If you are a keen cook and like to cook up a storm in the kitchen, chances are you have used a wok.
Woks are now used worldwide but originated from China. Although used for many cooking purposes, one common preference is for food not to stick to the wok’s surface.
Thankfully, there are many non-stick woks to choose from. Mostly used for frying, woks are made out of various materials from carbon steel, cast iron, aluminum, to non-stick.
Non-stick has become one of the most popular choices for cooks around the world as it is useful for healthy foods.
There are a few things to consider when buying a wok. We are here to help you in your quest for the best non-stick wok.
The following article will list 5 of the best products on the market with in-depth reviews. We have followed this up with a helpful buyer’s guide and FAQ’s to help you decide.
Let’s explore the best non-stick woks today.
If you have ingredients waiting to be fried and can’t wait, here is our top pick!
OUR TOP PICK
First place goes to the Calphalon Signature 12-inch Flat-Bottom Wok. This sustainable product is made from hard-anodized aluminum and is a durable product.
With high sloped sides, the Calphalon Flat-Bottom wok allows you to toss food easily.
The surface is a Sear Non-stick cooking surface. This seals in juices when cooking foods such as meat, seafood, and vegetables.
This is a comfortable wok to use thanks to a long handle which is kept cool from the rising heat of the cooker. As a result, it is easy to cook food on.
Another important factor in finding a non-stick wok is the maintenance and cleaning of the product.
Thankfully, the Calphalon Signature 12-inch Flat-Bottom Wok is dishwasher friendly so you just need to cook, rinse, and leave the rest to the dishwasher.
A full lifetime warranty is another attractive feature of this wok so you can cook in the knowledge that you are covered against damage.
Pros
- Easy to clean in a dishwasher
- The wok is sustainable and environmentally friendly
- The Sear non-stick pan interior is PFOA-free making it safer and healthier to use
- High sloped sides to easily toss food when cooking
- Suitable for any stove in any kitchen
Cons
- Thinner handle compared to some woks
EDITORS CHOICE
Our second pick is a popular modern wok. Another product from Calphalon, the Contemporary Nonstick 10-Inch Stir Fry Pan is a durable wok, suitable for any kitchen.
As the name suggests, this wok is solidly built. It is made from heavy-gauge aluminum which is quick to heat and easy to use when cooking with oil.
There are three layers of nonstick coating to ensure your food is cooked easily without hassle. The first two layers offer durability whilst the third layer allows for an easy freeing improvement.
This contemporary wok directs heat superbly due to a deep bowl design. Such a design aids in stir-frying and cooking meat and vegetables.
The Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 10-Inch Stir Fry Pan is simple to clean and can be heated safely to over 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
The bottom is traditionally flat for easy cooking alongside a non-stick stainless steel handle which is not only comfortable to use but good to look at.
The inclusion of a lifetime warranty means you can use this in the long term for yourself and up to 4 family members at once.
Pros
- PFOA-free nonstick for extra safety and healthier food
- Lifetime warranty for extended use
- The pan is dishwasher safe allowing you to save time in cleaning
- Can contain enough food for up to four family members at once
- Can be safely heated to over 450 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure well-cooked food
Cons
- The wok lid doesn’t fit perfectly
BEST VALUE
Here is another durable wok. The GreenPan Paris 12.5 Inch Ceramic Non-Stick Wok cooks your food healthily without any toxic chemicals.
The unique inclusion of two sustainable riveted stainless steel handles results in a wok that is easy to use and comfortable. These keep cool from the stove to prevent any burns or discomfort.
Many woks include potentially harmful materials that could cause problems if ingested. GreenPan is free from some of these including PFAS, PFOA, cadmium, and lead.
Non-toxic fumes are removed resulting in a completely healthy and safe meal. The pan’s coating refuses to blister or peel, even if you overheat the wok.
The ceramic non-stick surface is coated with GreenPan’s most advanced grade of Thermolon with reinforced minerals alongside the safe use of any metal utensils.
The exterior is designed for absolute strength with a durable hard anodize. It is scratch resistant with superb heat conduction for optimal cooking results.
