What Is The Best Wok? - Nonstick Cookware FAQs

Click here to see all nonstick woks and frypans. 

In this article, "nonstick wok" refers to all types of cookware, including woks, frypans, saucepans, and pots. 

There is no magic wok

First of all, there is no magic wok. If you are looking for a nonstick wok, then you are considering a lifespan of the product between 1 to 3 years, with a few exceptions where users apply additional care to extend its longevity. 

Secondly, nonstick is nonstick. Even with today’s PTFE- and PFOA-free ceramic cookware, a nonstick layer is still present. A good manufacturer will ensure it is tested and safe for cooking. This is why choosing a reputable manufacturer and brand is important. 

It is also important to understand the type of cookware you want so that you have reasonable expectations and can extend its lifespan. For example, you should not expect a carbon steel wok to be totally nonstick, nor can you expect nonstick cookware to be as durable as an iron wok.

This article focuses on: 

• Ceramic-based nonstick cookware
• PTFE-based nonstick cookware
• Does metal cookware have a higher level of safety than nonstick cookware?
• Limitations to nonstick cookware
• Major brands vs. unknown brands
• Nonstick is not the only option

Last updated: 4 Jan 2025

Ceramic-based nonstick cookware

The light colour of the ceramic nonstick layer makes this cookware highly popular in the market. It is also very easy to maintain and clean. Ceramic nonstick cookware is free of PTFE and PFOA, which has contributed to its rise as a new trend in nonstick cookware.

However, ceramic nonstick has no actual relation to true ceramic. The name comes from the fact that the particles in the nonstick layer are "ceramic-like" rather than genuine ceramic. When the nonstick performance diminishes, the loss of the coating may not be visible due to its transparency.

At the beginning of its development, ceramic nonstick cookware was better suited for stews and soups, as it did not perform well for frying. However, recent technological advancements have improved its durability and functionality, making ceramic frypans more reliable and robust.

That said, ceramic coatings still have limitations. The ceramic nonstick surface is sensitive to high temperatures, which can cause rapid damage. For example, it is not suitable for deep frying or steaming. While some cookware brands claim otherwise, as a cookware retailer, we do not recommend such uses.

To maintain ceramic nonstick cookware in good condition, proper heat control is essential—this is even more critical compared to PTFE-based products.

Here are some examples of ceramic cookware on our website.

PTFE-based nonstick cookware

Nonstick cookware with a black interior is typically made of PTFE, although there are some exceptions. These products have been available for a long time and were considered the most durable nonstick option before ceramic cookware entered the market.

In response to some customers' concerns about PTFE coatings, manufacturers have improved their quality and safety. Today, PTFE-based cookware remains the most common type of nonstick cookware on the market.

Reputable brands ensure their coatings are 100% free of PFOA. However, they are not free of PTFE, as the cookware itself is made from PTFE. To enhance durability and safety, many reputable manufacturers use multiple layers. For example, they may protect the aluminum core with a stainless steel layer or incorporate additional elements to improve durability.

The use of diamond powder is one such enhancement, strengthening the cooking surface and often marketed as "diamond cookware." For more details, refer to individual product descriptions.

According to customer feedback, PTFE-based cookware generally offers better durability than ceramic nonstick cookware.

Here are some examples of PTFE cookware on our website.

Does metal cookware have a higher level of safety than nonstick cookware?

In the past, there were claims that metal cookware is absolutely safe and nonstick cookware is dangerous. As a retailer of cookware for all types of cooking, including nonstick, stainless steel, carbon steel, etc., we disagree.

The quality of cookware depends more on the manufacturer than solely on the materials used. For example, irresponsibly manufactured cast iron cookware can contain unwanted materials. However, nonstick cookware made by a reputable manufacturer can be just as safe.

Nevertheless, it is true that metal cookware, such as carbon steel and stainless steel, offers significantly greater durability compared to nonstick cookware.

There are limitations to nonstick cookware

Some of our customers have reported using certain nonstick cookware products for over a decade, but this is extremely rare.

Typically, you can expect nonstick cookware to last around three years with proper care, while rough use can cause its performance to deteriorate within one year.

Nonstick cookware is generally damaged by high temperatures and metal scratches. Burning a pan will almost certainly harm the nonstick surface.

To extend its lifespan, use your cooktop at levels 7-8 if the maximum is 10. Avoid the highest heat setting and preheat the cookware slowly. Extreme temperature changes should also be avoided.

For cleaning, use a gentle sponge to preserve the nonstick coating and ensure the cookware lasts longer.

Major brands versus unknown brands

Always choose a brand you can trust.

Customers inevitably ask about major brands versus unknown brands. Regarding the countries of origin, are there significant differences?

In our opinion, it is all about reputation and scale. Since reputable brands will actively be selling on the market for a long time, they must ensure the safety and quality of their products. In most cases, their production base and technology are also more advanced.

Remember that nonstick is not the only option

Remember that nonstick is not the only option. Carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and clay are also good options if you have concerns about modern cookware. However, they may not be as convenient as nonstick because they are subject to other limitations, like oil seasoning.

• To be sure your nonstick cookware is free of PTFE and PFOA, you should choose ceramic nonstick cookware.
• If you prefer nonstick cookware with a longer lifespan, you should consider PTFE-based cookware.
• If you do not like coatings, choose cookware made of traditional materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and clay.

As we always say, there is no such thing as a magic pan. Choosing the right cookware for your cooking habits requires that you understand the nature of each type of cookware.

In case you are looking for more durable cookware, you might want to check out our previous article on Japanese carbon steel cookware.

If you have any follow-up questions, you can email us at hello@mycookware.com.au or use the chat box in the right lower corner of the page. Our friendly team will respond as soon as possible.

Click here to see all nonstick woks and frypans. 

*Kai, the author of the article, is our product specialist at My Cookware®.

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