Top 5 Non Toxic Woks of 2023 - Safety First
Updated on April 2023
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Nonstick woks are affordable, need less oil, and demand no seasoning or extra care like other wok materials. These benefits make a nonstick wok worthy to invest in.
The best nonstick wok by customer rating and useful features is the Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized Nonstick Wok as it has a safe surface that prevents food toxicity and a durable body apt for high heat cooking. It also has the perfect shape to give you an authentic wok cooking experience along with ease of cleaning.
The Best
Calphalon 12 inch Flat Bottom
- Extremely well-built body, rust-proof
- 3 layer Non-stick, scratch-proof, safe
- Metal spoons can be used
- High-quality stainless steel handles
- Dishwasher and oven safe up 500 degrees F
Overall Safety Rating: 4.8/5
Material Safety: 5/5
Pure Construction: 4/5
Safe Coating: 5/5
Content
- 5 safe nonstick woks on the market
- Nonstick Wok Buying Guide
- How to cook stir fry in a nonstick wok?
- How to maintain a nonstick wok?
- Is a nonstick wok good?
- Are nonstick woks safe?
- What type of nonstick wok is best?
- Can a wok be nonstick?
- Do nonstick woks need seasoning?
- How long does a nonstick wok last?
- Can you use metal utensils with non stick wok?
- How to use nonstick wok?
- Nonstick Wok Vs Cast iron wok
- Non stick wok vs carbon steel wok
- Nonstick wok vs stainless steel
Review: Best Non-Stick Wok – Top 5
1. Overall Best – Calphalon Nonstick Wok with Lid
If you are looking for a wok that is sturdy, has safe non-stick layers, proper design for even heating, and high-end engineering then, this wok is the best non-stick wok on the market.
The wok is so tough and well-engineered that after using this one I rarely touch my traditional 15 gauge carbon steel wok. The best part is, it is sleek – even while sitting on top of the counter this wok will grab eyes. I am in awe of it.
Overall Safety Rating: 4.8/5
Material Safety: 5/5
Pure Construction: 4/5
Safe Coating: 5/5
Pros
- Safest and best nonstick wok without Teflon
- Extremely well-built 12-inch body
- Hard anodized aluminum is rustproof
- Non-stick surface is scratch-proof
- Flat bottom
- Metal spoons can be used
- High-quality stainless steel handles
- Dishwasher and oven safe
Con
- Not induction compatible
Performance-wise, this non-stick wok has a super smooth surface. All I do is just spray some oil and that is enough for this wok to make a perfect stir fry. The hard-anodized body is much better than other chip-prone nonstick woks. I have compared the Rachael Ray hard-anodized aluminum wok with this one – you can literary feel the heavy constructed body of this Calphalon nonstick wok.
The long stainless steel handles scream quality. The weight of the wok is manageable for a beginner and the flat bottom is compatible with all gas ranges apart from induction. It has an oven-safe body, tempered glass cover and PFOA-free built. This is the overall best nonstick wok on the market.
2. Rachael Ray Non-Stick Beginner Wok – Best For Electric Coil Stove
Rachael Ray 11 inch nonstick wok is dishwasher safe, which is a big deal for beginners. Washing a wok is not fun. Other than being easy to wash this wok comes with a hard-anodized aluminum body that is durable, rust-proof, and scratch-resistant.
The non-stick surface is safe and healthy to use daily. The flat bottom of the wok is compatible with all gas ranges other than induction.
✔️Overall Safety Rating: 3.5/5
Material Safety: 3.5/5
📌Pure Construction: 3/5
📌Safe Coating: 4/5
Pros
- Hard anodized aluminum body
- 11-inch-wide, flat bottom
- Non-reactive, toxin-free, scratch-resistant non-stick surface
- Riveted blue handles and even heat base
- Suitable for all gas range
- Oven safe up to 400-degree F
- Espresso-colored
- Dishwasher safe, PFOA, lead, and cadmium free
- Lifetime limited warranty
Con
- not induction-safe
The wide bottom is very helpful in terms of stirring and cooking a lot of vegetables or using the wok as a saucepan. The lid is sturdy and made from shatter-resistant glass with wide stainless steel rims to lock the moisture in. It also has comfortable dual-riveted, silicone over stainless steel handles.
The weight of the wok is not overwhelming too hence great for beginners or home cooks to flip ingredients. You can use this wok daily as it is PFOA free, long-lasting, easy to clean, and requires less oil. If you are looking for a dishwasher safe wok for a single or two-person then this 11-inch pan is the best non stick wok for you.
3. Cuisinart 12 inch Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard Anodized
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic is the next best non stick wok pan after Rachael Ray quality-wise. I have taken the price range into consideration too while making this review list. But quality tops it all. That is why even if being the most affordable wok- Cooks standard got, one rank lower than Cuisinart (in 4th position).
