What is the controversy behind stainless-steel woks? According to traditionalists, these types of woks tend to be heavy and are less responsive to temperature changes than carbon steel.
However, carbon steel units require seasoning before use and also tend to interfere with the food flavor. So, stainless-steel outdoes carbon by being more durable and not requiring seasoning. On top of that, when combined with other metals such as aluminum, stainless-steel woks can overcome their flaws.
Do you want to invest in the best non-stick stainless steel wok? If you are, take your time and read our article, and we believe the information you find here will be useful for your decision-making.
top Five Stainless-Steel Woks in market: Comparison Table
In our research on the perfect stainless-steel woks with non-stick coating, we narrowed down on five samples that we thought to be the best. Check them out and decide which one is worth investing in.
| SL | Product Name | Weight | Check Price |
| #1 | Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Stainless-Steel Wok | 8 pounds | Check Price |
| #2 | Michelangelo 12.5-Inch Stainless Steel Wok | 7.19 pounds | Check Price |
| #3 | Calphalon 12-Inch Flat Bottom Wok | 8.2 pounds | Check Price |
| #4 | Non-Stick Stainless Steel Wok Pan | 6.7 pounds | Check Price |
| #5 | Michelangelo Non-Stick Wok Set | 4.96 pounds | Check Price |
Best Stainless Steel Wok – reviews
1. Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Stainless-Steel Wok
There are several good reasons why this stainless-steel wok from Cooks Standard appears at the top of our list. For one, it is a lightweight unit that allows you to toss your veggies effortlessly during stir-frying.
Let’s see what else this item has to offer.
Product Description
Even though stainless-steel is known for being poor in heat-retention, this particular unit makes use of an aluminum core and multi-clad construction to allow for even and fast heating of the food.
Another thing is that the rounded sloped sides make this pan an excellent choice for deep-frying potato chips, as there will be less splatter, and all the sides would be browned evenly.
Let’s also mention the stainless-steel riveted handles that make use of air-flow technology to remain cool.
Other Features and Benefits
We were impressed with the tight-fitting dome lid that locks in heat and moisture for faster cooking and to retain the food’s flavor.
And the fact that the unit is dishwasher safe means that the cleanup process should be relatively easy.
Lastly, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Secure dome lid
- Stay-cool handles
Cons
- Extra thin sides
2. Michelangelo 12.5-Inch Stainless Steel Wok
Are you looking for a stainless-steel wok that is compatible with different cooktops? If you are, you should consider investing in the Michelangelo pan, which is designed for use across different cooktops.
Whether it is ceramic, electric, gas, or halogen top, this pan will get the job done.
And there’s more.
Product Description
Let’s start by looking at the tri-ply system that comprises an aluminum layer sandwiched between outer and inner 304 stainless steel layers. This ensures that your pan heats up evenly and quickly without creating hot spots.
Next up is the honeycomb micro-engraving technology that enhances this pan’s non-stick quality. Additionally, the surface is designed to be scratch-resistant and utensils safe. So, no chemicals will be scrubbed and contaminate your food.
Another benefit is that the easy food-release makes this wok easy to clean.
Other Features and Benefits
This unit features a long and ergonomic handle with an excellent grip to allow for easy lifting and tossing the food.
The other notable feature that we cannot leave out is that it is oven-safe up to 500 degrees F.
Lastly, the clear glass lid seals in the heat and moisture for faster cooking.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle
- Scratch-resistant surface
- Wide compatibility with cooktops
Cons
- Short useful life
3. Calphalon 12-Inch Flat Bottom Wok
Any time you invest in the best non-stick wok, we believe you are looking for a well-built unit that will serve you for the longest time to come. At this instance, we will introduce you to the Calphalon flat bottom wok, which has a heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum construction to give you a long-lasting piece.
Check out our brief review to get a deeper understanding of the product.
Product Description
Even with then heavy-gauge construction, this wok remains lightweight so that you can move it and perform all your maneuvers easily.
It is also worth noting that the aluminum material allows for fast and even heating.
The non-stick interior is utensils-safe and would not be scrubbed off by any kitchenware. This ensures that potentially harmful chemicals do not end up creeping into your food. On top of that, the interior is PFOA-free to enhance its suitability to handle your food.
Other Features and Benefits
Since the wok is oven-safe up to 500-degrees F, you can easily transfer it from the stovetop to the oven should the need arise.
The long handle remains cool to the touch and keeps your hands safely away from the heat.
And the tempered glass lid is crucial for locking in heat and moisture to speed up the cooking and maintain the dish’s flavor.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Easy cleanup
- Wide applications
Cons
- Extra-thin handle
4. Non-Stick Stainless Steel Wok Pan
A glance at this piece would tell you that its design was borrowed from the traditional wok with a round bottom. This means that the unit ahead of you has a deep and wide surface that you can use for various cooking tasks such as steaming, deep-frying, and boiling.
Find out more in our review below.
Product Description
With the heavy-duty and three-layer design, this is a premium product that should serve you for a decent period into the future.
Due to the aluminum core, this wok pan has a scratch-resistant and non-stick surface for durability, easy food release, and cleanup.
The ergonomic handle adds to the ease of using this unit as it allows for easier carrying and maneuvers.
Other Features and Benefits
When you purchase this product, it gives you different types of cooking experience in one wok. So, this is an awesome wok for doing your thing in the kitchen.