Pros
- Dishwasher friendly to save time in cleaning
- Has no toxic fumes that could potentially harm an individual
- The size, depth, and quality of its build is strong and large enough to cook for several people
- Doesn’t include PFAS, PFOA, cadmium, or lead to ensure healthy food
- Scratch-resistant and coating refuses to peel even at very high temperatures
Cons
- A heavyweight wok so it can be quite difficult to toss food within
RUNNER UP
Our third choice is a unique wok. For durability, an even heat distribution, and solid construction, the All-Clad E7859464 HA1 wok is one of the best.
The HA1 collection combines convenience and the durable nature of hard-anodized aluminum.
The three layers of non-stick coating allow food to slide serenely off without the need to stir or use oil.
Cooking is not only easy with this pan, it is safe. The non-stick coating is PFOA-free so it won’t peel off into your food or plate.
There are an abundance of different worktops around the world and the All-Clad HA1 wok is compatible with each one.
It can even be placed in the oven at temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
After cooking your delicious meal, simply place the pan in a dishwasher for cleaning.
However, it is recommended that you should hand wash with mild detergents when possible to protect the non-stick surface.
The height of the sides makes this wok perfect for turning and stirring your food. The pan features a flat bottom and wide mouth which helps evaporate liquids sufficiently.
The excellent addition of a domed lid helps retain moisture and keep foods hot until serving.
Pros
- Easy and quick to clean to save time after a delicious meal
- Very efficient at heating food at very high temperatures
- Compatible with all worktops such as electric, gas, or induction
- Safe non-stick coating with a PFOA-free coating to maximize healthy food
- Oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
- Dishwasher safe but may see damage after some use. Handwashing is advised
RUNNER UP
Joyce Chen 21-9971, Classic Series Carbon-Steel Nonstick Wok Set offers a wonderful cooking experience. These pans heat food evenly and quickly without any fuss.
There are two sizes available. The 12 inch model comes without non-stick coating whilst the 9.5 inch model is made with non-stick coating.
Made from carbon steel, the Joyce Chen wok retains heat longer resulting in an evenly cooked meal in half the usual time.
If you are a fan of stir-fries, this is the wok for you. Nevertheless, all manner of meals can be cooked in this impressive wok.
It is an attractive wok and would look great in any kitchen. The birch wood handles stay cool offering safety, comfort, and security. Transporting the pan from the stove to the dinner table can be done with ease.
These woks are 14 inches in diameter and are easy to clean up. It is highly recommended that you wash the pan by hand and dry it thoroughly to prevent any damage and wear.
Another benefit of buying this Joyce Chen wok is the additional extras that come with it. Included are a 14 inch steel wok, a lid, a bamboo spatula, and a handy recipe booklet.
Safe and easy to use, the Joyce Chen wok is a great choice for kitchen novices as well as experienced chefs.
Pros
- Made from 1 - ½ mm gauge carbon steel for even and fast heating on a non-stick surface
- Birch-wood stay-cool handles on either end (one long and one short) for extra security and comfort
- Includes additional features such as a lid, a bamboo spatula, and a recipe book
- Can be used on gas, electric, and induction cookers
Cons
- Not recommended for use on glass cookers
- Not dishwasher safe. Must be hand washed and dried immediately
Buyer’s Guide
If you regularly spend a lot of your time cooking, you will probably know the importance of a non-stick pan for an easier cooking experience.
With hundreds of brands on the market, it can be difficult to understand which one is best for you and your needs.
We have listed some criteria that we think will help you understand what to look for in a reliable non-stick wok. Keep reading to find out more.
Coating
It is essential that you consider what the coating of the cookware is like.
The coating is not the same in each wok as each manufacturer creates theirs with different methods. You shouldn’t just consider the material that is used.
You should look at how many layers are present in the pan. Three layers are generally considered to be the most suitable for cooking as these have been proven to last longer.
It is recommended you touch the surface of a wok to see if it is smooth and soft. If this is the case, it is usually a good quality piece and more long-lasting.