✔️Overall Safety Rating: 3.5/5
📌Material Safety: 3/5
📌Pure Construction: 3.5/5
📌Safe Coating: 4/5
Pros
- 12 inch wide suitable for two person.
- Flat bottom
- Hard anodized durable aluminum body
- Safe nonstick surface
- Easy to clean
- Lifetime warranty
Con
- Not induction compatible
- Bit heavier
The hard anodized surface is highly durable to withstand the use of utensils like metal spatulas, spoons, whisks, and more. The wok comes with a dual-riveted, silicone-over-stainless-steel handle and a shatter-resistant glass lid that has a wide stainless steel rim.
4. Cooks Standard Flat Bottom With Lid 11-Inch
The 11-inch flat-bottom Cooks Standard wok is the best non-stick wok with a lid on the market. If you compare it with the other same range non-stick woks there are several added things you will get with this wok.
First of all, the hard-anodized aluminum body is the safest and non-reactive material to cook on high heat.
✔️Overall Safety Rating: 3.5/5
📌Material Safety: 3/5
📌Pure Construction: 4.5/5
📌Coating Safety: 3.5/5
Pros
- Hard anodized aluminum body
- Tempered glass lid
- 11-inch-wide, flat bottom
- Non-reactive, toxin-free, scratch-resistant non-stick surface
- Riveted handles and even heat base
- Suitable for gas, electric, glass, ceramic gas range
- Oven safe up to 450-degree F, lid up to, 350 degrees F
Con
- Not induction compatible
- Not dishwasher safe
The heavy gauge aluminum body is also durable and withstands everyday wear and tear. If you use this wok regularly, there are no chances of leaching bad chemicals into your food. This wok has a 7-inch diameter wide bottom, which is larger than many woks out there and hence has enough room for stirring freely.
The depth of the wok is 19 inches, which means this wok will be your one-stop solution for all types of cooking techniques. From sauteing, and stir-frying to boiling or stewing you can do it all.
The tempered glass lid helps a ton, mostly in reviewing the cooking process while on heat. The nonstick surface is safe and not added with harmful chemicals like many non-stick woks that claim to be affordable.
Surprisingly, this wok is at such a great price point, you can have this for your kitchen or gift it to someone special. Another great thing about this wok is the thick bottom. Traditional woks have thin bottom and it requires the Chef to do the stir fry in a super-fast mode. But beginners cannot do that and that’s why thin wok bottoms may burn the food.
The thick bottom of the wok makes it compatible with any gas range (except induction) and although it takes time to heat up, for a beginner or home cook this wok serves well as the anodized aluminum is apt in even heating. Evenly heating the pan gives your stir fry that crunchy flavor.
The stainless-steel handles are added advantage because they are cool to the touch and durable. Cooks Standard is a well reliable brand. They are in this industry for decades now. So, overall, this hard-anodized wok is the best small non-stick wok on the market.
5. Best Large Nonstick Wok – T-fal for Deep Frying
Although this T-fal hard anodized wok does not come with a lid, to have the best nonstick wok in 14-inch size, you cannot look anywhere else. Not only does it have a tough heavy-gauge aluminum body, but also the anodized material is corrosion and rust-proof.
You can just use it and not take care of it daily, yet it will sustain the torture. It is durable and most importantly safe, non-reactive, and toxin-free. The hard titanium-reinforced scratch-resistant non-stick surface is the best in the market.
Overall Safety Rating: 3.5/5
Material Safety: 3.5/5
Pure Construction: 3.5/5
Safe Coating: 3.5/5
Pros
- Hard anodized aluminum body
- 14-inch-wide, flat bottom
- Non-reactive, toxin-free, scratch-resistant non-stick surface
- Riveted handles and even heat base
- Suitable for all stovetops
- Oven safe up to 400-degree F
- Dishwasher safe, PFOA, lead, and cadmium free
- Lifetime limited warranty
Con
- Not induction compatible
- Does not come with a lid
You can cook in it daily yet will be safe from bad chemicals. The food will slide well and you will require very little oil. Overall it is a safe and healthy wok. I definitely recommend this 14 inch T-fal hard anodized flat bottom wok to everybody.
A beginner will enjoy the effortless caring process of the wok and the heavy bottom of the wok ensures not burning the food on high heat. So, if you are going to try stir fry out for the first time, this is the most compatible wok for you.
However, as this wok is 14 inches wide, it is best for 3-4 people, and for a single person or two, I will recommend you the first 11 inch Cooks standard wok, that I have reviewed.
Nonstick Wok Buying Guide:
Nonstick woks are not the traditional ones. They are the modern versions. Carbon steel and cast iron give you that authentic wok cooking experience and bringing wok-hei flavor or the breath of wok becomes easier.
But what if you want to have a nonstick wok that gives you a traditional wok cooking experience?
