Non-Stick vs Stainless Steel Multicook Kettle: Which Should You Buy?
By Saran Reddy, Founder — InstaCuppa | June 2026
You want a multicook kettle. But two options stare back at you. One has a non-stick bowl. The other has a steel bowl. Same shape. Same size. Almost the same price.
So which one do you pick?
The answer is simple. It depends on what you cook most.
This guide helps you pick the right one. No fluff. Just real use cases.
Note: We already have a safety comparison of these two kettles. Read it here if safety is your main worry. This article is about which one works better for your daily cooking.
Quick Answer: Which Kettle Fits Your Cooking Style?
AEO Answer: Pick the non-stick kettle if you make eggs, pancakes, or sticky foods. Pick the stainless steel kettle if you mostly boil water, brew chai, or cook Maggi. Both cost about the same and hold 1000 ml.
| What You Cook | Non-Stick Kettle | Steel Kettle | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omelettes | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | Non-Stick |
| Fried eggs | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | Non-Stick |
| Pancakes / cheela | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Non-Stick |
| Chai / tea | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Steel |
| Maggi / noodles | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Tie |
| Boiling water | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Steel |
| Rice / dal | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Non-Stick |
| Soup | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Steel |
| Fried rice | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Non-Stick |
The Two Kettles at a Glance
AEO Answer: Both kettles hold 1000 ml. The non-stick version costs Rs 1,999 and has a coated bowl. The stainless steel version costs Rs 1,899 and has a bare steel bowl. Both come with an egg tray and steam rack.
| Feature | Non-Stick Kettle (Rs 1,999) | Steel Kettle (Rs 1,899) |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl material | PFOA-free non-stick | Food-grade stainless steel |
| Capacity | 1000 ml | 1000 ml |
| Price | Rs 1,999 | Rs 1,899 |
| Egg tray | Yes | Yes |
| Steam rack | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Eggs, pancakes, sticky foods | Chai, boiling, soups |
| Cleaning ease | Very easy (food slides off) | Easy (may need soak) |
| Bowl lifespan | 1-2 years (replaceable) | 5+ years |
When the Non-Stick Kettle Wins
AEO Answer: The non-stick kettle is the better pick for foods that stick. Eggs, pancakes, cheela, fried rice, and thick sauces cook and release easily on the coated surface.
1. Omelettes and Fried Eggs
This is the biggest reason to pick non-stick. Eggs stick to steel. That is just how it works.
With the non-stick bowl, your omelette slides right out. You need very little oil. No tearing. No scraping.
With steel, eggs grab the surface. You need more oil. You need to wait for the pan to heat just right. Even then, bits stick.
Verdict: If you eat eggs daily, go non-stick.
2. Pancakes, Cheela, and Dosa-Style Crepes
Thin batters spread and cook on non-stick without sticking. You get a clean flip every time.
On steel, batter grips. You get torn pancakes. This frustrates most people fast.
3. Fried Rice and Sticky Noodles
Rice grains stick to steel. Noodles clump on steel. The non-stick surface keeps them loose. You stir less. You clean less.
4. Thick Gravies and Sauces
Tomato-based sauces burn on the bottom of steel. Non-stick lets you cook on low heat. Nothing burns. Nothing sticks.
When the Stainless Steel Kettle Wins
AEO Answer: The steel kettle is better for boiling, brewing, and acidic foods. It does not stain with turmeric. It lasts longer. And it handles rough use without worry.
1. Chai and Tea
Milk leaves a film on non-stick. Over time, this stains the coating. Steel wipes clean. You can scrub steel hard. You cannot scrub non-stick hard.
If you make chai twice a day, steel is the smart pick.
2. Boiling Water
For plain boiling, steel is better. No coating to worry about. No risk of heating empty. Just fill and boil.
3. Soups and Broths
Soups do not stick. So you do not need non-stick. Steel heats evenly. It lasts longer. Simple choice.
