Review of Lodge Pro-Logic 14-Inch Cast-Iron Wok with Loop Handles

Like all tools in the kitchen, this one has the exact qualities that make it a phenomenal wok that's representative of CAST IRON cookware.

A. It's heavy cast iron, which means it retains heat exceptionally well.Because of the high thermal mass, you'll have to be patient as the wok takes a few minutes to heat up while on the stove.After it heats up, you'll be rewarded with long-lasting high temperature heat (if desired... it's really for you to control... steady medium or low is very attainable, too) perfect for doing restaurant-style stir-frying at home.That is, you can toss food in the pan without worrying that the pan will cool off and boil/steam your food with the escaping moisture.Searing on the home stove is well within this wok's capabilities.All of this just requires patience.

B. It's a wok, which means that the heat is concentrated at the bottom and tapers off going up the sides.You control how you cook your food by where you situate it relative to the bottom/center.The non-slippery surface of the wok makes this possible, since you can slide food up the sides to reduce the amount of heat it gets exposed to, and the food will stay, rather than fall back down to the bottom, like a teflon-based non-stick surface.

C. It's pre-seasoned, so it's fairly non-stick.I have yet to experience having anything completely stick to it while cooking, whether it's coated meat, stir-fry, vegetables, or egg scrambles.

Because it's heavy cast-iron, you get all these benefits that you don't find with the typical woks you see in the marketplace.Compared to traditional woks, this is not one that you'll be handling while you're cooking.Once it heats up, it gets hot... real hot... including the handles.You'll be scooping food out of it rather than pouring food from the wok to a plate, and you'll be leaving it on the stove over dinner until the thing cools down enough to handle.BE CAREFUL!(wouldn't want anyone to experience any nasty surprises)

Also, since it's cast iron, this piece of cookware requires a bit more TLC than your ordinary anodized aluminum/teflon-coated cookware.You won't be washing this with soap, rather Lodge recommends hot water and a stiff brush, and you'll need to keep it dry and seasoned (rubbed with oil) when you're storing it.It's a bit of extra work, but to me, it's completely worth it as even quality teflon-coated pans will wear out far sooner than well cared for cast iron cookware.

At the end of the day, I still use my anodized aluminum/teflon-coated cookware when what I'm cooking calls for it.I reach for my cast iron pieces to do the job they're best suited for... anytime I need steady heat, high temperature cooking, and/or searing capability.It's just a matter of using the right tool for the right job.

Honestly, I'm so glad Lodge makes affordable cast iron cookware.I've been wanting to pick-up some cast-iron pieces for a while.Until I found Lodge via Amazon.com, I have always turned away disappointed when I see how much Le Creuset costs at retail stores.Thanks, Lodge & Amazon.com!

Product Description
Seasoned ready to use 14" wok with loop handles features even, fast heating and excellent heat retention.All important factors in successful stir frying, simmering andbraising.This unique flat bottomed cast iron wok allows you to use an electric or gas range without a ring to hold the work steady and transfers the heat rapidly from the burner to the wok.

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