Here are some tips to find the best nonstick wok
Buying a good nonstick wok that is compatible with your cooktop is very necessary. The market is full of options, however, to make the most perfect stir fry, you need to choose the one that goes with your kitchen and cooking habits.
Size:
The 11inch to 16-inch nonstick woks are ideal for our gas hobs, induction, and electric cooktops. They will get enough heat to make an evenly cooked stir fry. Any nonstick wok bigger than that will make your meal soggy.
Depth:
High-depth nonstick woks have steep slopes. These slopes help in sliding the vegetables at the bottom of the wok. As, the bottom of the wok gets the most heat, concentrating ingredients at the center, makes stir fry perfect. This aids in evaporating the water content and bringing that crispy taste to your stir fry.
What to look for in the best nonstick wok?
The nonstick wok is very easy to clean. Cook and maintain, but there may be times when you had to replace your nonstick wok due to the worn-off coating, but it can be avoided by grabbing a more durable wok pan.
Selecting the right nonstick wok for a reasonable price can turn out to be a difficult task. The variety of options available in materials, price, brands, and designs is overwhelming. Here listed are the five most important qualities you need to choose when picking the best nonstick coated wok.
- The safety of the wok
- Material and construction
- Functioning ability
- Value
The safety of wok:
Safety must be your topmost priority when looking for a wok or any cookware. The reason is self-evident as you will be cooking your food, which directly affects your health. You need to ensure that you don’t compromise on its safety.
The market is loaded with a variety of wok. Some nonstick wok pan comes with a surface manufactured using a harmful chemical such as PFOA. This can cause you harm, and you must be very careful that you choose a wok free from PFOA.
Material and construction:
The material and method used in the construction of nonstick wok directly affect the quality of the final product. The standard quality of nonstick wok must have at least 3-5 ply metal cladding or be made of high-quality metal. Cheap nonstick woks lack a good and tough build and can also result in uneven heat distribution.
To choose a good quality nonstick wok with sturdy construction always read what the brand is offering in the product specifications. There, they will show off if they have tough and good engineering.
Functioning ability:
The functioning of a wok pan involves everything from heat distribution to heat retention and durability.
Everyone has their cooking style, and you must choose a cookware type that suits your lifestyle and your cooking style. Consider its heat retention and durability, whether it is oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, easy to clean, etc.
Also, go for a warranty check if the company provides it or not.
Value:
It is always true with nonstick woks, that the cheaper ones raise questions in terms of safety and durability. Make sure you don’t compromise on the price, and similarly, you should be careful with overpaying for the same. You should do thorough research and take multiple opinions before selecting your ideal one. Read below, our guide to the top-rated nonstick woks for a better investment.
How to cook stir fry in a nonstick wok?
A nonstick wok pan can make a great stir-fry too. The classic black pepper steak fry or fish eggplant stir-fry can taste authentic when made using a nonstick wok.
The best part about stir-frying in a nonstick wok is that it will reduce the amount of oil required to one-third of what is often used.
Steps in making stir-fry using nonstick wok:
- Add the marinade ingredients in a bowl and some oil and egg white and whisk to mix well.
- Add the chicken and refrigerate for half an hour.
- Prepare the stir fry sauce and ready the vegetables for stir-frying.
- Heat the oil in a nonstick wok pan initially on high heat for 2 mins.
- Cook the chicken until soft
- Add the vegetables and stir-fry until you get the crunchy texture of vegetables.
- Add the sauce and cook well until ready.
How to maintain a nonstick wok?
Cleaning and maintaining a nonstick wok is relatively easy. Here are a few points that you need to keep in mind while using a nonstick wok.
Pre-using maintenance:
Nonstick woks for sure do not require any seasoning, so there isn’t a pre-seasoning process. But as it is manufactured using some advanced methods, it might be coated with some unwanted stuff that you won’t like to get added to your food.
Handwash the wok pan:
The new nonstick wok pan needs a thorough hand wash session before it is ever used. Use warm & soapy water for washing the wok pan. Make sure all the oils, residues, and dirt are removed.
Use nonstick safe wooden utensils:
You may find your wok manufacturer allowing the use of metal utensils with a nonstick wok, but to be honest, not all metal utensils are the same. The one having sharp or rough edges can damage the nonstick coating of the pan.
Even a few scratches on your wok can make the food stick to the surface and eventually peel off the coating.
Use low or moderate heat:
The nonstick coating of woks isn’t always compatible with high heat. Always use low or moderate heat when cooking in a nonstick wok.
Do not store food in nonstick woks:
Nonstick woks aren’t safe enough for storing food. The acidic food can damage the nonstick coating of wok pans when left for a longer time.
Is a nonstick wok good?
