A Kadai is a traditional Indian cooking bowl that has been adapted for outdoor live fire cooking and outdoor living. Each Kadai can be used as both a barbecue and a fire pit, allowing you to cook over wood or charcoal, then continue using it as a heat source once cooking is finished.

The difference depends on the stand and cooking components included in your kit.

Kadai kits with a high stand include a removable grill and are designed for barbecuing. The raised height makes it comfortable to stand around and cook over live fire.

Kits with a low stand position the bowl closer to the ground, making them ideal for use as a fire pit, to be seated around the fire. Some low stand kits, such as Garden Kadai models, do not include a grill but can still be used for cooking with accessories like the Cooking Tripod.

Complete Kadai Kits include both a high stand and a low stand, allowing you to use the Kadai for both barbecuing and as a fire pit at different heights.

Always check the product description to see exactly what is included in your chosen kit.

The right size depends on how many people you typically cook for and the space you have available. Larger Kadais provide more cooking surface and are better suited to entertaining, while smaller sizes are ideal for everyday use and smaller gatherings.

As a general guide:

50cm Kadai – suitable for 2 to 3 people
60cm Kadai – suitable for 2 to 4 people
70cm Kadai – suitable for 4 to 6 people
80cm Kadai – suitable for 8 or more people

If you regularly host or want greater cooking flexibility, choosing a larger size will give you more space to cook.

The difference lies in how the bowl is made, its heritage, and its appearance.

The Recycled Kadai is made from reclaimed oil drums that are cut into flat plates, hand beaten into shape, and riveted together. This traditional construction method has been used in India for centuries and gives each bowl a distinctive, authentic character.

The Classic Kadai is hand-beaten from a single piece of mild steel. This creates a smoother, more uniform finish while retaining the traditional form, offering a more contemporary look.

Our Kadais and many of our accessories are handcrafted from mild steel by small artisan workshops in India. We work with skilled makers who use traditional techniques to shape, forge and finish each piece by hand, giving every Kadai its own character. It is all part of what makes them feel well made, well used and built to last.

The contents of a Kadai kit vary depending on the model, but each includes the bowl and essential components needed for outdoor cooking and fire use.

The Recycled Kadai Kit includes a Recycled Kadai bowl, beads, Holi grill, tongs, and brush, along with either a high stand, low stand, or both depending on the kit selected.

The Classic Kadai Kit includes a Classic Kadai bowl, beads, Holi grill, tongs, brush, and both a high stand and low stand, allowing it to be used for both barbecuing and as a fire pit.

The Garden Fire Pit Kit includes a Garden fire pit bowl, beads, low stand, and tongs. This model is designed primarily for fire pit use but can still be used for cooking with compatible accessories.

The Travel Kadai Kit includes a 40cm Travel Kadai bowl, beads, grill, stand, tongs, and a duffle bag, making it ideal for portable outdoor cooking.

The Fire Bowl Table Kit includes a fire bowl table stand, 70cm Kadai bowl, beads, Holi grill, tongs, brush, and shield, combining cooking and fire functionality with an integrated table design.

The Plancha Kadai Kit includes a mango wood table base, limestone top, plancha plate, 70cm Kadai bowl, ring fence, beads, tongs, and brush, creating a complete outdoor cooking station designed for plancha-style cooking.

Always check the individual product description to confirm exactly what is included, as components may vary between models.

The high stand raises the Kadai to a comfortable cooking height, making it easier to barbecue. The low stand positions the Kadai closer to the ground, creating a more traditional fire pit setting that is ideal for sitting around.

Yes. Kadai bowls, stands, and cooking accessories are all available individually. This allows you to build your own setup or expand your Kadai over time with additional accessories.

Check out the build your own bundle section for more a detailed guide.

Kadai accessories are designed to fit specific bowl sizes. When choosing accessories such as Grills, Lids, Tripods, Wood Fired Oven or Covers, always select the size that matches your Kadai diameter. This ensures proper fit, safe use, and best cooking performance.

You can convert your Kadai into a barbecue at any time by adding the appropriate Holi Grill or the Cooking Tripod and one of the five cooking attachments.

