Plastic vs. stainless steel casserole: Which is healthier and safer for storing rotis

When it comes to Indian kitchens, keeping rotis soft and warm for hours is an everyday priority. And thanks to science, casseroles always come to the rescue. Also known as hot cases, they are an integral part of every kitchen and are also used to store curries, dal and sabzis. But when choosing between plastic and stainless steel casseroles, people often get confused. From price point to looks, everything becomes debatable and the discussion is never ending. Today, let us explore the pros and cons of both and find the answer on which one is healthier and safer to store rotis. (Image Courest: Gemini)

This one is popular and easily available. The best thing about plastic casseroles is that they are lightweight and affordable, which makes them widely accessible. They often come with insulated interiors that help retain heat. However, not all plastics are of good quality or equal. When rotis are placed inside, the heat can cause certain types of plastic to release harmful chemicals over time.

According to Tanya Kapoor, a certified nutritionist and wellness expert at Wellness by Tanya, even food-grade plastic can degrade with repeated exposure to heat. While this may not be visible immediately or to the naked eye, in the long run, it is harmful and not safe for storing rotis. Regular wear and tear of such casseroles lead to scratches and can further increase the risk of contamination, as they can harbor bacteria and make cleaning less effective. Having said that, she also states that if you are using a high-quality, BPA-free plastic casserole and allowing rotis to cool slightly before storing, the risks can be minimized, but not completely eliminated. According to her, over the years, plastic casseroles leave behind an unpleasant odour, which slowly gets incorporated in rotis and leads to faster spoilage. According to experts, rotis stored in plastic casserole also develop a foul smell, which leads to bacterial growth and makes such rotis until for humans.

On the other hand, stainless steel ones are considered one of the safest materials for food storage, especially for rotis. Steel is considered a safer choice; it is also easy to clean, resistant to scratches, and does not retain odors or stains.

Tanya affirms, "Steel is non-reactive, durable, and does not leach chemicals, even when in contact with hot food. When it comes to storing hot rotis, it is one of the safest options you can choose and be confident that no unwanted substances are mixing with your food." Another advantage of steel casserole is-longevity. Unlike plastic, stainless steel does not degrade over time with regular use, making it more sustainable.

While both are designed to retain heat and moisture and keep the rotis fresh, the key is to ensure the food is safe and warm. While storing rotis in a cotton cloth or parchment paper before placing them in the casserole can help maintain their texture and prevent sogginess, the safety of rotis in a plastic casserole is always questionable. It is also said that plastic often tends to trap excess steam, which is the main issue. And over a period of time, it doesn’t absorb extra moisture, and hence rotis may lose their ideal texture. On the other hand, stainless steel casseroles, especially insulated ones, perform just as well and are always a safer option. It is proven that the stainless steel ones keep the rotis fresh without any added odour and that is what makes it a better deal over plastic casseroles.

According to experts, plastic ones are basically petroleum-based products and have a high carbon footprint due to the energy required to extract, transport, and process the raw materials. Also, they are not recyclable and end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to break down. On the other hand, stainless steel ones are made from a combination of metals, typically iron, chromium, nickel, and other alloys. While they are expensive, they are recyclable and can be used again and again without losing their quality, making them a more environmentally friendly option in the long term. According to experts, steel does not contain harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates which can leach into food and cause health concerns. Also, they are durable and can last for a long time, which makes them truly environment-friendly option.

According to Tanya, while plastic casseroles may score points for convenience and cost, when it comes to health and safety, stainless steel casseroles clearly have the upper hand and are also sustainable. They are non-toxic and better for handling hot foods like rotis.

Images Cpurtesy: istock