Nonstick woks are made for the purpose of hassle-free cooking and are certainly not that great as a stir-frying tool like a carbon steel wok. However, if you want a wok with easy maintenance and can make stir fry fairly good then a nonstick wok is good for you.
Are nonstick woks safe?
When comes to safety nonstick woks are questioned because of their coatings. Popular coatings that come with nonstick woks include PTFE or Teflon, Ceramic, and Hard Anodized.
While PTFE is FDA approved to use as a safe coating on woks, ceramic coatings are coated with Sol-Gel that releases a molecular level of silicone oil while on high heat. Silicone oil is safe to consume but it is an alien substance that can be found in fabric and hair conditioners.
The safest option to choose for a nonstick wok is hard anodized aluminum because of its non-reactive, sturdy, and PFOA-free smooth surface. According to “The Spruce Eats” –
What type of nonstick wok is best?
Cooks have mainly two concerns with a nonstick wok. The first is safety and the second is the durability of the nonstick coating.
The best type of nonstick wok is the 3-layer coated nonstick wok with a heavy gauge hard anodized aluminum body and surface. The 3 layer ensures the durability of the coating and hard anodized aluminum is a safe, non-reactive, PFOA-free material for a wok. One such wok is the Calphalon nonstick wok which is certainly the best nonstick wok on the market.
Can a Wok be nonstick?
If you are referring to carbon steel or cast iron wok then they can definitely be nonstick. Either you buy a nonstick coated wok or you can turn your carbon steel, cast iron, or even a stainless steel wok nonstick through the wok seasoning process. The purpose of seasoning a wok is to make the surface smooth and slippery. With a nonstick coated wok you get a very durable surface, but with a normal wok you need to keep seasoning it from time to time, for a stick-proof surface.
Do nonstick woks need seasoning?
No nonstick woks do not need seasoning. Easy maintenance, no seasoning, and effortless cleaning are the reasons why cooks opt for nonstick woks. Always buy a 3-layer nonstick coated wok for a durable nonstick surface that does not need seasoning.
How long does a nonstick wok last?
If you are using metal utensils daily and roughly handling your nonstick wok then it will last you around 3-4 years. Whereas, a 3-layer nonstick wok is more durable and can last you 5-6 years if you handle it with care. As soon as a nonstick wok starts to chip you need to replace it no matter how many days, months, or years you are cooking with it. To ensure longevity always buy the best nonstick wok on the market.
Can you use metal utensils with non stick wok?
It is not recommended to use metal utensils with a nonstick wok because they can scratch or chip the nonstick surface. Even though brands claim that their woks can withstand metal utensils, it is not always the truth. However, a 3 layer nonstick coated wok can endure more metal utensils than a single-layered nonstick wok without getting scratched or chipped.
How to use a nonstick wok for the first time?
The nonstick wok comes ready to use. First, wash it with liquid soap and a soft scrubber. Then boil some water and throw away the water. Now soak the surface of the nonstick wok dry with a clean cloth. Now you can start making delicious stir fry. Try not to use metal utensils.
Nonstick Wok Vs Cast iron wok
To cook the perfect stir fry cast iron is the best material for a wok. Cast iron has superior heat retention and distribution ability because the entire body of the wok is made from one material.
A nonstick wok on the other hand has a different metal body and a separate substance in the nonstick layer. Because of this the heat retention and distribution ability differs and is not superior to a cast iron wok.
However, there is a nonstick wok with one material built like a hard-anodized aluminum with a hard-anodized nonstick surface. It is the perfect stir-frying and nonstick wok for those who want a hassle-free wok.
Nonstick wok Vs Carbon steel wok
A carbon steel wok pan is better at stir-frying than a nonstick wok because of its even heating ability. But if you don’t want the hassle of seasoning, again and again, deep cleaning your wok to remove hard stains, and keeping it safe from corrosion then a nonstick wok is the ideal cooking tool for making stir fry.
Nonstick woks don’t need seasoning or extreme care. With hard-anodized aluminum body, you can get even heating even in a nonstick wok.
Nonstick wok vs Stainless steel
Stainless steel is naturally nonstick and you can season a stainless steel wok for a smoother surface. Many stainless steel woks come with a nonstick surface. A pure stainless steel wok as compared to a nonstick wok is a high maintenance tool.
Also, stainless steel is not good at even heat distribution whereas a nonstick wok made of aluminum is. So, a nonstick wok is always a better choice than a stainless steel wok.
Additionally, to make a stainless steel superior at stir-frying manufacturers add an aluminum layer inside two stainless steel layers. In this way, stainless steel becomes good at heating. Clearly, opting for a hard-anodized aluminum nonstick wok is a wise investment.
Author: Preeunka
Editor at Wokware
She is an expert in the niche of kitchenware for 10 years now. She has given readers fact based, well researched, to the point answers of their valuable questions. Her goal is to simplify kitchen products and their utilities.