Customer Reviews

Berndes SignoCast Classic 13-Inch Cast Aluminum Wok

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This pan fills a void in my kitchen equipment that I didn't know I had, until I bought it. I use it in a variety of ways.
* On the stovetop, as a wok.
* On the stovetop, to prepare large batches of meat (2-3 lbs) for freezing and/or assembly of easy cook meals to use during the week.
* In the oven, as a surface for roasted vegetables. (Use it without the lid for this purpose.)
* As a large casserole for stews. (It will hold 4 qts if filled to about an inch below the top; I usually stop at 3+ quarts.)

While the 13 inch size of this utensil is a bit awkward to wash in my smallish kitchen sink, at 3 lbs its light weight makes it doable. I especially like the rivetless interior. In my opinion, this is on par with Le Creuset, which for a comparable item is roughly triple the weight. They are both well made, but filled with food, the larger Le Creuset items can be a challenge.

OVERALL, these are the good points:
+ only three pounds empty
+ excellent quality cast aluminum is made in Germany and has a track record of almost 30 years
+ nonstick surface performs very well and reduces amount of fat/oil needed
+ cleans easily with a nylon net dishcloth, Simple Green or dish detergent after a brief soak
+ handles are cast as an integral part of the unit
+ no rivets or other food-catchers inside
+ flat bottom can be used on a multitude of cooking surfaces, including gas/electric/induction/halogen burners.
+ lid rests on a rim inside the pan, recycling moisture when used as a casserole
+ lid knob is ovensafe to temperatures of 450 degrees F

THE DOWN SIDES INCLUDE the potential for the glass lid (rimmed in metal, with glass labeled break-resistant) to break. In addition, the Signocast line is not intended for use with metal utensils. Neither lid nor wok should be put in the dishwasher. If you can live with these limitations, you will likely be happy with this item.

If you have wrists or shoulders affected with arthritis, as I do, this is the perfect kitchen companion. As the first reviewer notes, it is versatile and can be used for casseroles, braising and as a traditional wok. It has a lifetime warranty, and can even go inside the oven. For me, though, its outstanding feature is its weight. It's so light, even I can carry it without inwardly going "ouch!"

I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I like Berdnes cookware. This wok is good except the design of the handles is very poor. Both handles of this wok are made of cast aluminum; NOT the phenolic handles as described (Phenolic is a strong plastic resin resistant to heat). It's too hot to touch the handles while we are cooking. That means we can't move or lift the wok when cooking because it will burn your hands. I guess Berdnes is aware of this problem, and the new Tradition series is using the wooden handles instead.