Customer Reviews

Calphalon Professional Nonstick II 12-Inch Flat Bottom Wok

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

 

 

First off, I love this thing. I received it for Christmas from my brother, and it has rapidly become one of the most used items in my kitchen. One of the best presents I got this year. I wanted a Calphalon wok because I love Chinese food - and, well, Calphalon is a brand I trust for impecable heat conduction and durability. I was concerned about how it would sit on the burner of my gas range, and how it would be on the table, because it kind of looks like it would tip over. Nope, nice and stable. And this thing is good for so much more than just Chinese food. I just about fell over when I walked into the kitchen one morning and found my hubby making eggs in it! He's abandoned "his" nonstick skillet for my wok. LOL!

BUT - #1, it's nonstick. Which is great when you're talking Calphalon, because with all the Calphalon cookware I've got, nothing has chipped or flaked yet, and it's just generally great stuff. But you can't use a metal skimmer with it - a frequently used tool for Chinese cooking, and you have to pretty much threaten the other cooks in the household within an inch of their lives if they get near it with a metal utensil (that would be the teenage kids at my house, not the hubby). #2, it doesn't come with a lid (oh, come on, Calphalon - for the price you can at least add a lid!) You can get one for this, but it'll cost ya... extra. And no rack. Not only does it not come with a rack, but I haven't been able to find one to purchase seperately either.

Another Calphalon wok to consider is their Hard Anodized 4 piece set. Still no lid (grumble!), but it has a rack, a skimmer, and a set of tongs. Plus you don't need to be as careful with who uses what on it. I've had great luck with Calphalon's hard anodized stuff - it might as well be nonstick, and if you get some of the cleaner to go with, it'll stay looking great....

So, the long and the short - if you want a nonstick wok, this is a great one, and I highly reccommend it. But if you're not set on nonstick, take a peek at the Hard Anodized one and see if it's for you.

I have went through many nonstick wok/stir-fry type pans. Usually the nonstick finish starts to peel away and I end up trashing it to buy another one. I have even had trouble with other nonstick pans where the food actually sticks... I still can't believe how well this wok works. When I brown foods, I can't believe how nice it turns out and it doesn't stick or burn! My food browns crispy without alot of extra fat added. I never had any trouble washing food away when it comes time to clean up. This calphalon nonstick line is the best I've ever used. It is worth the money.

I purchased this item because of the "Flat Bottom" feature. I have a smooth cooktop. When it arrived, I saw the "Flat Bottom" to be no more than 3" in diameter. This does not allow the wok to heat up efficiently and quickly. I'm sure if the Flat Bottom was bigger I will be thoroughly happy with it. But as it is, I will be returning it.