New Quality Non-Stick Woks: Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick vs Scanpan Pro-IQ
The current non-stick technology seriously blows the last wave of
nonstick cookware out of the water. You can feel and see the difference, and worry less about the coating coming off on your food.
When it comes to cooking with a
wok, I had some reservations about using a non-stick pan, simply because I’ve learned and observed over the years that authentic Asian cooking always is done over scorching temperatures. Both
Le Creuset and
Scanpan warn against heating the oil to smoking point – but surely that is Wok cooking 101? I have to say, even with my reservations, I haven’t been disappointed. Both the
Scanpan Pro IQ 32cm Wok and the
Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick 32cm Wok produce authentically crunchy stir-fries, and richly caramelized meat with glossy sauces. I’ve even used them for deep frying and haven’t had any trouble with the non-stick coating.
How They Compared:
Look and Feel
Scanpan:
- Sides slope up steeply, which apparently allows for heat to better penetrate the sides of the bowl.
- Long, heat-proof handle.
- Heavier weight, which makes tossing more difficult than traditional steel woks.
- Comes with a large set of wooden chopsticks, plus a re-movable tempura rack.
Le Creuset:
- Bigger flat surface area to cook with on bottom of the wok.
- Two riveted stainless steel side handles as opposed to a longer pan handle, which are not heat proof – these handles don’t allow for tossing action, yet do look very stylish, professional and will help in lifting when the wok is full of ingredients.
- Large 7L capacity
- Thicker rim of bowl than Scanpan.
- Slightly lighter weight than Scanpan.
- Surface area of non-stick is slightly rough in texture, as also seen in the new technology toughened non-stick pans from Woll and Swiss Diamond.
Care and Usage
Scanpan:
- Suitable for all hobs, including induction.
- The care notes mention several times about using the wok on low to medium heat only.
- Non-stick PFOA free, and made from 100% environmentally friendly recycled aluminium.
- 10 year warranty
Le Creuset:
- Suitable for all hobs, including induction with a special “encased base”.
- Any utensils may be used, but care recommended with metal.
- Browning of meat on high heat is ok initially but a lower temperature is recommended for longer cooking.
- Also PFOA free
- Lifetime guarantee
Cleaning
Scanpan: Dishwasher safe, yet hand washing recommended to prolong its life
Le Creuset: Dishwasher safe, yet hand washing recommended to prolong its life
Price
Scanpan: $235*
Le Creuset: $280*
*please note: prices at time of publish, subject to change.
In Conclusion, the main differences in these woks come down to the handles, the surface area of the bottom of the cooking bowl, the weight, the environmentally friendly aspect of the Scanpan, and the lifelong warranty from Le Creuset. Personally, I prefer how the Le Creuset looks and feels: the beautifully classic design, lighter weight and larger surface area on the pan’s bottom. My only complaint is that the handles get hot. I appreciate the Scanpan for being environmentally conscious and the included tempura rack - however the weight is an issue, making it difficult to toss. Both pans’ non-stick perform extremely well but I prefer to cook over higher heat with a wok, and the Le Creuset appears to be just that little more durable for high temps. Plus, the lifetime warranty makes it a winner for me.
Shop the
Le Creuset TNS Cookware range
Shop the
Scanpan Pro IQ range
I've made two recipes for this, a Pork San Choy Bow in the Scanpan Wok and a perfectly healthy Fried Rice in the Le Creuset Wok. Scroll down to read these delicious and so easy to make Asian recipes.
Pork San Choy Bow
Perfectly Healthy Fried Rice