We were pleased with the chemical-free design without PTFE and PFOA to make it entirely food-safe.
Lastly, the customer support is outstanding and always ready to respond to your queries.
Pros
- Well-built
- Excellent customer support
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not very non-stick
5. Michelangelo Non-Stick Wok Set
The final product we shall look at is a cookware set by Michelangelo, and it features a non-stick wok with lid, a deep-frying basket, and a roasting rack. So, you have different items to help you complete the different cooking tasks ahead of you.
Let’s find out what this set has to offer.
Product Description
We shall start by pointing out that the ceramic wok is a versatile unit. You can use it as a stir fry wok, rice cooker, saute pan, deep fry pan, deep stockpot, baking dish, and so on.
Then, the cookware features ceramic and titanium non-stick coating that is scratch-resistant for durability and flawless cooking experience. On top of that, the smooth surface ensures you can use low to medium heat for your cooking, and you can also use less oil for a healthier diet.
Another aspect is that the easy food-release means that the cleanup process should be relatively straightforward.
Other Features and Benefits
We were pleased with the long stainless-steel handle and helper handle that remain cool to touch even when exposed to extreme heat. The grip is awesome, and they offer the necessary balance for easy lifting of the unit.
Another important aspect of this set is the toxic-free nature, whereby it is free of potentially harmful elements such as PFOA, PTFA, lead, and Cadmium. This makes it entirely food-safe.
And the flat bottom makes the deep-frying pan compatible with all cooktops, such as induction and gas tops.
Lastly, the heat and shatter-resistant glass lid seals in the moisture and flavor plus allows for splatter-free cooking.
Pros
- Versatile set
- Toxic-free construction
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Non-Stick coating not durable
You can also read Best Wok for Glass Top Stove
Best Non-Stick Stainless Steel Wok – Buying Guide
What do you look for a stainless-steel wok to be sure that it will deliver top performance? In this section, we shall outline the major factors that you have to consider in your search for the perfect item.
I) Round Vs. Flat Bottom
If you wish to invest in a round-bottomed wok, you have to contend with the fact that you will need a special ring to enable your burner to support the wok. If you find this to be too tedious, we suggest that you try out the alternative, i.e., the flat-bottomed wok.
The flat type’s advantage is that it can be accommodated by whichever cooktop you are using without requiring any special accessories.
II) Heat Capacity
In general, stainless-steel wok can put up with extremely high temperatures. However, the problem lies with the non-stick coating that can be broken down by extreme heat.
So, to be on the safe side, always confirm the cooking range temperature that the manufacturer recommends for your cookware. This way, the quality of your dish will not be compromised.
III) Extra Accessories
Some woks come individually, while others are sold in sets that include other useful items. Examples of these accessories include lids, spatulas, steamer trays, and burner rings.
You may also find sets that include different woks and pans to enhance your cooking experience.
To determine which set works for you, take your time and analyze what you require mostly so that your food preparation process goes on flawlessly.
IV) Size
The ideal wok size depends on the number of mouths you have to feed. For instance, an 8-inch wok may be enough if you leave alone, while a range of between 12 and 14-inches would be perfect for a household with up to four people.
It is vital that you get the size right so that you do not underfeed your household or end up throwing away excess food.
V) Maintenance
First, non-stick coatings make the woks easier to clean due to the easy food-release. Then, although most stainless-steel woks are dishwasher safe, manufacturers often advise that you handwash them. This is because your hands are gentler, and there is less risk of scrubbing off the non-stick coating.
To ensure that the coating remains intact, make use of a nylon scrubber and dishwashing soap while keeping off any sharp objects that may affect the unit’s non-stickiness.
VI) The Brand
Finally, always go for a brand whose record can be easily traced. By reading company and customer reviews of a particular item, you can know what to expect from products associated with the name.
Some of the leading wok brands in the market include T-fal, Calphalon, Lodge, and Michelangelo.
FAQs on High-Quality Stainless-Steel Wok
As we approach the end, let’s now check some of the common queries out there regarding stainless-steel woks.
Q: Why should I go for a stainless-steel wok?
A: There are several benefits to this type of wok. It features an aluminum core for better heat conductivity, is durable, non-reactive, stain-resistant, and, most of all, it is lovely to look at.
Q: Why is size an important factor to consider?
A: The pan’s capacity or volume will determine whether the unit can adequately feed all the mouths in your household. on top of that, if the wok is too big, it may lead to food wastage as you may end up preparing more food than you need.
Q: What are some of the general tips for getting the best out of your stainless-steel wok?
A: Some of the pointers we can give include:
*Using high smoke point oils such as vegetable and corn oil
*Heating the wok before adding oil
*Chopping ingredients into smaller pieces for faster cooking
*Use a wok spatula or a tumbling motion to toss the ingredients in the pan
The above tips would help you achieve optimum results from your wok cooking venture.
Our Top Pick
The product that we consider to be the best option on our list is the Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Stainless-Steel Wok. It features an aluminum core for fast heating, has cool-touch handles, and comes with a dome lid for sealing in the heat and flavor.
Also important is the lifetime warranty, which indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in this item.
Final Thought
Has our article been helpful to you? If you have taken your time to understand all the information provided, then it surely has. Finding the best stainless steel wok for the money should no longer be a challenge, and your cooking experience will be greatly enhanced.
Finally, proper maintenance of your unit will ensure it serves you for long and will also save you money as the frequency of replacing it would be reduced greatly.