A Shield is recommended as it helps protect your Kadai from the elements and keeps it clean when not in use.

Yes. Surface rust is a natural and expected characteristic of steel exposed to heat and outdoor conditions. This does not affect performance or lifespan and is part of the authentic character of the product. With regular use and proper care, the Kadai will develop a unique patina.

Kadai beads sit at the base of the bowl and play an important role in protecting and maintaining your Kadai. They help insulate the base of the bowl from direct heat and allow proper airflow and drainage.

This improves combustion, protects the bowl from excessive heat stress, and prevents moisture from collecting at the base. The beads should always remain in the bowl during use.

Yes. The beads should be cleaned regularly to maintain safe performance and proper airflow.

Once the ash is completely cold, remove the beads and sift away ash and debris using a riddle or similar tool. Remove any large charcoal remnants by hand, then return the clean beads to the bowl.

Regular cleaning helps maintain drainage, protects the bowl, and ensures consistent performance.

The bowl should be cleaned periodically to maintain its condition and protect the steel.

First ensure the bowl is completely cold. Remove the beads and set them aside. Using a scouring pad, gently clean the surface to remove loose oxidisation. Once clean, apply a light, even coat of protective oil such as Owatrol Oil using a cloth, then wipe away any excess.

Allow the bowl to dry fully before using again. This process helps protect the steel and preserve the lifespan of your Kadai.

Kadais are designed for outdoor use and can be left outside during regular use. However, during the winter months, we recommend storing your Kadai in a shed or under permanent cover to protect it from prolonged exposure to moisture and harsh weather.

This will help preserve the finish and extend the lifespan of the bowl. If left exposed, surface rust may develop, which is natural for steel and should not affect performance, provided the beads are used correctly.

We recommend applying a protective oil treatment when the bowl shows signs of heavy oxidisation, or at least once a year as part of routine maintenance.

This helps protect the steel from moisture, slows surface corrosion, and preserves the appearance and longevity of the bowl.

Only use protective oil on the bowl and stands. Never apply it to cooking accessories such as grills or cookware.

Always place your Kadai on a flat, stable, and fire-resistant surface such as stone, gravel, or compacted soil. Avoid placing it directly on wooden decking, dry grass, or other flammable surfaces without suitable protection.

Your Kadai should be positioned at least 2 metres away from buildings, fences, overhanging branches, and any flammable materials to ensure safe use.

Kadai bowls come with a one-year warranty from the point of purchase. This can be extended to five years by completing the warranty registration form on our website.

Over time, your Kadai will develop a natural oxidised finish. This is part of the product’s character and is not considered a fault.

Warranty Policy

We aim to deliver all orders within five working days, unless an in-house delivery service is required. Once your order has been dispatched, delivery typically takes 48 hours.

Yes. We recommend that someone is available to receive the order, particularly for larger items delivered on pallets. This ensures the delivery can be completed safely and without delay.

Pallet deliveries are kerbside only. The driver will move the pallet onto a driveway or pavement using a pump truck but cannot enter your property or assist with moving items further.

You can request a preferred delivery day in the notes section at checkout. While we will do our best to accommodate this, delivery dates cannot be changed once the order has been dispatched due to the fixed 48-hour delivery window.

Yes. You can leave delivery notes at checkout, including access details, safe place instructions, or directions. We will pass these on to the courier, although we cannot guarantee they will always be followed.

We currently deliver within the UK. For deliveries outside mainland UK, please contact our team directly and we will provide a shipping quote where possible.

Yes. Kadai products are available through a network of stockists. You can find your nearest stockist using the stockist locator on our website.

If your product was purchased from a stockist, you will need to contact them directly regarding returns or replacements, as they manage the original sale.

You have 14 days from receiving your order to notify us if you would like to return it. Once notified, we will arrange collection and provide return instructions.

If your item is faulty or not as described, you have 30 days to return it. Please contact our customer team with details and photos so we can resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Customers are responsible for the cost of returning items. The return postage fee will be deducted from your refund.

Once your item is safely packaged, contact our customer team and we will arrange the return and provide the correct details for collection.