Futura Breakfast Pan Appachetty Glass Lid 22cm NBFP09G

Futura Hard Anodised Nonstick Breakfast Pan / Appachatty with Glass Lid 22 cm (NBFP09G) – 3.25mm Extra-Thick, German PFOA-Free Nonstick Locked into Hard Anodised Surface for Appam, Eggs & More

About This Product

The appachatty — that beautifully curved, round-bottomed pan that South Indian and Keralite kitchens reach for every morning — has a very specific job to do. The rounded shape cradles the fermented batter and allows appam to cook in its characteristic way: a thin, lacy, crisp outer edge that forms as the batter spreads up the curved sides, while the centre stays thick, soft, and fluffy. No flat-bottomed pan does this correctly. The Futura Hard Anodised Nonstick Breakfast Pan (NBFP09G) is built for exactly this purpose — and for the broader category of morning cooking it fits into: eggs in every style, small batches of upma and poha, single-serve curries, tadkas, and any preparation that benefits from a deep, round, non-stick vessel. Its 22 cm diameter and 0.9-litre capacity make it a genuinely practical, compact everyday pan — a size that is right for individual or couple cooking and for side preparations in a larger household kitchen.

What sets the NBFP09G apart from a standard nonstick appachatty is its construction. The body is hard anodised aluminium — treated through an electrochemical process that converts the surface into a material harder than stainless steel, creating a tough, non-porous base layer. The nonstick coating is then applied through a unique patented Futura process in which the German PFOA-free nonstick coating is locked into the hard anodised surface rather than merely sitting on top of it. This bonding between the coating and the hardened aluminium foundation means the nonstick lasts significantly longer than it would in an ordinary nonstick pan where the coating sits on a softer substrate. The entire body — base and sides — is 3.25 mm extra-thick, which gives the pan the thermal mass to heat evenly across its curved surface without hotspots forming at the bottom while the sides remain cooler.

The Futura range is characterised by its attention to handle quality, and the NBFP09G is no exception. The rosewood handle is fixed on a sturdy stainless steel bracket that is permanently riveted to the pan body — the handle will not loosen, not wobble, and not detach through years of daily use. Rosewood is a natural, dense wood that stays comfortably cool even when the pan is hot, provides a secure grip, and brings a warmth of material that complements the deep black hard anodised finish. The included toughened heat-proof glass lid allows covered cooking — steaming appam through to their fluffy centres without flipping, cooking eggs with a gentle steam finish, or keeping food warm — while maintaining full visibility of what is happening inside. The NBFP09G is a gas stove compatible pan and is backed by Futura's 5-year guarantee from Hawkins.

Key Features

German PFOA-Free Nonstick Locked into Hard Anodised Surface – Lasts Longer

The nonstick coating of the NBFP09G is not a standard surface application. Through a unique patented Futura process, the German PFOA-free nonstick coating is chemically locked into the hard anodised aluminium surface underneath it — bonded at a molecular level rather than simply layered on top. This means the coating has a significantly stronger foundation than ordinary nonstick pans, making it more resistant to wear from daily use, utensil contact, and repeated heating and cooling cycles. The nonstick, used properly, lasts considerably longer than conventional nonstick pans in the same category.

Hard Anodised Aluminium Body – Harder Than Steel, Non-Toxic & Non-Staining

The hard anodised aluminium body is the structural foundation beneath the nonstick coating. Hard anodising converts the aluminium surface into aluminium oxide — a material harder than stainless steel, non-porous, and non-reactive. The result is a body that is not spoilt by heat, non-toxic, non-staining, and stays looking new for years. The dark, matte black appearance of hard anodised cookware is distinctive and professional, and unlike polished aluminium, it does not tarnish or oxidise with age or cooking.

3.25mm Extra-Thick Base & Sides – Even Heat, No Hotspots

Both the base and the curved sides of the NBFP09G are 3.25 mm extra-thick — substantially more than standard lightweight nonstick pans. This thickness gives the pan enough thermal mass to distribute heat evenly across every part of the cooking surface, including up the curved walls. For appam, this even heat is essential — the curved sides need to be warm enough for the batter to cook and crisp as it spreads up from the base. For eggs and other breakfast preparations, the thick base prevents burning at the centre while the edges undercook.

