Calphalon Wok

Are you ready to Wok n’ roll? If so, you may want to check out the Calphalon Wok . A lot of home cooks have become enamored of multi-cultural and fusion cooking thanks to the Food Network, and if you want to cook Asian, a Wok is certainly an advantage.

Woks are perfect for distributing heat for Chinese and Japanese flavors and textures. For those who are working on healthy lifestyles, a Wok also uses less oil and cooks food quickly so as to retain nutrients.

Positive Features

I have to confess this pot is just as pretty hanging on the wall as it is on the stovetop. The Stainless finish shines and really compliments modern appliances.

Beyond the look, however, this pan is sturdy. It’s has a triple layer construction of stainless over aluminum, the key to really even cooking. That consistency is sure to turn out some outstanding dishes, and the long handle stays cool throughout any culinary endeavor.

The Calphalon Wok is touted as dishwasher safe, but honestly I wouldn’t put any of my good pots and pans in the dishwasher. Yes, it makes for fast and easy clean up but (in my opinion) it shortens the lifespan of the pans, and this is the kind of equipment you’ll want to keep for a long time.

Considerations

The Calphalon Wok is not a traditional wok in the purest sense of the word. It has a flat bottom, not rounded meaning food is a little more prone to sticking.

Because of the core materials you’ll never be able to build a patina like a traditional wok either (that buildup also helps alleviate sticking).

Finally the wok does not have a lid, making it very difficult to steam foods or keep them warming without burning or sticking.

Consumer Reviews

Consumers had a lot of good feedback on this product. They loved the visual appeal and the fact that the pan is dishwasher safe. Cooks reported that the pan provides even heating, and makes great stir fry among other traditionally Eastern foods.

The only caution is making sure the pan is well heated before cooking begins. In the complaint department, some felt this was too big for the average stove to handle comfortably. Some people didn’t like the flat bottom and the lack of lid.

Calphalon does offer other wok designs that correct the lack of lid, however.

Features

• 13 inches of flat cooking surface
• Brushed finish that doesn’t show fingerprints or wear easily
• Triple ply construction of stainless and aluminum
• Excellent conductivity
• Stay-cool handles
• Dishwasher safe
• Oven safe to 450 degrees
• Contemporary design
• Versatility
• Lifetime Warranty

Summary

If you’re a die-hard traditionalist this may not be the wok for you. It doesn’t cook like a customary wok nor does it patina.

However, if you’re looking for a design twist that’s a little more stove-top stable than round-bottom woks, you may like the Calphalon Wok a lot. There’s no question this product has been sturdily made and should last a long time.

Click here to purchase this Calphalon Contemporary Stainless 13-Inch Flat-Bottom Wok from Amazon