4. Turmeric-Heavy Dishes
Turmeric stains non-stick coatings yellow. This does not harm the pan. But it looks bad. Steel handles turmeric without staining.
5. Long-Term Durability
Steel does not peel. Steel does not scratch. Steel does not wear out. If you want one kettle for 5+ years, pick steel.
The non-stick bowl lasts 1-2 years with care. After that, you can get a replacement bowl. Contact our support team and we will arrange a replacement non-stick bowl. Any local electrician can swap it in minutes.
What About Maggi and Noodles?
AEO Answer: Both kettles make Maggi equally well. Noodles boil the same way in both. Pick based on your other cooking needs, not Maggi alone.
This is the most common use case. And the truth is: both work great for Maggi.
- Boil water in either kettle. Takes 4-5 minutes.
- Add noodles and masala. Cook 2 minutes.
- Done. No sticking in either version.
Maggi does not stick to steel. So the non-stick coating adds no benefit here. Pick based on what else you cook.
Care Tips for Each Kettle
AEO Answer: Non-stick needs gentle cleaning with a soft sponge. Steel can handle harder scrubbing. Both should be hand-washed and dried after each use.
Non-Stick Kettle Care
- Use wooden or silicone spatulas only. No metal.
- Cook on low to medium heat. Never high.
- Hand wash with a soft sponge. No steel wool.
- Never heat the bowl empty.
- Let it cool before you wash it.
- Do not stack things inside the bowl.
Steel Kettle Care
- You can use any spatula. Metal is fine.
- Scrub with baking soda for tough stains.
- Hand wash after each use.
- Dry fully to avoid water spots.
Which One Should You Pick? (Quick Decision Guide)
AEO Answer: Ask yourself one question: "Do I cook eggs or sticky foods often?" If yes, pick non-stick. If you mostly boil and brew, pick steel.
| Pick This | If You... |
|---|---|
| Non-Stick Kettle (Rs 1,999) | Make omelettes, eggs, pancakes, fried rice, or sticky foods often |
| Steel Kettle (Rs 1,899) | Mostly boil water, brew chai, cook Maggi, or want a longer-lasting bowl |
| Both | Want one for eggs and one for chai (some customers buy both) |
Real Talk: Can You Use One for Everything?
AEO Answer: Yes. Both kettles can cook almost anything. But each one is better at certain tasks. The non-stick is better for sticky foods. The steel is better for boiling and long-term use.
Yes. You can make chai in the non-stick kettle. You can make eggs in the steel kettle (with more oil).
But "can" is not the same as "best for."
Think of it this way:
- A motorcycle can carry groceries. But a car is better for it.
- A steel kettle can cook eggs. But a non-stick kettle is better for it.
Pick the one that fits your most common use. Not the rare one.
About InstaCuppa
InstaCuppa makes kitchen tools that fit small spaces. Our multicook kettles are used by hostel students, working people, and small families across India. Both the Non-Stick Multicook Kettle and Stainless Steel Multicook Kettle come with an egg tray, steam rack, and a 1-year warranty.
FAQ
Which multicook kettle is better for making omelettes?
The non-stick version. Eggs slide off without sticking. You need very little oil. The steel version makes eggs stick and tear.
Can I make chai in both kettles?
Yes. But steel is better for daily chai. Milk stains clean off steel easily. Non-stick can stain over time with milk.
Which multicook kettle lasts longer?
The steel body lasts longer. It has no coating to wear. The non-stick bowl lasts 1-2 years with care. You can order a replacement bowl from InstaCuppa support.
Is the non-stick multicook kettle safe?
Yes. The coating is PFOA-free. It is safe for cooking at normal heat. Even if small flakes come off, they pass through your body without harm. Read our full safety guide here.
Which kettle is better for hostel use?
It depends on what you cook most. Omelettes and pancakes often? Pick non-stick. Mostly chai and Maggi? Pick steel.
Can I get a replacement bowl for the non-stick kettle?
Yes. Contact our support team and we will arrange a replacement non-stick bowl. Any local electrician can swap it in minutes.