Round Bottom Shape – Essential for Authentic Appam

The round, curved bottom of the NBFP09G is not just a design choice — it is what makes authentic appam possible. When you pour fermented rice batter into the pan and swirl it, the batter naturally climbs up the curved sides and settles back, creating the thin, lacy edge characteristic of a proper appam. A flat-bottomed pan cannot replicate this spreading action. The round bottom also makes the pan ideal for stir-frying small quantities and for cooking dishes that benefit from a deep, rounded vessel with concentrated base heat.

Nonstick Surface Allows Cooking with Less Oil

The German nonstick coating locked into the hard anodised surface provides excellent food release with minimal oil. Appam slides out with a gentle tilt. Eggs fold cleanly without tearing. Upma and poha do not stick to the base. The nonstick quality reduces the amount of oil or ghee needed for most preparations — contributing to lighter, healthier cooking in a pan used for daily breakfast.

Can Use Metal Ladles – More Durable Than Ordinary Nonstick

Because the nonstick coating is locked into the hard anodised surface through the patented Futura process, the NBFP09G is more tolerant of metal ladle use than standard single-coat nonstick pans. The hard anodised foundation beneath the coating provides additional support that prevents the coating from flexing and peeling under utensil contact. While silicone or wooden utensils are always ideal for maximising the lifespan of any nonstick surface, the Futura's construction means it handles occasional metal utensil contact with more resilience.

Cooks Some Foods Faster and Crisper

The hard anodised dark surface absorbs radiant heat faster than polished or lighter-coloured cookware surfaces. This means the NBFP09G reaches cooking temperature more quickly and delivers a crisper finish on preparations where surface contact heat is important — the lacy edges of appam, the crispy base of a fried egg, or the toasted bottom of a small dosa. This faster, hotter surface response is a genuine cooking advantage for breakfast preparations.

Rosewood Handle on Stainless Steel Bracket – Stay-Cool, Permanently Riveted

The rosewood handle is crafted from original high-quality rosewood — a dense, naturally heat-resistant wood that remains comfortable to hold even when the pan is at full cooking temperature. It is mounted on a sturdy stainless steel bracket that is permanently riveted to the pan body — an irreversible attachment that will never loosen, never wobble, and never require tightening over years of daily use. The handle design is carefully shaped for comfort and safety, particularly when handling a hot pan.

Toughened Heat-Proof Glass Lid – Cover & Monitor Simultaneously

The included toughened heat-proof glass lid is a particularly valuable feature for appam-making: once you have poured and swirled the batter, covering the pan with the glass lid traps steam that cooks the soft, fluffy centre of the appam through without needing to flip it. The transparency of the glass allows you to watch the top of the appam set and firm up without lifting the lid and releasing the steam. The same steam-finishing technique works beautifully for eggs, small pancakes, and covered simmering of small quantities.

Compact 22 cm, 0.9 Litre – Right Size for Individual & Couple Cooking

At 22 cm diameter and 0.9-litre capacity, the NBFP09G is sized perfectly for individual or couple cooking — one or two appam per round, eggs for one or two, a small serving of upma or poha, or a quick tadka for a single person's meal. The compact size also heats up faster, uses less fuel per cooking session, and stores easily in any kitchen cabinet or drawer.

Warranty Information

The Futura Hard Anodised Nonstick Breakfast Pan / Appachatty (NBFP09G) comes with a 5-year guarantee from Hawkins Cookers Limited from the date of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an appachatty and why does the shape matter?

An appachatty (also written as appachetty, appachatti, or appam chetty) is a traditional South Indian / Keralite pan with a deep, round-bottomed, curved shape used to make appam — the iconic fermented rice-flour pancake with a thin, lacy, crisp outer ring and a soft, thick, fluffy centre. The round bottom shape is essential: when batter is poured in and the pan swirled, the batter spreads naturally up the curved sides and slides back, creating the thin outer layer as it sets against the hot curved walls. A flat-bottomed pan cannot replicate this action, resulting in a thick, uniform pancake rather than the characteristic appam shape.

