5 Best Tandoors for Home to Elevate Your Cooking Game
Cooking Indian naan and kebabs at home requires a tandoor oven for authentic taste. Consider size, material, and fuel type when selecting the best option for delicious homemade meals.
Cooking naan and kebabs at home brings the delicious flavors of Indian cuisine right to our kitchens. Making these dishes requires the right tools, and a tandoor oven is essential for getting that authentic taste and texture. From high heat for fluffy naan to an even cook for juicy kebabs, a tandoor can elevate our homemade meals.
When choosing a tandoor for home use, there are a few key details to consider. Size is crucial; it needs to fit comfortably in our kitchens while still being large enough to cook multiple items. Material matters too; clay tandoors offer traditional flavor but can be heavy and fragile, while stainless steel versions are durable and easier to maintain.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Best Tandoors for Homemade Indian Naan and Kebabs
Here are our top picks for the best tandoors. Let’s elevate our cooking game with these fantastic options.
PURI Home Tandoor Oven SS1 Deluxe
Using the PURI Home Tandoor Oven SS1 Deluxe took our cooking to another level. The heat retention is fantastic, allowing us to cook up to 10-12 naan breads or kebabs at once. The stainless steel outer casing also looks great in our backyard.
The included accessories, such as the stainless steel skewers and the naan bread cushion, made the cooking process much easier. With all these tools, we found it straightforward to prepare delicious meals, though you do need to practice to get the temperature just right.
On the downside, the oven is quite heavy. Moving it around requires some effort. Additionally, it’s tricky to maintain a consistent temperature, which can be challenging when cooking different types of food.
Despite its weight and the learning curve, this tandoor is a versatile addition to any home cook’s arsenal. Give it some time, and you’ll be making mouth-watering naan and kebabs in no time.
Mini Tandoor for Home
This Mini Tandoor for Home is a solid choice for eager home cooks. It’s compact, so it won’t take up much space in your kitchen. The portability is a lifesaver when you want to grill outside. We found it really easy to set up and get going.
On the downside, its size means you won’t be cooking for a large crowd in one go. It does, however, ensure consistent heat which results in evenly cooked naan and kebabs. Just keep in mind you’ll need a gas connection.
Its painted finish looks good initially but may wear out over time, especially with heavy use. The handle stays cool, making it safe to operate. We enjoyed using it and believe it strikes a good balance between convenience and functionality.
Tandoor-Home Tandoor Oven-SS1 Ultima
This medium-sized tandoor oven is perfect for making naan and kebabs at home. It has a traditional clay oven inside a modern stainless steel casing. The heat retention is impressive, so you can cook food evenly. The set includes a stainless steel lid, skewers, naan rods, a cushion for making naan, a BBQ grill, and a recipe book.
Using this tandoor, we found that it makes restaurant-quality naan and tandoori chicken. The accessories, like the stainless steel skewers and naan rods, are handy. It also has detachable side tables, which help keep your cooking area organized.
While this tandoor is great, it is heavy and not very portable. You also need to deal with charcoal, which can be messy. Despite these drawbacks, it’s a stylish and functional addition to any garden or patio.
Sufeasdf Electric Tandoor Oven
Cooking with the Sufeasdf Electric Tandoor Oven was a surprisingly pleasant experience. It heats up fast and offers consistent cooking, making it easy to throw together naan or kebabs in no time.
Its non-stick surface makes clean-up a breeze, which we found particularly helpful after a busy cooking session. The temperature control knob gives us full control, ensuring our dishes turn out just the way we like them.
Despite its strengths, the oven’s limited capacity might be a drawback for those cooking for larger groups. It also takes up quite a bit of counter space, so consider your kitchen layout before buying. Additionally, the build quality felt just average, so handle it with care.
For anyone looking to bring a taste of India to their kitchen, this tandoor oven is worth considering. That said, there are areas where it can improve.
PURI Gas Tandoor
This PURI Gas Tandoor has impressed us with its consistent heat. We found it particularly useful for baking naan, which came out perfectly cooked on the inside and crispy on the outside every time.
The generous cooking space makes it easy to handle multiple kebabs or naan simultaneously, which is great for hosting big meals. The construction feels solid, overall, giving confidence in its longevity.
That said, be prepared for some challenges. Moving it around can be tough due to its heft. Plus, it’s a more significant investment than many other options, and you need a gas connection to use it.
Buying Guide
When buying a tandoor for homemade Indian naan and kebabs, there are a few key factors to consider.
Size and Capacity
- Think about how much food you’ll be cooking.
- Smaller tandoors work for families. Larger ones suit gatherings.
Material
- Clay: Traditional but heavy and fragile.
- Stainless Steel: Durable and easy to clean.
- Cast Iron: Retains heat well, but is heavy.
Temperature Control
- Check for adjustable vents or a built-in thermometer.
- Proper control means better cooking results.
Fuel Type
- Charcoal: Adds a smoky flavor but takes longer to heat.
- Gas: Quicker to start, good for convenience.
- Electric: Easiest to use, but lacks traditional flavor.
Ease of Cleaning
- Removable parts make cleaning easier.
- Non-stick surfaces help with maintenance.
Portability
- Lightweight models are good for moving around.
- Handles and wheels can help too.
Price
- Consider your budget.
- Higher price often means better quality and features.
Additional Features
- Some tandoors come with useful extras like skewers, naan hooks, or grills.
- Think about which extra tools will be useful for you.
| Feature | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Size | Small for family, large for gatherings |
| Material | Clay, stainless steel, cast iron |
| Control | Adjustable vents, thermometer |
| Fuel | Charcoal, gas, electric |
| Cleaning | Removable parts, non-stick |
| Portability | Lightweight, handles, wheels |
| Price | Budget vs. quality |
| Extras | Skewers, hooks, grills |
Frequently Asked Questions
We often get questions about choosing the right tandoor, achieving authentic textures, and using tandoors in small spaces. Let’s look at some key details.
What distinguishes a charcoal tandoor from an electric one for home cooking?
Charcoal tandoors give a smoky flavor to naan and kebabs, which many people love. Electric tandoors are easier to control and clean, making them convenient for home use.
How can I achieve authentic naan texture in a mini tandoor oven?
To get the right texture, preheat your mini tandoor to a high temperature. Use whole milk yogurt in your dough for softness. Slap the dough onto the tandoor wall quickly to ensure even cooking.
What steps are involved in building a tandoor oven in my backyard?
First, choose a suitable spot with good ventilation. Dig a pit and add insulation like sand or clay. Use firebricks to create the oven structure, and install a clay pot inside. Make sure the lid fits well.
Are there portable tandoor models suitable for small outdoor spaces?
Yes, there are many portable tandoor models. Look for compact designs made of stainless steel or clay. These models are lightweight and can be easily stored away when not in use.
Can you share tips on how to get the perfect stickiness for naan in a tandoor?
Use a wetter dough for a stickier texture. Knead the dough well to develop gluten. When placing on the tandoor wall, press it firmly so it sticks. Spraying a bit of water on the dough surface helps it adhere better.
What temperature should I aim for inside the tandoor when cooking naan or kebabs?
Aim for a temperature of about 480-500°F (250-260°C). This high heat cooks naan quickly and imparts a nice char to kebabs. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature for consistent results.