Durability
When investing in a new non-stick wok, it is important to consider the durability of the pan. You obviously want one that will last a long time and cook your food thoroughly.
As stated above, depending on the wok’s coating and feel, a decision should then be made on whether it is worth the investment.
Use of the wok
You should be sure a non-stick wok is the right one for you. Non-stick woks are very good at cooking most foods but are mainly targeted at foods such as stir fry or vegetable-based meals.
In order to decide on the best wok for you, think about what you intend cooking mostly and whether a non-stick wok is suitable for you.
The weight
Most non-stick woks are made from aluminum. This is because aluminum is the best metal for conducting electricity.
This does affect the weight of the pan as these can sometimes become rather heavy. Bear in mind the weight of a wok and if you will be able to use it easily.
Price
Whatever you’re looking to invest in, you always want it to be of high-quality and long-lasting.
Good quality woks can range largely in prices so it's a good idea to set a budget and stick to it. Once you have a piece in mind, the choices can be easier to come by.
Cleaning a non-stick wok
For the best results, you should take great care in maintaining your wok. One of the best methods is to clean it thoroughly after every use. We recommend you use warm water and vinegar for a deep cleanse.
Proceed to boil the mixture and when at boiling point, the remains of any cooking oil are easily removed and you will be left with a sparkling clean wok.
Some woks state that they are dishwasher friendly
You must make sure this is the case before using one to clean a wok.
Using a dishwasher makes cleaning simple but it is generally considered best to hand wash your wok, especially non-stick versions.
Some essential parts such as the handle or coating could become weak and get damaged when used in a dishwasher.
Non-stick spray
Using non-stick aerosol sprays can be detrimental to your non-stick cookware. You must avoid using these sprays as they can damage the quality of the non-stick coating.
Furthermore, it can also affect the food negatively to become unhealthy. If you are going to use oils, you should only use natural oils like vegetable oil, olive oil, or one that you regularly use at home.
Pre-heating your non-stick wok
Pre-heating a non-stick pan is definitely not recommended. Most non-stick woks are made from aluminum which heats up very quickly.
On top of this, pans that are pre-heated can spoil the food due to overheating.
The best method of avoiding spoilt food is to apply a small quantity of oil to the wok and then turn the flame or induction on. This will ensure the pan is not overheated and is prepared properly.
Utensils
Utensils are an important part of cooking. There would be a lot of mess without them but choosing the right material utensil is vital. You should never use sharp utensils when using non-stick woks.
This can damage the Teflon coating and the non-stick surface will be destroyed. The same goes for steel or metal utensils as these can have a similar effect.
The best utensils are those made from wood. These are easy to use as well as bad conductors of heat so you will reduce the risk of burns.
Cooking food
Cooking food in a non-stick wok is a little different from other cookware.
Food in a wok should be flipped frequently to avoid burning. Leaving any food on its side for too long could spoil it and even mark the pan in extreme circumstances.
You should also be very careful if you intend on using cheese. Melting cheese should be avoided as, whatever the quality of the non-stick wok, cheese can stick to the pan and damage the coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is best? Non-stick woks or stainless steel?
There are several differences between non-stick and stainless steel pans. Stainless steel pans are made from a combination of metals such as carbon, iron, and chromium.
There are many layers of steel including the main layer which can come in contact with food. Stainless steel woks can achieve even cooking but it usually takes a lot longer to cook food.
Non-stick woks are usually coated with Teflon to avoid any food sticking. This means the pans are easy to wipe clean with a kitchen towel and are more convenient.
You should take extra care with non-stick cookware as overheating can damage the coating.
For those woks including PFOA, overheating can also release dangerous chemicals into the food and cause potential health issues. There are pros and cons with both but PFOA-non-stick woks are convenient and safe to use.
Why does food sometimes stick to non-stick woks?
There are a few possible answers to this. Non-stick woks need to be properly cleaned and maintained.
If they become damaged, foods may begin to stick as the non-stick coating has stopped working.
The build-up of food deposits in the pan may be a result of overheating. This can be combated with proper cleaning and a little cooking oil wiped over with a kitchen towel.
