The Indus Valley Super Smooth Cast Iron Appam Pan/Appachatty/Chetty Pan/Appam Patra with Glass Lid | 22 Cm/8.7 Inch, 1.9Kg | Gas Compatible | Nonstick Pre-Seasoned Appam Pan,

The Indus Valley Super Smooth Cast Iron Appam Pan/Appachatty – Traditional Craftsmanship Meets Modern Utility

If you’re passionate about authentic South Indian cooking or simply want to enhance your cookware collection with a natural, chemical-free solution, The Indus Valley Super Smooth Cast Iron Appam Pan is an ideal choice. Also known as Appachatty, Appam Patra, or Chetty Pan, this traditional utensil is thoughtfully designed to make soft-centre, crispy-edged appams – a delicacy commonly enjoyed in Kerala and Tamil Nadu households. But its uses go far beyond just appam-making.

Let’s explore the key features, benefits, usability, design, and health advantages that make this product a valuable kitchen essential.

. Premium Material – 100% Pure Cast Iron

The pan is crafted from 100% pure cast iron, a time-tested material trusted for its durability and excellent heat retention properties. Unlike modern non-stick pans that contain synthetic chemical coatings, this pan is 100% toxin-free – no PFOA, no PTFE, and no synthetic enamels. The material is naturally non-stick after seasoning and gets better with every use.

Cast iron’s ability to withstand high heat makes it ideal for cooking traditional Indian dishes that require even, gradual heating. The heavy-duty material ensures long-lasting performance and can even be passed on as an heirloom with proper care.

. Super Smooth Finish – Easy to Use & Maintain

What sets this Indus Valley pan apart is its super smooth finish, which is rare in most cast iron cookware. This ensures the batter spreads uniformly across the surface, helping create soft, fluffy centre appams with perfectly crisp and golden edges.

The smooth surface also means food won’t stick much – a common issue with raw cast iron pans. As it’s pre-seasoned naturally, it offers immediate usability right out of the box. With regular use and proper seasoning, the surface improves further, creating an almost non-stick effect without the health risks of synthetic coatings.

. Perfect Size & Weight for Everyday Use

Measuring 22 cm (8.7 inches) in diameter and weighing 1.9 kg, this Appachatty offers the ideal dimensions for home cooking. It’s compact enough for easy storage yet spacious enough to make full-sized appams. The weight helps anchor the pan steadily on your stovetop, preventing accidental tipping while pouring batter or lifting the pan.

While 1.9 kg might feel a bit heavy compared to aluminium pans, this weight is essential in cast iron cookware for maintaining heat consistency and durability.

. Compatible with Gas Stoves

This pan is designed specifically for gas stoves, which allows precise temperature control. Appams typically require a pan that retains moderate heat without burning the base – something that cast iron excels at. Its rounded shape and consistent heat help cook the appam evenly, with the centre remaining soft and airy, while the rim turns crisp.

While it’s not induction-compatible, the gas compatibility ensures quick heating and easy regulation during traditional cooking.

. Comes with a Transparent Glass Lid

Another excellent feature is the inclusion of a glass lid, which allows you to monitor the cooking process without opening the lid and releasing steam. The steam helps cook the appam’s centre without flipping, and being able to see through the lid ensures you don’t overcook or undercook your food.

The lid also has a handle for convenience and helps retain heat and moisture inside the pan for consistent results.

. Health Benefits – Adds Iron Naturally

Cooking in cast iron not only elevates the flavour but also naturally fortifies your food with iron. This is especially beneficial for individuals with iron deficiency or anaemia. Unlike synthetic cookware that leaches harmful chemicals, cast iron contributes a trace amount of dietary iron during the cooking process – a simple yet effective way to enhance your nutrition.

This makes it particularly useful for vegetarians and children who often need extra dietary iron.

. Versatile Usage Beyond Appam

While primarily designed for appams, the curved bowl-like shape of this pan makes it suitable for preparing a variety of dishes:

• Neer dosa

• Uthappams

• Egg roast

• Mini pancakes

• Paniyarams (in limited quantities)

• Steamed rice cakes

Its bowl-like structure ensures the batter pools in the middle, creating thickness where needed while keeping edges light and crispy.

. Long-Lasting, Sustainable & Eco-Friendly

In a world leaning toward sustainable choices, cast iron cookware like this one aligns perfectly with eco-conscious lifestyles. It has no plastic, no synthetic coating, and zero waste associated with disposal like non-stick pans that degrade over time.

With proper seasoning and maintenance (a simple oil rub and drying after each wash), this Appam Pan can last decades, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

. Maintenance & Care Tips

• Cleaning: Avoid using soap or steel scrubbers. Just rinse with warm water and scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth.

• Drying: Always dry the pan completely to prevent rusting.

• Seasoning: Apply a thin layer of oil after cleaning to maintain its seasoning and prevent corrosion.

• Storage: Store in a dry place. You can place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture.

With just a little care, the seasoning will improve, making the pan more non-stick and richer in color.