GSI Outdoor Extreme Wok

I recently ran into a couple on a trip. They invited me to share their large campsite and fire. It was a crowded put in point in the BWCA, so I accepted for the night.

Around the fire that night I heard/learned from them the virtues of "the wok".It makes sense, but still not sure how I missed it all these years of camping.I'm a pretty simple person, and this is now my "one Pot" versus a tradional pot and a small skillet. Since I use one bag only on trips 1 item vs. 2 is a real plus.

It makes sense when you hear that the wok was designed for open fire cooking that the orient is drastically short on firewood in a lot of its rural farm areas that it evolved it's shape over eons of use by people who use "one pan" to cook everything and usually pass that pan from generation to generation. and it's really true, it requires SO much less fuel/wood/time on the hoome-stove to heat and cook with this wok versus my old pot/skillet.

Of course, the chopsticks went into the trash for me, but it fries my fish fine, makes pancakes (my version of bannock, I have pancakes for my bread too) it's easy to make noodles, even a box of mac/cheese if you wanted. easy to boil water given the inherent design. The lid functions as a plate and/or bowl if desired. It's easy clean up and most of all it LOVES open fires. In the coals, or on a grid/grate, it's really a sweet/simple set up.The first few days out I will take heavier items like real potatoes and carrots and the lid/wok design makes it easy to steam them too, not just have to fry them.I may not be right for you but this piece of gear is AWESOME for me!

I have the fabulous smaller version of this GSI wok and was excited to get its larger brother. Note that is not a wok for backpacking. This wok will serve for creating meals while car camping or at home in the kitchen, but it is too heavy to be associated with the word 'outdoor' unless you're traveling by pack horse.

The big disappointment is that this wok does not have a domed lid, unlike its smaller incarnation. This means that you'll be unable to use a steamer basket in this wok or be able to cook larger items.

Why did GSI do this?

Therefore, minus one star.

The product image is somewhat disingenuous due to angle of the wok in the product image (taken directly from GSI's product page). You'd never know about the problem lid unless you have seen the product in person.

Minus another star.

Also, the lid is not the same material or quality as the wok itself, and appears to be an after-thought add-on to what is simply an aluminum wok with a folding handle.

Minus another star.

Altogether, at 1 lb. 15 oz., this is simply a lightweight kitchen wok with a non-stick surface.

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It is a shame that the person who left the other review was mistaken on what this product was, but they should not have given this product only 3 stars. This product deserves 5+. I am a trained chef and an avid backpacker. This is a great product! Giving the ability to deep fry, stir fry, and more to a still lightweight pack is better than sliced bread. Unless of course that sliced bread is somehow included in the breakfast you have made in the wok.

THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR BACKPACKING/CAMPING. DO NOT BUY FOR HOME USE. :)

Read Best Reviews of GSI Outdoor Extreme Wok Here

I've had the 11 inch version for many years now, and I use it both at home and in the field when I go camping. As a single guy, it works great when I'm at home. Don't let its size and weight fool you. Its built better then some pots I've owned, and the non stick surface is still completely intacked. Okay, so it does not have a domed lid, not a problem for me. makes it easier to pack. I use mine over a Trangia cook stove, it works great.

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I use this 11 inch wok at home for one or two person servings instead of my 14 inch which is too large and heavy sometimes. The nonstick(inside) and the anodized(outside) finishes on the product look good and the non stick seems to work well(used it about a dozen times so far) with clean up being up to "non-stick standards."The unfolded handle has a tiny "give" to it where it joins the pan but doesn't affect the tossing action.Only took it car camping once but it's fairly lightweight so carrying it around in a pack shouldn't be an issue in many cases.The lid is perfectly functional as I only use this pan to stir fry/toss.

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