Baf, German entrants in the Indian consumer market, are trying to give Nirlep a run for their money with the launch of a new range of high-end products called Cuisinelle. Says V K Dewan, chairman and chief executive of the Bahrain-based Bramco Group, ``We are looking to tap the top end of the market in the price range of Rs 550-1,200, by providing products that are superior in two respects. One, it is the first time in the country that one can watch the ingredients while cooking in a non-stick pan through the glass lid. Secondly, our base metal alloy of aluminium, managanese and silicon makes the product immune to deformities when exposed to high temperatures,'' he claims.

Dewan claims that Baf's saucepans, pots, fryers, skillets, woks and casseroles use Dupont's Teflon coating, which does not wear off with heat. Also, Baf's handles and knobs, made of Bakelite,stay cool at high temperatures (tested at up to 220 degrees Celsius). Besides, points out Dewan, ``the non-porous 4.5 mm thick surface of the products enables virtually oil-free cooking and convenient cleaning.''

Nirlep, part of the Aurangabad-based Duraware group of companies, was the first to introduce non-stick cookware in the country in 1968. Ashwini Saini, regional manager (north), Duraware Pvt. Ltd refutes all claims by Baf of enhanced durability of its utensils. ``We use the Teflon II coating in our products for our Sakhi range of products in an arrangement with French major Dupont. This is the standard non-stick coating across the country. Besides, our Select range uses Dupont's Teflon Extra lining, which is even better than Teflon II,'' he says. Nirlep's range of non-stick griddles, multi-pans, frying pans, toasters and pots are priced in the range of Rs 200-500.

The best lining, called Teflon Silverstone, is not used in India at all, owing to its huge manufacturing costs. While Baf is targetinga niche audience with a promise of quality, Nirlep is backed by an infrastructure of over 8,000 dealer outlets spread across the country. Baf is also dangling an introductory carrot for buyers: a flat base concave tawa worth Rs 540 free with a purchase of any two products.

Both Nirlep and Baf have put out advertisements in the print media focussing on toughness and German technology, respectively. Tick the non-stick of your choice.