***Update (11/25/12)***Bought my second wok since the first one (of almost four years) had endured the toughest conditions. The coating has started to peel and it is time to replace. Please keep in mind people, these non-stick coatings do NOT last forever and especially if you do a lot of cooking like me. This applies to ALL nonstick products no matter what the costs. If you want something where you wouldn't have to deal with the problem then maybe consider buying a pre-seasoned carbon wok, but then again they involved a different type of maintenance too like spreading oil to clean the wok after you cook instead of washing it. I like to wash my wok clean. This time, I will try to prolong it by using lower heat (instead of max) and go easy with the bamboo spatula.
Still made in the U.S.A., only the stamping on the bottom is a bit different, and thank goodness for the Amazon promo credit which made the deal much sweeter!
(original review)
Before this, I was extensively comparing to two others: The T fal Jumbo Wok along with the Circulon Elite Hard-Anodized Aluminum 14-Inch and I finally nailed it down to the Nordic Ware. One of the main reasons were because I wanted to replace a $ wok by 'Invitations' that I purchased not too long ago from Bed Bath & Beyond actually it was like $ after rebates and promotions, so no love lost here.
The comparisons...
T fal Jumbo Wok: I was ready to buy this wok from a major retailer. As I was going through the bunch, I could not find one that was like new, either there is a scuff here, a scratch there or a knick in between, and as I went through and finally came to one that was knick and scratch-free; the helper handle was deformed. So I said "screw it". Although this wok looked rather good, but it just didn't have the right feel to it, also, it was a bit on the light side and felt kind of flimsy not worth the price.
Circulon Elite: The same retailer did not carry the actual item but I was able to get an idea from one of their medium sized stir fry pans. The product feels heavy (which I like) but I wasn't too fond of the high-low food release design. I'm sure it was a feat of engineer but that didn't do it for me, non-stick is non-stick, it doesn't have to be any more complicated than it is. I'm more into the long-term and durability of its material that was put into it rather than the fancy grooves. I'm sure it works wonders, but for the addition to its marketing strategy; I wasn't sold.
The conclusion: I wanted a wok which was not only identical to the one I replaced but can perform and handle my day to day tasks. I stir-fry, steam, braise, fry, saute whatever, you name it! The Nordic Ware 14" wok has exceeded all the expectations, if not, more! It was tested in and by commercial kitchens and NSF certified so I can count on its rigorous strength. Upon the first day of using it (unlike the one I replaced and used with wooden utensils; the non stick coating stripped right off of its initial use), I stir-fried some vegetables with high heat from my electric counter top and was able to achieve some nice searings, food releases with a breeze and it has definitely passed the test of time! Before I toss the other wok out, I kept the removable handle and it fit my new wok like a glove. Now I know why the other cheap wok wanted to imitate the Nordic Ware 14" Asian Spun Wok, clearly, there is no comparison!
Pros:
*Great weight and balance
*Premium non-stick coating
*Perfect size and depth for tossing
*NSF certified and very high quality
*Made in USA
*20 Year warranty!!!
Cons:
*Grip handle is a bit thin, but can get used to (I replaced it with the old wok's rubber grip which is more thicker and fits perfectly)
*Removable rubber handle is some work when coincide with oven, the good thing is I don't really use it in the oven except for storing afterwards.
And boy is this a heavy weight wok. It distributes heat very well. The surface is great, it washes easy too.
Buy Nordic Ware 14 Inch Asian Spun Wok Now
I have had this pan for a couple of years and use it often.Still looks and performs like brand new.No rust, no stick, good size for a family, and holds heat.My daughter was over for dinner and I brought it out and made stir fry and she wanted one.I jumped on amazon and went through about 20 pans and found it.It is well worth the price if you regularly stir fry...
Read Best Reviews of Nordic Ware 14 Inch Asian Spun Wok Here
This wok replaced an identical one we've had for about 10 years. My husband is the family chef and he loves its large size for making big batches of stir fry noodles, chinese vegetables. We like the fact that it's a non-stick wok and that it's heavy duty.great for family size dishes.
Want Nordic Ware 14 Inch Asian Spun Wok Discount?
I bought this for its seemingly great value and have been using it for a couple of months.First look: great materials, hefty. Two handles makes the wok much easier to handle.
The description is misleading, there is no "Polished stainless steel lids" included.
I really wanted to like it but it is simply not possible.
One major problem with the wok is that the bottom is NOT flat. It was already warped when I got it and it would "roll" around on my ceramic-glass stove top.
Everyone should know that any decent flat bottomed cookware should be completely flat and stay that way. However, the wok came warped(convex). It might be OK for those using gas stoves but I, myself, will never buy this again.
EDIT: I have reduced this 1 star because the teflon coating has begun to bubble and peel in less than a year.
It is occurring at the middle of the sides, where most food do not contact.
I am using a ceramic electric stove so I doubt it is because of the heat.
Either way this wok is terrible.
Save 46% Off