2. What does "German nonstick coating locked into hard anodised surface" mean?

In an ordinary nonstick pan, the nonstick coating sits on top of the base metal and is bonded only at the surface level. Futura's patented process takes this further — the German PFOA-free nonstick coating is bonded into the hard anodised aluminium surface at a deeper level, creating a stronger mechanical and chemical attachment between coating and base. The hard anodised surface itself is harder than stainless steel and non-porous — it provides a far more supportive substrate for the coating than soft aluminium. The combination means the nonstick lasts longer, has more resistance to wear, and is less likely to peel or degrade with regular use.

3. Can I use the NBFP09G on an induction cooktop?

No. The NBFP09G is compatible with gas stoves only — it is not induction-compatible. The hard anodised aluminium body is not magnetic, which is required for induction cooking. The round-bottom shape also makes it unsuitable for flat induction cooktop surfaces that require stable flat-base contact. For induction-compatible appam pans, a dedicated induction-base model would be needed.

4. Can I use the NBFP09G for dishes other than appam?

Yes — it is marketed as a "Breakfast Pan" precisely because of its versatility beyond appam. Its deep, curved, nonstick surface is well-suited for: fried eggs and omelettes (the rounded base makes flipping easier), scrambled eggs and bhurji, small batches of upma and poha, single-serve curries and sabzi, quick tadkas, small dosas and pancakes, and any preparation that benefits from a deep, nonstick, rounded vessel with a 0.9-litre capacity.

5. How do I make appam properly in the NBFP09G?

Heat the pan on medium flame and apply a few drops of coconut oil. Pour a ladleful of fermented rice batter into the centre of the pan. Quickly lift the pan and swirl it in a circular motion so the batter spreads up the curved sides. Place it back on the flame. Cover with the glass lid. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp and the steam from the lid has set the soft, fluffy centre. Slide out with a spatula. The nonstick surface and round bottom make this process smooth and the appam releases cleanly without sticking.

6. Is the PFOA-free nonstick coating safe for daily cooking?

Yes. The Futura NBFP09G is PFOA-free — it contains no perfluorooctanoic acid in its nonstick coating. PFOA was a processing compound used in older nonstick manufacturing that raised health concerns at high temperatures; modern PFOA-free nonstick coatings do not carry this concern. The hard anodised surface underneath is also non-toxic and non-reactive. The pan is safe for daily cooking at normal cooking temperatures.

7. Can I use metal ladles in the NBFP09G?

The NBFP09G is described as more tolerant of metal ladles than ordinary nonstick pans, owing to the German coating being locked into the hard anodised surface. However, for best nonstick longevity, wooden, silicone, or nylon spatulas and ladles are always recommended. Metal ladle use should be occasional rather than habitual — the coating will last significantly longer with gentle utensils.

8. Why is the glass lid particularly useful for appam?

Making appam requires a steam-cooking finish: after swirling and spreading the batter, the thin outer edges cook and crisp on the hot pan surface, but the thick, fluffy centre needs steam heat to cook through without direct contact heat. The glass lid traps steam inside the pan, directing it upward and cooking the top of the appam to its characteristic soft, moist texture. The transparency of the glass lets you watch the top surface set and firm up so you know exactly when the appam is ready — without lifting the lid and releasing the steam.

9. What is the warranty on the Futura NBFP09G?

The NBFP09G carries a 5-year guarantee from the date of purchase from Hawkins Cookers Limited. For warranty service or queries, contact Hawkins at service@hawkinscookers.com or (022) 24 440 807.

10. What other sizes and variants are available in the Futura Nonstick Breakfast Pan range?

The Futura Nonstick Breakfast Pan (Appachatty) range from Hawkins includes the NBFP09G (22cm, 0.9L with glass lid) as the primary model. For those who prefer cast iron for traditional appam, the Futura Cast Iron Appachatty is also available — naturally nonstick through seasoning, no coating, for the purist appam-making experience. Hawkins also offers the Pro Mini Kadhai Appachatty in Granite finish (CA09G) — a newer variant with a ceramic granite nonstick for those who prefer a different aesthetic and coating type.