Aluminium Tawa: Important facts, uses & Considerations

An aluminium tawa is a kind of cooking utensil or griddle made out of aluminium, which is a lightweight metal that conducts heat well. In Indian cooking, aluminium tawas are often used to make rotis, dosas, parathas, pancakes, and other foods.

Advantages of an Aluminium Tawa:

Heat Conductivity: Aluminium tawa is a great heat conductor, so the heat can spread quickly and evenly throughout the cooking surface. This lets you cook quickly and evenly.

Lightweight: Aluminium is a light metal, which makes it easy to move an aluminium tawa around while cooking. This can be especially helpful when turning or tossing food.

Affordable: An aluminium tawa is typically less expensive than those made from cast iron or stainless steel. They are widely available and provide excellent value for the money.

Non-Stick Properties: Numerous aluminium tawas feature a non-stick coating that prevents food from adhering to the surface. This makes cooking and cleaning simpler, since only a little oil or ghee is necessary and leftover food can be easily wiped away. 

Considerations for Aluminium Tawa:

Durability: While aluminium tawas are lightweight and affordable, they may not be as durable as other materials like cast iron or stainless steel. Aluminium can scratch, dent, or warp if not handled with care. It's important to use gentle utensils and avoid using metal spatulas or sharp objects that can damage the non-stick coating.

Heat Retention: Aluminium does not retain heat as well as materials like cast iron or stainless steel. This means that the tawa may cool down more quickly when cold food is placed on it, requiring adjustments to maintain the desired cooking temperature.

Reactive Properties: Aluminium is reactive with acidic as well as alkaline foods, resulting in metallic flavours and discoloration. When preparing highly acidic or alkaline foods, it is best to use aluminium tawas coated with a non-reactive coating or an extra layer of oil or parchment paper.

Maintenance: The non-stick coating on aluminium tawas may wear off over time with regular use. Proper care and maintenance are necessary to prolong the life of the non-stick coating and ensure its effectiveness.

Overall, aluminium tawas can be a suitable choice for those looking for affordable and lightweight cookware with good heat conductivity. They are particularly popular for making rotis, parathas, and other flatbreads. However, if durability and heat retention are a priority, materials like cast iron or stainless steel may be more suitable.

Aluminum tawas can be a popular choice due to their affordability, lightweight nature, and efficient heat conduction. However, it's important to note that they may not have the same level of durability and heat retention as materials like cast iron or stainless steel. Careful handling and maintenance are necessary to ensure the longevity and performance of aluminum tawas.

Is Aluminium Tawa Reactive?

Aluminum is a reactive metal, particularly when it comes into contact with acidic or alkaline foods. Cooking highly acidic or alkaline foods in uncoated aluminum tawa can cause a reaction, resulting in a metallic taste and potential discoloration of the food. To minimize this, it is advisable to choose an aluminum tawa with a non-reactive coating. Meyer has a range of premium non-stick coated aluminium tawas that are 100% safe with zero reactivity. You can explore the best aluminium tawa by Meyer with safe non-stick coating here.

Precautions To Take With Aluminium Tawa:

An aluminium tawa is generally safe for cooking. However, you need to keep certain factors into consideration while cooking in an aluminium tawa:

Avoiding Scratches: Aluminum cookware, including an aluminium tawa, can get scratched or damaged if abrasive cleaning materials or metal utensils are used. Scratches can potentially leach small amounts of aluminum into the food. It is recommended to use gentle utensils and non-abrasive cleaning tools to maintain the integrity of the non-stick coating and avoid scratching the tawa's surface.

Limiting Overheating: Overheating aluminum cookware can potentially lead to the release of small amounts of aluminum into the food. It is important to avoid excessively high heat levels when cooking with aluminum tawas. Maintaining moderate heat levels is generally sufficient for cooking purposes and can help minimize any potential concerns.

Non-Stick Coated Aluminium Tawa:

A non-stick coated aluminium tawa combines the advantages of aluminium design with a non-stick coating. It has been created to offer a convenient food preparation experience with minimal food sticking and effortless food release. Meyer offers the best non-stick coated aluminium tawa in India.

Key features about Non-Stick Aluminium Tawa:

Here are some important characteristics and considerations for non-stick coated aluminium tawas:

Material: Non-stick coated aluminum tawas have an aluminum body, which offers excellent heat conductivity for efficient and even cooking.

Non-Stick Coating: A non-stick coated aluminium tawa combines the advantages of aluminium design with a non-stick coating. It has been created to offer a convenient food preparation experience with minimal food sticking and effortless food release.

Easy Food Release: The non-stick coating ensures that food items, such as dosas or rotis, easily release from the surface without tearing or sticking. This allows for hassle-free flipping and removal of the cooked food.

Heat Conductivity: Aluminium provides effective thermal dispersion, enabling the cookware surface to be heated rapidly and uniformly. This ensures consistent culinary outcomes.

Lightweight: Non-stick coated aluminum tawas are lightweight, which makes them easy to handle and maneuver during cooking.

Durability: Aluminum tawas with a non-stick coating can be durable and long-lasting if used and maintained properly. 

Compatibility: Non-stick coated aluminum tawas are generally suitable for use on gas stoves and electric cooktops. They are not compatible with induction cooktops unless they have an additional induction-compatible base.

Best Non-Stick Coated Aluminium Tawas:

Non-stick coated aluminum tawas by Meyer are a popular choice for many home cooks due to their convenience and ease of use. Non-stick coated aluminum tawas are made of aluminum, which provides efficient heat conduction and lightweight properties.

Circulon Non-Stick + Hard Anodized Aluminium Flat Dosa Tawa, 28 Cm

Meyer Premium Non-Stick Square Tawa 28cm (3mm Thick)

Meyer Non Stick Edge-Less Flat Tawa, 30 Cm