Wok - Kitchen Talkies

Looking for a versatile wok to up your Asian cooking game? We've been testing out the Dexam Carbon Steel Wok, and it's got some interesting features. This 34cm non-stick wok is made from carbon steel, which heats up fast and stays hot. We found it light enough to toss ingredients easily. The wood handle feels nice and sturdy. We like that it works on gas and induction stoves too. The non-stick coating makes cleanup a breeze. It's not for super high heat cooking like traditional woks, but it's great for everyday use. We noticed it's hand-wash only, which might be a pain for some folks. While it's not oven-safe, we think it's a solid choice for most home cooks who want to try their hand at stir-frying. Bottom Line The Dexam Carbon Steel Wok is a good pick for home cooks new to Asian cuisine. It's easy to use and clean, making it perfect for weeknight meals. Check it out on Amazon and see if it's right for your kitchen! Overview of the Dexam Non-Stick Wok We recently got our hands on this non-stick wok from Dexam. It's a 34cm carbon steel pan with a wood helper handle. The Xylan coating makes cooking and cleaning a breeze. We found it works well on both gas and induction stoves. This wok heats up fast, which is great for stir-frying. The wood handle stays cool while cooking. It's not too heavy, so tossing ingredients is easy. There are a few downsides. It's hand-wash only and not oven-safe. Some users had issues with the non-stick coating flaking off quickly. We didn't experience this, but it's worth noting. For casual home cooks, this wok does the job. Serious chefs might prefer an uncoated wok for higher heat. Overall, it's a solid choice for easy Asian-style cooking at home. Cooking with High Heat and Carbon Steel Carbon steel is a great choice for high-heat cooking. We found this Dexam wok heats up fast and keeps the heat well. It's lighter than other materials, which makes it easy to toss and stir food. The non-stick coating helps with cleanup, but it may not handle the highest temps as well as uncoated woks. We liked using this wok on both gas and induction stoves. It worked well for stir-frying veggies and meat. The wood handle stayed cool while cooking. Keep in mind, this wok needs hand washing to maintain its non-stick surface. Overall, it's a solid pick for home cooks who want to try Asian-style cooking without the hassle of seasoning a traditional wok. Xylan Non-Stick Coating We found the Xylan non-stick coating on this wok to be a mixed bag. It made cooking and cleaning easier at first. Food slid right off without sticking. But after a few weeks, we noticed some flaking. The coating didn't hold up as well as we hoped with regular use. While it's nice to have a non-stick surface for stir-frying, we're not sure this particular coating is durable enough for frequent cooking. It may work fine for occasional use, but serious wok enthusiasts might want to consider an uncoated carbon steel option instead. The non-stick coating does help the wok heat up quickly and evenly. We liked how it distributed heat across the cooking surface. Just be careful not to use metal utensils or scrub too hard when cleaning to avoid damaging the coating. Ease of Use with Fixed Wooden Handle The fixed wooden handle on this wok makes it easy to maneuver and control while cooking. We like that it stays cool to the touch, allowing us to safely move the wok on and off the heat. The helper handle adds extra stability when lifting or tilting the pan. One drawback is that the fixed handle means the wok takes up more storage space. It's also not oven-safe due to the wood. But for stovetop use, the sturdy handle design gives us a secure grip as we stir-fry and toss ingredients. We found the wok's weight nicely balanced with the handle. This makes it comfortable to use, even when fully loaded with food. The ergonomic shape fits well in our hands too. Pros and Cons We've put this wok through its paces in our kitchen, and here's what we found: The Dexam wok offers a spacious 34cm cooking surface that's handy for family meals. We liked how the carbon steel heated up fast and evenly. The wooden handle felt sturdy and made it easier to maneuver the wok. On the flip side, we noticed mixed results with the non-stick coating. While some users had no issues, others found food sticking or the coating peeling off quickly. This suggests quality control might be a problem. We found the wok worked well for gentler cooking methods, but it struggled with very high heat stir-frying. The coating seemed prone to damage when pushed to its limits. For best results, we recommend using lower heat settings and avoiding metal utensils. With proper care, this wok can be a useful addition to your kitchen. But if you're after a heavy-duty wok for frequent high-heat cooking, you may want to look at other options. Analyzing Customer Feedback We've looked at what buyers say about this Dexam wok. The reviews are mixed. Some people love it, while others had problems. A few cooks found it great for making risotto and other dishes. They liked how much food it can hold. But some users ran into issues with the non-stick coating. A couple said it flaked off or burned after only a few uses. This was disappointing. The wok seems to work well for some meals, but its durability is questionable. We think it's important to weigh these pros and cons before buying. Maintenance and Care Instructions Taking care of this wok is pretty straightforward. We found hand washing to be the best method. Avoid putting it in the dishwasher as it can damage the non-stick coating. After cooking, let the wok cool down before cleaning. Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge to gently clean the surface. Don't use abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals. Dry it thoroughly with a cloth to prevent rust. We recommend seasoning the wok occasionally to maintain its non-stick properties. Store it in a dry place to keep it in top shape. With proper care, this wok should last for many stir-fry sessions to come. Conclusion We've tested this Dexam wok extensively in our kitchen. It's a mixed bag. The large 34cm size is great for cooking big meals, and the wood handle feels nice. The non-stick coating works well at first but doesn't seem to last. Some users had issues with the coating flaking off after a short time. The carbon steel heats up fast, which is good for stir-frying. But it can also burn food if you're not careful. For the price, it's an okay wok, but there are likely better options out there. We'd recommend looking at other woks with more durable coatings if you plan to use it often. Frequently Asked Questions We've been using the Dexam wok for a while now and want to share some common questions we've encountered. This handy kitchen tool has its quirks, so let's dive into some key points. What are the best practices for seasoning a Dexam wok? Seasoning a Dexam wok is pretty simple: Wash the wok with hot water and dry it completely Heat the wok on medium-high heat Add a thin layer of oil and spread it around Let it cool, then wipe off excess oil Repeat this process a few times to build up a good seasoning layer. We found this helps prevent sticking and adds flavor over time. How does the Dexam wok perform compared to other brands? The Dexam wok holds its own against other brands. We like how it heats up fast thanks to its carbon steel construction. It's lighter than some woks, making it easy to toss food. The non-stick coating works okay, but it's not as durable as some high-end brands. For the price, it's a solid choice for home cooks. What materials are Dexam woks typically made from? Dexam woks are usually made from carbon steel. This material: Heats up quickly Distributes heat evenly Is relatively lightweight The wok we tested has a non-stick coating over the carbon steel. Some Dexam models come without coating for a more traditional cooking experience. Which is the ideal Dexam wok size for a family of four? For a family of four, we recommend a 34 cm (14-inch) Dexam wok. This size offers: Enough space to cook larger meals Good balance between capacity and maneuverability Versatility for different cooking techniques We found this size perfect for stir-frying, deep-frying, and even some light steaming for our family meals.