
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Founder, InstaCuppa | Building kitchen tools that give busy Indian moms their time back
The kitchen takes your mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Your family gets what's left.
InstaCuppa builds time-saving kitchen tools for busy Indian moms — so the kitchen stops stealing the moments you can't get back.
Morning chai without rushing. Evening walks with your kids. Sundays that feel like Sundays.
More time for what matters.
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